Remember Philly Citizens, when you’re planning your things to do this week and weekend, be sure to honor our community members who served in the armed forces for Veterans Day. As we move slowly into the holiday season, start by shopping and doing business with Veteran owned businesses. 

Businesses like 2Street Sammies and Twisted Gingers Brewing are chipping in for our armed forces members with donations and specials, so indulge for good. For more good works that are fun to support, North Light Community Center hosts its 17th Annual Pints for North Light on Thursday, and Broad Street Love kicks off National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week with its Open House + Clothing/Hygiene Drive Saturday.  

Just because Halloween has passed doesn’t mean we have to give up the spooky. Opera Philadelphia continues PIPE UP! this week with a screening of the classic Phantom of the Opera accompanied by the giant organ. Speaking of film, the Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Festival is returning for its 45th year with panels and showings across the city. The Wilma Theater’s first family production The Snow Queen is opening, and so is Winter in Dilworth Park. 

The Free Library Foundation Author Series explores the history of McGillin’s Olde Ale House and the politicization of our federal law enforcement agencies this week. 

For those in the healthcare and advocacy space, the two-day Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity Conference: Moving Forward begins this weekend. 

In live music we have Supergroup Howl Owl Howl live at Union Transfer, Boz Scaggs at Marion Anderson Hall, and Bill Murray and his Blood Brothers are appearing live at Parx Casino XCite Center in Bensalem. 

If you’re looking for food and drink celebrations, Philadelphia Magazine’s Whiskey Fest and The Philadelphia Inquirer Food Festival are both happening this week. 

For art aficionados, the annual CraftMONTH Symposium at Moore College of Art & Design is back, and Our Market presents Light Up the Market, a free illumination event on South 9th Street celebrating the immigrant workers. 

The weather is still in our favor for Love Your Parks Fall Weekend, so get out there and make our green spaces beautiful for the season. 

And of course, this week marks the return of The Philadelphia Citizen’s Ideas We Should Steal Festival® presented by Comcast NBCUniversal on November 13 and 14 and features our Inaugural Ideas We Should Scale Showcase. We are once again bringing changemakers and innovators to our problem-solving table, inspiring change and basking in hope. Find all the details and pick up tickets for the festival here!

• • • Things to do this week
    • Things to do this weekend
    • Ongoing things to do

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

Marine Corps birthday celebrations, The Phantom of the Opera at the Wanamaker, The Snow Queen, Free Library Foundation Author Series events, Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Festival, Howl Owl Howl, Pints for North Light, Philadelphia Magazine’s Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival, CraftMONTH Symposium, local restaurants raise money for Veterans Day

CELEBRATE THE NAVY & MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY: PART 2! On November 10 festivities for the 250th birthday of the Navy and Marine Corps begin at 10:30am with the Marine Corps 250 Commemoration and then the Tun Legacy Foundation’s Marine Corps Birthday Block Party on Second Street between Market and Chestnut Streets at 11:30am. There will also be an after-party hosted by Revolve Cares from 5pm to 11pm. Free. Various locations. 

AN EVEN BETTER USE OF AN ENORMOUS ORGAN, IF POSSIBLE. Opera Philadelphia continues its PIPE UP! Series with a screening of the classic film, The Phantom of the Opera accompanied live by the iconic organ at the Wanamaker, happening November 10. Doors open at 6pm; show begins at 7. Free. 1300 Market Street

TAKE THE FAMILY TO THE THEATER. The Wilma Theater presents its first family production, The Snow Queen, on stage November 11 through November 23 with evening and afternoon performances. It’s a timeless tale of a magical quest through love and loss to achieve connection and the triumph of the spirit. $20-$89. 265 S. Broad Street

EAT SAMMIES, SUPPORT VETERANS. On Veterans’ Day, November 11 from 11:30am to 8pm,  2Street Sammies at Ridge Hall in Ambler is offering free meals to Veterans for the day of honor. Owner/Operator Nate Baynes, also a veteran, is also donating a percentage of sales to Salute2Service, a Veteran’s charity in Bucks County. If Ambler is too out of the way, Twisted Gingers Brewing in Manayunk is also donating to the same cause that day. $10-$20. 15 S. Ridge Avenue, Ambler, PA 

LEARN ABOUT AN ICONIC PHILLY BAR. On November 12 from 7 to 8pm, The Free Library Foundation Author Series presents Irene Levy Baker | Cheers to McGillin’s. Presented in partnership with McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Baker delves into the history of one of Philadelphia’s most legendary watering holes with humor and hometown pride. Note: Doors open at 5:30 pm for a pre-event celebration at McGillin’s. Free. 1310 Drury Street

CELEBRATE JEWISH CINEMA. The Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Festival returns for its 45th year November 12 through November 23 with award-winning international films, panels, workshops, community events, and “Digital Chutzpah,” Jewish storytelling as you’ve never seen it before in venues citywide. Free-$25. Various locations

IT’S A SUPERGROUP! Hootie & the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker, REM co-founder Mike Mills, and The Black Crowes co-founder Steve Gorman are Howl Owl Howl, live at Union Transfer on November 12 (doors at 7pm, show starts at 8). Don’t miss original rock 30 years in the making. $64.45. 1026 Spring Garden Street

HAVE SOME BREWS FOR GOOD. The North Light Community Center hosts its 17th Annual Pints for North Light on November 13 from 6 to 10pm at Manayunk Brewing Company. Your evening of food, craft beer, and raffle and auction items benefits North Light’s youth and community support programs. $50-$80. 4120 Main Street

HAVE A SERIOUS CONVERSATION ABOUT OUR JUSTICE DEPARTMENT. The Free Library Author Series presents Carol Leonnig and Aaron C. Davis | Injustice: How Politics and Fear Vanquished America’s Justice Department, in Conversation with Ankush Khardori. The book covers how the Trump administration politicized the nation’s top law enforcement agency, pressuring appointees to shield him, to target his enemies, and even to help him cling to power after his 2020 election defeat. $5. 1901 Vine Street

ATTEND WHISKEY FEST! Philadelphia Magazine’s Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival is happening November 13 from 6:30 to 9pm (5pm for VIPs) at The Linc. Over 250 spirits will be on deck for tasting, plus eats and entertainment. $57.37-$185.49. One Lincoln Financial Field Way

ATTEND A CRAFT SYMPOSIUM. This year’s free annual CraftMONTH Symposium at Moore College of Art & Design is Intention, happening November 14 from 9:30am to 6pm. Explore the choices behind artistic creation, why we make art and how meaning is shaped through materials and processes. Featuring artist Q&As with Roberto Lugo and Bisa Butler, a keynote address from glass artist Judith Schaecter, and more. Free. 1916 Race Street

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

Winter in Dilworth Park, Love Your Parks, Bill Murray and his Blood Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Philadelphia Inquirer Food Festival, Broad Street Love clothing drive, 9th Street Market art installation, Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity Conference

ENJOY WINTER FUN IN DILWORTH PARK. Winter in Dilworth Park returns November 14 through March 14 with activities and attractions taking advantage of the cold and cozy season, including The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink and Cabin, the Wintergarden, and coming soon, the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Free/pay as you go. 1 S. 15th St (West Side of City Hall)

LOVE YOUR PARK. BECAUSE WHY SHOULDN’T YOU? Love Your Park Fall Weekend is November 14 to 16. Find your park friends and volunteer to clean, green, and celebrate our public green spaces. Free. Parks citywide. 

SEE BILL MURRAY SING THE BLUES. The blues rock icons have collaborated with the actor, comedian, and singer for Bill Murray and his Blood Brothers, appearing live at Parx Casino XCite Center in Bensalem November 15 at 7pm. 21 and over only! $94.17-$167.36 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020

BE THERE FOR THE MONEY, FOR THE SHOW. Shuffle to Marian Anderson Hall on November 15 at 8pm for Boz Scaggs Rhythm Review 2025. VIP packages are available and include autographed swag and seating in the first 3 rows. $111.14+. 300 S. Broad Street

EAT UP AT THE MOST PHILLY OF FOOD FESTIVALS. The Philadelphia Inquirer Food Festival comes to The Fillmore November 15 from 11am to 6pm with live performances and tastings from over 30 top-rated local restaurants. 21 and over only! $167.14-$275.29. 29 E. Allen Street

EXPERIENCE RADICAL HOSPITALITY. Broad Street Love kicks off National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week with its Open House + Clothing/Hygiene Drive November 15 from 11am to 2pm. Donate gently-used clothing and new hygiene products, take a tour to learn more about Broad Street Love’s mission and work of Radical Hospitality, learn about and sign up for volunteer opportunities, plus see Chef demonstrations, sample bites from local restaurants, enjoy some art projects, write messages of hope and support, and make music with Mr. John’s Music. Free. 315 S. Broad Street

WATCH SOUTH 9TH STREET MARKET GET LIT. On November 15 at 4pm Our Market presents Light Up the Market, a free illumination event celebrating the immigrant workers who have contributed their labor and love to the South 9th Street Market (Italian Market and La Calle Nueve). After the dedication of Philadelphia-based artist Michelle Angela Ortiz’s 30-foot mural, Labor and Love Intertwined, attendees will be guided through a series of light-based installations. The installations will be on view to the public again on November 16 from 5 to 8pm. Free. Registration is required. 906 League Street

JOIN THE MOVEMENT FOR BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH. Calling everyone committed to advancing inclusive solutions for Black maternal health and neonatal equity! The Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity Conference: Moving Forward is a two-day event with the goal to empower healthcare professionals and parent advocates to move forward with solutions that improves health outcomes for Black birthing mothers and preemie families. It kicks off with the 3rd Annual Party For a Cause: A Party For Preemies at the African American Museum in Philadelphia November 16 at from 2 to 5, followed by the conference on November 17 from 8am to 5pm at The Study at University City. $50-$350+. 20 S 33rd Street

ONGOING EVENTS

Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.

RUNAWAY TO THE CIRCUS. UniverSoul Circus returns through November 16 with afternoon and evening performances of its new Rhythm of the World production under the iconic big top! $38-$75. 39th Street and Girard Avenue (across from the Philadelphia Zoo).

SEE A “DISTURBINGLY AND FREQUENTLY FUNNY” PLAY. Theatre Exile’s psychological thriller JOB runs through November 16 with afternoon and evening performances. $25-$45. 1340 S. 13th Street

CATCH A  PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION. Tilt Institute For The Contemporary Image presents Shikeith: People Who Die Bad Don’t Stay in the Ground, on view through November 22. Visual artist Shikeith explores the lived realities of Black men and boys and generational trauma through photography, video and installation. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm. Free. 1400 N. American Street

SEE AN ART EXHIBIT ABOUT BECOMING AMERICA. The Germantown Historical Society presents American Mythologies by acclaimed Philadelphia-based artists Tom Judd and Mark Stockton, an exploration of American myths throughout the decades through large-scale paintings, drawings, mixed media, sound, and immersive installations. On view through November 22 on Thursdays from noon to 4pm and on Friday and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Free. 5501 Germantown Avenue

SEE A MILESTONE ART EXHIBITION. The William Way LGBT Community Center’s 20th Annual Juried Art Exhibition, featuring 46 emerging and established LGBTQ+ artists, is on view until December 11. Free.1315 Spruce Street

WITNESS MLK’S LAST NIGHT ON EARTH. Arden Theatre presents The Mountaintop, an intimate reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last evening in his room at the Lorraine Motel after delivering his legendary “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech. Live on the Arcadia Stage from through December 14 with performances at 2pm and 7pm. $55-$70. 40 N. 2nd Street

EXAMINE CERAMIC ART AND WELLBEING. Clay as Care combines an exhibition, scientific research, a publication, and public programs on the relationship between ceramic art and health. The Clay Studio will host several special events during the exhibition from through December 31. Free. 1425 N. American Street

CELEBRATE AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY WITH ITS OFFICIAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE. On October 18, the Museum of the American Revolution unveils a new exhibit: The Declaration’s Journey: 250 Years of America’s Founding Document, showcasing how the American Declaration of Independence has become one of the most influential political documents in modern history. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, and the exhibit is on view through January 3, 2026. $14-$64. 101 South Third Street

LEARN NAVY & MARINE CORPS HISTORY. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with Homecoming 250, presents To Provide a Naval Armament: U.S. Navy & Marine Corps History, 1775–1958, an exhibit exploring Philadelphia’s place in the birth and evolution of the Navy and the Marine Corps. On view until January 9, 2026; viewing hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am to 4pm and Wednesday 1 to 7pm. Free. 1300 Locust Street

SEE THE EXHIBIT AT THE MÜTTER. Through February 2, 2026, The Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia present Trusted Messengers: Community, Confidence, and COVID-19, a special exhibition that marks five years since the onset of the pandemic and considers how to build trust in public health. Initially developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Museum in Atlanta, the Philadelphia version features materials used in the development of the mRNA vaccine at Penn and spotlights local healthcare workers and organizations. Museum hours are Wednesday through Monday 10am to 5pm. $15-20. 19 S. 22nd Street

EXPLORE A NEW ROUSSEAU EXHIBITION AT THE BARNES. Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets reveals hidden layers in the visionary painter’s work and brings together for the first time the works at The Barnes and the collection from the Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris. Open through February 22, 2026, Thursday through Monday, 11am to 5pm. $5-$30. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

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

FIND MAGIC IN OLD CITY. “The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour” returns for the season. Attendees are treated to fun, mind-bending magic relevant to the historic and offbeat 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

MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY