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🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🎭 Philly Fringe Fest guide
🍁 Fall festivals guide
🍓 Farmers market guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🥕 CSA farmshare guide
☕ Philly coffee shop guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
NOTE: This list will be updated throughout the week.
Monday, September 14
With Liberty and Justice…for a Few : An illustrated lecture by Thomas H. Keels – (6 p.m.)
Learn how the Sesqui, the 1926 celebration of America’s 150th birthday in South Philly, became an unwitting battleground for many of the social struggles convulsing America in the 1920s. Wealthy and socially prominent women played a crucial role resulting in the Sesqui kickstarting the historic preservation movement. The Sesqui also saw the entry of Irish Catholics into the city’s power structure. Meanwhile Jews and Black people did not get the recognition they deserved for their contributions to Sesqui. At the same time, fair planners and city fathers prepared to welcome 100,000 Ku Klux Klan members for a public march and cross burning. Learn about all this and more. At Parkway Central Library.
Tuesday, September 15
Bridging Blocks | Community Conversations: What Comes Next After Incarceration? – (11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Philadelphia’s prison population has decreased significantly in recent years, but as people return home from incarceration, they often face challenges that can make rebuilding their lives difficult. Finding stable housing and employment, navigating discrimination, reconnecting with family, and accessing essential services. What resources are currently missing that could facilitate the reentry process? What role does voting and civic participation play in helping people returning from incarceration reconnect with their communities? Join WHYY for the first part of a community conversation series exploring those questions. At Parkway Central Library. Live-stream available, as well. FREE registration.
Bridging Blocks | Environmental Injustice: Who Bears the Burden? – (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Environmental Justice is the principle that everyone, regardless of race, color, culture, national origin, income, and educational levels, deserves equal protection from environmental hazards and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their communities. What are the next steps in addressing environmental challenges? What responsibilities do governments, institutions, and individuals have in protecting the environment and public health? How can communities participate meaningfully. This is a facilitated community conversation in which attendees will engage directly with one another in a moderated setting. FREE. At 1905 Locust Street.
Physical Media Swap – (7 to 9 p.m.)
Come out to Green Line and swap with your neighbors! Enjoy a special surprise VHS screening by VHS Club! All remaining eligible books will be donated to Books Through Bars Philly, plus leftover talkies will be offered to Little Movie Store’s upcoming library. FREE.
Wednesday, September 16
The Vibrary: Imprint Your West Philly Story with Yannick Lowery – (1 to 4 p.m.)
What people, places, and memories make West Philly feel like home? Join artist Yannick Lowery for a hands-on cyanotype workshop celebrating West Philly memories and East Parkside friends and neighbors. Using light and photographic printmaking, you’ll create your own cyanotype while contributing to something that will live beyond the afternoon. Images created during the workshop will help shape artwork for the Little Free Libraries coming to Painted Bride Project Space. No art-making experience is necessary. Bring your memories, your curiosity, and your perspective. FREE to RSVP.
Blue Stoop happy hour – (5 to 7 p.m.)
At the Pen & Pencil Club. FREE.
Global Quizzo: Germany – (6:15 to 9:15 p.m.)
Join globally-minded Philadelphians for a fun evening of Global Quizzo at the German Society. Attendees will test their knowledge of all things Germany; history, pop culture, international relations, and tall tales – and answer questions about our Sister City Frankfurt. FREE to attend.
Thursday, September 17
Constitution Day – (9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
Every year on September 17, the National Constitution Center celebrates Constitution Day—the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Students and teachers are invited to experience history in action through engaging programs, hands-on activities, and unforgettable experiences that bring America’s founding story to life. Activites include a document reading, a naturalization ceremony, historical re-enactments, hands-on activities and birthday cake! FREE admission; RSVP recommended.
2nd annual Philly Plant Crawl – (through Sept. 20)
Mark your calendars, plant fam! 16 amazing shops, 4 days, endless green, ready to welcome you across Philly and the suburbs! So many chances to explore, shop, and win. Visit each shop for in-store specials and your chance to win the Philly Plant Crawl Raffle. See the map online.
Amish Country Queer: A Night of Film, Art & Drag – (5 p.m.)
Part of Philly Fringe Fest. An award-winning documentary, a photo exhibition celebrating rural LGBTQ+ life, and a homegrown drag show converge in one unforgettable night. “Amish Country Queer” is a film about Lancaster’s queer nightlife and drag culture, and a story about what it means to be visibly, joyfully, unapologetically queer in a place the world told you wasn’t built for you. “Tulle Queer” is an ongoing portrait series by trans artist Brady Pappas that honors the queer icons of the 717 region. “Using tulle as a recurring visual motif, the project creates a vibrant, community-rooted celebration of visibility and resilience. “The Angel Hour” is Lancaster’s second-longest-running drag show, celebrating five years of glamour and sisterhood, created by Charlize Angelz. At the Asian Arts Initiative. $25 tickets.
Not So Silent Cinema Presents: The Lodger – (6 to 8 p.m.)
Join the Mütter Museum to kick off spooky season with a screening of the early Hitchcock thriller The Lodger (1927), performed with a live score by Not So Silent Cinema. $20 tickets.
Spiral Q Puppet Karaoke Fundraiser – (6 to 10 p.m.)
Puppet Karaoke supports their year-round work with students, neighbors, and activists toward a more just and joyous Philadelphia. At Pentridge Station, 5116 Pentridge Street. $25 suggested donation; RSVP online.
Young Friends of the Preservation Alliance happy hour – (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
A guided tour of the upstairs museum at A Man Full of Trouble Tavern (127 Spruce St.), followed by drinks in the adjoining Succession Fermentory taproom. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow preservation enthusiasts while experiencing a unique blend of history and locally crafted beverages. Pay-as-you-go. FREE RSVP as there is limited space.
Friday, September 18
Neighborhood Jawnts: North Philly Civil Rights, History and Freedom Fighters – (2 p.m.)
The tour will trace the community led-organizing with members of the Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters who participated in this work. Trace the story of African American Philadelphia through the churches, museums, neighborhoods, and civic landmarks that have shaped the city’s enduring legacy of faith, freedom, and activism. From the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the lives of the nation’s earliest Black leaders to the fight for civil rights along North Philadelphia’s historic corridors, this tour explores the people, institutions, and movements that transformed Philadelphia into a center of Black culture, education, and social justice. FREE RSVP. Meet at Independence Visitor Center’s Info Booth.
Wild Wanderers Open House – (5 to 6 p.m.)
Looking for a fun afterschool nature experience for your child? Join the Schuylkill Center to learn all about Wild Wanderers. Take a tour, meet our environmental educators, and play nature games with us. This event is free and open to parents and children in grades K-6.
Producers’ Forum: “The Great Experiment” by Stephen Maing and Eric Daniel Metzgar – (7 to 9 p.m.)
What holds a people together when the story they tell about themselves begins to fracture? The Great Experiment is an epic poem in documentary form – a mirror held to an American nation at war with its own reflection, asking not who is right, but whether the experiment itself can survive. Filmed in striking black and white across the US over four consequential years, from 2017 to 2021, the film considers the results of what George Washington once called “our last great experiment” in democracy. $8, General, $5 Students/Seniors, $4 for Scribe Members.
Saturday, September 19
10th annual South Philly Sausage Fest + Vintage Flea Market – (8 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
The flea market runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the Sausage Fest runs from 12 to 7 p.m. On West Passyunk Avenue, between Broad and 16th streets. FREE; pay-as-you-go!
Rutabaga Toy Library grand opening – (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Celebrate their new space in East Falls! Enjoy outdoor circle time, Frios popsicles, bubbles and crafts, music, tours and family fun! FREE.
Neighborhood Jawnts: North Philly Civil Rights, History and Freedom Fighters – (10 a.m. & 2 p.m.)
The tour will trace the community led-organizing with members of the Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters who participated in this work. Trace the story of African American Philadelphia through the churches, museums, neighborhoods, and civic landmarks that have shaped the city’s enduring legacy of faith, freedom, and activism. From the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the lives of the nation’s earliest Black leaders to the fight for civil rights along North Philadelphia’s historic corridors, this tour explores the people, institutions, and movements that transformed Philadelphia into a center of Black culture, education, and social justice. FREE RSVP. Meet at Independence Visitor Center’s Info Booth.
Apple Festival & Pawpaw Palooza – (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Join POP, Woodford Mansion, and Fair Amount Food Forest for Woodford’s 17th Annual Community Apple Festival (now featuring Pawpaws as well!). Activities will include fresh cider making, apple & pawpaw tasting, pawpaw ice cream, pumpkin painting, seedkeeping, tours of Woodford Mansion and Fair Amount Food Forest, lawn games, food trucks and more. Kid-friendly and FREE.
We Are the Seeds Philly + Powwow 2026 – (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
At Cherry Street Pier. Join a weekend celebrating contemporary Indigenous arts, cultures, and community! Features Seeds Philly Powwow, Indigenous artists, El Mercado Cultural, and hands-on art activities including corn husk doll making and paper tipi art making. Sunday brings music, dance, artist talks, storytelling, and creative writing and improvisation and groud painting workshops. $20 suggested donation. Pay what you can. Open to all.
Fall Fling Market – (11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
A seasonal market curated with 20+ local vendors selling vintage clothing, art, handmade goods, food, jewelry and more. At the former Old Pine Community Center at 401 Lombard St. $5 tickets; Free entry after 1 p.m.
20/20 Photo Festival Closing
A citywide celebration of contemporary photography brings together Philadelphia’s photographers through exhibitions, artist talks, workshops and a large-scale photo book fair. It’s centered at Cherry Street Pier but spread across galleries and creative spaces throughout the city, showcasing the work of 100+ emerging and established photographers. FREE.
Dolly Parton Drag Brunch – (12 p.m.)
From Jolene to Islands in the Stream, it’s a fabulous day of wigs, brunch, and rhinestone glam. Join City Winery for an afternoon celebrating the icon, Dolly Parton. Tickets start at $24.
cinéKIDZ Season Kick-Off – (12 p.m.)
cinéKIDZ invites children ages 3 to 10 and their caregivers to discover magical worlds, unforgettable characters, and stories that inspire curiosity, kindness, and wonder. Kick off outdoors at Cobbs Creek Library to celebrate this inaugural cinéKIDZ season! FREE.
Rail Park Block Party – (1 to 4 p.m.)
The fifth annual event features family-friendly activities, a beer garden, local food vendors, culturally diverse performances, neighborhood businesses, and community organizations. With 45+ participating partners and vendors, there’s a range of opportunities to dance, stretch, meet reptiles, bead, and so much more. FREE.
5th annual Mt. Airy Porchfest – (1 to 4 p.m.)
A day of free musical performances on your neighbors’ porches! Porchfest is an entirely volunteer-led and free music festival that brings the local community together to stroll the neighborhood and experience all kinds of musical acts. FREE.
Coltrane 100 – Improvising the Supreme: Movement and Sound – (2 to 4 p.m.)
Celebrate the enduring legacy of A Love Supreme through an afternoon of live sound and dance. Dancer and choreographer Lauren Putty White, multi-instrumentalist and composer Matt Lavelle, and drummer Grant Weston engage in a dynamic conversation where music and movement are created in real time. Presented in collaboration with The John Coltrane Symposium, this performance honors Coltrane’s visionary spirit through creativity, collaboration, and improvisation. At the Art Museum. Included with $14-30 museum admission.
Pumpkin Carving Demo – (2 to 7 p.m.)
Walk-in and watch an ordinary pumpkin turn into a work of art. Award-winning pumpkin carver John Zeggert takes over Thrillerdelphia for a live carving demonstration and exhibition featuring his intricate, illuminated multi-layer technique. At 4203 Main Street in Manayunk. FREE.
Sunday, September 20
Neighborhood Jawnts: North Philly Civil Rights, History and Freedom Fighters – (10 a.m. & 2 p.m.)
The tour will trace the community led-organizing with members of the Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters who participated in this work. Trace the story of African American Philadelphia through the churches, museums, neighborhoods, and civic landmarks that have shaped the city’s enduring legacy of faith, freedom, and activism. From the founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the lives of the nation’s earliest Black leaders to the fight for civil rights along North Philadelphia’s historic corridors, this tour explores the people, institutions, and movements that transformed Philadelphia into a center of Black culture, education, and social justice. FREE RSVP. Meet at Independence Visitor Center’s Info Booth.
Coltrane 100 Festival Social Mixer – (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Celebrate the enduring legacy of John Coltrane with a family-friendly festival inspired by his fearless creativity and lasting impact on music. Enjoy hands-on artmaking, gallery activities, and a live performance by The Hines Creative Arts Legacy Youth Ensemble as we honor Coltrane’s Philadelphia roots and the communities that continue to inspire artistic expression. Enjoy collaborative floor painting, collage improv, a remix performance and more! Included with $14-30 museum admission.
Open Streets: West Walnut – (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Open Streets once again converts Center City streets into car-free thruways across an eight-block span for its fall run. From Broad to 19th streets, and along 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust streets. 8 Sundays through October. FREE.
We Are the Seeds Philly + Powwow 2026 – (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
At Cherry Street Pier. Join a weekend celebrating contemporary Indigenous arts, cultures, and community! Features Seeds Philly Powwow, Indigenous artists, El Mercado Cultural, and hands-on art activities including corn husk doll making and paper tipi art making. Sunday brings music, dance, artist talks, storytelling, and creative writing and improvisation and groud painting workshops. $20 suggested donation. Pay what you can. Open to all.
Undertale: The Determination Symphony – (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
An unforgettable concert experience featuring the most memorable themes from the hit indie game, newly arranged and performed live by a 25-piece orchestra. With gameplay footage displayed on a screen above the stage, audiences will be fully immersed in the world of UNDERTALE, experiencing its story and music like never before. The performance guides guests through the Underground. From the Ruins and Snowdin to Waterfall, Hotland, and finally New Home, the concert brings iconic characters, battles, and emotional moments vividly to life through music. $96-$218 tickets.
Faith and Freedom 250: Constitution Sunday – Historic Semiquincentennial Service Celebration – (5 p.m.)
The Marian Anderson Museum & Historical Society invites you to join an evening at historic Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church for a celebration of faith, history, music, and the enduring contributions that have shaped our nation. Performances by the Faith & Freedom 250 Mass Choir, the Marian Anderson Historical Society Orchestral Ensemble, national faith leaders, historic dramatic readings and reenactments, film reflections, and memorable tributes to faith in America. FREE.
Through October
A People’s Exposition!
Join us for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on solutions that address our greatest challenges. At the Kensington Engagement Center.
Into November
Dia de los Muertos tribute to Isaiah Zagar
“Viviendo a través de la Muerte” will remain on view at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens through the Day of the Dead, Nov. 1, before closing on Nov. 8.
Roach Show – (5 to 8 p.m.)
Featuring roach-inspired roach-sized art by 30 local Philly artists, including sculpture, painting, mixed media, fiber art and bolo ties! At STITCH AND DESTROY, 523 S 4th Street. The exhibit ends November 1.
