Shaboozey comes to Philly
On Tuesday, GRAMMY®-winning, record-breaking singer-songwriter Shaboozey brings the Outlaws Never Die Tour to the Skyline Stage. Following its July 31 release, his new concept album The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales will come to life onstage alongside beloved hits as Shaboozey brings his lauded, high-energy show to Philly. “The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales” is a cinematic outlaw revenge story with a tragic love at its center. The Outlaws Never Die Tour marks Shaboozey’s return to solo dates after joining Jelly Roll as a special guest in Australia on the Down Under 2025 Tour, as well as criss-crossing America with a string of sold-out shows on his own Great American Roadshow tour last fall.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
For more than five decades, Jeff Goldblum has captivated audiences as one of entertainment’s most recognizable and versatile performers. From beloved films including “Jurassic Park,” “The Fly,” “The Big Chill,” “Independence Day,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel” to acclaimed television and stage performances, Goldblum has built a career defined by curiosity, creativity, and unmistakable charisma. Beyond acting, Goldblum directed the Academy Award-nominated short film “Little Surprises” and has produced projects for film and television, while his artistic interests have long extended into music — a lifelong passion of his. Goldblum formed The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra more than 30 years ago. Together, Goldblum and the ensemble have toured internationally, delighting audiences with vibrant interpretations of jazz standards and Great American Songbook classics. Their performances celebrate the improvisational nature of jazz while combining exceptional musicianship, engaging storytelling, and the spontaneity that makes every concert a unique experience.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 8 p.m.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
Orchestra After 5
Orchestra After 5, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s popular happy hour series that debuted in 2024 and earned a Best of Philly award from Philadelphia magazine for “Best Classical Outing,” returns with the first of three casual after-work concerts planned for the 2026-2027 Season. The series The Philadelphia Inquirer called “the freshest happy hour in town” begins its fourth season with a program starring conductor Dalia Stasevska alongside violinist Gil Shaham. The evening is designed to feel less like a formal night at the symphony and more like happy hour with an incredible soundtrack: guests can grab a drink beginning at 5:00 pm, mingle and explore Commonwealth Plaza before heading into a fast-paced, one-hour concert at 6:30 pm featuring live video close-ups of the musicians and on-screen content about the music.
When: Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5 p.m.
Where: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad St.
“UnRavelled” by Jake Broder
A powerful synthesis of theatre, music, science and visual art, “UnRavelled” explores the complexities of the human mind through the parallel lives of scientist-turned-painter Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel, both affected by frontotemporal dementia. With a cast of 10 actors and musicians, this East Coast premiere follows Adams, a gifted biologist whose life unravels as she abandons her career, consumed by the desire to paint and an obsession with Ravel’s iconic Boléro. As Adams’ cognitive decline accelerates, her art flourishes, revealing a surprising link between neurological disease and creativity. “An exquisite example of epic theatre” (Colorado Boulevard), “UnRavelled” sheds a new, empathetic light on dementia.
When: Thursday, Oct. 8-11
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
The 20th Annual Small Favors
The Clay Studio celebrates the 20th annual Small Favors, a popular exhibition challenging artists from around the world to create unique artworks in four-inch cubes. The 2026 exhibition celebrates two decades with its largest collection to date, featuring over 500 intricate artworks by 300 artists on display and for sale in The Clay Studio’s Jill Bonovitz Gallery. The popular exhibition includes works submitted by nationally known artists, similar to what they typically create, at a reduced scale or something entirely new and unique, alongside works by some of the best of Philadelphia’s up-and-coming artists. The 2026 collection features world-famous artists like Sergei Isupov, local legends like Roberto Lugo, and up-and-coming artists like Janina Myronova installed alongside talented emerging artists.
When: Thursday, Oct. 8-Jan. 3
Where: The Clay Studio Center for Innovation in Ceramic Art, 1425 North American St.
Bert Kreischer comes to Philly
Due to popular demand, renowned comedian Bert Kreischer brings his Permission To Party Tour to Philadelphia. Bert Kreischer’s career has evolved from Rolling Stone’s infamous “Number One Partier in the Nation” to one of the top-grossing stand-up comedians in the world — and a powerhouse entrepreneur, actor, producer, content creator, and entertainment brand. Named by Forbes as “one of the best storytellers of his generation,” Kreischer has parlayed his signature comedy and authenticity into a dynamic media empire. His sixth Netflix special, Lucky, filmed in his hometown of Tampa, FL, sold out all six shows within 24 hours of the on-sale and premiered in Netflix’s Top 10 Most Watched TV Shows in March 2025. Through Berty Boy Productions, Kreischer oversees hit podcasts and series including “Bertcast,” “Something’s Burning,” and “2 Bears, 1 Cave” (with Tom Segura), commanding over 16 million fans and 4 billion impressions. He also founded the Fully Loaded Comedy Festival, a touring juggernaut that’s expanded to stadiums, arenas, and sold-out cruises.
When: Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
Cipha Sounds comes to Philly
Comedian Cipha Sounds will be performing four stand-up shows at Punch Line Philly. Cipha is a New York comedian, host and creator, a regular at the Comedy Cellar, and currently tours nationally with his stand-up. He regularly performs with Dave Chappelle and Mo Amer and recently released his stand-up special Likablethrough Kevin Hart’s LOL! Network. Many people also know Cipha from his longtime career in radio and hip-hop, including HOT 97. As he continues building his stand-up career, he’s bringing many of those longtime listeners and fans along with him into comedy.
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
8th Annual 23rd Street Armory Oktoberfest
Back for the eighth Year, Brauhaus Schmitz transforms the 23rd St. Armory into a real deal Oktoberfest tent! Walking into the stone castle structure you will be transported to the Wies’n in Munich! Three sessions over two days is all this festival needs to bring the Oktoberfest experience to 4,000 lucky attendees. Hofbrau beer served in Liter Mass Glasses, Bratwurst, Roast Chicken, Pig Roast and 1000’s of Pretzels will keep you happy, hydrated and fed, while you dance the night away to live oom-pah bands, and traditional German dance performances around the 40 foot centerpiece! TIckets sell fast so don’t delay, get your group together and find your table now before it’s too late! Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit! This event has a reputation for being one of the biggest beer-drinking events to hit Philadelphia and one of the most authentic Oktoberfest parties in the United States. Experience what many call “The most Authentic Oktoberfest experience outside of Munich!”
Where: 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St.
Made in Philadelphia Fall Market
The Made in Philadelphia Fall Market celebrates its 10th Anniversary with its largest market to date. Look for over 80 vendors, artists and makers to take over Dilworth Park. Dozens of makers, crafters, artists, food vendors and small businesses from around the tri-state region will celebrate autumn in the city at this giant open-air marketplace. The anniversary edition will showcase a carefully curated selection of vendors offering handcrafted art, jewelry, skincare, home goods, clothing and accessories, photography, specialty foods, seasonal décor and more. Visitors can discover longtime market favorites alongside new businesses making their Made in Philadelphia Fall Market debut. Food vendors will round out the experience with a mix of sweet and savory offerings perfect for a crisp October weekend, giving guests plenty of opportunities to grab a bite while browsing the market. The anniversary weekend will offer even more reasons to spend the day at Dilworth Park. On Saturday, October 10, Center City District will host a special activation area featuring live music, seating and additional activities, creating a lively gathering space for visitors to relax and enjoy the fall atmosphere between shopping stops.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Philadelphia premiere of “Liberation” by Bess Wohl
The conversation didn’t end. It became the future. Before movements had hashtags, women gathered in living rooms and community halls to tell the truth about their lives. In LIBERATION, a group of women meets for a consciousness-raising circle in 1970s Ohio, discovering courage, conflict, and unexpected solidarity. Moving between past and present, this funny and deeply human play asks what those gatherings changed—and what still remains. This is where we gather.
Where: Philadelphia Theatre Company, 480 S. Broad St.
Children’s Halloween Spectacular
Get your costumes on and gather your little monsters for a morning of music, laughter, and mystical Halloween fun with The Philadelphia Orchestra. No Halloween is complete without music. Hear all the best seasonal favorites, from playful tunes to delightfully eerie classics, performed live by a full orchestra. With interactive moments, kid-friendly surprises, and plenty of chances to sing, dance, and celebrate, this festive concert is the perfect way to make magical Halloween memories together. From the haunting sounds of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor and Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” to music from “Coco,” “Harry Potter,” and “Ghostbusters,” this program brings some of Halloween’s most memorable music to life. With familiar favorites and orchestral thrills around every corner, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. Arrive early and enjoy crafts, the photo booth, and more pre-concert fun in Commonwealth Plaza beginning at 10:30 am.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Following its sold-out East Coast debut last year, 8 Seconds Rodeo returns to Philadelphia on October 10! The top Black rodeo athletes from across the country will compete in Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, and Mutton Bustin’ events for $60,000 in prize money. Doors open at 3pm for the ‘Git Down’ — enjoy community vendors, music, line dancing, roping lessons, and more before the rodeo officially begins.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad St.
Marcel Duchamp exhibit at PMA
The first major U.S. retrospective dedicated to Marcel Duchamp in more than 50 years, this exhibition will explore the range and arc of this artist’s illustrious career. Marcel Duchamp will feature a chronological display of more than 300 works of painting, sculpture, film, photography, printed matter, exhibition design, and the unclassifiable works known as readymades. It will present Duchamp’s most renowned creations, including two works only on view at the PMA, his magnum opus, The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (The Large Glass) and Étant donnés, Duchamp’s final major work in which he reflected upon his lifelong artistic obsessions.
When: Saturday, Oct. 10-Jan. 31-2027
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Fall for the Arts Festival
Chestnut Hill’s century-long connection to the arts will be on full display as the 42nd annual Fall for the Arts Festival returns, bringing more than 300 artists and vendors to Germantown Avenue for one of the neighborhood’s largest annual celebrations. The free, family-friendly festival will transform Germantown Avenue into an open-air arts destination showcasing painting, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and other handcrafted pieces. Festivalgoers will have opportunities to meet artists, purchase original work, watch live demonstrations, and participate in interactive arts experiences throughout the day. Attendees can expect 300+ artists and vendors showcasing original artwork and handcrafted pieces; Makers Village featuring artists, makers, and live demonstrations; interactive art experiences, workshops, and creative activities; and live music and entertainment throughout Germantown Avenue.
When: Sunday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 8000-8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue
Oktoberfest Hot Glass Experiences
Work one on one with a hot glass instructor to create your own piece of art from molten glass – choose between a pumpkin or a sleeping kitty. Ages 6 and up, no experience necessary. Pieces need 48 hours to cool, and participants need to return to the festival to pick up their work or to have it shipped directly, pay a shipping charge. Twenty-minute time slots are available every day of Oktoberfest starting at 5 p.m. on Fridays and noon Saturdays and Sundays. Please arrive 10 minutes before your time slot.
When: ends Sunday, Oct. 11
Where: ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015
CityPickle at Dilworth Park
CityPickle is returning to Philadelphia, presented by Visit Delaware, at Dilworth Park City Hall in partnership with the Center City District for another seasonal pop-up of outdoor pickleball. Thanks to our 2026 partner, Visit Delaware, players can reserve professional-grade courts. Whether stepping onto the court for the first time or a seasoned pro, players of every skill level are invited to experience pickleball in one of Philadelphia’s most iconic spaces. Standard court reservations can be made one week in advance through the CityPickle app. Advanced court bookings are currently available, allowing guests to reserve both courts. This option is ideal for event planning, including parties, a gathering with friends and family, a networking event, or corporate team building.
When: through Sunday, Oct. 18; weekdays from 12-7 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia Screenwriting Competition
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia 2027 Screenwriting Competition, which is presented by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, is open to all screenwriters, world-wide, who submit a feature length screenplay or an original TV pilot length screenplay that can be shot in the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Whether you’re an experienced writer or fresh talent, we want to celebrate voices in storytelling while highlighting the opportunity and potential of Philadelphia locations by focusing on scripts that can be brought to life locally. And showcase the city and surrounding region as a viable and compelling setting for film and television. Your screenplay has the opportunity to carry forward a legacy of creative excellence, supported by the resources and partnerships of our city’s film office community. All genres accepted. Writers do not need to be from Philadelphia, and scripts do not need to be explicitly set in Philadelphia. They must simply be feasible to shoot in the Philadelphia region. This year, the competition features over $20,000 in cash prizes, alongside direct industry exposure and detailed feedback opportunities for participating writers.
When: deadline is Monday, Oct. 19
Open Streets: West Walnut
Since launching in September 2024, Open Streets: West Walnut has become a signature Center City experience, welcoming an average of more than 10,500 visitors each Sunday. The pedestrian-only streets serve as an extension of public space, with room for expanded al fresco dining and sidewalk retail. Businesses along the route may offer special promotions, in-store entertainment, or exclusive experiences. Food and beverages will be available exclusively from restaurants located along the route. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy live music and family-friendly experiences, and relax at in-street seating pods. The Fulton Fun Zone, located at the corner of 18th and Chestnut, will feature rotating programming including live broadcasts of Philadelphia Eagles games, mini golf, and seasonal activities.
When: Sundays through Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Along Walnut and 18th streets
”Girl from the North Country”
Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company opens its 2026/27 Mainstage Season with the acclaimed “Girl from the North Country.” The musical, written by Conor McPherson, uses reimagined songs by Bob Dylan to create a moving American story of resilience in uncertain times. In a run-down boarding house in Duluth, Minnesota, strangers cross paths — experiencing love, loss, and everything in between. Amongst the dust and deep in the throes of the Great Depression, these wayward travelers fill the guesthouse with music, hope, and soul.
When: ends Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
”Witch” by Jen Silverman
Quintessence Theatre opens its 17th season with the regional premiere of “Witch” by award-winning playwright Jen Silverman. Directed by Maura Krause, the critically acclaimed play is a sharp and inventive retelling of the classic Jacobean tragicomedy that questions whose soul is worth saving when the devil comes to town. In Witch, a charming devil (Frank Jimenez) arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth Sawyer (Suli Holum) should be his easiest target, having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town, but her soul is not so readily bought. As the devil returns to tempt her and her neighbors, unexpected passions flare, alliances are formed, and the village is forever changed. Silverman’s inventive retelling of the classic tragicomedy offers audiences a sharp, subversive fable that debates how much our souls are worth when hope is hard to come by.
When: through Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Quintessence Theatre, 7137 Germantown Ave.
”Living Through Death” by Ivette Chaires
Ivette Chaires, the 2024 Julia Zagar Residency for Women Artists recipient, is a multidisciplinary artist deeply influenced by her surroundings. She uses sculpture, printmaking, and photography to explore traditional themes in Mexican Folk Art. Living in Puebla, Mexico, Chaires draws inspiration from local traditions such as Día de Muertos, which led her to specialize in cartonería, a traditional Mexican craft of creating papier-mâché sculptures, figures, and decorative objects by layering paper and glue over a framework and painting or embellishing them. For the past 15 years, she has focused on traditional cartonería, creating calaveras and teaching workshops, blending craftsmanship with cultural storytelling. In “Living Through Death,” Chaires merges contemporary imagery with traditional techniques and patterns.
When: through Sunday, Nov. 8
Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
”Ron Tarver: The Long Ride Home, Black Cowboys in America” at Print Center
The Print Center is proud to present Ron Tarver: The Long Ride Home, Black Cowboys in America, an exhibition that reveals the depth, breadth, beauty and visual poetry of Black cowboys throughout America. Until recently, popular culture had not recognized the vital Black contribution to our national stories of “The American West.” The Long Ride Home offers a contemporary counter-narrative to the traditional whitewashed myths. Tarver’s insightful photographs of Black Western heritage affirm a thriving culture of Black-owned ranches, rodeos, parades, inner-city cowboys and retired cowhands, from rural ranches to big city riding clubs — many in Philadelphia.
When: through Saturday, Nov. 14
Where: The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St.
Historic Germantown 250th Stamp Rally
This fall, Historic Germantown is challenging Philadelphians to put their knowledge of local history to the test while discovering some of the remarkable people who helped shape Germantown, Philadelphia, and beyond. The free Historic Germantown 250th Stamp Rally will turn Northwest Philadelphia into a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt, inviting visitors to explore 23 historic and cultural sites, collect stamps, and uncover the identities of trailblazers connected to Germantown’s past and present. For this Stamp Rally, Historic Germantown isn’t revealing the names of its featured figures. Instead, visitors will follow clues at each stop and scan QR codes to uncover individuals ranging from artists and abolitionists to educators, activists, and innovators. The experience is part of Historic Germantown’s year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and offers a fun, interactive way for families and history lovers to discover the people behind the neighborhood’s history. The Stamp Rally runs through November 14, with prizes available along the way. Visitors who collect six or more stamps and/or scavenger hunt answers can earn a set of Trailblazer Trading Cards featuring 18 influential figures, with additional prizes for reaching 14 and 20 stops. The experience concludes with a Stamp Rally Wrap Party on November 14 at the Historic Germantown Visitor Center, featuring refreshments, prizes, and grand-prize raffle drawings.
When: through Saturday, Nov. 14
Where: various locations across Northwest Philadelphia
”Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga” at Penn Museum
Spotlighting century-old watercolor paintings by Egyptian artist Ahmed Yousef, Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga will go on view at the Penn Museum. Last exhibited in Cairo during the 1920s, the watercolor paintings have been carefully preserved in the Penn Museum’s Archives for more than 100 years. They have never been on display in the United States. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors reveals the often underappreciated, but critical function of art in archaeology. The 1,500 sq. ft. exhibition highlights elaborately decorated tomb chapels during the New Kingdom (approximately 1550 BCE-1070 BCE), a “golden age” that marked the height of Egypt’s power and wealth. Many affluent officials built their tombs at Dra Abu el-Naga — a key part of the larger Theban Necropolis. Their tomb paintings show scenes from everyday life and imagery depicting the journey to the netherworld — illuminating how much the ancient Egyptians valued family bonds, honoring their ancestors, and continuing one’s identity into the next life. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors will close in November — just ahead of the grand opening for the Penn Museum’s “Egypt Galleries: Life and Afterlife” on Dec. 12.
When: through November 2026
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
”At Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic” at Arthur Ross
The Arthur Ross Gallery’s fall exhibition, “At Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic,” asks visitors to consider the role of visual culture in creating collective conceptions of Philadelphia and its residents, including America’s first international celebrity Benjamin Franklin, in the decades just before and after the nation’s founding. The 41 works on view — including paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture — portray notable figures alongside depictions of daily life in Philadelphia. In addition to historical pictures and objects from the 18th and 19th centuries, the exhibition will include images of the era made to celebrate important national anniversaries, such as the marking of America’s 150th in 1926, through to the present moment, inviting exploration of Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation and its first capital.
When: through Sunday, Dec. 13
Where: Arthur Ross Gallery, 220 S. 34th St.
”Changing Faces of Independence: Pennsylvania in the 1900s” at HSP
How has the face of America changed since the Revolution? And how have new Americans across generations helped keep the nation’s founding ideals alive? From 1890 until 1917, more than 15 million immigrants arrived in the United States. By the 1910 census, nearly 15% of the population was foreign‑born. In Pennsylvania, the growing Italian community helped shape the state by the Declaration of Independence’s 150th anniversary in 1926. Puerto Rican migration to Pennsylvania occurred gradually in the early 20th century but surged after World War II. Following major changes to immigration policy, the Chinese population expanded across the Commonwealth by the Bicentennial in 1976. Their letters, photographs, and community records reveal how these new Americans understood their roles as both Pennsylvanians and citizens of a changing nation. By examining materials left behind in Pennsylvania communities during the decades leading up to America’s 200th birthday, this display highlights the ongoing connection between the nation’s founding ideals and the diverse communities that have worked to bring them to life.
When: through Friday, Jan. 8, 2027
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
”A Nation of Artists” at PMA, PAFA
With storied histories of their own, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (the country’s very first art school and museum) delve into the richness and diversity of American art history. The two institutions team up with avid art collector (and Phillies’ managing partner) John Middleton and his wife and partner Leigh for this blockbuster exhibition titled “A Nation of Artists.” Threading together 300 years of American art, the collection features over 1,000 portraits, sculptures, furniture, photographs and more across both museums. Viewers find some of art’s biggest names — including Mary Cassatt and Charles Willson Peale — exhibited side-by-side with oft-overlooked Black, Indigenous, immigrant and historically underrepresented artists and contemporary talents. “A Nation of Artists” debuts as a cultural milestone celebrating the nation’s creative and artistic legacy at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
When: through Monday, July 5, 2027
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 5, 2027
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St.
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