October 14-16: Harvest Fest, Orchard Planting, Blocktoberfest, Community Arts Fest, Philadelphia Stories, Laurel Hill’s Sordid Side

Harvest Festival at Reading Terminal Market

Saturday, October 15, 10am-4pm, Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Flibert Streets. Reading Terminal Market throws its 11th annual fall festival this weekend, celebrating the harvest and bringing a bit of the country to Filbert Street for the day. Expect hayrides, a pie-eating contest, and bluegrass music, and seasonal eats. Free admission.

Philly Orchard Project Planting @ Pepper Orchard

Saturday, October 15, 10am. Pepper Middle School, 2901 S. 84th Street. Volunteer with the Philly Orchard Project (POP) as they work with Pepper Middle School students to plant berry bushes and mulch their orchard. Produce from the orchard is used in nutrition education programs at the school.  Register online to volunteer; rain date is Sunday, October 16, 10am. 

Blocktoberfest

Saturday, October 15, Noon-8pm.  South Street between Broad and 17th Street. Enjoy craft beers sold by Bella Vista Beer Distributors, eats sold from area restaurants and food trucks, and free music (headlined by The Walkmen). Beer proceeds benefit local school, and you can buy a beer pass in advance. Free to attend.

Community Arts Festival

Sunday, October 16, Noon-4pm. Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American Street. The Community Arts Festival (CAFe) is an afternoon of art, environmental education with great food trucks (Gigi & Big R, Mini Trini, and Sweet Box), live music, and hands-on art activities. The event put on by Crane Arts, InLiquid, Kensington South Neighborhood Advisory Council and Arts Rising raises funds to provide art supplies to local youth programs. Free.

Philadelphia Story Interviews

Sunday, October 16, Noon-6pm. Philadelphia History Museum, 699 Rainstead Street. The Philadelphia History Museum has launched a project to celebrate what makes Philadelphia home. The Museum and PhillyCAM are inviting Philadelphians share stories about living in Philly and what being a Philadelphian means, through 10-15 minute interviews on Sunday. Interviews will be incorporated into the museum’s Finding Philadelphia gallery and online exhibition. RSVP and request arrange an interview by emailing events@philadelphiahistory.org or calling 215.685.4827.

Sinners, Scandals and Suicides Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery

Sunday, October 16, 2 p.m. Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue. Laurel Hill is the final resting place for lots of colorful characters from Philadelphia’s past. Get spooked on a walking tour of Laurel Hill’s most sordid and troubled souls, including one Civil War hero who made his fortune from white lightning and had so many affairs the local press referred to him as a “slayer of innocence and a robber of chastity.” Purchase tickets online.