Candis R. McLean
Each weekend, we will post some of the most unique social and culture 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].
Weekday Events that Run Through the Weekend
1. Turkish Film Festival
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
When: Friday, September 30th & Saturday,October 1st, 7PM-8:30PM
Penn Museum and the Turkish American Friendship Society of the U.S. (TAFSUS) present the Turkish Film Festival. The movie showcase will be headlined by two films, Istanbul Unveiled and The Swaying Waterlily. The festival lasts through October 9th and displays the rich and culturally thriving cinema that Turkey has to offer. Tickets for each film are $10.
Info available here.
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2. Mural Arts Month: Kickoff Party
Where: Snyder Ave and Swanson St.
When: Friday, September 30th, 6PM-10PM
This event honors the Murals at Swanson Walk. There are four new murals are Snyder Plaza that will be unveiled. There will be DJs, food trucks, live performances, dancing, and other festivities. In partnership with the Goldenberg Group, Mural Arts offers this free celebration to all who enjoy the vibrancy and colorful jolt that this artistic medium provides to the city. A $5 donation is suggested.
Info here.
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3. Rizzo with Bruce Graham and Sal Paolantonio
Where: Suzanne Roberts Theater, 480 S Broad St.
When: Friday, September 30th, 8PM-10PM
Frank Rizzo rose from a Philadelphia beat cop, to Police Commissioner, to the mayor while cultivating a reputation as both villain to many and savior to others. His statue currently rims the steps of the municipal building downtown. This Friday, the Suzanne Roberts Theater will be hosting a production of a play based on the controversial figure and a post-show interview with playwright Bruce Graham and media personality Sal Paolantonio. “Rizzo” centers on his 1991 attempt for re-election.
Get tickets here.
4. Silent Philly Anniversary Party
Where: District N9NE, 460 N 9th St.
When: Friday, September 30th, 7PM-11PM
Silent Philly will be celebrating its one year anniversary party with none other than, a silent party blowout. District N9NE will be hosting this festivity that allows you to pick the soundtrack to your night. Each guest will be given a headset. When partygoers switch the colors that align the devices, the music will change to the corresponding genre for each shade. Music ranges from pop, hip hop, electronic, and more. Tickets are $15.
Info and tickets available here.
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5. Alessia Cara
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E Allen St.
When: Friday, September 3oth, 7:30PM
In 2015, this Canadian singer-songwriter released the track “Here”. The single became one of the top-charting songs of the year and propelled Alessia Cara to awards and acclaim. This Friday, Alessia Cara comes to the Fillmore for the “Know-It-All Tour Part II”, which lineup will include singles from her similarly titled album. Since the success of her lead single, she has subsequently released the track “Wild Things”, a song which video was nominated for an MTV VMA “Best Pop Video”.
Get tickets here.
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6. James Blake
Where: Electric Factory, 421 N 7th St.
When: Friday, September 30th, 7:30PM
British singer-songwriter and producer will bring his show to the Electric Factory this Friday. Blake broke on the worldwide scene in 2014 after the release of his studio album Overgrown and EP titled 200 Press. Overgrown was award the Mercury Prize and he was nominated at Best New Artist at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. Blake has been featured on projects with artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, and more. This weekend’s concert will support his 2016 album release The Colour in Anything.
Tickets available here.
7. Damon Wayans Jr.
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Friday, September 30th, 8PM
Damon Wayans Jr. will grace the stage at Punch Line Philly this Friday. The writer, actor, and stand-up comedian will ensure for a hilarious evening. Wayans is best known for his stint on the ABC series Happy Endings and his recurring role as Coach on the Fox series New Girl. He also starred in the 2014 comedic feature film Let’s Be Cops. This outing promises to be a great way to unwind from the week and will be a fun way to kick off your weekend.
Get your tickets here.
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8. Luke Cage Double Feature Premiere
Where: Atomic City Comics, 638 South St.
When: Friday, September 30th, 8:30PM-1AM
It seems with every Netflix release, follows a Netflix obsession. The latest project from the streaming media titan is Marvel’s Luke Cage. The new series will grace the screens of bingeing phone, laptop, television, and tablet owners starting this Friday night. Atomic City Comics will be hosting a screening party of the new broadcast for free. The event will show the first two episodes of the series and will have a short Q&A discussion open to all fans that attend.
Info available here.
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9. Philadelphia Orchestra Opening Night
Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S Broad St.
When: Friday, September 30th, 7PM
It’s the opening night of the 117th season of the Philadelphia Orchestra. There will be a premiere concert and black-tie ball after the show at Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center. Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin will lead a program that includes the works of Berstein, Gershwin, Ravel, and Resighl. Friday night will provide a welcoming beacon, signaling the beginning of a much -anticipated classical offering that only the Philadelphia Orchestra can deliver. Tickets start at $175.
Get tickets here.
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10. Fright Factory Opening Night
Where: 2200 S Swanson St.
When: Friday, September 30th, 7:30PM-11PM
For just $13, participants at the Fright Factory Haunted Attraction can be driven to the edge of fear. Fright Factory, which has been highlighted on the Travel Channel, invites guest to walk through dark hallways, frighteningly sounding contraptions, and be met with all kinds of shrieking effects in a two-hour horror session. Some guest can even become cast members as part of the production, be put in full costume, and scare other customers. This is either a great or brave way to welcome the Halloween season that’s on the horizon.
Tickets available here.
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11. Philly Nature Fest and River Days
Where: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 9AM-3PM
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum brings the fall festival to the community this Saturday. This celebration of the refuge will have crafts, exhibits, trolley cars for attendees, photo contests, informative walks, many more hands- on and engaging activities. Binoculars are available at the front desk for your enjoyment. Come enjoy the embracing atmosphere, live music, animals, and natural display.
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12. A Celebration of Ntozake Shange at AAMP
Where: AAMP, 701 Arch St.
When: Begins Saturday, October 1st, 10AM-5PM
The African American Museum will unveil i found myself: the 40 anniversary of Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls exhibit this Saturday. The display is named after one of the lines from the celebrated poet’s work. It will showcase 20 commissioned works and archived pieces by the artist. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for youth, students, and seniors. Come see the pieces that became the building blocks for this poet’s most well-known work.
Info here.
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13. Morris Arboretum’s Fall Festival
Where: 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
When: Saturday, October 1st & Sunday, October 2nd, various times
Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania offers this fall fun-filled festival. This annual tradition invites visitors to create their own scarecrow, paint and carve pumpkins, sample various types of apples, and many more family activities. This two-day event is free with garden admission and some events will have a separate fee. There will be food, beverages, crafts, and several other exciting ways to celebrate the beginning of autumn.
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14. Revolutionary Germantown Festival
Where: 6401 Germantown Ave.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 10AM-4PM
This event celebrates the Battle of Germantown. On October 4th, 1977, George Washington began a campaign to reclaim the city of Philadelphia. It was on Germantown Road that Washington staged a dawn attack. Saturday, there will be a live reenactment of that day in history. There will be soldiers in costume, music, drinks, food and a Oktoberfest celebration in the end at Grumblethorpe house.
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15. Go West Craft Festival
Where: The Woodlands Mansion, 4000 Woodland Ave.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 12PM-5PM
This West Philadelphia fall festival highlights local crafts and creations. There will be dozens of vendors displaying many creative works and figurines. Vendors will have handmade jewelry, gifts, stationary, toys, candles, preserves, and more. There will be live music, acrobatic performances, snacks, food, and many communal activities at this free event
Info available here.
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16. 8th Annual Charlie Brown Pumpkin Beer Festival
Where: 549 N 12th St.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 10:30AM-6PM
This is the biggest pumpkin beer festival in the world. There will be over 100 pumpkin beers, lambics, sours, and ciders at this seasonal blowout celebration. There are six outdoor draft stations, several food stations, and many indoor bars for all guests who attend. This is a rain or shine event. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $55 for VIP access and early entry.
Tickets and info here.
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17. Geno’s Steaks 50th Anniversary
Where: Geno’s Steaks, 1219 S 9th St.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 12PM-6PM
Geno’s Steaks is celebrating 50 years in the business of providing the staple cuisine of the great city of Philadelphia. This is a carnival-themed gathering with musical guests, food, drinks, and several others exciting features. The musical lineup includes Tony Pace, DJ Perry Angelozzi, Savannah Jack, and more. The event’s MC will be Marc Summers. This mouth-watering establishment is surely something to rejoice.
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18. Midtown Village Fall Festival
Where: 13th and Chestnut St.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 12PM-8PM
In its 11th year, the Midtown Fall Festival is one of Philadelphia’s most massive outdoor celebrations of its kind. This is a rain or shine event that offers food, beverages, live music, games, activities, and several vendors. Local artist will be there cultivating projects and engaging the crowd. There will be a beer garden, a kid’s corner, shopping, and more.
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19. Opera At The Mall
Where: Independence Mall, 501 Arch St.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 7PM
Opera Philadelphia offers this free screening of Turandot. In its sixth year, this outdoor event invites guest to bring blankets, picnic baskets, and their love of opera to Independence Mall. This year, this Puccini classic will be on display on the giant HD screen for the thousands of guest who attend. Attendees who register will be automatically entered for a chance to win a subscription for two to the spring 2017 Opera at the Academy series.
Free registration here.
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20. Castle On Tap
Where: Castle Ringstetten, 4347 Kelly Rd.
When: Saturday, October 1st, 2PM-7PM
Oktoberfest comes to East Falls this Saturday. Castle Ringstetten will provide the backdrop for this German culture and food celebration. On this Kelly Drive historic boathouse there will be an all-you-can-eat German buffet, a wide selection of beer, and music. Tickets are $25 and $5 for children between the ages of 6-12. Tickets get you entry into the castle, access to the buffet, and a free beer to start off your day.
Purchase tickets here.
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21. Philadelphia Out of the Darkness Walk
Where: 3000 Walnut St.
When: Sunday, October 2nd, 8AM-11AM
Out of the Darkness Walks is an event sponsored by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. This event is a communal acknowledgement of lost love ones and an awareness rally all in one. Walkers will wear colors corresponding to the beloved individual that lost their lives to suicide. This walks bridges thousands, from various diverse backgrounds, under the umbrella of the same experience. Donations will be accepted at the event as the foundation wishes to reach the goal of over $500,000.
Walk and donation information available here.
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22. Please Touch Museum Anniversary
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic Ave.
When: Sunday, October 2nd, 12PM
The Please Touch Museum is celebrating its 40th year of teaching, encouraging learning, and the development of young minds. The birthday celebration will have live music, theatrical performances, and more. Mayor Jim Kenney and other bright figures of the city will be in attendance. The museum is offering 40% off the entrance free to the institution so many families can enjoy the candle lighting ceremony, chalk play, confetti dance party, and many more activities.
Find information here.
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23. WXPN 5K Run for Musicians on Call
Where: Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Ben Franklin Pkwy.
When: Sunday, October 2nd, 8AM
This USTAF (USA Track & Field) certified run was made to support WXPN Musicians On Call. Musicians On Call travel to several local hospitals in the Delaware Valley and provide ailing patients with a musical reprieve. They have seen more than 80,000 patients since its creation. All proceeds from the 5K run will go to this good cause. Participants get a free t-shirt and an after-race dance party at World Café Life!
Info available here
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24. Made on American Street 2016 BBQ and Homebrew Competition
Where: 1447 N American St.
When: Sunday, October 2nd, 2PM-PM
This backyard rib and chicken barbecue contest attracts the masses. The local best competition barbecue teams rival each other in this amazing cookout. After the food is judged, the event is open to the public to come in and sample the delicious food and a selection of homebrews. There will be a bouncy house for kids, craft vendors, New Liberty Distillery will host a pop-up garden next door, and live music. Tickets are $15 and $25 at the door. Tickets include an event glass and two food tickets.
Tickets and info here.
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25. Morgan’s Pier Oktoberfest
Where: Morgan’s Pier, 221 N Columbus Blvd.
When: Sunday, October 2nd, 2PM-6PM
Morgan’s Pier celebrates Oktoberfest with this German, bratwursts, and knackwurst celebration. There will be an open beer bar, a performance by Burnt Sienna Dueling Pianos, unlimited soft pretzels, and complimentary beer stein. The event will also have rotating guest DJs, cultural food specials, and themed drinks. Tickets are $35. Whether you’re sipping on a beer or tasting the Oktoberfest menu, this offers a great way to enjoy your Sunday.
Tickets available here.