It was a rough week for Philly sports, folks, but on the bright side, you have plenty of things to do to take your mind off all of that.
REEL OCTOBER and DesignPhiladelphia continue this week with film and design events, the Free Library Foundation Author Series welcomes novelist Imbolo Mbue, and Parks on Tap wraps up the season this week.
For the intellectually curious and art appreciators, Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy opens at the Science History Institute, and Small Favors opens at The Clay Studio.
Our stages have a big week with the openings of RUN BEN RUN and Liberation, the Philadelphia Orchestra offering up the annual Children’s Halloween Spectacular and Orchestra After 5 for the grown-ups, and even a special evening with Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.
Fall shopping is in full swing with the YèShì Chinatown Night Market, Made in Philadelphia Fall Market, and Craft Collective at Jefferson Plaza.
Don’t miss Oktoberfest at the 23rd Street Armory, or Lectures on Tap in Fishtown (secret location to be revealed on RSVP!).
Celebrate coming out at OURfest, and Indigenous Peoples Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution. You can also hit up the annual Columbus Day Parade and Festival in South Philly.
Philly Music Fest rocks the city this week, including the industry event Inside Hustle. And if you’re an influencer, or aspiring to be one, the Philly Influencer Mixer is also up this week.
Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY
REEL OCTOBER, DesignPhiladelphia, RUN BEN RUN, Parks on Tap, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy, Orchestra After 5, YèShì Chinatown Night Market, Small Favors, Liberation, Free Library Foundation Author Series
MARK TWO PHILLY CINEMA MILESTONES. Celebrate both the 35th anniversary of the Philadelphia Film Festival and the 25th anniversary of the Philadelphia Film Society through October 11 with REEL OCTOBER, two weeks of curated 35mm screenings. $12-$20. 1412 Chestnut Street
ATTEND THE OLDEST DESIGN FESTIVAL IN THE NATION. The annual The DesignPhiladelphia Festival continues through October 11 at event spaces, galleries, studios, and community centers citywide offering over 100 exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, tours, talks, and more on everything from landscaping to fashion and graphics to furniture design. Some events are ticketed and/or require pre-registration. Free-$200. Various locations
SEE A WORLD PREMIERE SATIRE ABOUT AMERICAN “PROGRESS.” Philadelphia immersive theater company Applied Mechanics and the Christ Church Preservation Trust present the world premiere of RUN BEN RUN, a surreal satire of the stories America tells about itself using drag, choreography, pastiche and an absurd original script. Open October 6 through 18 with performances at 2 and 7pm. $16.30-$154. 20 N. American Street
DRINK BEER IN A SOUTH PHILLY. It’s your last chance to enjoy Parks on Tap, which comes to Columbus Square Park October 7 through October 11 from 4 to 10pm (noon to 10pm Saturday and Sunday).The roving beer (and cocktail and food) garden provides a great excuse to bring your friends and your kids to happy hour in a natural green space. A portion of all proceeds benefits each park. Free admission. 1200 Wharton Street
MUST GO FASTER. To the Miller Theater October 7 at 8pm for Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. Launched 30 years ago, Goldblum and his band have released four albums, touring the nation and the world performing contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards. $79.80-$135.80. 250 S. Broad Street
CHASE SOME TRANSMUTATION. Ok that was a bit cryptic. But you have got to check out the latest exhibit at the Science History Institute, Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy opening October 7. See fascinating books and art showing how The Great Work eventually gave us chemistry. Free. 315 Chestnut Street
COME TO AN AUTHOR SERIES EVENT ABOUT LOVE LOST. The Free Library Foundation Author Events Series presents Imbolo Mbue | Every Story is A Love Story, in Conversation with Justin McDaniel. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of The Free Library Foundation. $5. 1901 Vine Street
GO TO A HAPPY HOUR CONCERT. Enjoy drinks on the Plaza at the Kimmel Center followed by a casual concert performance of Respighi’s Pines of Rome and then an artist chat at Orchestra After 5: Fall, October 8 starting at 5pm. $26-$43.68.
SHOP THE CHINATOWN NIGHT MARKET. The annual open-air food and entertainment festival YèShì Chinatown Night Market returns October 8 from 6 to 10 pm with dozens of vendors. Pay as you go. 10th Street between Race and Cherry, and Race Street between 9th and 11th Streets
COME TO THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CLAY STUDIO’S BELOVED. The Clay Studio celebrates the opening of 20th annual Small Favors, an exhibition of unique art in four-inch cubes, with a reception October 8 from 5 to 8pm. The exhibit runs through January 3, 2027. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 11am to 5:30pm and 11am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free. 1425 N. American Street
SEE A POWERFUL MEMORY PLAY ABOUT WHAT FREEDOM REALLY LOOKS LIKE FOR WOMEN. Liberation, set in small-town Ohio in the early 1970s, follows a group of women gathering together at a consciousness-raising meeting and asks, What does freedom really look like? Who gets to claim it? And what do we inherit from the generations who came before us? Open at the Suzanne Roberts Theater October 9 through 25 with afternoon and evening performances. $32-$72. 480 South Broad Street
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest, Children’s Halloween Spectacular, OURfest, Made in Philadelphia Fall Market, Philly Influencer Mixer, Inside Hustle, Philly Music Fest, Craft Collective, Indigenous Peoples Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Lectures on Tap, Columbus Day Parade and Festival
THERE ARE NEVER TOO MANY OKTOBERFESTS. Philly’s largest Oktoberfest party happens October 9 and 10 at the 8th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest. Evening sessions start at 7:30pm; the Saturday afternoon session starts at 1pm. 35-85. 22 S. 23rd Street
TREAT THE KIDS WITH A MUSICAL HALLOWEEN. The Philadelphia Orchestra presents their Children’s Halloween Spectacular at Marian Anderson Hall October 10 at 10:30am. Come costumed and enjoy pre-concert fun including crafts, a photo booth, and more in Commonwealth Plaza followed by a performance of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” music from Coco, Harry Potter, and Ghostbusters. 30-48.16. 300 S. Broad Street
COME OUT AND COMMEMORATE NATIONAL COMING OUT WEEKEND! OURfest returns to Philadelphia October 9 through 11 for three days of history, visibility, and unity. On October 11 from noon to 6pm, Philly Pride 365 takes over the Gayborhood with live entertainment, an LGBTQ+ marketplace, resource fair, food trucks and beer gardens, interactive art installations, dance spaces, cultural exhibits, and sober and wellness spaces. Free. Walnut Street to Pine Street and Juniper Street to 13th Street
SHOP LOCAL AT DILWORTH PARK. Made in Philadelphia Fall Market celebrates its 10th anniversary October 9 and 10 from noon to 8pm and October 11 from noon to 6pm. The outdoor pop-up showcase features local artists, makers, entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Dilworth Park. Free. 1 S. 15th Street
NETWORK, GET INSPIRED, INFLUENCE! The Philly Influencer Mixer returns October 10 from 9am to 5pm at Vault XXVII. Network and collaborate with other creatives and learn how to find your voice. 125-225. 27 N. 11th Street
CALLING ALL MUSIC INSIDERS. The biannual Inside Hustle is on at Drexel University’s URBN Center October 10 from 10am to 2pm. Presented by Philly Music Fest and WXPN, this music networking and information event features a panel of music industry pros and time to mingle. Free, must RSVP. 3501 Market Street
SHOP LOCAL AT EAST MARKET. On October 10 from 11am to 2pm Jefferson Plaza hosts Craft Collective, featuring handmade goods, art, jewelry, and home décor, plus live music. Pay as you go. 12th & Chestnut Streets
CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. The Museum of the American Revolution hosts its annual Indigenous Peoples Weekend October 10 through 12 from 10am to 5pm with dances, workshops, demonstrations, living history, and more. 14-25. 101 S. 3rd Street
SEE THE COLUMBUS DAY PARADE AND ITALIAN FESTIVAL. The Columbus Day Mass, Parade, and Festival begins at St. Monica’s October 11 at 10am. The parade kicks off from Broad and Snyder at 11:30am, ending at Marconi Plaza. From there, enjoy Italian food, music, and drink. Free. 2800 S. Broad Street
ATTEND PHILLY MUSIC FEST. Philly Music Fest is a nonprofit music festival benefitting philly musicians and music education for kids happening October 12 through 18 with over two dozen bands performing at 6 venues over 7 nights. Tickets vary by show, see the schedule here. 20-77.63. Multiple locations.
DRINK AND SCIENCE. Well, just listen and learn science, don’t drink and do science. Instead come to Fishtown October 12 at 6:30pm for Lectures on Tap – “Math, Music, and the Question of Universal Experience.” Explore the fascinating question of whether our experience of music is universal with Dr. Dimitri Papadopoulo at a local watering hole. $39.19. Location TBA upon reservation.
ONGOING EVENTS
Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.
SEE A MOVIE IN THE PARK. More than 20 Philly parks will host Park Friends Movie Nights this summer and fall through October 16. Bring a blanket, snacks, and arrive before dusk. Check with your local Park Friends Group for updates and schedule changes. Free. Various locations
SEE ART THAT REMINDS US WE ARE STILL CONFINED TO A SINGLE PLANET. No Other Place to Go puts the psychological weight of climate change on display through the lenses of five artists. On view at InLiquid Gallery through October 17; gallery hours are noon to 6pm Wednesday through Saturday. Free. 1400 N American Street
STROLL THE STREETS OF CENTER CITY. Open Streets: West Walnut returns for the fall on Sundays through October 25 from 10am to 5pm. In addition to shopping and eating, Center City District provides free entertainment with buskers, strolling performers, dance groups, a family-friendly zone, games and activities for kids, and more. Pay as you go. Walnut Street between Broad and 19th streets and S. 18th Street between Locust and Chestnut streets
CONSIDER HOW MUCH YOUR SOUL IS WORTH. Jen Silverman’s Witch comes to Quintessence Theater for evening and matinee performances through October 25. Everything in little Edmonton village changes when a charming devil comes to town. $30-$65. 7137 Germantown Avenue
THE NORTH COUNRTY. Photo by Ashley Smith, Wide Eyed Studios
SEE A BOB DYLAN MUSICAL. An American story of resilience in uncertain times adapts songs by Bob Dylan in Girl from the North Country, open at the Arden theater through October 25. $42-$72. 40 N. 2nd Street
THINK SAW WAS HILARIOUS? THIS MUSICAL IS FOR YOU! Now through October, SAW The Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw is live at the Walnut Street Theater through October 25 for afternoon and evening performances. $35-$177. 825 Walnut Street
CATCH THE GREAT PUMPKIN! Cityside Pumpkin Patch returns to Liberty Point through November 1 from noon to 10pm Thursday through Sunday and 5 to 10pm Wednesdays. Bring the family to pick out the perfect locally-sourced pumpkin amidst spooky decor, scarecrow archery, carnival games, Halloween treats, and a SMASHING ZONE! $13.90-$22.50. 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
DON’T SETTLE FOR REGULAR OLD MINI GOLF. PLAY SPOOKY MINI GOLF! Franklin Square’s putt-putt course transforms for the season into Spooky Mini Golf through November 1 from 10am to 10pm with strobes, animated props, and fog for variable day time and nighttime levels of spookiness, a month-long costume contest, and The Boo-zy Bar. $12-$15. 200 N. 6th Street
GO TO SCARY JAIL. Philly’s landmark prison transforms annually into “a Halloween festival of epic proportions” complete with Al Capone’s Speakeasy, eerie flashlight hospital tour, and frightening performances. Check out Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary, open through November 7. $49-$149. Parking and shuttle: $22 ($30 on site so buy online!) 2027 Fairmount Avenue
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN GRASSROOTS ARTISTIC EXPERIMENTATION. Through November 15, Philadelphia’s network of artist-run spaces, DIY venues, and community-based initiatives hosts Collective Futures, a collaboratively organized project bringing together more than 40 independent spaces and organizations across the city through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and public programs citywide. Many events are free; locations citywide.
FIND MAGIC IN OLD CITY. The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour returns for the 2026 season through the fall tours at 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Attendees are treated to fun, mind-bending magic relevant to the historic and off-beat Old City locations on the tour. Philly Magic tours also partners with local charities on passes and group outings for fundraisers and free tours for deserving school classes. $32.40. Tours meet behind the Bourse near 4th and Ranstead streets
EXPLORE THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. The American Philosophical Society’s These Truths: The Declarations of Independence tells the story of America’s founding through early Declaration printings and treasured artifacts. Open through January 3, 2027. Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. Free, donations welcome. 104 S. 5th Street
LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street
TAKE A FOOD JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHWEST PHILLY. Stuff your face with Jamaican, West African, and Southern African American cuisines while walking it off on Woodland Avenue during your Africatown Food Tour, scheduled Wednesdays through Saturdays starting at 10:30am and 1:30pm. $56. 5741 Woodland Avenue
MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY
Indigenous People's Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution