September flirts with a fantastic finale
The leaves of fall rained down on September 21, the first autumn day. With October lurking right around the corner like a raven in the sky, here are a few events (many are free) to close out a super September. But before embarking on any of these in-person activities, please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual event-attending instructions with the organizers. As a general rule: If you feel unwell, please do not attend in person.
One cook in this kitchen
October 5, 2022. Join best-selling author and popular actress, Tabitha Brown, for an energetic evening celebrating her first cookbook, Cooking From the Spirit. Her recipes promise to rejuvenate the body and soul. Brown battled an undiagnosed illness for more than a year before finding a way to halt the chronic pain; she went on a vegan diet. The popular lifestyle change inspired the author to start sharing her favorite plant-based recipes to benefit others. Starting at $55, 7:30 p.m., Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999, kimmelculturalcampus.org.
Feel the LOVE at the Salsa and Bachata Dance Party
September 30, 2022. Liven up your Friday. Salsa over to Siempre Salsa Philly for a dance lesson. And then afterwards, you can practice your tight new moves at a Dance Party courtesy of top Latin DJs and/or live salsa bands. If you are not ready for a fiercely fun time, don’t come. Free, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., LOVE Park, 16th Street and JFK Blvd. 215-910-2200, [email protected]
Unheralded and untold stories of resistance
September 27 to December 31, 2022. The roots of activism in Philadelphia run dirt-deep, and local archives are treasure troves, sort of story-keepers storing countless accounts of resistance. But for those who were marginalized and subjugated in society, too many of these important stories are untold and forgotten. Chronicling Resistance: The Exhibition reveals what eight local activists, cultural organizers and artists unearthed when they dug deep into the same Philadelphia archives that have snuffed out their voices and perspectives. The promotional literature speaks volumes: “Through archival items, rare books, oral histories, and original artwork, Chronicling Resistance counters the systemic erasure of Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ people from the historical record, breaks silences, and uncovers new ways of understanding and enacting resistance.” Check out this stellar exhibition throughout Parkway Central Library, from the ground floor up to the William B. Dietrich Gallery, and its satellite exhibition at the South Philadelphia Library, now through December. Free, 9 a.m., Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, 1-833-825-5357, creativephl.org.
The Rhythm of the night on the Parkway
September 29, 2022. Bring a blanket and chair and enjoy the lively rhythms of Quey Percussion Duo under the stars. The group will headline at Shakespeare Park as part of the Parkway Council’s popular Parkway Presents series that brings live and diverse arts, cultural programs and music programming to Philadelphia’s iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway Seating is not provided. Free, no registration required, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Vine and North 20th streets. The series will continue on October 6th, at 6 p.m., with headliners, West Philadelphia Orchestra, at Iroquois Park, Pennsylvania Avenue and North 24th Street. The concert celebrates artist Mark di Suvero’s Iroquois, a 35,000-pound bright-orange abstract steel public sculpture recently restored and re-installed at Iroquois Park on the Parkway near Eakins Oval and Spring Garden Street. 215-763-3427, email: [email protected], or visit parkwaycouncilfoundation.org.
A flea market with a repurpose
Weekend shopping warriors, get on your comfortable flea-marketing shoes and check out more than 60 vendors and more than 1,000 shoppers on the hunt for crafts and salvaged vintage items at the popular Fall Flea Market in South Philly. Everyone and everything gets a new life at a flea market! Vendor spaces ($25) will be set up on Broad Street, between Snyder Avenue & Jackson Street. Event proceeds benefit the Lower Moyamensing Civic Association and its neighbors. Free for shoppers, 9 a.m.to 3 p.m., Outside South Philadelphia High School, 2437 S. Broad St., 267-544-9597, email: [email protected], or visit [email protected].
Start the campfire everyone!
September 30 to October 2, 2022. Is three days of music and food enough for Smorefest in West Philadelphia? Probably not, but Smorefest wants everyone to come together around the campfire of community. The festival of peace features more than 50 emerging and established musicians including West Philadelphia crooner, Beano French, New Jersey rap heavyweight Mir Fontane, Caleborate, 3Breezy, Leila Dey, Sunnie, Noel Scales, Jus O, and more. But actually the main star is the free fluffy S’mores to tantalize your taste buds. Lawn at uCity Square, 3701 Filbert St. Tickets start at $39.99; noon, smorefestmusicfestival.com
Video on how to grow a container garden at home
One favorite activity that has sprung out of the pandemic is growing veggies and herbs in or around your home. For city folks, the space constraints can be an issue. It may seem challenging if you do not have a green thumb. But the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is making it simple through a video showing you how. The promotional material explains: “Container gardening is a great way to sustainably grow your own produce without a lot of space. It may seem expensive and daunting at first, but you don’t need a ton of supplies or gardening skills to get started. Here, we break down the key things to consider when growing your own fruits, veggies, and herbs in a container garden.” Sounds fruitful! Free. 215-988-8800, [email protected].
