1. Chemical Heritage Foundation 315 Chestnut St. First Friday Hours: 5–8 p.m. Along with opening its doors to the public for extended gallery hours, CHF museum also hosts guest lecturers and new interactive displays and activities as a First Friday tradition. On view right now is the intriguing “Alchemical Quest,” exhibit, which investigates the origins of chemistry and science.
2. Gallery Joe 302 Arch St. First Friday Hours: 6–8 p.m. Two shows to check out at this Old City gem: Nicole Phungrasamee Fein’s “Where,” a collection of lovely yet peculiar contemporary watercolors, and Alex Paik’s “Recapitulation Bop,” featuring infectiously colorful and meticulously arranged paper sculptures.
3. First Friday Speakeasy Wine School of Philadelphia 127 S. 22nd St. Doors Open 6:30 p.m. Substitute whining about classes for classes about wine. At the Wine School just over the river, try some gourmet wine and microbrew samples while chatting with specialists about food pairing, legs and oaky undertones (or maybe just finding out what those things actually are). Dancing and more wine drinking to follow.
4. Sidewalk Market Elfreth’s Alley, 2nd St. between Arch and Race 5:00–9:00 p.m. It’s getting colder out there, but what better way to enjoy a crisp fall night than stocking up on some seasonally appropriate vintage finds? The sidewalks of 2nd Street are where to go for beautiful and (reasonably priced) vintage clothing, antique jewelry, and crafts. Crank up your crowd-navigating skills — it’s about to get crazy down there.
5. Muse Gallery 52 N. 2nd St. 5:00–8:30 p.m. Take advantage of extended hours and stop into Muse to enjoy complimentary refreshments and a word (or five!) with the artist behind the opening show, Nancy E.F. Halbert. It’ll be hard to resist given the whimsically beautiful pieces of her show, “Endure,” on display.
