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
Broadway Cabaret at Rittenhouse Grill
Broadway Cabaret at Rittenhouse Grill proudly welcomes Tony Award winner Matt Doyle, bringing one of Broadway’s most versatile performers to Philadelphia’s only Broadway cabaret venue. An accomplished actor and vocalist, Matt has built a career spanning musical theater, concert performance, and the screen, distinguished by his exceptional musicality and wide-ranging body of work. He will be joined by his musical director, Evan Zavada, a rising talent in the Broadway music scene. Set inside the Warwick Hotel, Rittenhouse Grill evokes a classic 1940s supper club with plush armchairs, booths, and an elegant atmosphere that perfectly complements Broadway Cabaret’s intimate performances.
Where: Rittenhouse Grill, 1701 Locust St.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia Job Fair
Big things, including jobs, are coming to Rivers Casino Philadelphia. The Fishtown entertainment destination will be opening new venues soon and will be holding a job fair with a focus on food and beverage positions. No experience is needed, and full- and part-time positions are available. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Prospective Team Members will enjoy a taste of signature dishes from the casino’s dining options, from both current popular restaurants like Sapore and those opening soon. Positions include sous chefs, cooks, runners, bartenders, servers, managers and greeters. Qualified candidates can receive on-the-spot job interviews, with the possibility of immediate job offers. Those hired at the job fair who complete six months of employment will also be entered into an exclusive drawing to win premium prizes, including sporting event tickets.
When: Monday, Oct. 19 from 5-7 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
”The Great Gatsby”
Set in the Roaring Twenties, the story follows eccentric and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of the lost love of his youth, Daisy Buchanan. Through its fascinatingly nuanced characters – driven by complex inner lives, erupting with extravagance and longing – this epic tale has always been destined to sing. Now, it comes to life across North American stages, with a grand, Tony Award-winning production design befitting the 21st century. The production also carries a special connection to the Philadelphia region. The musical’s Tony Award-nominated book was written by Kait Kerrigan, a Doylestown native and Muhlenberg College graduate whose work has been seen on stages across the country. Philadelphia audiences will have the opportunity to experience a Broadway phenomenon shaped in part by one of the region’s own theatrical voices.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 20-Nov. 1
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
”The Magicians Table”
The Magicians Table’s limited five-week engagement brings audiences into an intimate world where astonishing close-up magic, live music, handcrafted cocktails, immersive storytelling, and laugh-out-loud comedy combine to create an unforgettable adults-only night out. “The Magicians Table” will feature touring magicians as well as a selection of artists from across the Philadelphia region.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 21-Nov. 22
Where: SEI Innovation Studio, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Linked Family Services Ribbon Cutting, Open House & Community Giveaway
On Thursday, Linked Family Services will unveil a new mobile resource van designed to deliver essential baby supplies and family support directly into Philadelphia neighborhoods. The unveiling will take place during a ribbon cutting and community Open House at The Link in West Philadelphia, featuring free food, essential supplies and resources for families. Through the Tiny Essentials Relief Hub Mobile Care Delivery Service, eligible families can receive diapers, wipes, formula when available, hygiene products and other baby essentials through monthly home delivery. The program also supports participating childcare centers and provides ongoing care coordination. The event coincides with Children’s Health Month and will bring together families, community leaders, partners and supporters around one goal: helping children and families thrive before challenges become crises.
When: Thursday, Oct. 22 from 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Where: The Link, 4244 Lancaster Ave.
”Survivor” casting call
Have what it takes to be the ultimate “Survivor”? Rivers Casino Philadelphia will host an in-person casting call for “Survivor,” CBS’ iconic reality TV show. The casting call will take place at The Event Center in Fishtown on Thursday. The day will be filled with “Survivor” trivia and giveaways, plus casino perks. “Survivor” legend Cirie Fields will participate in a panel discussion and be on-site for two meet-and-greet sessions.
When: Thursday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Lakecia Benjamin comes to Philly
As part of the 2026–27 Jazz Series, Benjamin brings her electrifying live performance to Philadelphia, showcasing the bold artistry that has established her as one of the defining voices in contemporary jazz.
When: Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Perelman Theater, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Opera Philadelphia presents Philly-premiere of “Suddenly Last Summer”
Following its world premiere at the Fisher Center at Bard this summer, Opera Philadelphia presents the Philadelphia premiere of “Suddenly Last Summer,” the first opera by 2023 MacArthur Fellow Courtney Bryan. Based on Tennessee Williams’ searing Southern Gothic drama, the new work brings together Bryan, Tony Award-winning director Daniel Fish and Gideon Lester, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the Fisher Center at Bard, in a hybrid work of music and theater that probes the dangerous intersection of truth, power, wealth, sexuality and memory. Set between the Garden District of New Orleans and the Mediterranean coast, Suddenly Last Summer centers on the mysterious death of the poet Sebastian Venable. Sebastian’s cousin, Catherine (soprano Mikaela Bennett), witnessed his final moments and returned to New Orleans consumed by the need to tell what she saw. But Sebastian’s wealthy and powerful mother, Mrs. Venable (actress Stephanie Roth Haberle), is determined to suppress Catherine’s account — going so far as to attempt to have her lobotomized so that the story can be erased from her memory. Tickets are required.
When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 23 and 25
Where: Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.
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.
Beyond the Binary Workshop
Beyond the Binary: Redressing Gender, Rethinking the Closet. A “Methodology of the Closet” workshop with Dr. M. Peregrine Balmat invites participants to explore personal identity through their wardrobes. A clothing swap will offer an opportunity to exchange items.
When: Friday, Oct. 23 from 4-6 p.m.
Where: Philly Pride Visitor Center, 1139 Locust St.
October Twilight in the Gardens
Celebrate the year’s final Twilight in the Gardens at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens with a BYOB evening featuring live music by Mixed People, a new age funk band led by Paulette Branson, in the museum’s glittering courtyard. Join teaching artist Avery Demarest to create playful “bug taxidermy” using decorated plastic insects, with no prior experience needed. Guests can also explore the rarely seen mosaicked basement on self-guided tours and view “Viviendo a través de la muerte/Living Through Death: Works by Ivette Chaires” in the galleries.
When: Friday, Oct. 23 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
Ballets Jazz Montréal: Dance Me – The Music of Leonard Cohen
Ballets Jazz Montréal returns to Philadelphia in its final tour of Dance Me, an homage to famed poet and singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen. With “virtuoso dancing and an unbeatable soundtrack” (Broad Street Review) of Cohen’s iconic songs, choreographers Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Andonis Foniadakis and Ihsan Rustem evoke the cycles of human existence explored in his insightful music and poems. “Leonard Cohen’s art and soul shine on in this stirring tribute” (The Telegraph) that reveals new meaning in favorites like “Hallelujah” and “Suzanne.”
When: Friday, October 23-24
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
Earthquake comes to Philly
Comedian Earthquake will bring his bold humor, sharp wit and unforgettable storytelling to Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s Event Center on Friday. With nearly 30 years of experience performing for audiences around the world, Earthquake — born Nathaniel Stroman — has become a celebrated comedian, actor and radio personality known for his observational humor and relatable perspective. He gained national recognition in the 1990s through appearances on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and BET’s “ComicView,” helping establish his reputation as one of stand-up’s most distinctive voices. Since his Netflix debut in 2022, Earthquake has continued to expand his entertainment career with appearances on CBS’ “The Neighborhood,” Jerry Seinfeld’s Netflix comedy film “Unfrosted” and the indie comedy film “The Gutter.” He also hosts “Quake’s House” on Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Radio on SiriusXM. Earthquake’s Netflix special “Chappelle’s Home Team — Earthquake: Legendary” was produced by Dave Chappelle and his Magic Lemonade production company.
When: Friday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Philly Chef Showdown: Taste, Competition & Philly Flavor
Philadelphia’s chefs are ready to battle! Join the first-ever Philly Chef Showdown, an afternoon celebrating great food, local culinary talent, entrepreneurship and a little friendly competition. Come hungry and experience Philly chefs bringing their creativity and flavor to the table as they compete for bragging rights. Hosted by Tanya T. Morris, the event will bring together food lovers, entrepreneurs and the community for an experience designed to celebrate Philadelphia’s culinary scene.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24 from 12-5 p.m.
Where: North Philly Welcome Center, 1501 N. Broad St.
Comic Relied brings Neighborhood Festivals to Philly
Comic Relief is bringing its new national Neighborhood Festivals series to Philadelphia for a free, family-friendly community event built to connect neighbors, support local kids, and show accessible ways to help end childhood poverty. Designed as an open-format neighborhood party, the event brings together live comedy, food, giant lawn games, and hands-on giveback experiences alongside local nonprofits. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required at comicrelief.org/PhillyFest.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24 from 1–4 p.m.
Where: Village of Industry & Art, 320 S. Broad St.
Pennsylvania Chocolate & Coffee Festival
Chocolate, coffee, culture, and history come together this fall as the third annual Pennsylvania Chocolate & Coffee Festival returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. For one weekend, festival guests can take a journey around the world with their senses sampling chocolates made from cacao grown in Ecuador, Venezuela, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond, while discovering coffees sourced from growing regions including Ethiopia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Honduras, and beyond. But this year, the journey goes well beyond tasting. From live coffee roasting and hands-on educational experiences to a four-foot chocolate sculpture celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the 2026 festival will offer guests more ways than ever to experience the stories, techniques, cultures, and people behind chocolate and coffee. More than 150 vendors will fill the festival floor with artisan chocolates, specialty coffees, baked goods, gourmet foods, handcrafted products, and unique finds from Pennsylvania and beyond. Beyond chocolate and coffee, attendees can sample and shop specialty foods including olive oils, seasonings, sauces, honey, tea, baked goods, and gourmet treats, while browsing handcrafted items such as pottery, candles, soaps, jewelry, and more. The festival is designed to give guests the chance to discover new flavors, meet the makers behind the products, and take home something they may not find in a traditional grocery store. Tickets are required.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456
Fourth Annual Philly Flannel Fest
What started as an idea from Philadelphia entrepreneur and returning citizen Robbie Long has grown into a fall experience that welcomed more than 1,300 guests last year. Now, Long is bringing Philly Flannel Fest back for its fourth year and continuing to build a brand centered on Philadelphia culture, entrepreneurship and community. Attendees can expect DJs, music and performances throughout the afternoon; seasonal cocktails, cocoa, local wines and Philly favorites; fall-inspired installations and backdrops built for sharing; guests showing off everything from classic plaid to head-to-toe fall looks; and Philadelphia makers, entrepreneurs and small businesses. This event is rain or shine; tickets are required.
When: Sunday, Oct. 25 from 12-5 p.m.
Where: The Braid Mill, 441 E. High St.
Halloween on the Hill: Trick-or-Treat Stroll
Join the Chestnut Hill District for autumn fun and spooky Halloween spiritl! The historic village feels extra magical this time of year — whether you’re enjoying a cozy fall dinner outdoors or visiting for one of our Halloween happenings. On Sunday, families are invited to walk Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike in costume. Participating shops and restaurants with a “Treats Here” sign will be handing out candy and non-food goodies.
When: Sunday, Oct. 25 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: along Germantown Avenue and Bethlehem Pike
Singing City’s Philadelphia Icons Concert
his fall, Singing City invites Philadelphia audiences to experience the stories of five extraordinary change agents whose lives challenged injustice, expanded possibilities, and helped shape the cultural and civic landscape of the city and nation. This concert will feature music that highlights the lives of five Philadelphia change agents who challenged injustice and fought for social change, Lucretia Mott, Harriet Tubman, Charles Albert Tindley, Marian Anderson, Paul Robeson. Five figures whose work reflects Philadelphia’s longstanding tradition of artistic expression, social conscience, and civic engagement. The program will feature “Stand Up,” from the film Harriet, alongside selections from Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah, performed with internationally renowned mezzo-soprano and Philadelphia native Marietta Simpson. The concert will also feature the Philadelphia premiere of Here I Stand by composer Carlos Simon, a work based on the life of legendary bass-baritone, actor, activist, and Philadelphia native Paul Robeson. From abolition and the fight for racial justice to sacred music, performance, and cultural activism, the concert illuminates the ways these five individuals used their voices and their platforms to challenge the status quo and create change.
When: Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3 p.m.
Where: Race Street Meetinghouse at Friends Center, 1501 Cherry St.
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: ends Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut St.; Film Society Bourse, 400 Ranstead St.; Film Society East, 125 S. 2nd St.
”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.
Halloween House at Fashion District
After last year’s huge success at Deptford Mall, Halloween House Philly has now moved to Center City with double the space, 10 fully themed rooms, new interactive experiences, theme days, a retail shop and plenty of fun for families, friends and Halloween lovers of all ages. Designed to be spooky but never scary, Halloween House Philly takes visitors on a larger-than-life adventure through a winding Halloween ‘maze’ filled with imaginative environments, eye-catching displays, picture-perfect photo opportunities, hands-on activities and interactive challenges around every corner. Unlike traditional haunted houses, there are no live monsters, frightening actors or unexpected jump scares. Instead, guests can explore at their own pace, discover surprises along the way and enjoy a playful Halloween experience that delivers all the fun of the season without the fright. The adventure even concludes with a surprise trick and a surprise treat! Open during mall hours; the haunted house is located directly inside the AMC Entrance.
When: through Saturday, Oct. 31
Where: AMC DINE-IN Fashion District 8, 1001 Market 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: through Sunday, Nov. 1
Where: Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media, PA 19063
”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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