Delaware<\/p>\n
Blank Pages<\/p>\n
Blank Pages<\/a>, the alt-pop rock band from Newark, Delaware, returns to The Crown at The Queen<\/a> with their classic rock riffs and sharp musicianship laced with humor. Frontman Dominic \u201cDom\u201d Wayne channels Black Sabbath and Metallica, while bandmate Nik Mulrine adds in his background in piano, choir and marching band, and Drew Cook infuses retro \u201850s and \u201960s rock & roll vibes. Known for mixing originals like \u201cNights and Days\u201d and \u201cIn the Basement\u201d with popular rock covers, Blank Pages has earned a reputation for sets where the banter is as entertaining as the music itself.\n<\/p>\n \u2018Spinner\u2019<\/p>\n Hall of Fame sportswriter and radio personality Ray Didinger\u2019s latest play, \u201cSpinner,\u201d makes its world premiere at the Delaware Theater Company. <\/a>\u00a0It follows his autobiographical 2016 play \u201cTommy and Me,\u201d inspired by his friendship with Eagles Hall of Famer Tommy McDonald. \u201cSpinner\u201d is based on the true story<\/a> of former Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins player Brian \u201cSpinner\u201d Spencer and the tragic events that unfolded in 1970. The play examines themes of generational trauma, mental health and how triumph and tragedy can often coexist.\n<\/p>\n New Jersey<\/p>\n XPoNential Music Festival The XPoNential Music Festival<\/a>, presented by WXPN, has been a staple of the Philadelphia music scene for over 30 years. Held on the Camden waterfront, it showcases a diverse lineup of artists featuring both established acts and emerging talent. This year\u2019s headliners include the iconic \u201870s band War<\/a>, indie rockers Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory<\/a> and singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett<\/a>. Other notable performers are Greensky Bluegrass<\/a>, Soccer Mommy<\/a> and Preservation Hall Jazz Band<\/a>. Attendees can enjoy performances on multiple stages, explore a craft village and participate in various activities.\n<\/p>\n Medford Oktoberfest<\/p>\n It\u2019s not October just yet, but Oktoberfest season is already here. The South Jersey version<\/a> is a lively two-day celebration of music, food and Bavarian culture, with three stages featuring acts including local country duo Williams Honor,<\/a> soul-funk band Des & The Swagmatics,<\/a> rockers Nik Greeley & The Operators<\/a>, Jersey singer-songwriter Bobby Mahoney <\/a>and local faves Quaker City String Band<\/a> and The Blues Reincarnation Project<\/a>. Beyond the music, festivalgoers can cheer on competitors in the steinholding championship and the bratwurst-eating contest, or join in on cornhole or the trivia tournament. Other activities include German dance lessons, artisan vendors, food trucks and a kids\u2019 zone.\n<\/p>\n Special Events<\/p>\n Fall Festivals Roundup<\/p>\n Saturday<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n Hellerick\u2019s Adventure Farm Fall Festival<\/a>: More than 40 family-friendly activities, including wagon rides, a corn maze and a tractor tire playground.\n<\/p>\n Conshohocken FunFest<\/a>: Six-block neighborhood fest that includes music, food and a kids\u2019 zone.\n<\/p>\n Shady Brook Farm Fall Fest<\/a>: Fall-themed activities at the popular suburban farm.\n<\/p>\n Upper Darby International Festival<\/a>: The borough\u2019s annual celebration of the diverse international cultures that make up the area.\n<\/p>\n We Are The Seeds Philly<\/a>: The two-day Native American festival includes a pow-wow.\n<\/p>\n Sunday<\/strong>\n<\/p>\n Mt. Airy Village Fair<\/a>: Neighborhood fest includes food, artisan vendors and kids\u2019 activities.\n<\/p>\n The Philly Show<\/p>\n Diehard sports fans love to collect the memorabilia associated with their favorite team. The Philly Show<\/a> provides that opportunity, spanning over 140,000 square feet and featuring hundreds of dealer booths covering vintage and modern collectibles. The show includes grading\/authentication services from major companies, car trading, kid-friendly raffle games and giveaways. And what would memorabilia be without stars to sign it? Confirmed appearances include Wade Boggs, Andre Dawson, Steve Garvey, Von Hayes, Reggie Jackson, John Kruk, Tony La Russa, Bill Madlock, Terry Mulholland, Fletcher Cox, Ricky Williams, Warren Moon and members of the casts from \u201cThe Sandlot\u201d and \u201cThe Mighty Ducks.\u201d\n<\/p>\n The Clay Studio Mud Ball 2025<\/p>\n The Clay Studio\u2019s annual Mud Ball<\/a> brings together art lovers and the community to support its mission of expanding access to ceramic arts. This year\u2019s fundraiser offers several ticket options: a VIP package with early entry, champagne and hors d\u2019oeuvres; an evening ticket that includes cocktails, light fare, dessert, dancing and a special gift; and a late-night option for dessert, drinks and dancing only. Guests can also take part in a silent auction featuring donated artworks and a raffle with one-of-a-kind experiences. Proceeds benefit the Claymobile<\/a>, which provides art education to more than 5,000 children and adults in under-resourced communities each year, as well as scholarships and artist residencies.\n<\/p>\n Halloween Nights<\/p>\n Philadelphia\u2019s immersive, seasonal festival<\/a> transforms the former prison\u2019s entire 10-acre complex into a haunted house attraction. Each area has its unique themes, and new this season are Dark Tides<\/a>, a deserted fishing village with lurking dangers, and Apocalypse Pass, an outdoor scare zone that mimics an uncontained outbreak. If you\u2019re a particularly thrill-seeking attendee, you can opt in for a glow necklace, signaling your willingness to be pulled into hidden passageways or separated from your group. The experience has been upgraded overall, and that extends to its themed bars and lounges, food vendors and \u201cscare-free\u201d offerings.\n<\/p>\n Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show<\/p>\n The 2025 edition<\/a> of the popular outdoor art gallery brings more than 140 juried artists<\/a> to one of Philadelphia\u2019s most historic public spaces, continuing a tradition that began in 1928. Visitors have a choice of multimedia works, including oil and acrylic painting, watercolor, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, pastel and drawing. An online map<\/a> means you can find the location of the artists of your choice. Along with the art, vendors provide food, flowers and other options for attendees. Once you\u2019re done shopping, if you make reservations early enough, you might be able to snag a seat at Borromini<\/a>, Rittenhouse Square\u2019s newest restaurant.\n<\/p>\n CollegeFest 2025<\/p>\n Hosted by Campus Philly, this citywide welcome event<\/a> is designed to help college students explore and experience Philadelphia\u2019s arts, culture and landmarks. Current college students and high school juniors and seniors gain free access to more than 25 museums, historic sites and attractions throughout the weekend, along with free rides on the Philly PHLASH shuttle and discounted Indego Bike Share passes. The main event is Saturday\u2019s Block Party with live music, food samples, giveaways and vendors, with exclusive deals from local retailers.\n<\/p>\n Arts & Culture<\/p>\n Theatre Roundup The Fringe Festival<\/a> continues through the end of the month, and new productions are opening outside of the festival. Here\u2019s a look at what\u2019s onstage this weekend\u2026 and beyond.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe Unexpected 3rd<\/a>\u201d: Theater artist Kathryn Grody <\/a>makes some discoveries about herself and life in her 70s during this one-woman show that runs through Oct. 26.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe Great American Soulbook<\/a>\u201d: The American Soul Band brings the last decades of R&B to life in this stage show that runs through Sept. 21.\n<\/p>\n \u201cPrimary Trust<\/a>\u201d: Playwright Eboni Booth<\/a> won a Pulitzer Prize for this play, which makes its Philly premiere this weekend and runs through the first week of October.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe Real Thing<\/a>\u201d: Tom Stoppard\u2019s renowned 1982 play comes to the Lantern Theatre Company, running through Oct. 5.\n<\/p>\n The Women\u2019s Film Festival<\/p>\n The 10-day Women\u2019s Film Festival<\/a> marks its 10th anniversary and its debut as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. The lineup features more than 100 films from around the world, all created by, for or about women, chosen through a highly competitive selection process. In addition to film screenings, the festival offers workshops, panels and networking opportunities. Local talent is highlighted through the Philly Philms<\/a> program, providing a platform for regional filmmakers. Venues include the Perelman Building at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Neighborhood House in Old City.\n<\/p>\n The Improvised Shakespeare Company<\/p>\n Call it freestyle Shakespeare. The Improvised Shakespeare Company builds its shows from scratch<\/a> based on audience suggestions \u2014 no scripts, no rehearsals, no predetermined plot, just spontaneous Shakespearean. Founded in Chicago in 2005, the troupe has become a globally acclaimed ensemble, appearing at major festivals and venues like the Kennedy Center, Bonnaroo, Just For Laughs, San Francisco Sketchfest and more. Named \u201cBest Improv Group\u201d by publications in Chicago and Los Angeles, they\u2019re known for both their comic brilliance and their reverence \u2014\u00a0and playful skewering \u2014 of iambic pentameter.\n<\/p>\n Chaos and Kisses: A Grand Opening Parade for Calder Gardens by Arto Lindsay The city\u2019s newest Parkway art space \u2014 but not museum, according to its founders<\/a> \u2014 Calder Gardens, kicks off its grand opening weekend<\/a> with Chaos and Kisses, a parade honoring the legacy of Philadelphia native Alexander Calder,<\/a> the sculptor who became best known for his mobile creations. Conceived by artist and musician Arto Lindsay<\/a>, the parade features performances by Philadelphia-based artists, including Pig Iron Theatre<\/a>, Almanac Dance Circus Theatre<\/a>, Mad Beatz Philly<\/a>, PHonk!<\/a> and a free concert by Sun Ra Arkestra<\/a>. Calder Gardens opens officially on Sunday. Parade attendees can win passes to visit the innovative space honoring Calder\u2019s continuing influence on contemporary art.\n<\/p>\n Shepard Fairey\u2019s Uplift Justice Mural Dedication<\/p>\n Shepard Fairey<\/a>, the renowned street artist behind Barack Obama\u2019s \u201cHope\u201d poster, unveils his latest large-scale mural, Uplift Justice, in Philadelphia with a ceremony open to the public<\/a>. Located at 1421 Arch St., the mural is a call for justice, featuring the perturbed gaze of an ethnically ambiguous woman looking up at the scales of justice and the Liberty Bell. This installation not only marks a new addition to Philadelphia\u2019s public art landscape, but it also reflects the shared ideals the city will celebrate during the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.\n<\/p>\n The Third Annual Phoenixville Film Festival<\/p>\n The historic Colonial Theatre is host to the Phoenixville Film Festival<\/a>, now in its third year. The four-day event showcases a diverse lineup of films, including a few world and U.S. premieres. Aside from the more than 50 films playing over four days, attendees can enjoy a variety of screenings, participate in filmmaker panels and workshops and attend after-parties and an awards ceremony.\n<\/p>\n Kids<\/p>\n West Park Family Field Day<\/p>\n The free, all-ages event<\/a> hosted by the Fairmount Park Conservancy<\/a> offers a variety of youth sports activities, including soccer, flag football, rowing and \u201cLearn to Ride\u201d classes. The event also features music, prizes, free face painting and pay-as-you-go food trucks. Advance registration is recommended. This event is in partnership with several organizations, including Philadelphia Parks & Rec<\/a>, Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative<\/a> and Centennial Parkside Community Development Corporation<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Food & Drink<\/p>\n Ninth Annual South Philly Sausage Fest<\/p>\n The South Philly Sausage Fest<\/a> is a free, family and dog-friendly community celebration highlighting food, local brews, live music, artisans and more. Expect offerings from sausage masters like Dietz & Watson, plus plenty of BBQ, dessert, pretzels and other local street eats. Breweries including Brewery ARS<\/a>, Cartesian Brewing<\/a>, Otto Distilling<\/a> and others will be pouring and craft vendors and makers will round out the day. The Philadelphia School of Rock<\/a> performs, while proceeds from drink ticket sales support Newbold Community Development Corporation\u2019s<\/a> Public Space Beautification program.\n<\/p>\n Outdoors<\/p>\n Fall Equinox & Meditation Walk<\/p>\n The fall season ushers in change, and Laurel Hill is using its verdant land to help people transition into the season with intention and reflection. Arboretum manager Aaron Greenberg, alongside energy guide and therapist Asia IrgangLaden<\/a>, will lead registrants on a guided walk<\/a>, pausing at points for short meditations focused on transformation. As trees change color and shed leaves, the walk is intended to be a contemplative space to tune inwards, observe change and take stock of what one has and what one might need in this coming season.\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n Comedy<\/p>\n John Mulaney: Mister Whatever Tour<\/p>\n John Mulaney<\/a> returns to the stand-up stage with a 51-date North American run<\/a>. The tour follows the success of his 2023 Netflix special \u201cBaby J,\u201d<\/a> which earned him an Emmy award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. Aside from the tour, Mulaney hosts and executive produces the live variety show \u201cEverybody\u2019s Live with John Mulaney\u201d <\/a>on Netflix, performed on Broadway in \u201cAll In: Comedy About Love\u201d with Fred Armisen and Renee Elise Goldsberry and appeared on the hit FX show \u201cThe Bear.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Adam Sandler: You\u2019re My Best Friend Tour<\/p>\n Brooklyn native Adam Sandler spent time in Philly a few years back filming his Netflix basketball drama, \u201cHustle.<\/a>\u201d This year, he\u2019s back headlining the You\u2019re My Best Friend Tour<\/a>. His material should be fresh, as the 30-date tour kicked off in Florida less than two weeks ago. Sandler first gained national attention as a cast member on \u201cSaturday Night Live\u201d in the early \u201890s and has since become one of the most popular comic actors of his time. His more recent projects include the Netflix film \u201cHappy Gilmore 2,\u201d which set a new record<\/a> for the biggest U.S. opening weekend for a Netflix film, generating 46.7 million views within just three days of its July 25 release.\n<\/p>\n Nikki Glaser: Alive and Unwell Tour Nikki Glaser<\/a>\u2019s 2024 HBO special \u201cSomeday You\u2019ll Die\u201d<\/a> saw the biggest streaming audience for a comedy special in HBO Max history. That same year, she stole the show at the profane Netflix Tom Brady roast. After making history as the first woman to host the Golden Globes solo this year, Glaser embarked on her tour, which started in January and has gone for more than 100 dates worldwide. <\/a>It stops in Philly for three shows<\/a> this weekend. Next up: hosting another Golden Globes ceremony in 2026<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Music<\/p>\n Montco Jazz Fest<\/p>\n Now in its fourth year, curated by vocalist Joanna Pascale<\/a>, the suburban celebration of jazz<\/a> features over 30 concerts, workshops, brunches and special performances at over 20 venues. 2025 highlights include Najwa Parkins at Stave and Stable<\/a> in Pottstown; Pascale\u2019s own showcase<\/a>; the Junior Jazz Festival<\/a>, a Women in Jazz party<\/a> featuring the Maria Marmarou Trio<\/a>, the Olivia Hughart Group<\/a> and a tribute to Nina Simone by Carol Riddick<\/a> with Gerald Veasley<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Making Time Music Festival Founded by local DJ and promoter Dave Pianka<\/a>, also known as Dave P., Making Time is an EDM festival<\/a> held annually at Fort Mifflin. The 2025 edition features over 120 artists in three days, including Four Tet<\/a>, Panda Bear<\/a>, Moodymann<\/a>, Boy Harsher<\/a> and Avalon Emerson<\/a>, among others. The festival showcases a diverse range of genres, from techno and house to ambient and experimental. In addition to the music, the event encourages a holistic experience, with curated food offerings and art installations. Read more about the fest here<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Alabama Shakes<\/p>\n The Grammy-winning rock band from Athens, Alabama, fronted by powerhouse vocalist Brittany Howard<\/a>, with guitarist Heath Fogg and bassist Zac Cockrell, Alabama Shakes are back on stage<\/a> after an eight-year hiatus. Formed in 2009, the band gained widespread acclaim with their 2012 debut album \u201cBoys & Girls,\u201d<\/a> featuring the hit single \u201cHold On.\u201d Their 2015 follow-up, \u201cSound & Color,\u201d<\/a> debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won three Grammy Awards. Howard took time off to release two solo albums, but in December 2024, the band reunited for a surprise performance. Last month, they released a new single, \u201cAnother Life.\u201d<\/a>\n<\/p>\n Bilal<\/p>\n Philly\u2019s own Bilal brings his soulful sound back home to City Winery Philadelphia for an intimate performance<\/a> that showcases his rich voice and eclectic style. A founding member of the neo-soul movement, his 2024 album, \u201cAdjust Brightness,\u201d<\/a> featured 11 new tracks. That same year, he also recorded \u201cLive At Glasshaus\u201d<\/a> with Common, Questlove and Robert Glasper. Bilal earned a Grammy for the song \u201cThese Walls\u201d from Kendrick Lamar\u2019s acclaimed third album \u201cTo Pimp a Butterfly.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Glenn Bryan and Friends<\/p>\n Classically trained keyboardist Glenn Bryan brings his dynamic blend of jazz, Latin and world music to the West Philadelphia Thursday Night Heritage Jazz Series<\/a>. With over three decades as a working artist, Bryan has collaborated with jazz stalwarts, including Carlos Santana and Grover Washington Jr. known for his improvisational prowess and engaging stage presence. Bryan\u2019s performances are a testament to his deep-rooted connection to Philadelphia\u2019s jazz scene.\n<\/p>\n The Lumineers: Automatic World Tour<\/p>\n Launched in July, this tour is in support of the band\u2019s fifth studio album, \u201cAutomatic,\u201d<\/a> which was released earlier this year. The album\u2019s lead single, \u201cSame Old Song,\u201d captures the band\u2019s signature sound. Since they got started 20 years ago, The Lumineers<\/a> have generated 6 billion streams over five releases, sold 1.5 million albums and earned two Grammy nominations. They\u2019ve also sold out arenas, amphitheaters and stadiums across the globe. This weekend, they\u2019re in Philly<\/a> at Citizens Bank Park.\n<\/p>\n Kali Uchis: The Sincerely, Tour<\/p>\n Latin pop star Kali Uchis heads to Philly in support <\/a>of her fifth studio album, \u201cSincerely,\u201d which was released in May. Notable singles include \u201cSunshine & Rain\u2026\u201d and \u201cILYSMIH,\u201d tracks that reference the loss of her mother and the birth of her son. Throughout her career, Uchis hasn\u2019t let one genre define her, collaborating with hip-hop artist Tyler, the Creator and EDM\/soul producer Kaytranada, winning a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording for their collaboration, \u201c10%\u201d<\/a>. Joining her on tour is chilled-out soulful trio Thee Sacred Souls<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Freddie Gibbs: Alfredo The Tour<\/p>\n Gary, Indiana, has been best known as the hometown of the Jackson family, and we know how that turned out. Next to them, rapper Freddie Gibbs<\/a> is the most accomplished contemporary musician from the once-thriving industrial city. He and longtime collaborator The Alchemist<\/a> open up their multi-date U.S. tour in Philly<\/a> after releasing their joint album \u201cAlfredo 2\u201d<\/a> in July. It\u2019s the sequel to their critically acclaimed 2020 album \u201cAlfredo,\u201d <\/a>\u00a0featuring standout guest verses from Anderson .Paak, Larry June and JID. Known for collaborations with hip-hop heavyweights like Madlib<\/a> and Conway the Machine<\/a>, Gibbs continues to push boundaries and deepen his legacy.\n<\/p>\n \u2018Il viaggio a Reims\u2019<\/p>\n Opera Philadelphia begins its 50th anniversary season<\/a> with Gioachino Rossini<\/a>\u2018s \u201cIl viaggio a Reims,\u201d which is viewed as one of his best works. Originally composed for the coronation of King Charles X in 1825, the opera was only performed four times, then largely forgotten until its score was reconstructed and revived in 1984. With a libretto by Luigi Balocchi<\/a>, it\u2019s a satirical tale of European aristocrats stranded at a luxury inn on their way to Reims, their plans derailed by a lack of horses. In this contemporary adaptation directed by Olivier Award-winner Damiano Michieletto<\/a>, the setting is reimagined as a present-day art museum preparing to open an exhibition. Music Director Corrado Rovaris<\/a> leads a stellar cast, including sopranos Brenda Rae<\/a> and Lindsey Reynolds<\/a>, baritone Daniel Belcher<\/a> and tenor Alasdair Kent<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n The Jazz Room: A Journey To The Heart of New Orleans<\/p>\n
\n![\"fans](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/xponential-2024-09-22-31.jpg\")
Grace Bowers and her band The Hodge Podge, shredded under a bright Sunday sun at the XPoNential Music Festival in Camden. (Cory Sharber\/WHYY)<\/p>\n\n
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Megan Bridge performs \u201dBeautiful Human Lies: Chapter 4\u201d for the 2025 Fringe Festival. (Emma Lee\/WHYY)<\/p>\n\n
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Alexander Calder\u2019s \u201dJerusalem Stabile II\u201d (1976) is positioned in the Open Plan Gallery at Calder Gardens, surrounded by mobiles and bathed in natural light. (Emma Lee\/WHYY)<\/p>\n\n
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\n![\"Nikki](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nikki-glaser-2025-09-07.jpg\")
Nikki Glaser introduces a performance by Tate McRae during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. (Photo by Charles Sykes\/Invision\/AP)<\/p>\n\n
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\n![\"DJ](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/dave-pianka-cs-051825.jpeg\")
DJ and Making Time founder Dave Pianka created the \u201cmusic festival that I wanted to go\u201d five years ago using his 25 years of experience booking shows and getting concertgoers to \u201cchoose transcendence.\u201d (Courtesy of Making Time)<\/p>\n\n