#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Roaring sentinels
(Photo by @wmdkenner)
Election Day isn’t far off; Are you ready?
It’s an off-year election, but there are a few big issues to be decided in Philly and Pennsylvania next Tuesday. In the city, voters will select a district attorney, in a rematch from the spring primary, as well as a slate of local judges. Statewide, there is a movement to unseat Democratic judges on the state Supreme Court.
Billy Penn is here to help you prepare with our Procrastinator’s Guide to Election Day. Give it a look, learn who’s who, and you’ll be ready to enter the voting booth. Continue reading …
Pierre Robert: 10 things you should know about the iconic Philly DJ
Pierre Robert, Philly’s lunchtime companion for generations on WMMR, died Wednesday morning, sending the city — and rock n roll fans everywhere — into mourning. He was 70. Here are some things you might not know, and some you might, about the legendary DJ. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Fentanyl far surpassed heroin as the most common opioid found in the commonwealth, said state Attorney General Dave Sunday. [WHYY]
• SEPTA asks for an extension of federal deadline to inspect its aging Silverliner railcars. Less than half of the 50-year-old fleet have been inspected, and a fraction of those have returned to service. [WHYY]
• A free series of weekly housing workshops aims to empower Kensington owners and renters, through December 13th. [Kensington Voice]
• It’s alive! A new horror bookstore, Thrillerdelphia, soft-opens on Halloween in Manayunk, from the owners of the romance-centric Cupid’s Bookshop. [Billy Penn]
• This weekend, the Woodmere Museum in Chestnut Hill will open its second location, a 19th-century mansion two blocks away from its main building on Germantown Avenue. [WHYY]
• The mermaid atop East Passyunk’s Singing Fountain has a new cape and hat just in time for Halloween. [Inq$]
• Cocoa prices are climbing but Philly’s craft chocolate makers say they are not worried about losing customers. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events on her schedule.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎞️ Scary Movie screenings
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, WHYY has produced The Declaration’s Journey, a 10-part series highlighting how the Declaration of Independence has inspired movements around the world. The series was produced in collaboration with Museum of the American Revolution and launches Thursday on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Thursday, Oct. 30: LGBTQ Women’s Vendor Market
Networking hour from 2-3 p.m. for entrepreneurs and creators. Market from 3 to 7 p.m. Free, at the William Way Community Center.
Thursday, Oct. 30: PHL Code Club x Hacktoberfest 2025
The final showcase of a month-long celebration of open source contribution and a gateway for newcomers to contribute! At CIC Philadelphia in University City. Free registration. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 31: 27th Spruce Hill Halloween Tot Parade & Party
The gathering for the parade begins at 45th and Larchwood streets at 4 p.m. The parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. and head east on Larchwood. The parade concludes with a party at “Little Osage” (42nd and Osage) where participants are treated to cider and baked goods provided by local businesses and neighbors.
Friday, Oct. 31: All Hallows Reggae Bash
Root Settaz is an original five-piece Reggae, Dub, Jam band unit based out of the Philadelphia region. At the Black Squirrel Club in Fishtown. $21.40 tickets. (7:30 to 10:30 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 31: Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun: A 90s–Y2K Haunted Prom
The Twisted Tail hosts this party, where you can dance the night away with spooky tunes and wicked fun. $17.85 tickets. (8 to 11:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: West Philly Bizarre
There’s still a month of these weekly community markets left in Clark Park to enjoy! The bizarres aim to promote economic justice. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: CultureFest! Día de los Muertos
Penn Museum hosts this full-day festival, including an arts activity, altar competition, artisan market, dance and music performances, and an enormous traditional ofrenda (altar) installation created by artist Virginia Rivera. $13-18 tickets. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: Philly Zine Fest
Celebrate the spirit of DIY publishing and unbridled creativity with us! Over 100+ artists slinging, selling, and swapping zines! FREE for all to attend at Mitten Hall at Temple University. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: 13th annual El Día de los Muertos
This Fleisher Art Memorial’s Day of the Dead celebrations has particular significance because in the Aztec world, the number 13 is associated with the repeating cycles of change and the balance and harmony of opposites: the east with the west, the north with the south, Philadelphia with Amanalco, life with death, and night and day. Free. (2 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: It’s Always Punny in Philadelphia: Jawn of the Dead
Compete for groans, glory and cash prizes, including in a punny costume contest! $16 tickets. (4 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 1: Haunted Circus
Spooky Season’s premiere circus-themed event is back for one night only! A 5 p.m. family circus and 8:30 p.m. adults-only circus are focused on honoring spooky films! Celebrate your favorite scary movie (or TV Show) with a tribute on stage.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Painted Bride Jazz Presents Satellite Sound
Satellite Sound returns with three extraordinary concerts from September through November that honor the past while shaping the sound of tomorrow. Tonight: Lafayette Gilchrist & New Volcanoes: Move With Love. Fusing jazz, funk, go-go, and hip-hop, Gilchrist delivers a pulse-pounding ride of rhythm and resistance. $21.40 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 2: Girls in Science: Exploring Our Earth at the Rail Park
A vibrant afternoon at the Rail Park of discovery, inspiration, and community as we shine a spotlight on female voices in environmental science. Feat. interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and engaging activities. (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 2: 3rd annual Philly Flannel Fest
At the Braid Mill in Germantown, join the attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest flannel-wearing gathering! Feat. food, local wine, live music, and a craft marketplace. Rain or shine, fully accessible, service pets welcome. Get 50% off the $23.18 tickets while supplies last. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Sunday, Nov. 2: An Evening of Lights
Celebrate Diwali at Sura Bistro with South Asian Americans For Change. Enjoy performances, music, mehendi, a buffet and more. $20 tickets. (4 to 7 p.m.)
