Philadelphians looking to fill their fall schedules are in luck — Manayunk has plenty on the docket this time of year.
In fact, this Saturday, Oct. 17, the annual Manayunk Fall Fest and Mac N Cheese Crawl returns, transforming Main Street into a hub of community fun. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will house 50 local vendors and artisan makers, food trucks, seasonal treats, outdoor music and plenty of other family-friendly activities.
Live music will also be on site, as will a line-dancing demonstration by the Rowdy Cowboys. Visitors can also explore a pop-up pumpkin patch, carnival games, face painting, glassblowing demonstrations and more.
Making its return alongside Fall Fest, the Mac N Cheese Crawl will run at participating Manayunk restaurants from noon to 4 p.m. For $20 per person, presale tickets (available online) include samples at each stop, an event map and exclusive crawl-day offers. The growing restaurant lineup includes neighborhood favorites like Bayou Bar & Grill, Cactus Cantina, Blondie, Ryan’s Pub, Sophie’s BBQ, The Tomato Shack, Yanako and more.
Beyond the crawl, food trucks will dish out everything from barbecue and Cajun favorites to dumplings, churros, sandwiches and other bites. Local shops and restaurants are also joining the party — visitors can browse BabyFace Studio’s fall market and pottery sale, shop at City of Paws and treat their pets to pumpkin pup cups, or cool down with Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory’s Harvest Apple ice cream. Taqueria Amor has also recently unveiled its Taq-Area 51 Halloween pop-up, featuring themed cocktails, food and immersive decor as well.
The festivities also offer an opportunity to give back. Bennett’s Buddies and the Pennsylvania SPCA will bring Paws for a Cause to Richard’s Apex Lot at 4202 Main Street, where visitors can meet adoptable animals and donate pet food, blankets, towels and other supplies.
“Manayunk Fall Fest and Mac N Cheese Crawl is the perfect way to celebrate fall in the city,” says Manayunk Development Corporation Branding & Digital Marketing Manager, Julia Caterino. “We’re bringing together the best of Manayunk — our small businesses, culinary talent, and vibrant community — all in one place for a fun and festive day on Main Street.”
But the Fall Fest and Mac N Cheese Crawl aren’t the only activities to check out in the area— Lincoln Mill Haunted House has also returned for its fifth season featuring more than 40 live scare actors, elaborate sets, animatronics and special effects.
Running through Nov. 7, tickets start at $25, with schedules and details available at lincolnmillhaunt.com.
Those curious about the supernatural can also look into Lincoln Mill Ghost Tours, which has participants exploring local legends and investigating “unexplained activity.”
Other highlights include Main Street trick-or-treating on Oct. 24 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and FearLit, a horror-focused literary event hosted by Thrillerdelphia at Venice Island on Oct. 31. Throughout the month, local businesses will also throw their own seasonal celebrations, including pumpkin painting, themed trivia, Halloween parties, costume contests and special meals.
A full schedule can be found online at manayunk.com
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