Speed Dating with Knock Bar & Restaurant
Participants will answer questions about their preferences and identity before taking part in a one-hour speed dating session, followed by a “Single Mingle” where guests can continue making connections. Guests to enter through the Pride Visitor Center. Speed Dating registration is free and available at the Pride Visitor Center until 7 p.m.
Where: Knock Bar & Restaurant, 225 S. 12th St.
Arts of India Festival: Socio-Sonic Histories of Modern South India
This symposium examines sound and music in modern South India as contested terrain, where forms of cultural nationalism and shifting practices of inclusion and exclusion that emerged from the late 19th to the early 21st centuries have determined whose voices and musical practices were canonized as “classical music.” Bringing together three deeply invested scholars and practitioners, this event reconsiders these political and cultural transformations and asks what is at stake — methodologically, historiographically and ethically — in developing a more capacious sense of the plural pasts of South Indian music. The event features South Indian vocalist and author TM Krishna, Prof. Davesh Soneji (South Asia Studies, University of Pennsylvania) and Prof. Amanda Weidman (Anthropology, Bryn Mawr College), moderated by Prof. Anna Schultz (Music and the Humanities, University of Chicago).
When: Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
More Than a Game: Connections and Community in Women’s Sports
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) brings together Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer, former WNBA player, and author Valerie Still, ESPN women’s basketball commentator and analyst Brenda VanLengen, and members of the Philadelphia Sisters for More Than a Game: Connections and Community in Women’s Sports, an evening exploring the relationships, histories, and communities built through women’s athletics. Still, a descendant of abolitionist and “Father of the Underground Railroad” William Still, will reflect on the connections between her family history and her groundbreaking basketball career, and she and VanLengen will discuss the experiences and relationships that have shaped women’s sports across generations. Before the program, attendees can view a special document display featuring materials from HSP’s collection alongside items from Still’s personal collection. Philly Youth Basketball will also be on-site to share information about its work with young people in Philadelphia. The evening will include a short documentary clip, a moderated conversation with Still and VanLengen, and an audience Q&A and share-back, inviting attendees to reflect on their own connections to sports and community.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
Stephen King’s “Misery” adapted by William Goldman
Hedgerow Theatre Company opens its 2026-27 season with Stephen King’s “Misery,” a chilling psychological thriller about obsession, fame, and survival adapted to the stage by William Goldman. After a devastating car accident leaves novelist Paul Sheldon stranded in a remote cabin, he awakens under the care of Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed “number one fan,” whose devotion quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. Featuring Emma Gibson (Beginners) and Bruce Graham (The Philly Fan) in a riveting two-person showdown, the production traps audiences inside a tense, unpredictable battle of wills where admiration turns terrifying. Suspenseful and darkly entertaining, Misery launches the new season with an electrifying theatrical experience that will keep audiences on edge until the very last moment.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 14-Nov. 1
Where: Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media, PA 19063
”The Red Lipstick Diaries”
Philadelphia’s creative community will gather on Thursday for The Red Lipstick Diaries, a photography exhibition and print sale honoring the work of local photographer and Philadelphia cultural figure Reuben “Big Rube” Harley. Presented by Miss Mahogany LLC and RMW Marketing, the event will transform The Stable at Crane Arts into a luxury lounge experience for the opening reception, featuring curator discussions and interactive fashion and beauty collaborations. Harley, a longtime Philadelphia cultural figure known for photography that captures people, personality, beauty, and culture, is currently facing significant medical expenses. From 2011 to 2017, he chronicled Philadelphia’s street-fashion scene as a columnist and photographer for the Philadelphia Daily News. The Red Lipstick Diaries was organized to put Harley’s work and his curated “Lipheele” collection on public display while giving the community a direct opportunity to support him through print purchases at the exhibition. A portion of proceeds from print sales will benefit Harley’s medical expenses.
When: Thursday, Oct. 15 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: The Stable at Crane Arts, 1431 N. Cadwallader St.
Arts of India Festival: TM Krishna
Hailed for impressively “scaling heights in music” (The Times of India), TM Krishna is one of India’s most celebrated Carnatic vocalists. He has redefined Indian classical music with his technical mastery and philosophical depth, forging a dynamic dialogue between ancient tradition and modern sensibility. Recently awarded the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi, considered the highest accolade in Carnatic music, Krishna brings his formidable artistry to the Penn Live Arts stage for an unmatched evening with his quartet.
When: Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
Glen Foerd presents “Vampyr”
Shadows take on lives of their own when Not So Silent Cinema returns to Glen Foerd for a screening of the Danish horror film “Vampyr,” accompanied by composer Brendan Cooney’s original score performed by a live ensemble. Directed by Danish filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer, the 1932 horror film draws audiences into a dreamlike world where wandering shadows, ghostly figures and seemingly ordinary landscapes evoke a creeping sense of dread. Its hazy cinematography and experimental storytelling have made “Vampyr” an enduring art-house classic. Not So Silent Cinema’s score deepens the film’s unsettling atmosphere through a blend of acoustic instruments and analog electronic textures. Violin, clarinet, piano and bass evoke an old-world soundscape, while electronic elements add a dark, otherworldly dimension. Led by Philadelphia-based Cooney, Not So Silent Cinema creates and performs original scores that bring fresh musical interpretations to classic films. The group has been performing since 2010. The screening offers audiences a chance to experience Dreyer’s haunting imagery alongside live musicians in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Tickets are required.
When: Thursday, Oct. 15 from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave.
The Philly True Crime Tour
The Philly True Crime Tour is a 21+ BYOB trolley tour exploreing the history and sites of true crime in Philadelphia. Guests will hear stories of some of the most heinous murders committed in the city, delivered by an expert guide. Live musical performances from some of Philadelphia’s most talented artists will also take place on the trolley throughout the experience. Please note: this tour contains graphic and disturbing content and is recommended for adult audiences only.
When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Where: meeting point at 901 N. Delaware Ave.
35th Philadelphia Film Festival
Presented annually by the Philadelphia Film Society, the Philadelphia Film Festival brings international, independent and local cinema to Philadelphia. Its programming includes premieres, repertory screenings, filmmaker conversations and special events. For the film lineup, visit www.filmadelphia.org/festival.
When: Thursday, Oct. 15-25
Where: Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut St.; Film Society Bourse, 400 Ranstead St.; Film Society East, 125 S. 2nd St.
Movies on the Mall: “Hocus Pocus”
Join Independence Historical Trust, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and Independence National Historical Park for Movies On The Mall, an outdoor movie series in Philadelphia’s own national park. Before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like 18th century games, arts and crafts, and Park Ranger programs. Pre-show activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the screening will start at dusk. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. The Liberty Garden will offer refreshments and beverages on-site. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged. Walk-ups are also welcome.
When: Friday, Oct. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Independence Mall, 599 Market St.
Don Lemon & DL Hughley: DL + DL “Anything Goes”
Bringing together two distinctive voices spanning journalism, comedy, and culture, the live conversation takes audiences through current events, social issues, race, pop culture, and whatever else comes up along the way, with no topic off limits. DL + DL ‘Anything Goes’ pairs Lemon’s experience covering some of the most consequential stories of our time with Hughley’s sharp comedic perspective and politically astute commentary. Together, the two bring different backgrounds and approaches to the same stage for an unscripted conversation designed to be candid, thought-provoking, funny, and unpredictable.
When: Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
The Philadelphia Orchestra presents “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™” in concert
From the moment Harry uses the Marauder’s Map to when the Patronus Charm bursts from his wand, you’ll be transported back into the world you love. Relive the magic of your favorite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert. Experience the movie on the big screen in high definition as The Philadelphia Orchestra performs John Williams’s unforgettable score live to picture. All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
When: Friday, Oct. 16–18
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Scrapple & Apple Festival
Reading Terminal Market will host its third annual Scrapple & Apple Festival on Saturday with scrapple- and apple-themed dishes from market merchants. The pay-as-you-go festival will pair sweet and savory Philadelphia flavors as the city rings in the autumn season. n addition to food specials for purchase, Reading Terminal will provide apple sampling in partnership with Lancaster Produce Company and Chef Tim Lopez, Jules E. Mastbaum High School’s Culinary Arts teacher, featuring a wide variety of apples for tasting, ranging from commonly known to more unique selections. Reading Terminal’s merchandise store, The Market Merch, will debut a special collaboration with the 2025 Scrapple Sculpting Contest champion, tattoo artist Patrick Moser.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St.
NAMIWalks Philly: Be the Change
World Mental Health Day is recognized globally on Oct. 10, but for NAMI Philadelphia, awareness is only the beginning. One week later, on Saturday, NAMI Philadelphia will bring the city together at Friends Hospital for NAMIWalks Philly: Be the Change, a community-wide call to turn conversations about mental health into action. This year’s walk will be co-hosted by Mina SayWhat, award-winning media personality, host of Mina’s House and community Shero, and Dr. George James, psychologist and author of the new book I Give Myself Permission. The event will bring together individuals and families, mental health advocates, behavioral health professionals, community organizations and supporters from across Philadelphia. Attendees will also have access to community resource tables connecting them with organizations, services and mental health information. NAMI Philadelphia will also honor Katrina Pratt-Roebuck with its Community Icon Award for her commitment to Philadelphia and community impact. Attendees can find registration information at namiwalks.org/philly.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m.
Where: Friends Hospital, 4641 Roosevelt Blvd.
Manayunk Fall Festival and Mac N Cheese Crawl
Following the runaway success of Manayunk Restaurant Week and Stroll After Hours, the Manayunk Development Corporation will debut Manayunk Fall Fest and Mac N Cheese Crawl. his one day celebration takes place during one of the best times of year to visit Manayunk, as the leaves are changing overhead, the towpath and trails never looked prettier, decorations are popping up at local businesses and seasonal flavors take over food and drink menus. Festival goers can expect family-friendly activities, 14+ food trucks and vendors, 50+ local vendors and artists, seasonal fare, autumn sips, live outdoor music, 2 stages, and a tasty crawl to pick the best Mac N Cheese in Manayunk. Fall Fest is designed for all ages, whether you’re looking to enjoy live music, indulge in fall-inspired treats, or simply enjoy a crisp October afternoon in Manayunk’s historic district. The festival is no charge and open to the public, with food and drink pay-as-you-go.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Main Street Manayunk
Leaders Who Lunch
Join Philadelphia Theatre Company for Leaders Who Lunch, a special Philadelphia brunch and panel featuring two generations of bold women arts leaders who have engaged, entertained, and enlightened audiences for more than four decades. Sara Garonzik, PTC Executive Producing Director Emeritus; Taibi Magar, PTC Co-Artistic Director and director of Liberation; and Amina Robinson, director of PTC’s upcoming Purpose and Theatre Horizon’s next Artistic Director, will discuss what it takes to lead a nonprofit theater, keep audiences engaged, and how women’s leadership in the arts has evolved across generations.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Village of Industry & Art, 320 S. Broad St.
United Neighbors 2026
United Neighbors 2026 is almost here! Join us for an afternoon focused on community dinner, fellowship, creativity, and bringing our neighborhoods together. Attendees can expect community painting on the bridge featuring a design by mural artist Irina Turner, community dinner provided by Dominican Cafe, music production by DJ Big Ant, fellowship and connection with neighbors, and community vendors and resources.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: 7th Street Bridge between Adams and Jackson streets
Gravity & Other Myths: “Ten Thousand Hours”
Australia’s boundary-pushing contemporary circus company, Gravity & Other Myths, makes its Philadelphia debut with its acclaimed hit “Ten Thousand Hours.” Accompanied by live percussion, eight elite acrobats blend daring physicality with playful comedy in this ode to the time and dedication it takes to truly hone a skill. Each gravity-defying leap, hold and fall tells a story of discipline and discovery. After a sold-out run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this “superhuman squad” (The Guardian) delivers a love letter to the human body and the extraordinary things it can do.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
Philly Coffee Festival
The official Philly Coffee Festival returns and get ready for an immersive coffee experience! Get ready for an immersive coffee experience when the 3rd annual Philly Coffee Festival® kicks off. Enjoy specially curated exhibitors, including Philly’s top coffee roasters, as they share with you some of the best coffee, teas, eats, and more, in the country. But it’s all about the coffee vibes, right? Sway along to a soundtrack provided by some of the best bands and entertainment in Philly, while you taste endless coffee at the iconic 23rd Street Armory. Think about your ideal coffee event experience: this is it. Tickets available at https://phillycoffeefestival.com/.
When: Saturday, Oct. 17-18
Where: 23rd Street Armory, 22 S. 23rd St.
Ants on a Log & Mélissa Smith: Alphabugs
An un-bee-lievably fun collaboration between family music favorite Ants on a Log and author Mélissa Smith (Insects & Me A-Z), the high-energy, interactive Alphabugs uses humor and harmony to share fascinating bug facts and uplifting affirmations in this participatory program. The event is free but RSVP is required.
When: Sunday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m.
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
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
”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.
When: through Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Philadelphia Theatre Company, 480 S. Broad St.
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.
”The Addams Family: The Musical”
A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, “The Addams Family: The Musical” is the magnificently unhinged hit musical featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Wednesday Addams is the ultimate princess of darkness and has fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family… a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
When: through Sunday, Nov. 1
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.
”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.
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: through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027
Where: The Clay Studio Center for Innovation in Ceramic Art, 1425 North American 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.
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: through Sunday, Jan. 31, 2027
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
”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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