Candis R. McLean
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. Closing Soon: Ghost Ship
Where: Race Street Pier | Race St & North Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through Sunday, November 3
Created by Biangle Studio, this spooky and hauntingly fun holographic illusion ends its run on the Delaware Waterfront this Sunday. The 18th-century ship stands 50-feet tall underneath the Ben Franklin Bridge. Don’t forget to take a self-guided audio tour of this visual marvel.
For more information, click here
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2. Closing Soon: Brian Sanders’ JUNK Presents 2nd Sanctuary
Where: 21st St & Christian St
When: Runs through Sunday, November 3
This unforgettable and mindbending 21st century Halloween experience ends this Sunday. Choreographer Brian Sanders has taken over an old church at 21st & Christian and offered up this VR and sensory-driven attraction for weeks. Jump from an escape room to Zombie Disco, and so much more. This is a creative escape from the mundane haunted house. 2nd Sanctuary takes the season to all-new heights and engrossing depths.
For more information, click here
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3. Closing Soon: Come From Away
Where: Academy of Music | 240 S Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, November 3
Come From Away ends its run at the Academy of Music this weekend. Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and this year’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley, has done a phenomenal job with this production. There are stellar performances, wonderful music, and so much more. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to see this one-of-a-kind show.
For more information, click here
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4. Día de Los Muertos
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
It’s Friday, November 1st. Día de Los Muertos is taking over the City of Brotherly Love today. The Fleisher Art Memorial will be hosting an amazing event. There are free activities at LOVE Park and a performance by Kalpulli Kamaxtle Xiuhcoatl. Saturday the beloved park will screen Coco.
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5. Haloween Events
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
The fact that October is over, doesn’t mean you still can’t get your Halloween on. Head over to Café Ynez is and celebrate the Day of the Dead with some creepy crawly chapulines. There’s also a Manayunk Haunted Brewery Bash and a Manayunk Monster Bash this Friday.
For more information, click here
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6. CraftNOW Philadelphia
Where: Various locations
When: November 1 – December 6
CraftNOW Philadelphia provides the populace with a rare opportunity to view crafters outside of their specialized studios. Several hand skilled artisans will be on full display at several institutions in the city. There will be wood, clay, stone, metal, fiber, and more works at various galleries, shops, museums, and locations. There will be inaugural CraftMONTH First Friday festivities this weekend in partnership with Old City First Friday.
For more information, click here
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7. Philly Cider Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Friday, November 8
This week, the annual libation celebration of Philly Cider Week continues. Several bars, restaurants, lounges, and beer gardens in the city will be participating in this seasonal week. Stop by the countless locations in the area and get some tremendous brews.
For more information, click here
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8. Pod Park Fall Festival
Where: Piazza Pod Park | 1075 Germantown Ave
When: Runs through Sunday, November 3
This weekend Piazza Pod Park will be getting everyone in the spirit with an all weekend-long Fall Festival that has entertainment and activities for all ages. There will be delicious bites, pumpkin spirits from the Pods, and a live DJ who will be playing all your fall favorites. Enjoy a kid’s interactive pop-up play and a mobile clay pottery studio. This weekend is all about some fall-time fun and enjoying the season’s delights.
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9. Parkway Central Library Events
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Where: Parkway Central Library | 1901 Vine St
When: Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2
Today at the Parkway Central Library Oscar, Gold Globe, Emmy, and Tony award-winning actress Sally Field will be discussing her book In Pieces. On Saturday the life of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison will be the main event.
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10. The Kingdom Choir
Where: Merriam Theater | 250 S Broad St
When: Friday, November 1 | 8 p.m.
Royal Wedding singer, The Kingdom Choir, will be at the Merriam Theater this Friday night. The Guardian said this ensemble’s “vocal power and ecstatic harmonies make for spine-tingling moments.” Come to this famed theater to hear them live.
For more information, click here
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11. Taste! Philadelphia
Where: Valley Forge Casino Resort | 1160 1st Ave | King of Prussia, PA
When: Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2
This weekend the TASTE! Philadelphia will be at the Valley Forge Casino Resort. Plenty of local celebrities will be on hand for an abundance of food, wine, cocktails, and so much more. This food, wine, and spirits festival will feature many up-and-coming chefs, established culinary artisans, and more.
For more information, click here
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12. Old City First Fridays
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Each First Friday of the month Old City opens its galleries, studios, shops, and businesses for a little fun. Several participating spaces will have painting collection, woodworkings, sculptures, furniture, metal works, and more throughout several buildings. Stop by The Clay Studio for From Storage to the Studio and several other places.
For more information, click here
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13. Frankford Avenue First Fridays
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Old City isn’t the only neighborhood celebrating the first Friday of the month. Fishtown will be brimming with art, culture, food, and more. November’s First Friday! will feature special Happy Hours, food tasting events, a dance party at The Barbary, deals at record shops, poetry readings, art shows, and several other activities.
For more information, click here
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14. Havana Nights
Where: World Cafe Live | 3025 Walnut St
When: Friday, November 1 | 9 p.m.
For another event offering live music, World Cafe Live will be hosting Havana Nights this Friday evening. This is a free event full of Latin flair and music. There will be authentic food and drinks available for purchase. Come out for the amazing salsa music and tear up the dance floor.
For more information, click here
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15. Barnes First Friday
Where: The Barnes | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, November 1 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Barnes Foundation’s First Friday soiree is tonight. The series of jamborees always has great live music, cocktails, gallery access, and more. This Friday, Ruth Naomi Floyd is set to celebrate abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
For more information, click here
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16. Friday Night at the Art Museum
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, November 1 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Another institution hosting a Friday night soiree is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. There will be cocktails and small bites at this artistic and cultural event. Conjunto Philadelphia will be performing at 5 p.m. & 8:45 p.m. Enjoy gallery access and more at this event.
For more information, click here
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17. Majah Hype
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Friday, November 1 – Saturday, November 2
Comedian and entertainer Majah Hype will be performing at laugh house Punch Line Philly this week. The Caribbean King of Comedy will be bringing his original stage presence and signature delivery to the east coast. Be sure to get tickets to any of his shows this weekend.
For more information, click here
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18. Make the World Better IPA Launch Party
Where: Yards Brewing Co. | 500 Spring Garden St.
When: Friday, November 1 | 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Come to Yards Brewing Co. tonight for a wonderful launch party. Connor Barwin’s Make the World Better Foundation (MTWB) is launching a new and limited-edition beer from Yards’ First Draft series—Make the World Better IPA. Come see the great work that the ex-Eagle and the Yards Brewing Co. are doing together to enrich local neighborhoods.
For more information, click here
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19. Nerdtino Expo
Where: Taller Puertorriqueño | 2600 N. 5th St
When: Saturday, November | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Throughout centuries, Latin Americans have shaped American popular culture. These contributions include the landscape of comic books and arts. This Saturday, come out to Nerdtino, a Latinx Comic Book Convention, to see some tremendous works, video games, literature, and more.
For more information, click here
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20. Diwali: Festival of Lights
Where: Reading Terminal Market | 51 N 12th St
When: Saturday, November | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Reading Terminal Market will be having a fantastic Diwali Festival of Lights celebration this Sunday. The event will have Indian cultural dances, authentic cuisine including a cooking demonstration, Indian art, Mendi hand painting, and more. The free event is open to all ages.
For more information, click here
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21. Mermaids
Where: Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr | Camden, NJ
When: Rusn through Sunday, November 10th
Across the bridge on the Camden Waterfront lies Adventure Aquarium. The aquatic institution has something unique and exciting for your entire family. Mermaids is an imaginative exhibit that includes incredible swimmers putting on a mystical show. There are meet-and-greets, crafts, a pirate appearance, and more.
For more information, click here
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22. Big Old Kids Party at Bartram’s Garden
Where: Bartram’s Garden | 5400 Lindbergh Blvd
When: Saturday, November 2 | 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Bring your entire family out to Bartram’s Garden this Saturday for tons of fun. There will be plenty of games, activities, and kid-friendly events. The party will feature snacks, music, free child care, and much more.
For more information, click here
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23. Philly Bike Expo
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center | 1101 Arch St
When: Saturday, November 2 – Sunday, November 3
The 2019 Philly Bike Expo is this Saturday and Sunday. Several amazing bikes will be on display at this wonderful expo. There will be vendors, artisans, workshops, and so much more. Don’t miss the seminars and intensive conversations led by bike lovers around the world.
For more information, click here
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24. X Ambassadors
Where: Franklin Music Hall | 421 N 7th St
When: Saturday, November 2 | 7:30 p.m.
Alternative rockers X Ambassadors will be taking over the Franklin Music Hall this Saturday night. The “Jungle”, “Renegades”, and “Unsteady” singing band released a new album, Orion, in June. Don’t miss your chance to see them live.
For more information, click here
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25. Maple Leaves vs. Flyers
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S Broad St
When: Saturday, November 2 | 7:30 p.m.
The Philadelphia Flyers will be playing the next two games at home. This Saturday the home team will be taking on the Toronto Maple Leaves. The Flyers will be taking on Toronto next Saturday as well in Canada. These two teams will be putting on a show under the Saturday night lights.
For more information, click here
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26. Nick Offerman
Where: The Met Philadelphia | 858 N. Broad St.
When: Saturday, November 2 | 8 p.m.
Nick Offerman will be performing at the Merriam Theater this Saturday night. The actor is known for several roles, namely his character Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation. The All Rise – American Humorist Tour will be full of pure comedy that you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here
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27. 5th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival
Where: Parade starts at Juniper & Market streets
When: Sunday, November 3 | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
The 5th Annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival is this Sunday. Television coverage will be on 6ABC starting at 12:30 pm. There will be food, live music, a freedom tree, kids games, balloon artist, face painting, and more. The parade will include over 3,000 participants and 34 Veteran Service Organizations.
For more information, click here
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28. Museum Sundays
Where: Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Sunday, November 3 | 10 a.m.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Barnes Foundation will be offering up the most wallet-friendly event this Sunday. The Philadelphia Museum of Art will be pay-what-you-wish and The Barnes Foundation’s PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Kaledsiscope event will be full of artistic wonder for the whole family. Stop by these world-renowned institutions to see the most prestigious artists’ works on full display.
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29. Bears vs. Eagles
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Where: Lincoln Financial Field | 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Sunday, November 3 | 1 p.m.
The Eagles return to Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday for a showdown with the Chicago Bears. The Birds have had Chicago’s number over the last few years. This Sunday marks the return of DeSean Jackson, Avonte Maddox, and several other key players. Come out to the Linc for this gridiron war.
For more information, click here
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30. Fleetwood Mac
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S Broad St
When: Sunday, November 3 | 8 p.m.
This Sunday night, rock legends Fleetwood Mac will be bringing down the house at the Wells Fargo Center. Come hear all of the breathtaking ballads and powerhouse anthems at this amazing arena. Don’t miss your chance to see these talented musicians live.
For more information, click here
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31. First Person Arts Festival
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Tuesday, November 19
The First Person Arts Festival begins this weekend and runs through Tuesday, November 19h. There will be personal story slams, spoken word performances, comedic showcases, a memoir writing class, and more at this artistic collective. This year’s performers Che Guerrera, Tina Chang, Jericho Brown, and many others.
For more information, click here
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Map of Events
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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