The autumn foliage is at its most beautiful right now, so choose a tree and take in the scene. Take comfort in the knowledge that even if trees aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to do in Philly today that have nothing to do with nature. It is time to get cozy and participate in all of the activities that fall offers, ranging from rescheduling the South Street Fall Festival for a second time to a music festival devoted to Alice and John Coltrane.
Celebrate art, architecture, and design in Philly
The Center for Architecture and Design is getting ready to hold the annual DesignPhiladelphia festival, which will feature various events, parties, and presentations, aiming to draw attention to the high-caliber designers who work in the city.
During the inaugural weekend, you will have the opportunity to witness the debuts of many exhibits in Old City on Friday, concerts and food trucks on Electric Street in South Philadelphia on Saturday, and walking tours of various portions of the Rail Park on both Saturday and Sunday. The celebrations will continue through October 23, so ensure you don’t miss any other events during the week.
Jazz up your weekend
Jazz royalty The music of Alice and John Coltrane will be celebrated in a festival that is being put on by PennLive Arts and will feature performances up until October 23. On Friday and Saturday of this weekend, Pam Tanowitz Dance will present commissioned work set to the music of Alice and John Coltrane. Live music will be provided by saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin and her band, Pursuance. Additionally, Benjamin and Pursuance will present another performance on Sunday that will feature an all-Coltrane program.
Hear what the Philly music scene is all about
At the Philly Music Fest, which kicked off on Monday and will run for six nights, the city’s incredible local music culture has been spotlighted as the festival’s main attraction. Shamir, Echo Kid, and Max Swan will perform at The Dolphin on Friday; Working on Dying will perform at REC Philly on Friday as well; and Mannequin Pussy, Empath, Riverby, and JUSTMADNICE will be performing at Underground Arts on Saturday. All of these performances are sure to be entertaining.
Test your Hocus Pocus knowledge
Get out of the way; spooky season. It is the time of year for Hocus Pocus. Attend the Philadelphia Film Society quiz, followed by a showing of the first movie, all while the second installment is still relatively fresh in your mind. Get familiar with the Sanderson sisters’ discography because things are about to get competitive. Prizes are awarded to the teams who come in first and second place.
See local artists at work.
This coming weekend, Philadelphia Open Studio Tours will be welcoming public members into various area maker spaces to give them a glimpse into the creative process. Self-guided tours are available at working artists’ studios in the Philadelphia neighborhoods of Center City, Bella Vista, East Passyunk, Pennsport, South Philadelphia, Queen Village, Brewerytown, Fairmount, Mantua, Point Breeze, Powelton Village, Southwest Philadelphia, University City, and West Philadelphia.
Eat and drink to your heart’s content.
Other neighborhoods include Southwest Philadelphia, University City, and West Philadelphia. Discover how artists such as Tremain Smith, Brooke Lanier, and Eurhi Jones develop their works while you get the opportunity to ask questions, view works-in-progress, and acquire information about local artists.
Cruise through the city
Brass musicians, beer gardens, and food trucks galore are all gearing up for Peddler’s Village OctoberFeast. Enjoy live music, beer, wine, spirits, ax throwing, pony rides, moon bounces, and loads of food, both inside the food tent and from food trucks, all during the weekend.
Time for a re-do, South Street style
It’s time to go for a ride, so make sure your tires are properly inflated. The Philly Bike Ride is a competition for cyclists of all ages and levels that takes place on 20 miles of roadways that are closed to automobile traffic. Registered participants can bring bicycles or rent bicycles at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and pedal past City Hall, along Columbus Boulevard, South Philadelphia, up Kelly Drive to Manayunk, and back to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Plus, there will be a party waiting for you at the end.