Top Must-See Performances in Philadelphia This Fall
October 15, 2025
Philadelphia’s performing arts scene is stirring up some exciting shows this fall — especially across our three iconic venues: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Miller Theater, and the Academy of Music. From Broadway smash-hit musicals, classical concerts from The Philadelphia Orchestra, dance masterpieces from The Philadelphia Ballet, and a celebratory holiday jazz performance, this lineup is not to be missed.
Broadway Must-See Musicals
Broadway is taking center stage in Philadelphia this fall, bringing bold stories, big laughs, and unforgettable music to the Avenue of the Arts. From quirky new hits to high-energy adventures, these standout shows promise something for every theater fan. Here are two can’t-miss productions this fall season:
Kimberly Akimbo — October 21 – November 2
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo is a funny, moving, and refreshingly original Broadway hit about a teenager navigating family, friendships, and big questions about life. With its sharp humor and heartwarming story, it’s one of the top Broadway musicals to see in Philadelphia this fall.
Want more reasons to catch it? Read our blog: "Why You Should See Kimberly Akimbo the Musical in Philadelphia" for insider insights on this critically acclaimed new favorite.
Back to the Future: The Musical — November 18 – 30
Great Scott! Get ready to time travel with Marty McFly in the high-energy, Broadway hit Back to the Future: The Musical — landing in Philadelphia this November!
Packed with all the nostalgia of the classic 1985 film, Back to the Future: The Musical is a spectacular, smash-hit packed with stunning visual effects and a dynamic new score alongside iconic songs from the movie. A perfect pick for fans of sci-fi, '80s pop culture, and musical theater, it’s one of the top fall live entertainment events in Philadelphia.
Classical Music from The Philadelphia Orchestra
This fall, experience the magic of live orchestral performances in Philadelphia with the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. From the thrilling and family-friendly Children's Halloween Spectacular to the majestic depth of Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, these concerts offer unforgettable moments for music lovers of all ages. Whether you're searching for engaging classical music concerts or dynamic performances that bring symphonic masterpieces to life, this season’s lineup is not to be missed.
Discover the best of Philadelphia’s classical music scene and create lasting memories with these must-see orchestral events:
Esa-Pekka Salonen Conducts Bruckner — October 16 - 18
A must-see fall concert in Philadelphia for classical music lovers — world-renowned conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to lead the Philadelphia Orchestra in Bruckner’s majestic Symphony No. 4 this fall — one of the season’s most anticipated classical music events. Don’t miss this powerful performance of Bruckner’s sweeping “Romantic” Symphony, filled with grandeur, emotion, and unforgettable sound.
Children's Halloween Spectacular — October 18
Get your costumes on and gather your little monsters for a morning of music, laughter, and mystical Halloween fun!
From the playful mischief of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice to the wonder of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, every piece opens a door to a magical world. Experience beloved favorites like Bach’s thunderous Toccata and Fugue, and music from A Night on Bald Mountain, The Firebird, Peer Gynt, and more. Plus, bewitching surprises during the concert will delight little sorcerers of all ages.
The Four Seasons — November 7
Don’t miss this one-night-only performance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons — an audience favorite and a pinnacle of Baroque music. Performed by The Philadelphia Orchestra, these four vivid violin concertos bring nature to life through sound, from crackling thunderstorms and frozen landscapes to birdsong and summer breezes. Each movement paints a rich, emotional portrait of the seasons, making this live concert in Philadelphia a must-see, whether you're a lifelong classical music fan or experiencing this masterpiece for the first time.
Joe Hisaishi Returns — November 13-14
Following sold-out performances in June, world-renowned composer Joe Hisaishi returns to Marian Anderson Hall to conduct The Philadelphia Orchestra in a highly anticipated program of symphonic works from his iconic Studio Ghibli film scores. Featuring music from Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle, this live concert experience in Philadelphia showcases Hisaishi’s cinematic soundscapes and the Orchestra’s rich, expressive style — hailed by the composer as “as smooth and rich as fine wine.”
Yannick Leads Sibelius — Nov 29 - 30
Violin sensation María Dueñas returns to The Philadelphia Orchestra following her electrifying 2024 Opening Night debut, this time performing Lalo’s fiery Symphonie espagnole — a work that helped launch her international acclaim. The program opens with Terence Blanchard’s powerful Orchestral Suite from Fire Shut Up in My Bones, led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who conducted its historic Met Opera premiere. Closing the evening is Sibelius’s sweeping Fifth Symphony, making this a must-hear performance of passion, virtuosity, and symphonic grandeur in Marian Anderson Hall.
Must-See Dance Performances
This fall, Philadelphia’s dance scene takes a thrilling turn with The Philadelphia Ballet’s Evening of Horror — a captivating performance that blends powerful storytelling, dramatic choreography, and breathtaking movement. Perfect for fans of contemporary and theatrical dance, this unique event promises to be a highlight of the season. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of dance that pushes boundaries and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Philadelphia Ballet: Evening of Horror — October 16–19
Experience a chilling double bill this fall as the Philadelphia Ballet performs Evening of Horror at the Academy of Music. Featuring Agnes de Mille’s haunting Fall River Legend and the world premiere of Valley of Death, this powerful ballet program explores dark chapters of American history through dramatic choreography and live orchestra. Don’t miss this standout dance performance in Philadelphia this fall.
Must-See Standup Comedy Performances
Get ready to laugh out loud with some of the best comedy shows in Philadelphia this fall. From sharp stand-up comedy to hilarious improv and boundary-pushing performances, these must-see comedy events deliver unforgettable humor and nonstop fun. Don’t miss your chance to experience these must-see comedy performances — perfect for fans of all comedy styles.
Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour — November 8
With over 20 years in stand-up, Tom Papa is one of the most recognizable voices in American comedy. His latest Netflix special, Home Free (2024), adds to a lineup of acclaimed specials, including What a Day! and You're Doing Great!. Papa has appeared in hit films like Analyze That and HBO’s Behind the Candelabra, and hosts the popular podcast Breaking Bread with Tom Papa. Don’t miss your chance to catch this comedy veteran live in Philadelphia for a night of sharp, relatable humor.
How Did This Get Made? Live! — November 8
Have you ever seen a movie so bad, it's good? Paul Scheer (The League, Black Monday), Jason Mantzoukas (The League, Brooklyn 99) and June Diane Raphael (Grace & Frankie, Long Shot) are experts in the best of the worst of cinema. On the award-winning How Did This Get Made, they gather their funniest friends and subject themselves to a cinematic nightmare — and then podcast the results. If you're a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, you'll LOVE How Did This Get Made? Live!
Must-See Jazz Music
Get into the holiday spirit with a holiday jazz concert in Philadelphia unlike any other. The Grammy-winning Béla Fleck brings his genre-blending brilliance to the stage with The Jingletones, fusing jazz, bluegrass, and festive flair into one electrifying performance. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind seasonal celebration, filled with virtuosic improvisation, unexpected twists, and world-class musicianship.
Béla Fleck & the Flecktones: Jingle All the Way — December 12
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones return to Philadelphia this winter with Jingle All the Way — a reunion tour blending their genre-defying sound with jazz-infused holiday favorites from their GRAMMY-winning album. For the first time in over 15 years, Fleck is joined by original members Victor Wooten, Future Man, and Howard Levy, along with saxophonist Jeff Coffin and the Tuvan throat singers of Alash. This one-night-only performance promises a festive fusion of jazz, bluegrass, and global sounds only at the Miller Theater.
Fall Into the Arts: Get Your Tickets Now
This season offers an unforgettable mix of theater, orchestral music, dance, comedy, and jazz that captures the energy of Philadelphia’s performing arts scene, perfect for longtime patrons of the arts and newcomers alike. With world-class talent and iconic works taking the stage at the Kimmel Center, Miller Theater, and the Academy of Music, now is the perfect time to plan your fall arts calendar. Explore the full lineup and secure your tickets at Ensemble Arts Philly — your gateway to the best performances in the city.