Summer is over. September is upon us. It is the month of new beginnings. September reminds us to pause and embrace the beauty of nature. It’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends in your neighbor park.

September means back to school, the beginning of football season, and the return of everything pumpkin. So, grab a warm sweater and

• Go to a concert.

• Drink hot cider, a lager or a pumpkin spice latte in the park.

• Watch a movie outside.

• Go on a hike, a bike ride, or a run.

Check out the events below brought to you by our staff and partners. Please note: events may be canceled or postponed due to bad weather. Be sure to check the links below to confirm date, time, and location.

Not Just Jazz at FDR Park

September 3, 2024
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
FDR Park–1500 Pattison Avenue, 19145.

Enjoy free jazz music at the gazebo. There will be food trucks and other vendors. Please bring your own blanket or chair. Presented by the Friends of FDR Park and Jazz and Other Soulful Sounds (JOTSS), curated by Lorraine Yarborough.

Tai Chi & Sound Healing Meditation with Eunmi Chang

September 7, 2024
9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Centennial Arboretum–4180 Horticulture Drive, 19131.

Sponsored by the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Celebrate fall with an outdoor tai chi and sound healing program. Manage your stress and improve your well-being. Meet in front of the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center. See more details and buy tickets.

Sounds of Summer: Second Sunday Concert Series

September 8, 2024
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Parkside Edge–Parkside Avenue and W. Memorial Hall Drive, 19131.

Sponsored by Fairmount Park Conservancy. Gather with friends and family for a free live jazz concert in the park. RSVP for this free event.

Park After Dark: Moonwalk & Stargazing Party

September 10, 2024
7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Lemon Hill Mansion–Sedgley and Lemon Hill Drives, 19130.

Explore the park after dark. Join astronomer Buddy Muhler for a two-mile guided moonwalk and telescope observation. See more details and buy tickets.

Science for Seniors 

September 11, 2024
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Pennypack Environmental Center–8600A Verree Rd, 19115.

Learn about the Monarch butterfly and their long journey south to the far forests of Mexico. Register for this free event.

Friends of Kahn Park free summer concert

September 11, 2024
7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Louis I. Kahn Park–1101 Pine Street, 19147.

Come listen to Curto, Kelly and Dwyer play Irish Music in the park. All are welcome to attend this free concert. Rain date is Thursday, September 12, 2024. See more details on Facebook.

Boxers’ Trail 5k Run/Walk

September 14, 2024
9:30 a.m.
Mander Playground–2140 N. 33rd Street, 19121.

The playground is located at the intersection of N. 33rd Street and Diamond Street. Sign up to run or walk the 13th annual Boxers’ Trail 5k. Read our blog for more details. Sponsored by Parks & Rec, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and the Strawberry Mansion community with the generous support of Philly Races. All proceeds benefit youth programming at Mander Playground. Register today.

“For Love of Country”

September 15 or 29, 2024
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Glen Foerd–5001 Grant Avenue, 19114.

Sponsored by Glen Foerd. Don’t miss this exciting production by The Perspective Collective. This three-act modern opera captures the rise of a political movement, and the betrayal that leads to its fall. Meet an aging American patriot, his spokesperson, and a mysterious Russian student. Join them on a journey across land, sea, and a rally ground, filled with desperation, victory, and betrayal as they plot against enemies and each other. Whose principles will triumph? Will they survive? And will America emerge unscathed? There will be time before and after the show to mingle and explore. Learn more and buy tickets.

Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show

September 20, 21, and 22, 2024
Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rittenhouse Square–1800 Walnut Street, 19103.

Enjoy original fine art by more than 140 artists from across the country. Meet the artists, collect some new artwork, and enjoy beautiful Rittenhouse Square. See details on Facebook.

“Myths, Legends, Hermits, and Bridges of the Wissahickon”

September 28, 2024
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Historic Rittenhouse Town–6035-6049 Wissahickon Avenue, 19144.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Wissahickon. Explore some of the legends, history, and beauty found within the Wissahickon. Visit Lover’s Leap, the Henry Avenue Bridge, the Hermitage, and Kelpius’ Cave. Learn more about this free event on FOW’s website.

RECURRING ACTIVITIES 

Parks on Tap in Clark Park

September 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2024.
Wed-Fri, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sat-Sun, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Clark Park –4301 Chester Avenue, 19104.

Philadelphia’s pop-up beer garden returns to Philadelphia for its seventh year. Read more about Parks on Tap on Parks & Rec’s blog. Food and drinks are pay-as-you-go. Visit Parks on Tap’s website before you go. Some of the proceeds benefits each park.