Love Philly? So do we. Let’s be friends. Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today.
🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🎭 Philly Fringe Fest guide
🍁 Fall festivals guide
🍓 Farmers market guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🥕 CSA farmshare guide
☕ Philly coffee shop guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
NOTE: This list will be updated throughout the week.
Monday, September 14
With Liberty and Justice…for a Few : An illustrated lecture by Thomas H. Keels – (6 p.m.)
Learn how the Sesqui, the 1926 celebration of America’s 150th birthday in South Philly, became an unwitting battleground for many of the social struggles convulsing America in the 1920s. Wealthy and socially prominent women played a crucial role resulting in the Sesqui kickstarting the historic preservation movement. The Sesqui also saw the entry of Irish Catholics into the city’s power structure. Meanwhile Jews and Black people did not get the recognition they deserved for their contributions to Sesqui. At the same time, fair planners and city fathers prepared to welcome 100,000 Ku Klux Klan members for a public march and cross burning. Learn about all this and more. At Parkway Central Library.
Tuesday, September 15
Bridging Blocks | Environmental Injustice: Who Bears the Burden? – (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Environmental Justice is the principle that everyone, regardless of race, color, culture, national origin, income, and educational levels, deserves equal protection from environmental hazards and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their communities. What are the next steps in addressing environmental challenges? What responsibilities do governments, institutions, and individuals have in protecting the environment and public health? How can communities participate meaningfully. This is a facilitated community conversation in which attendees will engage directly with one another in a moderated setting. FREE. At 1905 Locust Street.
Physical Media Swap – (7 to 9 p.m.)
Come out to Green Line and swap with your neighbors! Enjoy a special surprise VHS screening by VHS Club! All remaining eligible books will be donated to Books Through Bars Philly, plus leftover talkies will be offered to Little Movie Store’s upcoming library. FREE.
Wednesday, September 16
The Vibrary: Imprint Your West Philly Story with Yannick Lowery – (1 to 4 p.m.)
What people, places, and memories make West Philly feel like home? Join artist Yannick Lowery for a hands-on cyanotype workshop celebrating West Philly memories and East Parkside friends and neighbors. Using light and photographic printmaking, you’ll create your own cyanotype while contributing to something that will live beyond the afternoon. Images created during the workshop will help shape artwork for the Little Free Libraries coming to Painted Bride Project Space. No art-making experience is necessary. Bring your memories, your curiosity, and your perspective. FREE to RSVP.
Thursday, September 17
Spiral Q Puppet Karaoke Fundraiser – (6 to 10 p.m.)
Puppet Karaoke supports their year-round work with students, neighbors, and activists toward a more just and joyous Philadelphia. At Pentridge Station, 5116 Pentridge Street. $25 suggested donation; RSVP online.
Friday, September 18
Producers’ Forum: “The Great Experiment” by Stephen Maing and Eric Daniel Metzgar – (7 to 9 p.m.)
What holds a people together when the story they tell about themselves begins to fracture? The Great Experiment is an epic poem in documentary form – a mirror held to an American nation at war with its own reflection, asking not who is right, but whether the experiment itself can survive. Filmed in striking black and white across the US over four consequential years, from 2017 to 2021, the film considers the results of what George Washington once called “our last great experiment” in democracy. $8, General, $5 Students/Seniors, $4 for Scribe Members.
Saturday, September 19
20/20 Photo Festival Closing
A citywide celebration of contemporary photography brings together Philadelphia’s photographers through exhibitions, artist talks, workshops and a large-scale photo book fair. It’s centered at Cherry Street Pier but spread across galleries and creative spaces throughout the city, showcasing the work of 100+ emerging and established photographers. FREE.
Sunday, September 20
Open Streets: West Walnut – (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Open Streets once again converts Center City streets into car-free thruways across an eight-block span for its fall run. From Broad to 19th streets, and along 18th Street from Chestnut to Locust streets. 8 Sundays through October. FREE.
Through October
A People’s Exposition!
Join us for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on solutions that address our greatest challenges. At the Kensington Engagement Center.
Into November
Dia de los Muertos tribute to Isaiah Zagar
“Viviendo a través de la Muerte” will remain on view at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens through the Day of the Dead, Nov. 1, before closing on Nov. 8.
Roach Show – (5 to 8 p.m.)
Featuring roach-inspired roach-sized art by 30 local Philly artists, including sculpture, painting, mixed media, fiber art and bolo ties! At STITCH AND DESTROY, 523 S 4th Street. The exhibit ends November 1.