From Fringe Fest to the pope, Philly VIPs tell us what to do in September

Summer may be (unofficially) ending this weekend, but Philly is just starting to heat up. The going out scene is in full swing after the lazy days of summer, and we got the inside scoop on where to go and what to do all month long — from Fringe Fest through Pope Weekend.

Related: Five NSFW Fringe Festivalshows

Kristina Jenkins, Blog Editor,Visit Philly’s Uwishunu

• I — like all of Philadelphia! — am hotly anticipating the World Meeting of Families (Sept. 22-25) and the historic visit from Pope Francis (Sept. 26-27). I’ll be here for the Francis Festival, including the free concert on the Parkway with Andrea Boccelli (Sept. 26).

• To me, September’s arrival means the chance to see fantastic progressive performing arts during Philadelphia’s Fringe Festival (Sept. 3-19). The lineup for the 2015 festival looks insanely good. And let’s not forget about Feastival (Sept. 17) — the huge FringeArts fundraising bash makes for one heck of a party.

• As long as the sweet weather lasts, you’ll find me hanging outside as often as possible — usually at a beer garden or pop-up park. I’m in love with Spruce Street Harbor Park and RiverRink Summerfest (both closing Sept. 27), as well as newcomer Le Bok Fin, the rooftop pop-up in South Philly (closing Sept. 13).

• I seriously recommend an after-dark adventure to see “Nightscape” at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. The immersive after-dark-only light and sound installation runs Wednesdays through Saturdays until October, but time flies. Go. Now.

Related: Comedian Anthony Jeselnik is ‘as edgy as possible’

Marilyn Russell, Host of Ben FM’s morning show, the new Ben Around Philly show and the Woman of the Week show

• The return of the FringeFestival is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. This year I’m heading to Physick House for “The Captive” by Philadelphia Artists’ Collective (through Sept. 20). I am not sure what hooked me more for this show: the intimate, elegant and haunting Society Hill townhouse where it is being performed or the forbidden love tale from 1926 that had the original cast in handcuffs by the end of the run.

StrEAT Fest in Manayunk (Sept. 13) has become so popular that MDC closes Main Street! It’s an all-day festival featuring the best food trucks in Philly, along with live music, Ben FM giveaways, kid-friendly activities and more.

• I’m Jersey-bound on Sept. 19 for the Mullica Hill Wine Festival. It’s not far from the city and it’s a chance to sample so many great varieties of wine.

• Hot on my list of places to eat is Bud &Marilyn’s in Midtown Village. After seeing so much food porn coming from opening week from Philly Chit Chat‘s Hughe Dillon, I can’t wait to pull up a chair at this new hot spot from Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran.

Anuj Gupta, General Manager,Reading Terminal Market

Mt. Airy Street Fare (Sept. 17) is one of the best food-themed street festivals in the city and this year, having worked it since its inception, I’ll get to enjoy it as a guest.

• The Lego exhibit at the Franklin Institute was so amazing, we may need to fit in another visit before it heads out of town.

• I love bringing the kids to Smith Playground in the fall weather. I personally love flying down the wooden slide myself!

• I’m lucky to work in America’s greatest market, but I’ll be there all weekend during the Papal visit making sure that we show the world all that Philadelphia has to offer.

Jess Conda, Punk rock maven/BRAT Productions‘ Artistic Director

Underground Arts has been a creative home for BRAT Productions since it was a raw space, and we continue to be BFFs.BRAT is producing Pat Finnerty’s theatrical concept album “The Lid” (Sept. 4, 5 and 6) as part of the Fringe Festival there. You party seekers best find your way to the Black Box space [at Underground Arts] and check out the Late Nite Cabaret — they are producing their unique brand of cabaret mayhem every night of the festival.

• My band, Red 40 & The Last Groovement, plays at FringeArtsevery first Friday, and the Sept. 3 show is going to be huge because it’s opening night of the Fringe Festival. Dancing mandatory.

• After a full night of Fringing, a girl’s gotta get her brunch on. Ida Mae’s Bruncherie (2302 E. Norris St.) is the last undiscovered treasure in the brunch landscape, a true gem of a place. It’s the classiest brunch food served without any snobbery by the nicest ladies. You’ll feel like you’re having the best meal ever in your favorite auntie’s raucous kitchen.

Rachel Klein, Chef/Owner of Miss Rachel’s Pantry (The vegan spot just moved a bigger space at 1938 S. Chadwick St.)

• Eat cheese-free marinara pizza at Capofitto (233 Chestnut St.) because it’s perfect, and even more perfect with arugula, basil and artichokes on top.

• Drop by the 10th anniversary of GreenFest Philly (Sept. 13) in South Street Headhouse District for vegan eats, shopping at the eco etsy, live demonstrations and a great open-air concert.

• Look at awesome art at the opening of Haunt Love’s show on Sept. 18 at Grindcore House (1515 S. Fourth St.), my favorite vegan coffee shop.

• Set up a little market and vend at Evening Yoga in Kahn Park. Led by Christina Dollings, this mini-series of Friday night yoga runs through Sept. 18 and costs $10 per adult (kids practice free). It’s 6-7 p.m., with an hour after for fun and shopping.

• I’ll also be catering so many weddings, one of which is for my own mom! Congrats, Ma! (She hates when I call her Ma.)

Chloe Johnston, Style expert and owner of Chloe Johnston

Young Friends of Devereux, a charity dedicated to helping those who struggle with behavioral disorders and their loved ones, is having a preview party at the awesome Barbuzzo on Sept. 17 for their Masquerade-inspired Hope Gala on Oct. 31. Come get complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks while finding out about Devereaux’s mission, the most exciting Halloween event you’ll ever attend, and how you can support a local cause.

• Twice a year every year I’m jet-setting the world to the cities of fashion week, and I absolutely include Philadelphia into that schedule. It’s local love and it’s a catalyst of what you’ll see dominating street style in a matter of weeks. [Through Sept. 4].

• When I need a break during the day, I head over to Mary Cassatt Tea Room & Garden at Rittenhouse Hotel for their daily afternoon tea. It’s a piece of London in Philly, plus their desserts are heavenly!

• Wine tastings should be something everyone does in the fall, when every grape is acceptable to drink. On Sept. 16 at the Union League, my brand is hosting a Regions of France Tasting and Cheese Pairing with a fun twist — we’re looping trivia into the mix. Sommelier Bret Barrett will be leading us through the country as we nibble and sip our way to VIP wine knowledge.