Things to Do, Election Edition

The 2024 election is seeming like an increasingly bleak business. The issues are profound. The tone is ugly. Time to turn off the TV, go outside, and do something productive and fun, like celebrating voting itself. Seriously. It’s not every human who gets to cast their ballot for their future. Plus, the get out the vote events that are popping up all over Philly in the run-up to Election Day kinda slap.

Just like in 2020, our city is part of a national movement of voting-theme dance parties, DJ appearances, art activations and live concerts. There’s free food and drink. Music in the streets. Bruce Springsteen. Philly Elmo. Nonpartisan orgs like Joy to the Polls and When we All Vote are fairly amazing at lifting your spirits and inspiring you not just to vote, but also to get your friends in on the action.

Now, where are those dancing mailboxes?!?

To the Polls murals, LOVE Park

Through November 5, 2024 at 15th Street and JFK Boulevard

Mural Arts’ annual pre-Election Day display is getting more attention and traffic than ever, thanks to both a hotly contested presidential race that puts Philly in the spotlight, the presence of The Portal, and the not-to-be-missed art itself, including Hawk Krall’s locally proud Philly Will Decide, Lace in the Moon’s rainbow-y crocheted ballot confection, and more amazing, civic-minded selfie spots.

A red, white and blue mural says "2024 PHILLY Will Decide," with Phillies font, Philadelphia skyscrapers and landmarks, and people holding signs that say "VOTE." — Hawk Krall’s *Philly Will Decide*.

Committee of Seventy Musical Pop-Ups, various locations

To mark the next election deadline — you must register to receive a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, October 29 at 5pm — The Committee of Seventy and OnePhillyConnect are hosting a series of musical pop-ups at Satellite Election Offices with snacks, entertainment and voting information.

West Philly: October 24 from 4 to 6pm at 4029 Market Street, where the West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad will perform and march into the neighborhood.

South Philly: October 25 from 4 to 6pm at 1835 S. Broad Street

North Philly: October 28, from 4 to 6pm at 2301 N. Broad Street

Committee of Seventy Morning Party, City Hall

October 25 from 9 to 11am

Broad and Market streets

Put a little civics into your Fri-yay with a morning pop-up near the statue of 18th century Black voting rights activist Octavius Catto. There will be breakfast, voting souvenirs, the Get Out the Vote Orchestra, lots of information, an appearance from City Commissioner Omar Sabir — and potentially surprise visits from more local leaders.

When We All Vote’s Parties at the Polls, various locations

Michelle Obama founded — and anyone, from any party, or no party at all — can attend a Party at the Polls, a series of pop-up pre-election events with DJed music, free food truck fare, community leaders you’ll love, and various activities, even if you’re not voting this time. Check it out:

South Philly, with Unity in the Community, October 25 from 4 to 6pm at 24th Street & Oregon Avenue. Citizen OG Anton Moore comes to Point Breeze with a live DJ, food truck, ticket giveaway to Power House, plus buttons, stickers and more.

South Street, with POWER Interfaith, October 25 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at 1016 South Street (Waters Community Center)

Chew Playground, with Soul Food CDC, October 28 from 1 to 3pm at 1800 Washington Avenue

A drum line parades in a street of Philadelphia as part of the get out the vote effort of Joy to the Polls. Philly Elmo is there. — Photo Courtesy of Joy to the Polls. Note: Philly Elmo.

Joy to the Polls, West Philly

October 26 from noon to 4pm

4029 Market Street (on Preston Street between Market and Filbert streets)

Joy to the Polls is the party that started a movement. Next event: A Saturday afternoon meetup on Preston Street features food, free pizza, and live music by rap goddess Princess Nokia, international soul-funk innovator Adi Oasis, club kings The Illustrious Blacks, Philly faves the PME Drumline — mced by your host, diva VinChelle, with a very special visit from THE Real Housewife of the Potomac, Karen Huger.

Bruce Springsteen and former President Barack Obama, from Facebook.

Bruce Springsteen and President Obama Show Up, Sing

October 28, time TBA

Location TBA

Bruce Springsteen and former President Obama return to Philly for a free get-out-the-vote concert in support of Harris-Walz. So far, there’s been a lot of buzz, but not a lot of details about their visit. In the past, the now 75-year-old Boss has performed at rallies on Independence Mall and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (And we all know Obama’s got pipes too.)

People gather outside in an urban space for a Daybreaker morning dance party. — A Daybreaker party.

Daybreaker, City Hall

October 29, from 7 to 10am

Billed as the most fun you can have before work on a Tuesday, this combined sober rave / workout / music fest features a brass band, pole dancers, live DJs, free breakfast, free coffee, and amazing civic vibes.