Welcome to the 2024 Good Philadelphia Citizen Calendar, full of good things to do in Philly, October through December. Let this month-by-month calendar guide you to dozens of ways to take part in city life — and to make Philly better for all of us: Voting. Volunteering. Cheering on our cherished traditions and teams. Cleaning up after ourselves.
Truth be told, you can be a good citizen any day of the year: Sweep your block. Donate a book to a little free library. Donate your time to any kind of shelter. Buy a box of overpriced candy from a kid on the subway. Lend a hand to someone who could use it. Patronize a local business. Get out there. Participate in our city. Mark down these civic holidays and Philly-centric events, to make this year in Philadelphia your — and our — best year, ever.
OCTOBER 2024
October 1–13: Get your Design in a Concentrated Dose at the DesignPhiladelphia Festival
Not just for architects and interior designers — but definitely informed by them — this annual celebration includes a bunch of panels, but also a free kickoff party at Cherry Street Pier (October 1, 6 to 8pm), a KidsFest at Sister Cities Park (October 5, noon to 3pm), and an exhibit on inclusive design at DesignPhiladelphia’s HQ (October 1–13, from 9am to 5pm, 1218 Arch Street).
Weekends through October 27: Eat Your Heart Out at the Southeast Asian Market
What began with a couple selling papaya from a van parked along the South Philly lakes’ loop is now a culinary phenomenon. The Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park draws major weekend crowds for coconut rice served in bamboo stalks, stuffed Cambodian chicken wings, sugarcane juice, Vietnamese coffee — and all the grilled meats on sticks. Open Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 6pm, with exceptions during events at the park, 1900 Pattison Avenue
October 10: Eat Your Way through YèShì Chinatown Night Market
No cars — only great food and drink — allowed between 9th and 11th along Race and N. 10th Street between Race and Cherry streets, so dozens vendors from and beyond Chinatown can set up — Sang Kee Noodle House, Bonchon, Miss Saigon — for four hours of culinary exploration on October 10 from 6 to 10pm for the YèShì Chinatown Night Market.
October 12 + 13: Catch the Nation’s Biggest Coming Out Day Parade
The city celebrates Coming Out Day with Galaei’s National Coming Out Parade on October 12 from 4 to 6pm — starting at Independence Mall, heading to the Gayborhood — and continues with an all-day festival and resource fair October 13 from noon to 7pm, with a family zone, food trucks and performances throughout the Gayborhood — all part of OURFest.
Also: Consider supporting a local LGBTQ+ cause or two.
October 14: Honor Indigenous People
All of Philadelphia was once the domain of the Lenni Lenape. On this, the day that used to be Columbus Day, we have a chance to celebrate them. Here’s how:
October 19: Join the Philly Bike Ride
The city shuts down 20 miles of streets — including streets around historic sites — to vehicular traffic and opens it up to thousands of cyclists of all ages and abilities for the annual fundraiser for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Taking part isn’t cheap, but the fee goes to supporting safer bike lanes and such in our car-clogged city. Register here. Starts at 7:30am at Eakins Oval.
October 19–20 and 26–27: Go on an Open Studio Tour
For two weekends — and the 25th year — the Center for Emerging Visual Artists invites Philadelphia artists to open their work spaces to the public. Drawing back the curtain on the artistic process, makers of fine arts share their secrets and inspirations. The first weekend, tours take place in art studios West of Broad Street. The second, they’re East of Broad. Always noon to 6pm.
October 21: Hurry! It’s Your Last Day To Register to Vote before Election Day!
Pennsylvania gives eligible residents — ages 18 and over — the chance to register to vote for up to 15 days before an election. This makes October 21 the last day to register before Election Day on November 5. As a Philadelphian, as a citizen, this is one of the most crucial things to do. So, do it.
October 29: Last Day to Request a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot Before the General Election on November 5
NOVEMBER 2024
November 1: Eat Your Veggies on World Vegan Day
Didya know that Philadelphia has one of the highest ranked vegan restaurants … in the world? Vedge sure is a treat. But you can also get your vegan on at Monster Vegan, Bar Bombón, HipCityVedge, The Tasty, LUHV, The Nile Cafe, Miss Rachel’s Pantry, Fitz on 4th, Charlie was a sinner …
November 5: It’s Election Day. Vote for the next President of the United States — and local reps too.
If you haven’t already, do it. Here are the people on Philadelphia’s ballot. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.
Also November 5: Show Your Philly Pride on Jason Kelce’s Birthday
Philadelphians don’t often adopt out-of-towners as one of our own. Kelce is an exception. Dude chugged a beer with the Phanatic during the 2022 World Series. Coined the phrase, “Nobody likes us, and we don’t care!” at the 2018 Super Bowl parade — while wearing Mummers regalia. Made his teammates sing on two Christmas albums and created a line of merch to benefit Philly kids. More on that: Time and again, Kelc has proven he really, truly, deeply cares about our city and the people in it. HBD.
November 7 through 17: Grab a Seat at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
Ten days (and nights) of films is the draw, but the PAAFF doesn’t skimp on live performances and gatherings galore — a perk of one of the biggest festivals of its kind.
November 9: Run like Rocky
The annual Rocky Run offers participants options: a 5K, a 10 miler, or a half marathon around town. Of course, the route could never follow Balboa’s, since his wasn’t filmed in geographic order. But you can enter as a group and dedicate your jog to the Special Olympics.
November 11: Thank a Vet on Veterans Day
More than 7,000 military veterans call Philadelphia home. Thank them by supporting those in need and supporting their businesses.
November 13: World Kindness Day
Kindness is goodness in action. Did you know it is also the key to happiness? If you do nothing else all year long, do this: Be kind.
November 28: Give Thanks by … Giving
Thank those Philadelphians who are making this city a greater city for all. Then, take some time to honor those in need. Here are some ways to do that:
November 30: Shop Small Saturday in Philadelphia
We’ve got some of the best urban main streets — although few go by that name — in the country. Choose one. Or more. Buy stuff there.
DECEMBER 2024
December 3: Celebrate Rocky Day
On December 3, 1976, a little film called Rocky made its big-screen debut. Last year, December 3 officially became “Rocky Day,” Sylvester Stallone and all. Celebrate by running up and down the art museum steps, boxing some frozen beef, or shouting “Yo Adrian!” during your commute. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps)
December 7: Write a Letter
On National Letter Writing Day, think about someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to — a far-away friend, grandparent, sibling, anyone you’ve lost touch with — and take a few minutes to send them a card or drop them a line.
December 21: It’s Quinta Brunson’s Birthday. Respect your Teachers.
The creator and star of Abbott Elementary made us fall in love again with Philadelphia’s public schools, warts and all — but especially with Philly educators. You know what they like: Gift cards for school supplies … and coffee shops.
December 26 through January 1: Join One of the Oldest Kwanzaa Celebrations in the Country. (And Bake Cookies.)
That’s here, in Philadelphia, in case you didn’t know. Listen to Tonya “Food Griot” Hopkins’ podcast about the history of the holiday in Philly. Then start the festivities in the best way: Bake Kwanzaa cookies.
MORE THINGS TO DO AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN PHILADELPHIA