Five Not-To-Be-Missed Festivals In Philly This Fall

Fall in Philadelphia means the air is cool and crisp; seasonal fruits and vegetables transform local cuisine; hues of orange, red and brown dominate the landscape; and tens of thousands of people gather at spots all over the region for awesome autumnal festivals. Here are five not-to-be-missed events (for a list of 25 happenings, go to http://vstphl.ly/12agnMj):

1. As the city's largest annual performing arts festival, the Fringe Festival aims to attract more than 45,000 attendees this year to more than 200 events in venues ranging from the Wilma Theater and the 23 rd Street Armory to the Asian Arts Initiative and Eastern State Penitentiary. The 17 th annual festival, taking place through September 22, features international all-stars, including Italian artist Romeo Castellucci, Irish step dancer Colin Dunne and Berlin-based circus arts creator Tobias Wegner. fringearts.com
2. From October 10-18, the ninth annual DesignPhiladelphia Festival, a signature program of the Philadelphia Center for Architecture, shines a spotlight on the vibrant creative community across the region. This year's theme, EXPERIENCEdesign!, focuses on the experiential and emotional aspects of design by engaging festival goers' five senses. More than 120 events are held in a variety of locales across the city, including boutiques, museums, warehouses and public spaces. designphiladelphia.org
3. Guests can embrace Philly's maritime culture at the second annual Old City Seaport Festival, kicking off on October 11 with a majestic sunset Parade of Boats. On October 12-13, visitors head to Penn's Landing for a crafter's village, deck tours of the Tall Ships, food trucks, a moon bounce, face painting and an outdoor beer garden. Throughout the weekend, guests can expect fun encounters with roaming, costumed pirates and their live parrots. S. Columbus Boulevard & Walnut Street, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.org/seaportfestival
4. Returning for its 22 nd year from October 17-27, the Philadelphia Film Festival, presented by the Philadelphia Film Society, celebrates the art of cinema with more than 100 films from around the world. The festival also includes industry panels, post-screening Q&As and special events with filmmakers at venues across the region. filmadelphia.org
5. For two magical days, Chestnut Hill transforms into Hogsmeade, the fictional town made famous in the Harry Potter series for Harry Potter Weekend. On October 18, an opening ceremony and pub crawl kick off the festivities. On October 19, spectators catch the collegiate Quidditch tournament at Chestnut Hill College. Plus, throughout the weekend, restaurants and shops all over town participate in Harry Potter-themed fun. (215) 247-6696, chestnuthillpa.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.