Let’s get past the common theory that fall is about pumpkin-spiced everything. Fall is also about festivals, which present a unique opportunity for foodies.
Hardcore foodies know festivals offer a wide array of delectable treats. For reluctant foodies — the ones who worry about calories and the ones who aren’t quite ready to make the commitment to a full meal without a little sample first — festivals provide the venue to create your own tasting menu with less guilt. (You are getting in your steps while you stroll down the street. It’s a win-win.)
This fall’s area festivals feature plenty of food, libations, a food crawl, and, yes, pumpkin-spiced seasonal treats.
Arts & Eats: Oct. 3, Nov. 7, Dec. 5
Sips and light bites in galleries, and special drink and menu offerings at restaurants make this a true First Friday fusion of Chestnut Hill’s artistic and culinary scenes. Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthillpa.com
Ambler Oktoberfest: Oct. 3-4
Ambler’s restaurants plan open-air dining on Friday night, food trucks on Ridge Avenue both days, two beer gardens, wine, canned cocktails, and lots of live music. Butler Avenue, Ambler, amblermainstreet.org
Out & About in Manayunk: Oct. 4
Experience Manayunk’s robust restaurant district during this annual celebration of National Coming Out Day. A free shuttle will run from Out & About festivities to Roxtoberfest in nearby Roxborough. Main Street, Manayunk, manayunk.com
Roxtoberfest 2025: Oct. 4
A food court, beer garden, food trucks, and cocktails are the foodie magnets at the 13th annual Roxtoberfest, when a German Oktoberfest celebration transforms the streets of Roxborough. Make it a festival BOGO with the free shuttle to Manayunk. Ridge Avenue, Roxborough, roxboroughpa.com
Fall for the Arts Festival: Oct.12
The 41st annual Fall for the Arts Festival is definitely about the arts. But the food! Last year’s event featured bacon on a stick, hot honey samples, fresh-made waffles, kettle corn, adult beverages, and more. Add in dozens of Chestnut Hill restaurants and it doubles as a festival of food. Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill, chestnuthillpa.com
Manayunk Fall Fest: Oct. 18
A Mac ‘n’ Cheese Crawl is one of the featured events at Manayunk’s newest festival. And can you say pumpkin pie ice cream and pumpkin-infused martinis? Restaurant drink and menu specials, as well as food trucks, will bring the flavors of fall to Main Street. manayunk.com
Harvest Fest 2025: Oct. 26
A s’mores pit, beer garden, and farm market are just some of the attractions at this family-oriented event at Awbury Arboretum. The Farm at Awbury, 6336 Ardleigh St., Germantown, awbury.org
Philly Flannel Fest: Nov. 2
Get cozy in your cottons as you join in to try to break a Guinness Book world record for the most people wearing flannel at one place. Kick back for an afternoon of brews, wines, and cocktails. Food trucks will be on site at this event at Braid Mill. 346 E. Walnut Lane, Germantown
Harvest Kitchen Tour: Nov. 8
Tour incredible kitchens and enjoy samplings from local chefs. Event benefits Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels. This one is a foodie trifecta — getting home-kitchen inspiration (or envy), being fed by chefs, and helping an organization that feeds others. chestnuthillmow.org
Leisha Shaffer is the sales and marketing manager at the Chestnut Hill Local and the content editor of the Local’s Explore magazine, a biennial events and entertainment publication.
