Moving Forward–Independent: An Evening with Karine Jean-Pierre
Swarthmore College’s Black Cultural Center presents Moving Forward–Independent: An Evening with Karine Jean-Pierre. The former White House Press Secretary under President Joe Biden, Jean-Pierre is launching her new book, Independent, which explores the political landscape of America and defines what it means to be part of the growing percentage of Independent voters.
The free, public event will consist of a moderated conversation and Q&A followed by a meet & greet and book signing.
When: Monday, Oct. 27 from 7–9 p.m.
Where: Lang Performing Arts Center, 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA 19081
“Faust,” 1926
Faust, 1926, directed by F.W. Murnau, will be accompanied by Ian Fraser on organ. Murnau’s interpretation of Germany’s national legend elegantly simplifies the story as a battle between shadow and light — the basic elements of film.
Mephistopheles (Emil Jannings) bets an Archangel (Werner Fuetterer) that he can corrupt a righteous man. The devil approaches a disillusioned elder, Faust (Gosta Ekman), an alchemist desperate to save his village from the plague. Thanks to Mephisto, Faust succeeds and as a reward is returned to his virile youth. Unaware that this is a bait-and-switch, Faust becomes incrementally corrupted. Can his soul be saved?
When: Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.
Where: Wanamaker Building, 100 E. Penn Sq.
“The Phantom Carriage,” 1922
The Phantom Carriage, 1922, directed by Victor Sjostrom and accompanied by Don Kinnear on organ, is a ghostly adaptation of the Swedish folk tale by Nobel Prize winner Selma Lagerlof. Sjostrom stars as an alcoholic who dies at midnight on New Year’s Eve. According to legend, in the new year, his retribution is to serve as the coachman who rounds up the dead, allowing time for reflection and perhaps atonement.
The film uses flashbacks within flashbacks and sophisticated double-exposures for special effects. It inspired Ingmar Bergman, who paid tribute to it in The Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries.
When: Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
Where: Wanamaker Building, 100 E. Penn Sq.
Free Attire for the LGBTQ+ at Open Wardrobe
With a mission to eliminate clothing insecurity, The Wardrobe opens its doors this month for the LGBTQ+ community to access free attire. This month’s Open Wardrobe — the nonprofit organization’s monthly event — will offer clothing and additional community resources.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Available at five Wardrobe locations:
- 413 N 4th St., Philadelphia
- 62 W. Marshall Rd., Upper Darby
- 345 Scarlett Road, Kennett Square
- Exton Square Mall (2nd floor near Boscov’s)
- 536 George St., Norristown
16th Annual Witch Craft Crawl
Join a night of boos, brews, and spooky fun at the 16th Annual Witch Craft Crawl! Over 30 bars, restaurants, and shops along East Passyunk Avenue will offer seasonal cocktails, supernatural sales, special brews, charms, and more.
Enjoy apple cider margaritas, boozy Halloween ice cream, a haunting jazz trio at The Singing Fountain, spellbinding sidewalk sales, personalized tarot readings, and devilish desserts. Whether flying solo or with your coven, this event promises a night of eerie excitement.
Registration will take place at Mark Canale CrossCountry Mortgage. Tickets are required.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6–10 p.m.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue
“Nosferatu,” 1922
Nosferatu, 1922, directed by F.W. Murnau and accompanied by Peter Richard Conte on organ, is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula created by many World War I veterans. The film contains metaphors likening vampirism to communicable diseases like syphilis and tuberculosis.
Max Schreck’s portrayal of Count Orlok, the bloodsucker, features sharp fangs, menacing talons, and a creepy rodent gait, making him a Swiss Army Knife of horror capable of attack, dismemberment, and devouring.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.
Where: Wanamaker Building, 100 E. Penn Sq.
Halsey Comes to Philly
Diamond-certified and GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist Halsey continues celebrating the 10th anniversary of her triple platinum debut album, Badlands, with the Back to Badlands Tour, stopping in Philadelphia.
Since its release on Aug. 28, 2015, Badlands has sold over 3 million albums in the U.S. and accumulated over 9 billion on-demand streams worldwide. Every song on the album is RIAA certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum, with additional certifications in the U.K. and Australia.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E Allen St.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Mural Dedication
Mural Arts and the Center for Black Digital Research will dedicate a mural honoring Frances Ellen Watkins Harper (1825–1911), poet, orator, abolitionist, and suffragist, recognizing her as one of the most influential Black women of the 19th century.
This event is part of #Harper200, marking 200 years since her birth. Philadelphia-based artist Athena Scott created the mural, located on the exterior wall of Green Street Friends School. The artwork celebrates Harper’s lifelong fight for freedom, education, and justice.
When: Thursday, Oct. 30 from 1–3 p.m.
Where: Green Street Friends School, 20 W. Armat St.
“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” 1920
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, 1920, directed by Robert Wiene and accompanied by Peter Richard Conte on organ, presents the hypnotist Caligari (Werner Krauss) and his sleepwalker sidekick Cesare (Conrad Veidt). Their rural carnival appearance coincides with a string of murders.
Conceived as a response to the horrors of World War I and inspired by German Expressionism, the film creates a fearful mindscape where everything natural is threatening and shadows suggest hostile forces. It influenced many silent horror films and film noir.
When: Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
Where: Wanamaker Building, 100 E. Penn Sq.
Jon Batiste Comes to Philly
Multi-Grammy® and Academy Award® winner Jon Batiste brings The Big Money Tour: Jon Batiste Plays America to Philadelphia. The tour is a musical journey connecting audiences to his roots, evolution, and movement through music.
Featuring selections from his acclaimed catalog alongside new material performed live for the first time, the show blends structure with spontaneity, creating what Batiste calls “creative church” — a space for joy, openness, and collective experience.
When: Thursday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
Choreomania at Mütter Museum
The Mütter Museum invites you to experience Choreomania, an immersive themed party inspired by the medieval phenomenon of “dancing mania.” Guests will time-travel to the 16th century with a sensory light installation by Glimmer Labs, after-hours museum access, light bites, specialty cocktails for purchase, and live DJ music.
The event features actors in costume, pop-up activations, and encourages choreomania-themed costumes such as peasant-core, medieval visuals, and demonology.
When: Thursday, Oct. 30 from 7–11 p.m.
Where: Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S. 22nd St.
“JOB” at Theatre Exile
Theatre Exile opens its 2025/26 season with the Philadelphia premiere of Max Wolf Friedlich’s JOB, directed by Deborah Block. This psychological thriller explores therapy, technology, and morality through an intense battle of intellect and emotion between a therapist and patient.
Set entirely in a therapist’s office, the play examines trust, control, and the human experience amid pressure and digital connection.
When: Thursday, Oct. 30–Nov. 16
Where: Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th St.
“The Mountaintop” at Arden Theatre Company
Arden Theatre Company presents The Mountaintop by Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall, directed by Brett Ashley Robinson. The 90-minute play is a reimagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night.
Set on April 3, 1968, it features Dr. King (Akeem Davis) at the Lorraine Motel after his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, encountering a mysterious maid, Camae (Kishia Nixon). Their conversations reveal his humor, doubts, and humanity.
When: Thursday, Oct. 30–Dec. 14
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
“Haxan,” 1922
Haxan (pronounced “Hex-on”), 1922, directed by Benjamin Christensen and accompanied by Don Kinnear on organ, blends documentary and occult fantasy to explore the history of witchcraft and female hysteria.
Christensen stars as Satan in scenes described by Variety as “unfit for public exhibition,” while also praising its innovative camerawork. The film features hand-tinted sequences and resembles a large-scale Hieronymous Bosch painting — grotesque, fantastic, and sympathetic to the devil.
When: Friday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.
Where: Wanamaker Building, 100 E. Penn Sq.
Family Haunted Circus Show
Step right up for the Family Haunted Circus! This PG-rated spectacle showcases the Performance Prep, Youth Troupe, Adult students, and staff of the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.
The perfect blend of thrills and chills for youth and adults wanting family-friendly fun without nightmares. Costumes are encouraged and fun is guaranteed.
When: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene St.
Adult Haunted Circus Show
Think you’re a “final girl”? See if you survive a horror-movie-twist night of circus acts at this 18+ show by PSCA adult students and staff.
Expect a noisy, naughty, and nightmare-inducing spectacle with tales of terror wrapped in sultry allure. Costumes are encouraged.
When: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene St.
Ms. Pat at Live! Casino
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia welcomes back Emmy-nominated comedian, actress, author, and host Ms. Pat for a live comedy set at the Live! Event Center.
Known for “The Ms. Pat Show,” a Netflix standup special, and multiple BET shows, Ms. Pat brings her unfiltered, laugh-out-loud humor to the stage. Tickets are required.
When: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 9 p.m.
Where: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, 900 Packer Ave.
“Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at AAMP
The African American Museum in Philadelphia presents Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design, featuring nearly 80 original costumes from iconic films such as Black Panther, Selma, and Coming 2 America.
This exhibition celebrates Carter’s cultural storytelling through costume design, marking her as the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards. It makes its Philadelphia debut at AAMP.
When: Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
“Fly Me to the Moon” by Marie Jones
Northern Irish playwright Marie Jones brings a sharply funny comedy set in Ireland. Two cash-strapped community care workers visit a lonely man, Davey McGee, whose day takes an unexpected turn. The play explores ordinary people facing extraordinary opportunities.
When: Ends Saturday, Nov. 1
Where: Hedgerow Theatre Company, 64 Rose Valley Road, Media, PA 19063
Flannel Fest 2025
On Sunday, over a thousand Philadelphians will don plaid for the third annual Philly Flannel Fest at Braid Mill, a fall celebration of community and cozy layers.
Co-hosted by Braid Mill and LIVE 24HRS, the festival offers music, food trucks, craft brews, and family-friendly activities indoors and outdoors. Free admission, pay-as-you-go.
When: Sunday, Nov. 2 from 12–6 p.m.
Where: Braid Mill, 346 E. Walnut Ln.
An Afternoon with Martha Stewart
To celebrate the timeless classic Entertaining, published in 1982, Martha Stewart will be in conversation sharing favorite recipes, inspirations, and reflections on her influential career.
When: Sunday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
“Kimberly Akimbo”
This Tony Award-winning musical follows Kimberly as she navigates family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush, and possible felony charges. A heartwarming and humorous story of determination and adventure.
When: Ends Sunday, Nov. 2
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
“FIRE!!”
Inspired by the 1927 groundbreaking all-Black quarterly magazine FIRE!!, this theatrical event weaves together stories, music, dance, and debates featuring legendary Harlem Renaissance figures including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and more.
When: Ends Sunday, Nov. 2
Where: Quintessence at The Sedgwick Theater, 7137 Germantown Ave.
Lincoln Mill Haunted House
Back for its fourth season in 2025, Lincoln Mill Haunted House offers the region’s scariest and largest haunted attraction with over 40 live scare-actors, elaborate sets, animatronics, and special effects aimed at thrill-seekers.
Family-friendly daytime events are available on select Saturdays. Tickets required.
When: Ends Sunday, Nov. 2
Where: Lincoln Mill Haunted House, 4100 Main St.
Día de los Muertos Ofrenda at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens partners with artist Ivonne Pinto-Garcia to create a Día de los Muertos ofrenda (altar) in the Back Gallery, honoring deceased loved ones. Visitors may leave notes or photos in remembrance.
When: Ends Monday, Nov. 3
Where: Magic Gardens Museum, 1020 South St.
“Relics” by Wendy Chidester
Artist Wendy Chidester’s exhibition Relics explores vintage machines that symbolize a bygone era with oil paintings rendered in contemporary realist style. The works evoke nostalgia and reverence for objects that were once symbols of progress.
When: Through Friday, Nov. 7
Where: Morton Contemporary Gallery, 115 S. 13th St.
“Clay as Care” at The Clay Studio
This exhibition examines ceramic art’s relationship with health, highlighting healing, rest, and resilience through works by artists including Jennifer Ling Datchuk and Adebunmi Gbadebo. Accompanied by research, publications, and programs.
When: Through Wednesday, Dec. 31
Where: The Clay Studio, 1425 N. American St.
“To Provide a Naval Armament: U.S. Navy & Marine Corps History, 1775–1958”
Exploring Philadelphia’s role in the birth and evolution of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, this exhibit presents artifacts, letters, and journals tracing their development from the American Revolution to the early Cold War.
When: Through Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
“Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets” at the Barnes Foundation
This landmark exhibition gathers 18 Rousseau paintings from the Barnes collection and the Musée de l’Orangerie, reuniting works for the first time in more than 100 years, some never exhibited together before.
When: Through Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
“Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade” at Brandywine Museum of Art
This survey of Baltimore artist Jerrell Gibbs spans his first decade, showcasing large-scale figurative paintings focused on Black life, identity, reflection, and belonging. The exhibition marks his first solo museum show and monographic publication.
When: Through Sunday, March 1
Where: Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317