Philadelphia Open Studio Tours will throw open more than 150 artist studios and creative workplaces throughout the city on Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18 for free. The event spans more than 26 neighborhoods, inviting people to walk into spaces where artists create paintings, ceramics, photographs, mixed media works, and metalwork.
The self-guided tour allows people to use maps and craft their own path. Some might visit a handful of studios near their homes. Others could spend hours wandering through a different section of town, per Philly Voice.
The first weekend on Oct. 10-11 showcases studios west of Broad Street, covering Center City West, Chestnut Hill, and Mount Airy; East Falls, Roxborough, and Manayunk; Fairmount and Francisville; Germantown; and West Philadelphia.
On Oct. 17-18, the tour shifts east of Broad Street. Open studios dot Center City East, South Kensington, and Fishtown, North Philadelphia, Northern Liberties, Old City, Port Richmond, Northeast Philadelphia, Queen Village, Bella Vista, and South Philadelphia.
What people encounter depends on which doors they choose. Live demonstrations happen in some spaces. Hands-on workshops pop up in others. Exhibitions, artist talks, and receptions round out the weekend activities.
Red balloons and POST signs mark participating studios. Free printed tour directories arrive at participating locations and Free Library branches in mid-September.
Studios open from noon to 6 p.m. on all four dates. No set route exists.