Celebrate fall with pumpkin glass blowing, haunted flashlight tours and live jazz

There’s more to look forward to in October besides Halloween and the transitioning shades of autumn. East Falls will host its annual month-long Fall Festival starting this Saturday, Oct. 1. The festival, sponsored by the East Falls Community Council and Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., has been around for more than 20 years, according to Tom Sauerman, EFCC president.

The festival will feature nine free events and plenty of options for the family, including 10 to 20 percent discounts at 11 restaurants, a live ice sculpting demonstration, a new wine and cheese event at the Kamelot Auction House, a Halloween Carnival put on by Philadelphia University college students and the ever-popular East Falls House Tour.

“Close to a hundred people show up for [the house tour],” Sauerman said. The festival gives everyone “the opportunity to meet new people and make friends,” Sauerman said.

Councilman Jones, as co-sponsor of the event, provided funds for publicity and promotion.  For a glimpse at the lineup of events view the schedule below:

Saturday, October 1

Rest in Peace 5k Run, Roll and Stroll

Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, 3:15 p.m. (Roll and Stroll check-in), 4 p.m. (5k check-in), 5 p.m. (race begins)

Bring along the whole family for this 5,000-meter run through the Laurel Hill Cemetery, and feel free to move at your own pace.

Register on race day: $35 for 5k, $20 per family of 4 (Roll and Stroll), spectators FREE

Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2

The Witch in 204

Old Academy Players, 3544 Indian Queen Lane, 8 p.m. (Oct. 1) and 2 p.m. (Oct. 2)

Barbara Weber will put on her last of two performances for the hilarious sequel to Seniors of the Sahara.

Call 215-843-1109 for reservations, $15

Saturday and Sunday, October 1 and 2 – FREE

Philadelphia Open Studio Tours

Sherman Mills Studio, 3510 Scotts Lane, buildings 30, 31 and 32, noon to 6 p.m.

Eighteen of East Falls’ artists are opening their doors to the public. Look for the red balloons. Preview their work at www.tinyurl.com/PostEastFalls

Sunday, October 2

Glass Blowing!- Handmade Pumpkins for fall

East Falls Glassworks, 3510 Scotts Lane, noon to 3 p.m.

Learn how to make glass pumpkins from molten glass.

Reservations required (215-908-7924, also ask about other available date) $115 all-inclusive

Fridays, October 7, 14, 21 and 28- FREE (excluding café’s menu, BYOB if dining)

Hot Jazz for Cool Autumn Nights

Café at the Mills, Sherman Mills, 3502 Scotts Lane, building 21, 6-8 p.m.

Come enjoy musicians Victor Rodriguez (vocals) and Carla Mariani (keyboards). Rob Capone will do a live ice sculpture demonstration on the Oct. 21. 

Tuesday, October 11- FREE

Come watch a play rehearsal

Old Academy Players, 3544 Indian Queen Lane, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Come watch Director Carla Childs direct the cast of “Little Women.” Enjoy refreshments and feel free to offer feedback to the director.

Tuesday, October 18- FREE (bring money for fares and lunch)

Parkway Walking Tour

Meet at East Falls train station for 9:34 a.m. train, time: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Tour the Parkway with Fred Vincent, professional tour guide and East Falls resident. Enjoy lunch at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and return on the 32 bus to Henry and Midvale avenues.

Wednesday, October 19- FREE

Community Concert

Falls of Schuylkill Library, Midvale Avenue & Warden Drive, 7:30 p.m.

Come out for an “Evening with East Falls Performers,” featuring local performers and music.

Thursday, October 20- FREE

Kamelot Preview Party

Kamelot Auction House, 4700 Wissahickon Avenue, 4 to 6 p.m.

East Falls wine and cheese event for members and friends. View architectural antiques, industrial fixtures and Victoriana from this month’s auction. Bring an item for appraisal (one per family, first 20 requests)

Reservations required, efvillage@gmail.com or 215-848-3533, event limited to 100 guests

Friday, October 21 – FREE

Coolest Jazz in Town

Café at the Mills, Sherman Mills, 3502 Scotts Lane, building 21, 6 to 8 p.m. (jazz); 6:45 p.m. ice sculpturing demonstration. 

Enjoy live jazz on the deck at Sherman Mills and Rob Capone’s demonstration of carving an ice sculpture.

Saturday, October 22

Walking Tour- “Faith, Hope and Cemetery”

St. James the Less Church, Hunting Park Avenue and Clearfield Street (street parking), 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. 

Learn the history and architecture of this Gothic church, visit the Wanamaker Bell Tower and tour the cemetery holding graves of some of Philadelphia’s elite. Refreshments will be served.

Members $15, Nonmembers $20

Sunday, October 23

East Falls House Tour

Falls Presbyterian Church, Vaux Street and Midvale Avenue, Noon to 4 p.m.

Explore East Falls’ architecture in this popular self-guided tour of eight homes. Pick up program and buy tickets at Falls Presbyterian Church from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

$20, $15 if reserved in advance. Make check to EFCC and send to 3219 W. Coulter Street, 19129 by Oct. 19.

Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29

Halloween Flashlight Tours

Laurel Hill Cemetery, 7 to 9:30 p.m. (hour-long tours depart every half hour)

Brace yourself for a spooky tour, walking through dark forests of gravestones and sculptures. Bring a flashlight.

Buy tickets at www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org or at gate. $20

Saturday, October 29 – FREE

Halloween Carnival

Philadelphia University, Kanbar Campus Center, 1 to 4 p.m.

Games, stories, contests, pumpkins, food, prizes and more for first to sixth graders. Reservations required: communityservice@philau.edu or 215-951-2634

Monday, October 31 – FREE

Children’s Halloween Party

Falls of Schuylkill Library, Midvale Avenue and Warden Drive, 6:30 p.m.

Stop by the library in your costume for yummy treats, music and a costume parade.

215-685-2093