October 4-6: Dragon Boat Festival | e-Waste recycling | Revolutionary Germantown | 30th Street Craft Market | Philadelphia Open Studio Tours | Academy of Fine Arts free admission | Figment Philadelphia

Happy Friday, Eyes on the Street! Fall festival season is picking up, and we’ve found a ton of free events for you to pick from this weekend. 

CHEER: Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival

Saturday, October 5. 8am – 5:30pm. Schuylkill River, From St. Joe’s boathouse, 4 Boathouse Row, downriver. Celebrate the ancient Chinese tradition of Dragon Boat Racing with a full-fledged race and festival along the Schuylkill River. The festival will begin on the banks of the Schuylkill River near St. Joe’s boathouse at 4 Boathouse Row and run down river toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Free. 

RECYCLE: Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association e-Waste Recycling

Saturday, October 5. 10am – 1pm. NLNA Community Center, 3rd Street and Fairmount Ave. With the help of Non-Profit Technology Resources, NLNA will collect “almost anything with a circuit board, or a plug or a battery,” and dispose of it responsibly. TVs, computer screens, batters and large appliances will not be accepted. NLNA is asking for a small donation to defray the cost of disposal and go towards future cleaning and greening efforts. Free, donation requested.

REENACT: Revolutionary Germantown Festival

Saturday, October 5. 10 am – 4pm. Germantown Ave, from Johnson Street south to Logan Street. The day-long festival celebrates Germantown’s rich history with walking tours, costumed characters, music, children’s activities, food and drink – including a beer garden and Oktoberfest celebration. The highlight of the day may be the annual reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, the only military battle ever fought within the borders of Philadelphia. Free. 

SHOP: 30th Street Craft Market

Saturday, October 5. 11am – 4pm. The Porch at 30th Street Station. More than 30 local crafters and some of Philly’s favorite food trucks will come together at The Porch for this weekend’s craft market. Vendors will have everything from jewelry, ceramics, stationary, art prints, bath products, children’s items and more. West Philly Orchestra will liven up the event with live music. The event is rain or shine, and the full vendor lineup is available online. Free. 

TOUR: Philadelphia Open Studio Tours

Saturday & Sunday, October 5 & 6. Noon to 6 pm. Locations vary. Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST), a program of The Center of Emerging Visual Artists, is the largest tour of artists studios and creative workspaces in the region. The free, self-guided tours provide a glimpse of how and where local artists produce today’s creative works. On October 5 & 6, participating studios east of Broad Street will be open. On October 19 & 20 studios west of Broad Street will open their doors. To plan your own self-guided tour, visit the POST tour planner site. Free.

VISIT: Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts free admission

Sunday, October 6. Noon – 5pm. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118 N. Broad Street. The Pennsylvania Academy of The Fine Arts will host a Family Arts Festival in Lenfest Plaza, the open space adjacent to the museum. The festival includes art-centric activities, entertainment and free programming. The museum is also offering free admission to guests all day long. Free.

PLAY: Figment Philadelphia

Sunday, October 6. 11am – 5pm. Clark Park, 4398 Chester Avenue. The first ever Figment Philadelphia event comes to Clark Park this weekend and brings with it a slew of music, art, dance, theater, cultural activities and play. The worldwide celebration is held on certain days throughout the year in cities across the globe and includes fun for adults and children alike. More than 40 artists and groups will run games, exhibits and interactive activities. Watch for the acrobatic workshop, scavenger hunt puzzle and dance lessons. Free. 

Have fun!