Going to college in Philly, we’re so often bombarded—on social media and in real life—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: We’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your free time. 

— Jules Lingenfelter, print managing editor

Sept. 4: HAIM @ TD Pavilion at the Mann Center

We know you had “Relationships” on repeat last semester—if not to bemoan the current state of affairs (haha), then at least to ogle Drew Starkey. Whether you’re coming back from living a single–girl summer or simply here for women in music, HAIM is here for you. On their I Quit tour, the sisters are making a pit stop at the TD Pavilion and blessing us with one last chance at an outdoor concert before the season’s over. 

Tickets start at $59, 7:30 p.m., 5201 Parkside Ave.

Sept. 4: Dollar Stroll @ Baltimore Avenue

Twice a year, Baltimore Avenue blesses West Philly with its Dollar Stroll. For the very small price of $1 to $5, you can buy your heart’s content of local cuisine, thrifted books, and more, all while local musicians and artists share their work. Get more bang for your buck with this biannual tradition supporting small businesses.

$1 to $5, 40th to 51st streets on Baltimore Avenue

Sept. 5: First Friday @ Old City

Once a month, Old City stays up late to celebrate art and culture in Philly. Explore the over 30 art galleries late at night—with some offering cocktails and refreshments—attend a jazz concert, or stroll through the many local businesses in the area. Spend the evening in America’s birthplace exploring the modern delicacies it now offers.

Ticket prices vary, 231 Market St.

Sept. 5: Rocky Horror Picture Show @ Laurel Hill East

Have you ever wanted to watch Tim Curry in a corset sitting in a cemetery? Maybe it’s an odd fantasy, but Laurel Hill East is making it your reality. Catered with Philadelphia classics, watch this cult classic in a setting that’s never been more fitting. Get ready to yell “slut” and “asshole” at the top of your lungs.

$25, 8:30 p.m., 3822 Ridge Ave.

Sept. 6: Honey Fest @ Wyck Historic House and Garden

This festival really is the bees’ knees! Those furry little friends have been working tirelessly all summer to give you that perfect golden sweetness. Celebrate all things honey, get a peek into their hives, and stock up at local vendors. For one day only, buzz around Wyck Historic House and Garden like a little worker bee.

Free, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 6026 Germantown Ave.

Sept. 6–7: Mushroom Festival @ Kennett Square

Just outside of the city lies a wonderland of funky mushrooms, big and small. This year, the Mushroom Festival at Kennett Square is celebrating its 40th year of fawning over fungi. Join in the festivities and enjoy mushrooms served every which way, a host of arts and crafts vendors, and even a mushroom–eating contest.

$5, State Street, Kennett Square, Pa.

Sept. 12: Movie night @ The Yard

Under the starry sky, enjoy the sights and sounds of Dreamgirls, a classic film exploring the Motown scene of the 1970s. Starring Beyoncé and adapted from its musical predecessor, this movie is one you won’t want to miss. And what better way to spend the dwindling days of summer than one last outdoor movie?

Free, 7 p.m., 1515 and 1517 N. 33rd St.

Sept. 13, 20, 27: Free boating @ Bartram’s Garden

For three Saturdays this September, Bartram’s Garden is offering free boating along the Tidal Schuylkill River. Kayak or rowboat the river with all necessary supplies provided. Whether you’ve never dipped a toe into a kayak or have certified sea legs, this event is for all skill levels. Get in before the weather turns and it’s too cold to glide over those glossy waves!

Free, 10 a.m., 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. 

Sept. 18: Thirsty Walls @ Tattooed Mom

Are you an artist? Do you want to throw stickers on a wall, paint a mural, or otherwise legally leave your mark on a piece of Philly? Tattooed Mom is calling artists of all kinds to come decorate its walls. Enjoy classic bar fare and meet up with local creatives at this one–of–a–kind event.

21+, free!, 5–8 p.m., 530 South St.

Sept. 19–21: Making Time @ Fort Mifflin

Ever wanted to rave at a revolutionary war site? Now is your chance. The Philadelphia–born–and–raised music festival is returning for its fifth year at Fort Mifflin. This year is bringing a lineup of over 120 acts and each stage offers a different experience, from majesty to transcendence. For just one weekend, transcend all your campus stress and play around at this forest rave.

$265, 6400 Hog Island Road.

Sept. 24: MARINA @ Franklin Music Hall

For all those who lived off Electra Hearts and spent way too much time on Tumblr at a way too young age, this is the concert for you. It girl MARINA is coming to Philly for her Princess of Power album tour. Get ready to dot your cheeks with hearts and live out your primadonna fantasies for one night only. 

Tickets start at $79, 8 p.m., 421 N. Seventh St.

Sept. 24–Oct. 5: Oedipus in Seattle @ Theatre Horizon

The classic Greek tragedy is hitting the streets of the rainy city. Two new actors who have never read the script will take the stage and perform the innovative mashup of Oedipus and Sleepless in Seattle. Each night guarantees a fresh take on this already wild script that philosophizes on free will and modern romance. 

$35, 401 DeKalb St., Norristown, Pa.  

Sept. 25: Philadelphia Orchestra opening night @ Marian Anderson Hall

Celebrate the beginning of the season with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Featuring pianist Yuja Wang alongside conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the orchestra will be performing Maurice Ravel’s “Piano Concerto in G Major.” Don’t miss a classic night with the sound of the city’s fine–arts scene.

$15 rush tickets for college students!, 7 p.m., 300 S. Broad St.

Sept. 25–Oct. 26: Falsettos @ the Arden Theatre

Support local theater and enjoy a romp through the Tony Award–winning musical Falsettos. Set during the AIDS epidemic, Falsettos follows a host of characters contending with heartbreak, redefining family, and playing baseball. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll do it all right here in Philly. 

Tickets start at $32, show times vary, 40 N. Second St.

Sept. 26: SOUND TYPE @ Asian Arts Initiative

A part of a series of live shows, SOUND TYPE brings together musicians and writers to perform and play off each other. This month features Philly native Bill Nace and saxophonist Tamio Shiraishi alongside multitalented music journalist Jordannah Elizabeth. 

$20, 8 p.m., 1219 Vine St.

Sept. 27: Oktoberfest @ Yards

Don’t let the name fool you: September is the month to celebrate Oktoberfest. Spend the day drinking beer from a stein, donned in lederhosen, and enjoying live music from Polkadelphia. You may even win a prize in their stein–holding competition, Masskrugstemmen. Prost! 

21+, tickets start at $23, 12–4 p.m., 500 Spring Garden St.

Sept. 28: 2025 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour @ PhilaMOCA

Maybe you didn’t have the chance to sneak away last January to attend the Sundance Film Festival. But if you’re craving your fix of good ol’ short films, this is the event for you. PhilaMOCA has put together a hearty showing of seven Sundance participants, including two winning pieces. Live out your yet–unrealized dreams of being a film critic and enjoy the work of these serious auteurs. 

$14.52, 3:30 p.m., 531 N. 12th St.

Sept. 30: Lorde @ Wells Fargo Center

Hello, virgins and listeners of Lorde. They may just be one and the same these days. This iconic New Zealander (not that young girl from Essex) is coming to Philly for one night and one night only. We know you gasped at the album cover reveal and had “What Was That” on repeat. 

Tickets start at $147, 7 p.m., 3601 S. Broad St.