Going to college in Philly, we’re so often bombarded—on social media and IRL—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: We’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your weekends.
—Catherine Sorrentino, Print Editor
October 1–6: The Book of Mormon @ the Academy of Music
Hello! The Book of Mormon would like to share the gospel with you. While they won’t show you the golden plates, they will show you a rollicking good time. Conversion not included in price of admission.
Tickets start at $29, 7:30 p.m., 240 S. Broad St.
October 1–13: DesignPhiladelphia Festival @ Cherry Street Pier
This festival celebrates all things design. Immersive photography? Check. Architecture addressing climate change? Check. Fashion shows? Check. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the DesignPhiladelphia Festival is pulling out all the stops to connect the city with endless possibilities of design.
Free entry, 12 p.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 12 p.m.–11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
October 3–24: Cookbooks and Convos @ Binding Agents Cookbook Shop
Inspired by female tradition, Cookbooks and Convos hosts the women of the culinary world for discussion, connecting, and the occasional dish. Whether you're an expert in the kitchen or have the cucumber cutting skills of Kendall Jenner, this series of events gives the chance for all to explore food innovation.
Ticket prices to come, 5 p.m., 908 Christian St.
October 4: Simone Biles Gold Over America Tour @ the Wells Fargo Center
Simone Biles and the United States gymnastics team have proved once again at the 2024 Paris Olympics that they truly are the goats. It only makes sense they'd bring that breathtaking, groundbreaking talent back home for their Gold Over America Tour (aka GOAT).
Tickets start at $42, 7:30 p.m., 3601 S. Broad St.
October 5: Billie Eilish @ Wells Fargo Center
Guess, guess, guess, who’s coming to Philly this month? This superstar is hitting Philly hard and soft this month, and her concert is going to pack a real punch.
Prices start at $215, 7 p.m., 3601 S. Broad St.
October 8: Sabrina Carpenter @ Wells Fargo Center
If this five–foot pop princess has left quite the impression on you, then this concert is a can't miss. Sabrina Carpenter's tour is properly short and sweet, so catch her while you still can in Philly.
Prices start at $260, 7 p.m., 3601 S. Broad St.
October 10: Yèshì Chinatown Market @ Chinatown
Hopefully, this magazine doesn’t have to tell you that Philadelphia’s Chinatown is truly one of a kind, so step out and support the community for the annual Yèshì Chinatown market. Since 2011 it’s been one of Chinatown’s most attended events and most valuable showcases for vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances from the community.
Free entry, 6 p.m.–10 p.m., Chinatown.
October 11: Justin Timberlake @ the Wells Fargo Center
This October, Justin Timberlake is bringing Sexy Back to Philadelphia. After the low of his DUI charge, Timberlake is sure to come back strong and hit his high on the Forgot Tomorrow World Tour. Make sure not to miss this show—after all, that would ruin the tour.
Prices start at $89, 7:30 p.m., 3601 S. Broad St.
October 11–13: OURfest @ 5th and Market streets
OURfest, which stands for “Our Uniting Resilience,” brings the community together for a weekend of celebration and performance. It was created to commemorate National Coming Out Day and LGBTQIA+ History Month.
Free entry, 12 p.m.–7 p.m.; parade begins at 5th and Market streets.
October 14: Indigenous Peoples Day Philadelphia @ Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty Park)
For the 8th year, join nonprofit IPD Philly in their celebration of Indigenous People’s Day, complete with Indigenous vendors sharing their art, food, and clothing with the Philadelphia community. Indigenous People’s Day is an opportunity to learn more about the diverse history of the Lenni Lenape people, the original inhabitants of the Philadelphia area, as well as other Indigenous groups in America whose histories have often been overlooked.
Pay as you wish, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 1301 N. Beach St.
October 15: Maggie Rogers @ the Wells Fargo Center
Folk/indie pop artist Maggie Rogers is stopping by Philly to tour songs from her third album, Don’t Forget Me. You may know Rogers from her viral 2016 hit “Alaska”— which received personal approval from Pharrell Williams—but since then she’s been continuing to release acclaimed music, with Don’t Forget Me as her latest. Pharrell was right—she’s a star, and you’ll be missing out if you skip this concert.
Tickets start at $29.50, 7:30 p.m., 3601 S. Broad St.
October 17–27: Philadelphia Film Festival @ Philadelphia Film Center
Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Philly! All are illustrious names on the film festival circuit, obviously. We might not have Lady Gaga, Will Ferrell, or Tim Burton—but we have something even more important—an artistic team that spent months scouring premieres for the best of the best. Film bros, Letterboxd fans, cinema studies majors … this one is for you.
$15 per screening, times vary, 1412 Chestnut St.
October 20–Jan 12, 2025: Mickalene Thomas: All About Love @ the Barnes Foundation
This is the first major international tour focused on the work of pioneering artist Mickalene Thomas. Thomas’ work is often playful, referencing popular culture and canonical art while still specifically foregrounding Black femininity in “abundant realms of visual pleasure, agency, and kinship.” Big, bold, sparkling, and also intimate and warm, the work of Mickalene Thomas makes a major Black feminist statement that shouldn’t be missed.
$5 for students, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
October 23: Five Minute Film Fest @ Kelly Writers House
This is the student film fest hosted by the Kelly Writers House, which will give Penn students a platform to share their short films or film excerpts with the Penn community. Submit your own short film by October 18, or come to enjoy the films, eat snacks, and see which films are awarded Best Picture, Best Script, and more.
Free with registration, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m., 3805 Locust Walk.
October 26: Taste of the Philippines Festival @ Cherry Street Pier
Enjoy a slice of Manila and celebrate Filipino American History Month by stopping by Cherry Street Pier during the Taste of the Philippines Festival. As part of PECO’s Multicultural Series on the Delaware Riverfront, the festival will feature Filipino food, music, and entertainment open to the public.
Free entry, 1 p.m.–5 p.m., 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
October 19–20 and 26-27: Philadelphia Open Studios Tour (POST) @ Various Locations
Occurring in over 26 neighborhoods, POST offers visitors the chance to tour the studios of upcoming artists across Philadelphia. Come by and say hello—we're sure to be POSTed up at a couple of these studios come October.
Free, 12 p.m.–6 p.m., studios west of Broad Street are open October 19–20, and studios east of Broad Street are open October 26–27.
October 26–27: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta @ Kelly Drive and Fountain Green Drive
Penn’s rowing team is probably a familiar presence to everyone on campus, but the city’s long and illustrious rowing history is likely a less familiar fact. It’s the 54th anniversary of the regatta this year, and for both casual fans of the sport and diehard rowing lovers, this is a must–see sporting event.
Free entry, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., 3250 Sedgley Dr.
