Press release

Harvest Weekend Celebrates the Return of Autumn at Dilworth Park

Contact:
Giavana Suraci
T 215.440.5516
gsuraci@centercityphila.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 3-day event features live music, festive décor, family-friendly activities and an opportunity to get vaccinated!

PHILADELPHIA (September 23, 2021) Hay bales, cornstalks and pumpkins aplenty – Dilworth Park’s annual celebration of autumn returns with attractions for guests of all ages. Beginning Friday, October 8 through Sunday, October 10, Harvest Weekend will feature a variety of live entertainment, immersive décor and festive food and beverage offerings. Attendance is free for everyone throughout the weekend.

A full lineup of local bands and DJs will perform daily, in addition to live pumpkin carving demonstrations, strolling scarecrow stilt walkers, circus performers and free pumpkin painting for the kids. The Temple University Athletics Team will pop up on Friday evening at 6 p.m. in support of the Owl’s football season. Guests to Harvest Weekend, including Temple Alumni, are encouraged to stop by Dilworth Park and join the Temple Spirit Squad and Pep Band for a performance of the Temple University fight song and a celebration of the return of Temple University sports. 

On Saturday afternoon, visitors 21 and older are invited to participate in a stein-hoisting contest presented by Sam Adams. Starting at 4 p.m., in partnership with Maker’s Mark, Philadelphia native and self-taught artist Alloyius Mcilwaine will create a piece in real-time while chatting with spectators. And on Sunday, football fans can catch the big game as it’s broadcast live on high-definition TVs.

Also on Sunday, in partnership with Jefferson Health, free COVID-19 vaccines will be available to guests ages 12 and up. Pfizer and J&J will both be offered. No insurance, identification or reservations needed. Center City District encourages everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.

A seasonally-inspired menu of food and drink items will be sold at multiple locations throughout the weekend. Favorites like bratwurst and Bavarian pretzels will be available alongside a selection of local and craft beer brands. Truly Hard Seltzer and Twisted Tea Hard Ice Tea, plus delicious cocktails made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Hornito’s Tequila, will also be offered.  

At the southern end of the park, the Hay Maze on the Greenfield Lawn presented by Dunkin’ will provide enough space for children to run, play and pose for photos. Opening for the season on Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 10, it will be a great outdoor option for families looking to enjoy fall on the farm without leaving the city. The Dunkin' Community Cruiser, the brand's mobile sampling truck, will be on-site at Dilworth Park ahead of Harvest Weekend starting Monday, October 4 to Wednesday, October 6, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Guests visiting the Hay Maze can stop by the Dunkin' Community Cruiser and receive a free sample of Dunkin's Pumpkin Iced Coffee.

Planned in conjunction with Harvest Weekend, the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market will return with more than 60 local vendors. Treats, trinkets, handmade artwork and more will be showcased in booths scattered throughout the park. Guests are encouraged to support these vendors while enjoying the weekend’s festivities.

Harvest Weekend and the Made in Philadelphia Fall Market hours are:

Friday, October 8: Noon-8 p.m.

Saturday, October 9: Noon-8 p.m.

Sunday, October 10: Noon-6 p.m.

The scheduled of entertainment includes: 

Friday, October 8:

  • Noon-8 p.m.: DJ
  • 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m.: Pumpkin carving demonstration
  • 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.: Scarecrow stilt walkers, strolling circus arts
  • 6:00 p.m.: Temple University Spirit Squad  
     

Saturday, October 9:

  • 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Pumpkin carving demonstration
  • 1 p.m.: Live music  
  • 1 p.m.-3 p.m.: Family pumpkin painting
  • 2 p.m.-4 p.m.: Scarecrow stilt walkers, strolling circus art
  • 2:15 p.m.: Live music
  • 3 p.m.: Stein-Hoisting Contest presented by Sam Adam’s
  • 3:30 p.m.: Live music
  • 4 p.m.-6 p.m.: Alloyius Mcilwaine demonstration hosted by Maker’s Mark
  • 5 p.m.: Live music  
  • 6:15 p.m.: Live music  


Sunday, October 10:

  • 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Pumpkin carving demonstration
  • 1 p.m.: Live music  
  • 1 p.m.-3 p.m.: Family pumpkin painting
  • 1 p.m.: Live broadcast of the big game
  • 2:15 p.m.: Live music
  • 3:30 p.m.: Live music
  • 4:45 p.m.: Live music
     

Center City District and the CCD Parks' cafés follow the City of Philadelphia’s current health safety guidelines. Visit phila.gov to learn more. Mask are strongly suggested and guests are encouraged to maintain social distance from those not in their party.  

The fall season at Dilworth Park is supported by Temple University. All programs are weather permitting and subject to change. Learn more at DilworthPark.org.

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The Center City District, a private-sector organization dedicated to making Center City Philadelphia clean, safe and attractive, is committed to maintaining Center City’s competitive edge as a regional employment center, a quality place to live, and a premier regional destination for dining, shopping and cultural attractions. Find us at www.centercityphila.org and on Facebook and Twitter.