#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Sister facades in South Philly
(Photo by @city_of_architectural_love)
Disability advocates came out in force to City Council this week to hold the city accountable to making sure that everyone can participate in the events celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. They said the city has failed to come through at many events, including the annual Christmas Village. Organizers disagreed. Continue reading …
From left, disability rights advocates Delores Brown-Waters, Yvonne Hughes and Vicki Landers testified before a City Council committee on Oct. 7, 2025. (Philadelphia City Council)
A new show, Clay as Care: Ceramic Art and Wellbeing,” explores the restorative and therapeutic benefits of working with art and ceramics. It’s an immersive exhibition that highlights four artists who have embraced creation as part of their healing journeys. Continue reading …
Jennifer Ling Datchuk uses ceramics to explore fertility care. (Courtesy of the Clay Studio)
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Trump’s nominee for Philly’s top federal prosecutor, David Metcalf, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate. [Inq$]
• PHL is among the airports affected by air traffic control shortages exacerbated by the government shutdown. [NYT$]
• Pennsylvania’s doctors, warning of risk to health care affordability, patient privacy and abortion rights, joined the fight over state Supreme Court retention votes. [WHYY]
• In an effort to curb illegal dumping, the city is partnering with a North Philly youth organization and a recycling center to tackle the trash through a voucher program. [WHYY]
• Temple University resident assistants and peer mentors voted to unionize. [Temple News]
• Dungeons & Dragons comes to Miller Theatre this weekend. [Billy Penn]
• Kwik Trip dethroned Wawa in a customer ranking of U.S. convenience stores. Wawa tied for 2nd with Pa. rival Sheetz. [PhillyVoice]
• WHYY hosted a special screening and panel discussion of the film “Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect,” recognizing the life and legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will attend the Parade of Ships, a maritime procession featuring Navy vessels and other ships sailing along the Delaware River as they arrive in Philadelphia for the 250th celebration, at the Navy Yard. (10 a.m.)
The mayor will attend to honor the culture, contributions and achievements of the Hispanic and Latino communities, at City Hall. (4 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Thursday, Oct. 9: Preview screening of Ken Burns’s upcoming documentary series, The American Revolution
As part of the nation’s semiquincentennial commemoration, this event highlights Greater Philadelphia region’s pivotal role in the founding of the U.S.. Screening followed by an exclusive interview by Terry Gross, co-host of WHYY’s “Fresh Air with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley.” Ticket required. (5:30 p.m. doors open; 7 p.m. start)
Thursday, Oct. 9: The Love Machine [reprise] by jasmine lynea
A Nextfab x Leeway AiR culminating event, feat. a sci fi fantasty short film about a teenage scientist and influencer building a time machine in his basement to help break intergenerational trauma. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 10: WELL YES Marketplace
A marketplace of health and wellness resources for attendees of all ages. Live music, joy in a stigma-free environment, and 20 culturally-competent resource providers. On-site STI testing, PrEP and PEP education, appointment scheduling, peer-led connections and wellness kits at no charge. At PHMC Health Center on Cedar, at 501 S. 54th Street. (2 to 5 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 10: Philly History Book Club
Historic St. George’s Museum & Archives and Christ Church Preservation Trust are teaming up to explore diverse — and often overlooked — stories from Philadelphia’s rich history. This month features “True Crime Philadelphia” by Kathyrn Canavan. (5 to 6 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 10: Friday Night: Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Edition
Celebrate music, art and community at the PMA with a salsa party, pop-up studio, guided tours, artist talks, and more! Pay-what-you-want admission. (5 to 8:30 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 10: Science After Hours: Fright @ Night
Celebrate the art of transformation at the Franklin Institute. Costumes are encouraged for this Halloween-inspired Science After Hours. $40 | $35 for Members. (7:30 to 11:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 11: Scrapple & Apple Festival 2025
Dozens of vendors with savory and sweet treats featuring local apples and scrapple, apple tastings, plus live entertainment, kid games like apple bobbing, and the public vote in Friday’s Scrapple Sculpting Contest. At Reading Terminal Market. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 11: The Wondrous World of Opera: Finding Your Voice
A new version of the East Passyunk Opera Project’s celebrated show, made especially for young audiences (Preschool -3rd grade) & their families. $17.85 tickets; At Theatre Exile. (10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 11: Harrowgate Fall Festival
Come to Harrowgate Park on 3455 Kensington Ave. for family-friendly activities like pumpkin decorating, food trucks, trick-or-treating, a haunted egg hunt, and more. (12 to 3 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 11: Liberty City Arts Presents “Hansel & Gretel: A Philly Opera Jawn”
Enjoy the Engelbert Humperdinck classic reimagined with a true Philly twist. Think our beloved Philly rowhomes, Tastykakes, soft pretzels, Eagles chants, and plenty of surprises. This interactive opera invites kids of all ages! Set-making, choreography, costumes, and LCA kazoos. $10 suggested donation. (1 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 11: PHILAVISION 4
Live music, a collage workshop, zine/art vendors, collaborative drawings, DJs, interactive projections, pumpkin decorating, and of course the film festival. Art show begins at 5 p.m. Films begin at 7 p.m. BYO lawn chair. Free.
Saturday, Oct. 11: Chuwi @ Taller Puertorriqueño
A live musical experience with Chuwi, a genre-blending Puerto Rican band, redefining the sound of the island with a bold mix of plena, indie, and Caribbean rhythms. Free with RSVP. (7 to 11 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 11: QUEER: A National Coming Out Day Comedy Show and OurFest Pregame
Join Lady Laughs Philly, the city’s only monthly comedy show featuring all women and queer comics, at the iconic Franky Bradleys in the gayborhood. Ages 21+. $17.75 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 11-12: The Murder of Oz murder mystery
Part of Hocus Pocus Speakeasy by Red Rum Theatre, this is a interactive murder mystery where Oz isn’t quite as magical as you remember. $40 tickets. (4 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday)
Sunday, Oct. 12: Fall for the Arts Festival
Chestnut Hill’s popular festival transforms the 8000 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue into a vibrant, outdoor arts and crafts marketplace with 300+ vendors, food, live music, and more. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)