Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Cosmic Perspective
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an award-winning astrophysicist, author, and science communicator born and raised in New York City. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science, earned a BA in Physics from Harvard, and completed a PhD in Astrophysics at Columbia University. He has been a significant advisor on U.S. space policy, serving on presidential commissions and NASA’s Advisory Council. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History and a research associate in its Department of Astrophysics.
When: Monday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Broadway Cabaret at Rittenhouse Grill
Broadway Cabaret at Rittenhouse Grill, Philadelphia’s only Broadway cabaret venue, is proud to present acclaimed Broadway performer and jazz vocalist Darius de Haas in a solo cabaret performance. Darius de Haas is celebrated for his versatile Broadway performances, including his roles in renowned productions such as “RENT,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” and “Carousel.” Rooted in a rich musical legacy, Darius brings both jazz sophistication and Broadway flair to his performances.
Where: Rittenhouse Grill, 1701 Locust St.
Ethiopian Cultural Center mural dedication
Mural Arts has partnered with the Ethiopian Cultural Center to create a new mural on their facade, designed by local photographer and filmmaker Sosena Solomon. Solomon is an Ethiopian American and currently teaches at the Community College of Philadelphia. Her recent work includes a commission by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the World Monuments Fund to produce a 12-part film series that documents her journey across Africa, showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage. In collaboration with the Ethiopian Cultural Center’s board and with input from the community, she has developed a mural that utilizes her photographs from her travels across Ethiopia, along with references provided by the Ethiopian community in Philadelphia.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Ethiopian Cultural Center, 4400 Chestnut St. #1
”Kimberly Akimbo”
In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush…and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure. Named Best Musical by the Tony Awards, New York Drama Critics Circle, The Drama Desk Awards, The Lucille Lortel Awards, and The Outer Critics Circle Awards, Kimberly Akimbo is also the winner of four additional Tony Awards: Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Score (David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori), and Best Book (David Lindsay-Abaire). With her win for Kimberly Akimbo, Jeanine Tesori made history as the first female composer to win two Tony Awards for Best Score. Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 21-Nov. 2
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
Storytime in the Square
Join Ms. Chen from Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia every other Wednesday for free storytime and crafts in the Pavilion or on the Great Lawn. Stories, rhymes, and dancing explore different themes throughout the season ending with bubbles and fun crafts. All kids and their caregivers are welcome.
When: ends Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
Dia de los Muertos Ofrenda
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is partnering with artist Ivonne Pinto-Garcia to create a special Día de los Muertos ofrenda, or altar, in our Back Gallery. The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a reunion that includes food, drink, and celebration. An ofrenda is an altar built to honor lost loved ones and made to connect both worlds, the living and the dead. Guests to the museum are welcome to leave notes or photos in remembrance of loved ones who have passed.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 22-Nov. 3
Where: Magic Gardens Museum, 1020 South St.
”You Are Welcome Here; I Saved a Chair for You” at William Way LGBT Center
Running through October, the exhibition will feature an inspiring collection of weavings and drawings by fiber artist Kathryn Pannepacker, whose practice centers on themes of community, connection, and inclusivity. In this new body of work, Pannepacker explores the recurring motif of chairs, symbols of gathering, connection, and community. What begins as intimate drawings evolves into expansive woven works, created on a loom through a meticulous, time-intensive process. Pannepacker’s practice also extends to the traditional craft of chair caning and the intricate weaving of rattan cane across chair seats and backs. The exhibition seeks to foster a spirit of radical inclusivity, offering a welcoming space where community can be built and sustained through free resources, art workshops, and community gatherings.
When: ends Thursday, Oct. 23
Where: William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
”El Bloque de Oro” mural dedication
Mural Arts, in partnership with HACE, developed artistic storefront enhancements along North 5th Street’s “El Bloque de Oro,” a key commercial corridor for Philadelphia’s Latino community. Artist Henry Morales designed custom murals, signage, and other improvements for installation at three different properties. The artist engaged with two senior living facilities in the area and six different business owners along the 2700 block of N. 5th Street to gather input, which included conversations about the neighborhood’s history, personal immigration stories, and each person’s national origin. From these conversations, the artist developed designs that include the national flowers, historically significant patterns, and quotes from the business owners. Each design is a unique composition that is custom-made for each business. Together, they tell the story of countless individuals who continue to uplift and underscore the historical importance of Philadelphia’s Latino community.
When: Friday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
”Receipts: We Have Them” at the Painted Bride
Curated by Andrea Walls of the Museum of Black Joy, a group photography exhibition and visual archive offering a powerful meditation on the creative labor, joy, and resistance that shape Black cultural life in Philadelphia. “Receipts” features work by Ursula McCarthy, Ken McFarlane, Terrell Halsey, Tash Billington, Jorden Di’lean, and Koren Martin. Framing the generational wisdom of Black Philadelphia, the exhibition reveals culture not as ornament, but as architecture, foundational, instructive, and enduring. Mirroring the Bride’s “Proof of Life” season theme, the show presents textured images as testimony, evidence of brilliance embedded in everyday Black life. Rather than documenting crisis, “Receipts” honors the beauty, memory, and meaning alive in daily rituals of care, creativity, and survival. The show reaffirms the Painted Bride’s commitment to grounded, expansive, and people-powered visual storytelling.
When: through Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Painted Bride Art Center, 4029 Cambridge St.
Lansdowne Farmers Market
The 18th season of the Lansdowne Farmers Market features the borough’s first-ever fully themed summer lineup. The new program is designed not only to nourish our bodies but also to strengthen community connections and promote mental well-being. Following a successful winter pilot and the buzz-worthy Egg-nostic Egg Hunt, the market will now feature a unique theme every Saturday including Pride, Juneteenth, Classic Cars, Food Truck Day, International Blues Day, and more. Each week, visitors will find live music, fresh local food, artisan vendors, and interactive nonprofit and community partners offering a welcoming space to connect, decompress, and celebrate together. Themed programming is part of a broader effort by the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation to create consistent, joyful experiences that support emotional wellness and reduce social isolation—an urgent public health need.
When: ends Saturday, Oct. 25 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Veterans Landing, 30 N. Lansdowne Ave.
East Passyunk Fall Fest
South Philly’s most beloved Halloween tradition is back and bigger than ever! On Saturday, the East Passyunk Fall Fest returns for its 13th year transforming East Passyunk Avenue into a festive, family-friendly block party filled with 110+ artists and makers, live music, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, dog and costume contests, and seasonal eats and drinks. The festival is free to attend, pay as you go.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue from Morris to Dickinson streets
17th annual Kensington Kinetic Derby & Arts Festival
The 17th annual Kensington Kinetic Derby and Arts Festival moves from spring to fall this year. For one unforgettable day, Frankford Avenue will transform into a vibrant corridor of art, music and human-powered spectacle. Neighbors and visitors can enjoy a no charge celebration of local creativity, highlighted by the festival’s signature grand finale, the legendary mud pit. Watch daring teams parade their no-motor, human-powered vehicles down Frankford Avenue and into the famed mud pit on Hagert Street. This year features a brand-new kids-only ride through the mud for extra thrills. Returning favorites will include dozens of food trucks, nearly 100 vendors and artists, DJs, local merchant specials and family fun.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 from 12-8 p.m.
Where: Frankford Avenue from Sergeant Street to York Street
Trick or Treating on the Hill
Families are invited to don their favorite costumes and stroll along Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike for a fun-filled afternoon of trick-or-treating. Participating businesses will be handing out candy and other festive treats throughout the day. Be sure to look for shops and restaurants displaying a “Treats Here” poster to discover even more seasonal goodies. In addition, select businesses are taking part in the Teal Pumpkin Project, an initiative by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). Trick-or-treaters carrying a teal pumpkin will be easily recognized as children with food allergies and can visit participating businesses offering allergy-friendly treats alongside traditional candy options. This ensures a safe, inclusive, and fun Halloween experience for all families.
When: Saturday, Oct. 26 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: 8600 to 8600 Blocks of Germantown Avenue
Fall Flower Arranging Workshop
This hands-on class led by Andalusia’s Senior Horticulturist Stephanie Harold will allow participants to create an autumn-inspired floral arrangement using a pumpkin as their vessel. This is a “make it and take it” experience, allowing guests to design their very own fall centerpiece to take home and display. The workshop is limited to 12 participants and will be one hour long. Tickets required.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Where: Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum, 1237 State Rd., Andalusia, PA 19020
Tasha & Naomi Live in Concert
Join powerhouse duo Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Naomi Raine for an unforgettable live concert experience this fall and be reminded that God’s promises are already at work. Hear favorites like Leonard’s “Break Every Chain,” “You Know My Name,” and new songs from her album TASHA, along with Raine’s “No Longer Bound,” “The Story I’ll Tell,” and more. Special guests Dr. Jackie Greene and Kobe Campbell will add powerful moments of encouragement and inspiration throughout the worship experience. Whether you’re seeking restoration, breakthrough, or just want to worship with thousands of others, this night was made for you.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
The Bald Brothers: KevOn Stage and Tony Baker
Comedy duo, actors, and viral sensations the Bald Brothers KevOnStage and Tony Baker bring their North American tour to Philadelphia. Tony Baker is a stand-up comedian, actor, and social media personality celebrated for his unique brand of humor and style. Raised in Chicago, Baker discovered his passion for performance during college, eventually transitioning from theater to stand-up comedy. Kevin Fredericks — aka KevOnStage — is an actor, stand-up comedian, entrepreneur, podcast developer/host, content creator, author, influencer, and filmmaker. As a prolific creator, his content has hundreds of millions of cumulative views across all platforms with strong engaged followings Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and more.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.
Peter Richard Conte and the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass
The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, a 10-piece brass ensemble whose playing is “so compelling nothing else really mattered’ (The Philadelphia Inquirer), joins legendary organist Peter Richard Conte, Wanamaker Grand Court Organist, for an innovative concert featuring everything from Bach to Bourbon Street. The concert will feature conductor Andrew Ennis, with music arranged by Ennis and James Bettencourt.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Where: Wanamaker Building, 100 E. Penn Sq.
Boo at the Zoo
The Zoo’s annual Halloween extravaganza, Boo at the Zoo, is back for three fun-filled weekends of costumes, festive fall treats, and ghoulish fun. Gather your ghosts and goblins, put on your favorite costume, bring a bag, and trick-or-treat throughout the Zoo. Be sure to visit all our animal exhibits to see who might be munching on pumpkins or playing with Halloween-themed enrichment! Enjoy seasonal décor, photo opportunities, festive fall offerings, fun children’s activities, and more. Halloween costumes with toy guns and weapons and adult masks are prohibited.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.
Chew Playground mural dedication
This long-awaited new mural at Chew Playground in the Point Breeze community is a collaboration between colorist Calo Rosa, whose designs feature beautiful patterns and vibrant colors, and Gabe Tiberino, who has designed and painted many portraits of community members who have contributed to the center over the years. The mural features tribute portraits of Charles Chew, Miss Dot Perrine, Karen Harris, Darryl Coates and the Sigma Sharks, Kenyatta Bey, participants in the Point Breeze Youth Development Basketball League, Council President Kenyatta Johnson, and PA Congressman Jordan A. Harris. The mural also spotlights the many children who use this recreation center and playground regularly.
When: Sunday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Chew Playground, 1800 Washington Ave.
Dale Elliott Jr. comes to Philly
Actor and comedian Dale Elliott Jr. brings his Son of an Immigrant World Tour to Philadelphia. At just 28 years old, Jamaican-born, Los Angeles-based Dale Elliott Jr. has emerged as one of comedy’s most compelling new voices. Following Jamaica’s storied tradition of cultural impact in music and athletics, Elliott stands to be the island’s next major cultural export, bringing Caribbean comedy to global audiences with the same breakthrough force. After eight years of being a household name in the Caribbean diaspora for his Instagram and Tik-Tok skits, Elliott began stand-up in 2023 with his “Problem Child: Bad Pickney Tour”. In 2024, headlined a self-produced “No Hard Feelings” tour with over 40+ shows across USA, UK, and Canada, with multiple sold-out performances.
When: Sunday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
34th Philadelphia Film Festival
The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is proud to present the 34th Philadelphia Film Festival (PFF). his year’s Festival will offer in-person screenings at all PFS venues, including the newly remodeled, state-of-the-art Philadelphia Film Center, which reopens as the heart of the Festival after a transformative renovation. Audiences can also experience the excitement of the Festival at the Film Society Bourse and Film Society East, vibrant venues operated by PFS. The program for the 34th edition encompasses an array of extraordinary films. The festival will open on Thursday with “Wake Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”; in the newest installment of the “Knives Out” franchise, Benoit Blanc returns for his most dangerous case yet. The Closing Night film, “Sentimental Value,” is a complex family drama with powerful performances. Screenings for the 34th Philadelphia Film Festival will take place exclusively at Philadelphia Film Society venues.
When: ends Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: Three locations: Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut St.; Film Society Bourse, 400 Ranstead St.; and Film Society East, 125 S. 2nd St.
”Falsettos”
Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company is thrilled to open its 2025/26 season with the Tony Award-winning musical “Falsettos.” Directed by Kevin Glaccum, “Falsettos” is a poignant and deeply human story about love, family, and the beautifully unconventional ways we choose to define them. “Falsettos,” told entirely through William Finn’s brilliant music and lyrics, tells the story of Marvin, navigating life after leaving his wife, Trina, and son, Jason, to be with his lover, Whizzer. Set in the early 80s, the play explores the humor, heartbreak, and complexity of finding connection in a world shadowed by the emerging AIDS crisis. Audiences will get introduced to other characters like Cordelia, Mendel, and Dr. Charlotte, who, amidst the chaos, form new bonds and redefine what family can be.
When: ends Sunday, Oct. 26
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
”Fly Me to the Moon” by Marie Jones
Northern Irish playwright Marie Jones brings her signature wit to a comedy set in Ireland, where the everyday collides with the absurd. Two cash-strapped community care workers, Francis and Loretta are on their way to another routine visit to their patient, Davey McGee, a lonely man dedicated to his newspaper, horse races, and memories of Frank Sinatra. The day takes an unexpected turn for poor Davey, as Jones spins a sharply funny tale exploring what happens when ordinary people are tempted with extraordinary (if not slightly outrageous) opportunities.
When: through Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media, PA 19063
Lincoln Mill Haunted House
Three years ago Hurricane Ida devastated the region and shuttered the famous Mad River in Manayunk. The building owner has joined forces with a local artist and designer to take back the story and debut Philadelphia’s scariest and largest new haunted house — and they are back for season four in 2025! After sold out haunts for Valentine’s, St. Paddy’s and May the 4th inspired Haunted House, the region’s most buzzed about and story-driven Haunted House returns for Spooky SZN. Lincoln Mill Haunted House will open for six weekends this year. Lincoln Mill will feature over 40 live scare-actors, production quality sets, props, animatronics, and special effects such as fog, strobes, and flashing lights. The attraction is intended to be very scary. In fact, the owners want it to be the scariest haunted house in the greater Philadelphia region. For those that aren’t into very scary attractions, there will be a more family-oriented event on select Saturdays during the daytime. Tickets are required,
When: through Sunday, Nov. 2
Where: Lincoln Mill Haunted House, 4100 Main St.
”FIRE!!”
In 1927, FIRE!!, a quarterly magazine “Devoted to Younger Negro Artists” was published in Harlem and changed the future of American literature. Including illustrations, poems, essays, short stories, and plays, FIRE!! was the first all-Black magazine, by a young group of writers and artists, including Wallace Thurman, Zora Neale Hurston, Aaron Douglas, John P. Davis, Richard Bruce Nugent, Gwendolyn Bennett, Lewis Grandison Alexander, Countee Cullen, and Langston Hughes. This theatrical happening will weave together the lives of legendary giants as they speak their incendiary stories, make explosive music, dance, debate, collaborate, and celebrate their work from FIRE!!
When: through Sunday, Nov. 2
Where: Quintessence at The Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave.
”Relics” by Wendy Chidester
This extraordinary body of work explores the beauty and reverence of once-iconic machines — antique typewriters, movie and slide projectors, vintage cameras, chord phones, gumball machines. Now, all relics of the past, replaced and often forgotten, these machines were once a part of daily life, symbols of progress and innovation that today exist mostly in attics, museums, and memory. In the age of smartphones and computers, AI and wireless technology, the featured imagery of the exhibition ‘RELICS’ draws nostalgically on a bygone era when life felt slower and less complicated. The historic symbolism of this exhibition is profoundly enhanced by the exquisite technical rendering of each machine by artist Wendy Chidester. Using oil on canvas in a contemporary realist style, the paintings have a velvet-like quality, a smoothness that further elevates each object with a quiet dignity as if an isolated royal relic or respected cultural icon.
When: through Friday, Nov. 7
Where: Morton Contemporary Gallery, 115 S. 13th St.
”Clay as Care” at the Clay Studio
The relationship between ceramic art and health is examined through an exhibition, scientific research, a publication, and public programs. The project considers ways in which care manifests in ceramic art and how viewing art and working with clay can promote personal and communal health. The exhibition features artists whose practices address healing, rest, and resilience, including Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Pew Fellow Adebunmi Gbadebo, Ehren Tool, and Maia Chao. Co-Curators Jennifer Zwilling and Nicole Pollard will work closely with The Clay Studio Exhibition Council, partners in the health research field, and the four lead artists to create an exhibition and space that reflects the values of care that we see as inherent in the act of making art with clay.
When: through Wednesday, Dec. 31
Where: The Clay Studio, 1425 N. American St.
”To Provide a Naval Armament: U.S. Navy & Marine Corps History, 1775 – 1958”
Philadelphia gave birth to the U.S. Navy twice — first in 1775 and again in 1794. The later Navy reflected the young nation: ships designed by Quakers, built in shipyards along the East Coast with wood harvested by enslaved people, led by white officers, and crewed by a diverse mix of nationalities, ethnicities, and religions. The Marines of both eras laid the foundation for one of the world’s elite fighting forces. While prominent Philadelphians appear in naval history, the story also lives in the letters and journals of sailors, surgeons, and shipyard workers. In partnership with Homecoming 250, “To Provide a Naval Armament:” U.S. Navy & Marine Corps History, 1775–1958 explores the Navy and Marine Corps through the Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s collections, tracing their evolution from the American Revolution to the early Cold War, all while remaining anchored in Philadelphia.
When: through Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
”Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets” at the Barnes
This fall, the Barnes Foundation will present Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets, a landmark exhibition of paintings by the self-taught artist Henri Rousseau (1844–1910), featuring works from the Barnes collection and museums around the world. With 18 paintings by Rousseau, the Barnes is home to the world’s largest collection of works by the artist, and the Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris, with 11, is home to the second largest collection. This exhibition brings together these important collections, providing an unprecedented opportunity to see works that the French art dealer Paul Guillaume either owned — now in the Orangerie’s collection — or sold to Dr. Barnes. Some of these paintings will be reunited for the first time in more than 100 years, while others have never been exhibited together.
When: through Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
“Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade” at Brandywine
“Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade” will survey the first decade of the career of Baltimore artist Jerrell Gibbs (b. 1988). His dynamic, large-scale figurative paintings of family, friends and community focus on everyday scenes of Black life, transforming them into monumental moments that highlight the universal themes of identity, reflection and belonging. Organized by the Brandywine, this project will mark the artist’s first solo museum exhibition and first monographic publication — and is also the Museum’s first solo presentation of an emerging contemporary artist. The exhibition will feature 30 paintings drawn from both museum and private collections throughout the United States and Europe.
When: through Sunday, March 1
Where: Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317
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