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What’s happening in Philly: 16 amazing things to do in Philly right now

Each weekend, we will post some of the most unique social and cultural places to visit in addition to exciting events in and around the Philly area. We call it Philly Influencer’s Weekend Picks. If you attend any of these places or events, let us know how it went! Tweet us or email us at [email protected].

1. The Philadelphia Orchestra 

(The Philadelphia Orchestra)

Where: Digital Event
When: Runs through Sunday, October 18

Lovers of classical music, don’t miss your chance to hear the works of Mozart (Piano Concerto No. 14, K. 449), Brahms (Serenade No. 2 ), and Hunt (Climb-World Premiere—Philadelphia Orchestra Commission). Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s, The Philadelphia Orchestra’s, and Pianist Emanuel Ax’s artistry will be on full display this weekend. After the stunning performances on Thursday, October 15 there will be a post-concert chat with Emanuel Ax in the Digital Lobby. The concert will be available for ticket holders to watch on-demand for 72 hours.

For more information, click here.

2. PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard

Where: The Navy Yard | 4747 S Broad St
When: Runs through the season

The PFS Drive-In at the Navy Yard is the place to be to view the latest films, old classic, and holiday-themed features. Each week, you can drop by The Navy Yard and see phenomenal works on the big screen. Catch Tenet, Honest Theif, Bad Hair, and more this week. It will also be the location for the upcoming 29th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival.

For more information, click here.

3. National Liberty Museum Opens 

(National Liberty Museum // Photo by J. Fusco)

Where: National Liberty Museum | 321 Chestnut St
When: Opens Friday, October 16

The National Liberty Museum will finally be opening its doors this Friday, October 16. For kick-off weekend, come see their newest exhibition, Philly’s Freedom: Artists Speak Out. It features 75 pieces of art illustrating what “free” means. The NLM has enacted new safety protocols to help create a worry-free experience for each visitor.

For more information, click here.

4. The Clay Studio Presents Lisa Naples: Using The Sun To Find North

(Using the Sun to Find North)

Where: The Clay Studio | 139 N 2nd St
When: Runs through Sunday, November 15

Stop by The Clay Studio to view Lisa Naples: Using the Sun to Find North. The exhibit encompasses the journeys people take to find themselves. The in-person and online exhibit features tremendous plate paintings and other pieces. It illustrates “the chief ways people navigate when they find themselves disoriented and with no compass or map”.

For more information, click here.

5. The Bourse Extends Outdoor Bootcamp

Where: The Bourse Philadelphia | 111 S Independence Mall E
When: Runs through Sunday, October 31

On the heels of a successful outdoor boot camp this summer, The Bourse Food Hall is extending its workout series another month with the addition of all-ages classes — Saturday mornings from October 3 through October 31. The adult classes will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the 5th St. patio, followed by the all-ages classes from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Tickets for the boot camp classes are $10 and include a Bloody Mary or mimosa from Grubhouse and the all-ages classes are $17 for parent and child ($5 per additional child) and include a Grubhouse adult beverage for mom or dad and choice of pancake, grilled cheese or PB&J for kids.

For more information, click here and all-ages can be purchased here.

 6. Night of Lights

Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, October 25

Chestnut Hill’s 4th Annual Night of Lights continues to brighten up at multiple sites along Germantown Avenue. When strolling through the streets of Chesnut Hill, you’ll be captivated by the historical images and films from the conservancy’s archives projected onto storefront windows and onto exterior walls. Neighboring buildings and walls will also be filled with colored lights. This year’s Night of Lights, presented by the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, will take the form of an extended public art installation activating Germantown Avenue and transforming Chestnut Hill’s familiar main street into a nightly interactive exhibition of local history and architecture.

For more information, click here.

7. Paleopalooza

Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Runs through Sunday, October 25

Plug into the world of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures with a weeklong virtual Paleopalooza festival Saturday, October 17 through Sunday, October 25 presented by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The action takes place on Zoom, Facebook, and the Academy’s website, ansp.org, where participants will learn about dinosaur discoveries, invertebrates encased in amber, modern cousins of ice age animals, and the stories behind fossils from around the world that are part of the Academy’s famous collection. Videos and dinosaur activities to do at home will be posted, and Academy paleontologists will host conversations for kids to ask them questions.

For more information, click here.

8. 34th AIDS Walk

Where: Digital Event
When: Sunday, October 18, 2020

The 34th Annual AIDS Walk Philly is going virtual on Sunday, October 18, as the need for vulnerable individuals is more important than ever. With the money raised at this year’s Walk, AIDS Fund continues its mission to provide emergency funds to individuals living with HIV through the From All Walks of Life Fund. The AIDS Fund will broadcast a video kick off on the morning of October 18 at 8 a.m., including an aerobic warm-up. Then, while staying safely socially distanced, walkers will unite by going the 5k distance in their own neighborhoods. Emcees and guest speakers attending the online ceremony include Stephania Jimenez of NBC10, Cherri Gregg of KYW NewsRadio, Pierre Robert of WMMR, Reverend Dawn Duppins, and more.

For more information, click here.

9. Chestnut Hill’s Virtual Fall Fashion Show

Where: Digital Event
When: Thursday, October 17 | 7 p.m.

Chestnut Hill Business District’s second Chestnut Hill: Fashion’s Night In taking place on Thursday, October 15 at 7 p.m. Continuing on the success of the first Fashion Night In that premiered in May, the 45-minute virtual fashion show will focus on fall styles, hot designers, and the must-haves of the season. The show will be hosted by Philadelphia fashion influencer Dani Maiale. The fashion show will be streamed through Facebook Live on the Chestnut Hill PA page or patrons can register for free and watch the show on Zoom. The virtual format will allow customers to visit the Avenue in person to browse each retailer or shop from the comfort of their own home. Before the start of the show, staff from Tavern on the Hill will provide a fall-themed specialty cocktail recipe on the Chestnut Hill Business District Event Page for all to enjoy.

For more information, click here.

10. Halloween Attractions 

Where: Various locations
When: Runs through the season

Franklin Square will have several events at the entertainment hotspot all year long. Through the month of October, there will Spooky Mini Golf ($10 adults, $8 children) each weekend from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be fog, lights, music, and surprises. In the coming weeks, keep your eyes peeled for a new inflatable Halloween maze. You can also stop by Ghost Tours of Philadelphia, Grim Philly Twilight Tours, and Spirits of ’76 Ghost Tours.

11. Cultrefest!: Día de los Muertos

Where: Penn Museum | 3260 South St
When: Runs through the month

Penn Museum’s Culturefest! continues this week. There will be plenty of live programming celebrating Hispanic culture. Coming up, there will be an Ofrenda workshop, book clubs, discussions, and family-friendly events. The museum gallery will also be open for several exhibitions.

For more information, click here.

12. Black Restaurant Week

Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, October 25

For the next two weeks, Philadelphia will be hosting Black Restaurant Week. Take time out to enjoy the great flavors and dishes stemming from the African diaspora. More than 15 African, African-American, and Caribbean restaurants in the city will be participating. Black Restaurant Week celebrates the flavors of cooking while giving you deals on delicious meals at restaurants throughout the city. There are also special select happy hour events throughout this joyous occasion.

For more information, click here.

13. Harvest Celebration  East Passyunk Avenue

Where: East Passyunk Avenue
When: Runs through Sunday, October 25

East Passyunk Avenue will be buzzing over the next two weeks. The Harvest Celebration will have something for each family member and friend. There fall-themed shopping, seasonal menus at restaurants, and more.

For more information, click here.

14. Boo at the Zoo 

(Boo at the Zoo)

Where: Philadelphia Zoo | 3400 W Girard Ave
When: Runs through Sunday, November 1

The Philadelphia Zoo will begin this unique and one-of-a-kind event this weekend. Bring your family, in full costume, out for Boo at the Zoo. There will be festive fall offerings and kids will receive a free candy bar with entry.

For more information, click here.

15. DesignPhiladelphia

Where: Digital Event
When: Runs through Sunday, October 18

Now over a decade old, DesignPhiladelphia has become one of the largest design festivals in the country. The showcase celebrates the historic role of design in the region while displaying the innovation yet to come. The digital event includes panels, showcases, discussion, and much more.

For more information, click here.

16. Eagles vs. Ravens

Where:  Lincoln Financial Field | 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Sunday, October 18 | 1 p.m.

The Eagles, and surprisingly fans, will be back at Lincoln Financial Field this Sundays. 2020 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson will be going up against  Carson Wentz and future Hall-of-Famer Travis Fulgham. The AFC rivals down the highway are undefeated this year. The Birds will look to give them their first defeat.

For more information, click here.

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You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].

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