{"id":316861,"date":"2026-10-29T12:06:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T12:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/316861\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T12:06:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T12:06:09","slug":"things-to-do-near-philly-halloween-mural-arts-fest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/316861\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do near Philly: Halloween, Mural Arts Fest"},"content":{"rendered":"

Delaware
\nSeventh annual D\u00eda de los Muertos: Walking Among the Ancestors
\n\"CommunityCommunity members gathered at the Delaware Art Museum\u2019s D\u00eda de los Muertos celebration to learn, celebrate, and experience Mexican culture \u2014 enjoying food from local trucks, live music, and colorful face painting. (Courtesy of Hoy en Delaware)<\/p>\n

Where: Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway,<\/a> Wilmington, Del.
\nWhen: Thursday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m. \u2013 8 p.m.
\nHow much: Free<\/p>\n

Though they are different celebrations, their placement on the calendar means Halloween and D\u00eda de los Muertos happen almost simultaneously. But the Day of the Dead isn\u2019t about the supernatural \u2014 the Mexican celebration honors ancestors. Hosted by Israel Herrera, this program at the Delaware Art Museum<\/a> includes traditional ofrenda blessing and ceremonial dance led by Tonantzin Yaotecas,<\/a> along with performances by Los Ni\u00f1os Cantores de Delaware, <\/a>Ballet Folkl\u00f3rico M\u00e9xico Lindo <\/a>and Seylin Abarca.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

New Jersey
\n\u2018No, No, Nanette\u2019<\/p>\n

Musical theater comes to Rutgers University-Camden for a revival of the 1920s musical <\/a>best known for the standards \u201cTea for Two\u201d and \u201cI Want to Be Happy.\u201d The play is actually set at a cottage in Atlantic City, so not too much of a stretch. A Tony-winning 1971 Broadway revival helped introduce the Jazz Age show to a new generation. Director Kenneth Elliott is using the updated arrangements, pairing student and professional actors with a 31-piece orchestra.\n<\/p>\n

\u2018Sounds Like America\u2019 with Lara Downes and Rhiannon Giddens<\/p>\n

Pianist Lara Downes<\/a> and two-time Grammy winner Rhiannon Giddens <\/a>come together for a special event<\/a> that explores American history through music. Inspired by Downes\u2019 NPR series \u201cAmerica in Pursuit,\u201d<\/a> the program includes songs like \u201cAmazing Grace\u201d and Paul Simon\u2019s \u201cAmerican Tune,\u201d submissions from Downes\u2019 Declaration Project<\/a> and genres that have shaped American music.\n<\/p>\n

Special events
\nHalloween roundup<\/p>\n

Where: Multiple venues
\nWhen: Through Monday, Nov. 1
\nHow much: Various prices<\/p>\n

Halloween has descended on our fair city, and there are plenty of options to scare yourself beyond recognition. From enjoying a Halloween-themed cocktail to trick-or-treating with the kiddos, we\u2019ve got you covered. And if you\u2019re late finding a costume, WHYY\u2019s Billy Penn has some Philly-themed ideas<\/a>.\n <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s our list:\n<\/p>\n

Events:<\/p>\n

Attractions:<\/p>\n

Bars:<\/p>\n

One Philly HBCU Week<\/p>\n

Where: Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Field Way\u00a0<\/a>
\nWhen: Friday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m. \u201310 p.m. (Fair: 2 p.m. \u2013 6 p.m.; step show 3 p.m. \u2013 5 p.m.); Lincoln vs. Virginia Union, 7 p.m. \u2013 10 p.m.); Saturday, Oct. 31, (Battle of the Bands 11 a.m.\u20131:15 p.m.); Delaware State vs. Norfolk State, 3\u20135:30 p.m.)
\nHow much: Tickets for Friday: $42 and up,<\/a> Saturday: $42 and up<\/a><\/p>\n

The greater Philadelphia area is home to three historically Black colleges and universities \u2014 Delaware State University, Lincoln University and Cheyney University. Two of them are combatants in a Halloween weekend HBCU football series.<\/a>\u00a0 On Friday, Lincoln takes on Virginia Union. On Saturday, Delaware State, coached by former Philadelphia Eagle Desean Jackson, takes on Norfolk State, coached by another former Eagle, Michael Vick. The weekend also includes a Battle of the Bands, a step show and a college fair.\n<\/p>\n

D\u00eda de los Muertos 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

When: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, from 4 to 9 p.m.
\nWhere: Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St., South Philadelphia. Outdoor festivities and a community altar will be featured.
\nHow much: Free<\/p>\n

On Sunday, Philadelphia\u2019s South Ninth Street corridor celebrates D\u00eda de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The annual celebration honors deceased loved ones with community altars, traditional art and music. Artist Gina Pacheco Brito will create a community altar called \u201cLa luz inolvidable,\u201d or \u201cThe Unforgettable Light,\u201d featuring candles and tributes to migrants who died in detention.\n<\/p>\n

Arts and culture
\n\u2018Topdog\/Underdog\u2019<\/p>\n

Suzan-Lori Parks\u2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning \u201cTopdog\/Underdog\u201d <\/a>appears to have a lock in the Philadelphia area, as it\u2019s come to local stages several times. Despite that, its latest production is already selling out. The play follows Lincoln and Booth, two brothers who share a fascination with three-card monte despite a complicated relationship. Directed by Amina Robinson,<\/a> this Arden Theatre Company production is co-produced with People\u2019s Light. It stars Akeem Davis <\/a>and George McGriff.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\u2018Gruesome Playground Injuries\u2019<\/p>\n

Kayleen and Doug are childhood friends whose relationship unfolds through a series of reunions over three decades. Written by Rajiv Joseph <\/a>and directed by Deborah Block, the play\u2019s title comes from the series of physical injuries they share. Actors Jennifer Kuerzi<\/a> and Daniel Burgess<\/a> are the pair who keep getting hurt in a play <\/a>that has gotten mixed reviews,<\/a> but a fair share of productions on Broadway and beyond since its 2009 debut.\n<\/p>\n

Mural Arts Fest
\n\"twoArtists could be seen working on their murals that will be posted at Love Park through Nov. 5. (Cory Sharber\/WHYY)<\/p>\n

Mural Arts Month<\/a> concludes with the arts organization\u2019s annual festival<\/a>, a family-friendly Halloween option. Expect mask decorating, affirmation cards, a Halloween photo booth, a pumpkin painting contest with a $500 cash prize and performances from Ryan Gilfillan<\/a> and Blackbuttafly.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Kids
\n\u2018The Addams Family: The Musical\u2019 HalloWeek<\/p>\n

The creepy and kooky members of the Addams Family have been entertaining people for almost 90 years. The enduring appeal of Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday and Pugsley is inexplicable, but real nonetheless. The next generation is just as enthralled with shows like \u201cWednesday\u201d<\/a> on Netflix, continuing its pop culture reign. The Philly musical production concludes HalloWeek with Family Night, <\/a>where kids are admitted free with each full-price adult ticket, as well as a special Halloween night performance.\n<\/p>\n

Food and drink
\nD\u00eda de los Muertos Cocktail Competition<\/p>\n

Halloween cheers anyone? Seven local mixologists compete head-to-head<\/a> with the audience serving as judges. Competitors include bartenders representing restaurants, including Michelin-recognized Friday Saturday Sunday<\/a> and cocktail bars like Static! <\/a>General admission includes one complimentary cocktail and access to additional drinks; an all-access ticket includes tastings from all seven contestants.\n<\/p>\n

Philly Cider Week
\n\"JugsJugs of apple cider are displayed for sale at a farmers market in Falls Church, Va., Saturday, March 11, 2017. (AP Photo\/J. Scott Applewhite)<\/p>\n

Where: Multiple venues
\nWhen: Sunday, Nov. 1, 3 p.m. \u2013 7 p.m.
\nHow much: Free<\/p>\n

Despite challenges with<\/a> the local 2026 apple crop, Philly Cider Week <\/a>returns for its eighth year, emphasizing local, orchard-driven cider. The lineup includes tastings, cider dinners, tap takeovers, food pairings and opportunities to meet cidermakers. The week closes with the Cider Stroll, <\/a>a free, all-ages event featuring local cider, food, live music and other fall activities, with proceeds benefiting The Food Trust.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Main Line Today Restaurant Week<\/p>\n

Where: Multiple venues
\nWhen: Sunday, Nov. 1\u2013Saturday, Nov. 14
\nHow much: Prix fixe lunch $25, $30 or $35; dinner $30, $45 or $55<\/p>\n

Restaurant weeks are always welcome, but especially along the tony Main Line, where getting a discount on anything feels like a win. This year\u2019s promotion <\/a>includes prix fixe meals from $25 to $55, depending on whether you choose lunch or dinner and where you make a reservation. Those are recommended, by the way. Participating restaurants include Amada Radnor,<\/a> Tavola,<\/a> Lola\u2019s Garden <\/a>and Sophie\u2019s BBQ.\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Music
\nYunchan Lim Plays Rachmaninoff<\/p>\n

Where: Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.\u00a0<\/a>
\nWhen: Thursday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 p.m.
\nHow much: $85\u2013$254<\/a><\/p>\n

In 2022, South Korean pianist Yunchan Lim,<\/a> then 18, became the youngest-ever gold medalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. After making his Philadelphia Orchestra debut last year, he reunites with <\/a>conductor Marin Alsop <\/a>for Rachmaninoff\u2019s Piano Concerto No. 3, which won him the prize. The program also includes Samuel Barber\u2019s First Symphony and Stravinsky\u2019s The Firebird Suite.\n<\/p>\n

Arun Ramamurthy Trio & Rudresh Mahanthappa Hero Trio<\/p>\n

South Indian Carnatic music gets more exposure via Penn Live Arts with two musicians performing together<\/a> as part of Penn\u2019s Arts of India Festival.<\/a> Violinist Ramamurthy\u2019s trio blends Carnatic traditions with jazz, drawing from his album \u201cNew Moon.\u201d<\/a> Nine-time \u201cDownBeat\u201d critics\u2019 poll leader, alto saxophonist Mahanthappa and his Hero Trio with bassist Fran\u00e7ois Moutin<\/a> and drummer Rudy Royston<\/a> follow. Before the performance, there will be a conversation with the musicians as part of the ListenHear series.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Juan de Marcos & The Afro-Cuban All Stars<\/p>\n

Thirty years after he founded the band in Cuba, Juan de Marcos Gonz\u00e1lez\u2019s Afro-Cuban All Stars<\/a> celebrate their longevity and their success bringing together musicians from different generations. Gonz\u00e1lez was a key figure behind the Buena Vista Social Club <\/a>project, and the All Stars\u2019 debut, \u201cA Toda Cuba le Gusta,\u201d<\/a> was recorded during the same 1996 session. The All Stars are in Philly this weekend<\/a> to keep the celebration going.\n<\/p>\n

Yebba<\/p>\n

Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St. <\/a>
\nWhen: Friday, Oct. 30, 8 p.m.
\nHow much: $68<\/a><\/p>\n

Yebba,<\/a> the Arkansas-born singer-songwriter, is known for her ethereal voice that mixes soul, R&B, gospel, jazz and pop. That\u2019s helped her collaborate with artists across genres, including PJ Morton, Ed Sheeran, Drake and Mark Ronson. The Philadelphia stop <\/a>is part of the fall North American leg of her \u201cJean\u201d <\/a>tour, to her sophomore release, which came out in March.\n<\/p>\n

Made in Philadelphia: An Evening with Chelsea Reed<\/p>\n

Jazz vocalist, arranger and bandleader Chelsea Reed<\/a> and the Philly Pops Jazz Combo headline <\/a>Articinia<\/a>\u2019s latest concert<\/a>,<\/a> which brings performers from various genres directly to neighborhood venues. Reed has led the Fair Weather band for more than a decade, releasing four albums and performing with artists including Terell Stafford<\/a> and Wycliffe Gordon. <\/a>And if her plate wasn\u2019t already full, Reed also teaches jazz history and performance at Temple University.\n<\/p>\n

Judah & The Lion<\/p>\n

Nashville folk-rock band Judah & The Lion<\/a> is in town i<\/a>n support of their latest project, \u201cI Am A Prism.\u201d<\/a> On the group\u2019s sixth album, released in August, they worked with Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter and composer Jeremy Lutito<\/a>, moving away from more personal tracks to folk, rock and big pop anthems.\n <\/p>\n