There’s something about fall in Chestnut Hill that just feels special. The tree-lined streets begin to change, the air gets a little crisper, and Germantown Avenue becomes the perfect backdrop for shopping, dining, art and time spent in the community.
And over the next two weekends, there are even more reasons to get out and enjoy the neighborhood.
Arts & Eats First Friday | Friday, October 2
Friday, Chestnut Hill keeps the celebration going with Arts & Eats, its monthly First Friday experience.
On Friday, October 2, galleries and retailers will extend their hours until 8 PM, with exhibits, art demonstrations, live music and special programming throughout the neighborhood. Local restaurants also join the evening with food and drink specials, making it an easy date night, girls’ night or simply an excuse to spend a fall evening on the Avenue.
Fall for the Arts | Sunday, October 11
The following Sunday, Fall for the Arts returns to Germantown Avenue from 11 AM–5 PM, transforming the heart of Chestnut Hill into an open-air celebration of art and community.
More than 250 artists and vendors are expected along Germantown Avenue, joined by live music, food and drinks, family-friendly activities and, of course, all of the shops, galleries and restaurants that make Chestnut Hill such a destination in the first place. The festival runs along Germantown Avenue from Willow Grove Avenue to Rex Avenue and is free to attend.
It’s the kind of fall Sunday made for strolling the Avenue, grabbing a coffee, discovering a local artist and stopping into a favorite shop or restaurant along the way.
And When the Sun Goes Down… Night of Lights
October 2 also marks the opening of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Night of Lights, a free outdoor exhibition celebrating more than 250 years of the area’s history, architecture and landscapes.
Opening-night festivities begin at 6:30 PM, followed by the “Flip the Switch” ceremony and an evening of illuminated buildings, projected historical images, live music, storytellers and activities along Germantown Avenue. The projections continue nightly through Monday, October 5.
That means Friday night offers the best of both worlds: start with Arts & Eats for shopping, galleries and dinner, then stay as Germantown Avenue quite literally lights up for the evening.
Fall in Love with Chestnut Hill
Events like these are part of what makes Chestnut Hill more than a beautiful place to live. There’s a genuine sense of community here—independent businesses, historic architecture, restaurants, galleries, green spaces and neighbors who continue to show up and support one another.
At The Sivel Group, we’re proud to work, live and connect within the communities we serve. And this time of year, we can’t think of a better place to spend a weekend than right here in Chestnut Hill.
We’ll see you on the Avenue. 🍂
Fall for the Arts event details
Arts & Eats First Friday details
Night of Lights details
