💌 Love Philly? So do we. Let’s be friends. Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today.
🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🎭 Philly Fringe Fest guide
🛍️ Novelty stores 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 28
A Constitutional Celebration: How the U.S. and PA Constitutions Shape Us – (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Join Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, The Public Interest Law Center, and Carpenters’ Hall to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the ratification of the Pennsylvania Constitution. FREE. At Parkway Central Library.
The Mapping of Philadelphia – (6 p.m.)
Join us in the Skyline Room (on the 4th floor of the Parkway Central Library) to hear Christopher W. Lane discuss the changing cartographic picture of Philadelphia. Centuries of maps form a fascinating series of snapshots of Philadelphia’s evolution from a “green country towne” to a modern metropolitan center. FREE.
Tuesday, September 29
Salsa Night – (6 to 10 p.m.)
Philly Fusion presents Timba Tuesdays with salsa, bachata, timba y más at Wissahickon Brewing’s Olde Kensington location. $5 cover. At 1526 N. American Street.
Sylvester Stallone memoir release date
Stallone’s memoir, “The Steps: A memoir by Sylvester Stallone,” is being released and is available for purchase at the Parkway Visitor Center and Rocky Shop.
Wednesday, September 30
Flyers Home Opener Festival – (3 p.m.)
FREE at Stateside Live! featuring games, giveaways, raffles and a player orange carpet.
WHYY Youth Town Hall – Your Voice, Your Choice, Your Vote! – (5:30 p.m.)
Explore a mock voting booth, test your knowledge with an interactive voter trivia game, visit local nonpartisan community organization vendors, and experience a fun student-voter photobooth. Guests can also enjoy popcorn, cotton candy, and other refreshments while connecting with organizations focused on issues important to young people. A featured young keynote speaker will share their story and inspire the next generation to get involved in their communities and participate in the civic process. Free and open to young people and students. Registration is encouraged.
Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Happiness Workshop – (6 to 8:30 p.m.)
A look at what recent research and centuries of wisdom tell us about bringing more joy and contentment to our lives, with Eric Zillmer, professor of psychology and the director of the Happiness Lab at Drexel University. Are you happy? What is the happiest day of the week? Can a specific place make you happy? What can we learn about happiness from travelling the world? At Fishtown’s Black Squirrel Club. Advance tickets: $13.50 plus processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID.
Sylvester Stallone art projection – (7 to 10 p.m.)
A custom projection celebrating Stallone’s memoir release and the 50th anniversary of “Rocky” hitting movie theaters will run on the Art Museum steps through Oct. 3. The Rocky shop will also be open until 8 p.m. on these days.
Thursday, October 1
Opening Day: DesignPhiladelphia Festival
DesignPhiladelphia Festival is known for showcasing design, from architects to interior decorators and more. The nearly two week fest will be at multiple locations, and includes over 100 workshops, exhibitions, tours and talks. The celebration inspires creatives to think of the ways we build and innovate our urban spaces.
Fairmount Neighbors Night – (5 to 8 p.m.)
Live music from 1818 Shakedown Street bringing the Grateful Dead jams, plus Brewery Techne, Taqueria Dos Hermanos, and Frios Pops. All at Brown Street Lawn! FREE.
Dance Talk: The Story of American Dance – (6 p.m.)
Dance Talks is a new FREE series presented by Philadelphia Ballet’s Community Education and Public Programs to bring audiences behind the scenes of this season’s productions. The first Dance Talk event will feature performance excerpts from Stars and Stripes and Who Cares by Philadelphia Ballet artists Sterling Baca, Lucia Erickson, and Victoria Lorenzo, followed by a panel discussion focusing on the works of George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, and Twyla Tharp. At Philadelphia Ballet Dance Innovation Lab, 323 North Broad Street. FREE with RSVP.
Sylvester Stallone art projection – (7 to 10 p.m.)
A custom projection celebrating Stallone’s memoir release and the 50th anniversary of “Rocky” hitting movie theaters will run on the Art Museum steps through Oct. 3. The Rocky shop will also be open until 8 p.m. on these days.
Friday, October 2
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: North Philly Proud – (2 p.m.)
A tour through North Philly’s history going back to 1684 to the present. Explore the rich cultural legacy of North Philadelphia through the artists, musicians, educators, activists, and institutions that transformed the neighborhood into a national center of Black history and achievement. From legendary performance venues and influential churches to inspiring public art and landmarks of civil rights and community empowerment, this tour celebrates the people and places whose impact continues to resonate throughout Philadelphia and beyond. FREE with registration. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.
Jabali Market: Shop Small Fridays – (4 to 7 p.m.)
It’s a Jabali Market & Ace Holistics collab at 319 W Chelten Avenue. Bringing together the best of herbal wellness and vibrant local artistry, this autumn pop-up is designed to nourish both body and spirit. Guests can immerse themselves in holistic living while exploring handcrafted goods, seasonal tea blends, herbs and wellness essentials curated by Ace Holistics. Paired with Jabali Market’s dynamic lineup of small businesses, artisan vendors, and community vibes, it’s the ultimate cozy autumn destination.
Percy Street First Friday – (4 to 8 p.m.)
Live music, live painting, food, artists, shopping and more! FREE.
First Friday: Celebrating hitchBOT – (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Join the Elfreth’s Alley Museum for a special First Friday event commemorating the quirky tale of hitchBOT, the friendly hitchhiking robot whose journey came to an infamous end at the top of the Alley eleven years ago. Create your own hitchBOT, get a temporary tattoo, check out stickers, robot gear, snacks and beer from Human Robot Brewery! FREE.
First Friday: And the Nobel Goes To… – (5 to 7 p.m.)
Learn more about the Nobel Prize and the people and stories behind it! Celebrate Nobel Prize Week at Science History Institute through October 12! Explore a collection of oral history interviews with Nobel laureates and books written by Nobel Prize winners. Trivia, tours, games and more. FREE.
After-work Birding at LOVE Park – (5 p.m.)
Peak fall migration and we hope to find a bunch of migrants along the Parkway up to Logan Square. This includes the reliable eBird hotspot at Three Logan Square Plaza. After the walk, join the group at t Broad Street Beer Garden to enjoy a special birdwatcher discount on food and beverages. Share your epic birding stories or ask any questions about birding in Philly or elsewhere. FREE.
Night of Lights opening night – (6:30 to 9 p.m.)
A free outdoor public history, architecture, and design exhibition celebrating more than 250 years of history, landscapes, and architecture in Northwest Philadelphia. Walk along Germantown Avenue for projected exhibitions, illuminated buildings, live music, storytellers, and more. FREE.
Illuminate Passyunk – (7 to 11 p.m.)
A magical night of projection art, music, and light throughout Passyunk, from the group that created Illuminate Kensington! Check out the official map, designed by @juliaz3d. FREE.
Sylvester Stallone art projection – (7 to 10 p.m.)
A custom projection celebrating Stallone’s memoir release and the 50th anniversary of “Rocky” hitting movie theaters will run on the Art Museum steps through Oct. 3. The Rocky shop will also be open until 8 p.m. on these days.
The Late(ish) Poetry Show – October Edition – (8:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Like the Tonight Show & Def Poetry had a baby that grew up to be your favorite Friday night in Philly. Poetry, interviews, games & music. Come watch some of Philly’s best poets and join the livest audience in the city for a night of poetry, open mic, music, games and more. Hosted by Philly Pigeon, at PhilaMOCA. $28.52 tickets.
Saturday, October 3
Smokin’ Joe Frazier Run, Walk, Roll – (7 to 11 a.m.)
Frazier’s real-life story heavily influenced Rocky’s fictional one, including punching raw beef at a meatpacking plant and the run up the museum steps. In June, Frazier’s statue — which depicts the left hook that knocked out Muhammad Ali in 1971’s “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden — was moved from outside Xfinity Live! in South Philly to the space beside the steps where Rocky was. The run begins and ends at the statue. Rain or shine! $35 to register.
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: North Philly Proud – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
A tour through North Philly’s history going back to 1684 to the present. Explore the rich cultural legacy of North Philadelphia through the artists, musicians, educators, activists, and institutions that transformed the neighborhood into a national center of Black history and achievement. From legendary performance venues and influential churches to inspiring public art and landmarks of civil rights and community empowerment, this tour celebrates the people and places whose impact continues to resonate throughout Philadelphia and beyond. FREE with registration. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.
The Wondrous World of Opera: Using Your Voice – (10:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.)
Part Three of the WWO Trilogy made especially for young audiences (Preschool to 3rd Grade) & their families. The show runs approximately 45 minutes and includes: Pre-Show Discovery Time, Introduction to Song group activities, Performances by ePOP (with opportunities for children to join in), and a Post-Show photo opportunity with the cast. Tickets are $20.50 and include drinks and snacks for the kids — plus snacks and bonus mimosas for the adults. At Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th Street.
Firstival at Eastern State Penitentiary – (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
A family-friendly event exploring the history and legacy of America’s first penitentiary. Enjoy free admission to Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, deepen your understanding of the criminal justice system today, and imagine a more just future. Admission includes a self-guided audio tour, guide-led tour and discussion, mini tours and pop-up talks, art installations, exhibits, and more. All tours are limited capacity and subject to availability. Live music and performances, poetry and more. FREE.
20th Annual PAWS Mutt Strut – (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
The Mutt Strut is the must-attend fall festival for dogs and the people who love them. Enjoy a scenic walk, activities for dogs and people, beer garden by Dock Street Brewery, food trucks, live music, costume contests, prizes, and much more to help save Philadelphia’s homeless pets. At the Navy Yard. Check-in starts at 11 a.m., strutting starts at noon! $25 to attend; $45 to attend with T-shirt; $75 family registration.
Mt. Airy Arts Festival – (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Hosted by the Allens Lane Art Center is back for some creativity and fun. In addition to live performances on an outdoor stage, festival goers can shop for handmade wares, make their own crafts, sample from food trucks and chat with artists. FREE.
14th annual Roxtoberfest – (Noon to 6 p.m.)
With three stages of live entertainment, local food and drink, beer gardens, family fun, artists, makers, contests, and plenty of Oktoberfest spirit, there’s a lot happening from Lyceum to Leverington avenues! Participate in the Beer Stein Competition (adults), Root Beer Stein Competition (kids), Pet Costume Contest, Scarecrow Walk, Art on the Ridge Marketplace, live pumpkin carving, Great Fairy Games, Leverington Cemetery tour, Wellness Village massages and more! FREE.
31st Annual Chinatown Mid-Autumn Festival – (Noon to 7 p.m.)
Food, dancing, lantern parade, live performances, martial arts demos, lion dancing and more! FREE. Pay-as-you-go.
RIP5K Run – (4:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
The Rest in Peace 5K Run invites runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to wind their way through the headstones in beautiful historic Laurel Hill East. Pay tribute to Laurel Hill’s permanent residents as you pass tombstones and mausoleums, then keep the spirit alive at our After-Run Party! Cool down with killer beats from a local DJ, toast your effort with a cold beer or a non-alcoholic option (first one is complimentary if you’re bibbed up!), and refuel with snacks and plenty of cheer. Costumes are encouraged! Awards for best dressed, top runners, and more. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Laurel Hill. ADA-accessible course. $55 registration.
Night of Lights Day 2 – (7 to 9 p.m.)
A free outdoor public history, architecture, and design exhibition celebrating more than 250 years of history, landscapes, and architecture in Northwest Philadelphia. Walk along Germantown Avenue for projected exhibitions, illuminated buildings, live music, storytellers, and more. FREE.
Sylvester Stallone art projection – (7 to 10 p.m.)
A custom projection celebrating Stallone’s memoir release and the 50th anniversary of “Rocky” hitting movie theaters will run on the Art Museum steps through Oct. 3. The Rocky shop will also be open until 8 p.m. on these days.
Sunday, October 4
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: North Philly Proud – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
A tour through North Philly’s history going back to 1684 to the present. Explore the rich cultural legacy of North Philadelphia through the artists, musicians, educators, activists, and institutions that transformed the neighborhood into a national center of Black history and achievement. From legendary performance venues and influential churches to inspiring public art and landmarks of civil rights and community empowerment, this tour celebrates the people and places whose impact continues to resonate throughout Philadelphia and beyond. FREE with registration. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.
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.
St. Nicholas of Tolentine Italian Festival – (Noon to 8 p.m.)
South Philly’s St. Nicholas of Tolentine Italian Festival is an homage to the city’s Italian immigrant roots. Music and great Italian eats like pizza and cannoli will be in abundance. This year’s procession of saints starts at 1700 South 9th street right in front of St. Nicholas Church.
Night of Lights Day 3 – (7 to 9 p.m.)
A free outdoor public history, architecture, and design exhibition celebrating more than 250 years of history, landscapes, and architecture in Northwest Philadelphia. Walk along Germantown Avenue for projected exhibitions, illuminated buildings, live music, storytellers, and more. FREE.
Through October
DesignPhiladelphia Festival – (Through Oct. 11)
DesignPhiladelphia Festival is known for showcasing design, from architects to interior decorators and more. The nearly two week fest will be at multiple locations, and includes 100+ workshops, exhibitions, tours and talks. Learn about wide-ranging topics, including architecture, urban planning, landscape, graphic, multimedia, product, furniture design, fashion, and more.
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.
