Here sits the inflatable chair of Phang, the Philadelphia Union soccer mascot, at an event celebrating the team’s success during the Major League Soccer season at Philadelphia City Hall last week. Photo by Tu Huynh.
“Another fall, another turned page…”
— Pulitzer Prize-winning author Wallace Stegner (1909-1993)
It’s time to leap into the leaves. If not, you can let your kid do it. Either way, the army of colorful leaves dropping to the good earth is one of the true joys of the season. This week signals the advent of Halloween and the exit of sweet October. From fall festivals in the park to Sunday jazz concerts on the stage, these low-cost or free events will help turn the page on a fading month.
Tackling A World Of Differences
Thursday, October 30, 2025. In a world that seems increasingly divisive, coming together to understand differences and common values and views is invaluable. Hosted by Interfaith Philadelphia, the in-person workshop, “Facilitating Civil Conversation,” is a step in the right direction. Learn the tools for meaningful dialogue in your life – on campus, in the workplace, at home, and in social settings. Bronwen Henry and the Rev. Betty White will lead a discussion to help you create spaces that encourage constructive respectful dialogue. Interfaith Philadelphia promotes interfaith engagement and builds collaborative relationships. $125, with a $50 to $225 sliding-scale fee option. Pre-registration required; 9 a.m. EST to 1 p.m. EST, Temple University, 114 West Polett Walk, 140 Mazur Hall. Email: bmh@interfaithphiladelphia.org, https://www.interfaithphiladelphia.org/events/facilitating-civil-conversations/
Growing Up In Philly
Thursday, October 30, 2025. The one-person show, 1 Pound 4 Ounces, takes a hard look at the coming-of-age struggles and triumphs in a one-person endeavor written and performed by Khalil Munir. The title is the author’s birth weight symbolizing resilience and survival. Directed by Barrymore Award winner Amina Robinson, the performance is autobiographical focusing on Munir’s childhood and personal journey in Philly, examining resilience, hope, and identity. The production features storytelling, tap dancing, and Rajeer Alford’s original music. The show will be held at Munir’s alma mater, Delaware Valley Friends School. Half of the ticket proceeds go to the school’s scholarship fund. $50 per ticket, 7 p.m. EST to 8:30 PM EST. Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake, 302 S. Hicks St. https://www.azukatheatre.org/calendar/2025/10/30/1-pound-4-ounces
Help behind the scenes of the She Shines Conference
She Shines Women’s Conference Wants You!
Friday, October 31 & Saturday, November 1, 2025: Organizers of the Celebrating Sisterhood 6th Annual She Shines Conference are looking for volunteers to assist with preparations such as set-up and breakdown before the event on Friday, October 31st, from noon to 6 p.m., and on the event day — Saturday, November 1st at 4 p.m. Although the conference is filled to capacity, you can get involved as a valuable volunteer. Your behind-the-scenes role will help shine a light on others for the day. She Matters is the uplifting theme of She Shines Conference at New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, 7500 Germantown Ave., in Mt. Airy on Saturday, November 1st. The top change-makers will indulge in a special day of women’s empowerment and enlightenment focusing on health and wellness – including free mammograms — safety, civic engagement, networking, spirituality, sisterhood, civic engagement, and much more. Through your volunteer role, help behind the scenes in an event that celebrates survival, strength, and sisterhood. Founded by Philadelphia breast cancer survivor Robin Shine Maddox, the She Shines. October 31, 3:30 EST to 5 p.m. EST, and November 1, 3:30 p.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, 7500 Germantown Ave. Contact Robin Maddox: celebratingsisterhood1@gmail.com or 267-328-4592; www.sheshinesconference.com
Fall Fest At ‘The Lakes’
Saturday, November 1, 2025. Franklin D. Roosevelt Park, commonly known as ‘The Lakes’ in South Philly, is hopping these days. Check out Friends of FDR Park Fall Fest featuring hayrides around ‘The Lakes,’ games, and crafts. Enjoy the Gazebo Overlook lawn, the playground, corn hole, the giant Connect 4, ladder ball, and other cool games. Wear your Halloween costume. Bring chairs and a blanket. Hosted by Friends of FDR Park. Free event & parking, but pre-register. 2 p.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. FDR Park / Welcome Center, 1500 Pattison Ave. Email: info@fdrpark.org, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-fdr-park-fall-fest-tickets-1677152822239, or https://www.fdrparkphilly.org/events
RaiSan Sings From The Soul
Sunday, November 2, 2025. He will bring his Al Jarreau vibe to the stage at the Tindley Tea Cafe Presents Live Jazz concert series in South Philadelphia. Join Angola-American pianist, composer, and vocalist RaiSan Sings for an afternoon of stirring jazz-soul fusion. Parking is free; $40 for single tickets, 12:30 p.m. EST. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Tindley Tea Café, 762 S. Broad St. 215-550-1003 or https://order.toasttab.com/online/tindley-tea-cafe-762-s-broad-st
Stretch Your Money Mindset
Thursday, November 6, 2025. The Let’s Talk Money workshop focuses on tips and tricks to keep you right on the money. Learn to manage your finances and build wealth in this day in age when a dollar is super tight. Network while gaining valuable insight about legal protections and real estate. Accomplished panelists Robert D. Ragsdale, Sr., a financial services expert, Jabbar Fairweather, a real estate consultant, and attorney Courtney Richardson will lead the discussion and answer your questions afterwards. Free, but pre-register. 6 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST. P4 Hub, 4537 Wayne Ave., Suite 202. https://www.eventbrite.com
A Guide To Kick-start Your New Career
The transition from college to the professional world can be a bit tricky to navigate. With this in mind, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) assembled a handy tool kit of resources to help guide entry-level workers as they make their way into the post-college world. UNCF has awarded scholarships that have resulted in more than 550,000 college graduates while assisting students, alumni, and supporters to connect with resources, events, and initiatives in their communities. The organization provides financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States. Check out the UNCF Student Professional Development Program( SPDP) offering professional development resources including effective ways to write resumes and prepare for job interviews. Explore these SPDP resources and help begin to develop the professional skills they’ll need for lifelong success.
Independence Hall is closed. Photo courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.
What’s Open & What’s Not…
Visit Philadelphia, the region’s official tourism marketing agency, put together a list of attractions that are open and closed in the historic district and elsewhere in Philadelphia due to the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown. For example, Independence National Historical Park, including the Liberty Bell Center, the Benjamin Franklin Museum, and Independence Hall, is temporarily closed. The African-American Museum also remains closed due to the installation of its next exhibit, Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design. It’s scheduled to open on Saturday, November 1. Many other area attractions, museums, and parks in Philadelphia’s Historic District, though, are still open. They include the Betsy Ross House, Carpenters’ Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, the Museum of American Revolution, and the National Constitution Center. Also open are arts and culture museums such as the Philadelphia Art Museum, Calder Gardens, The Barnes Foundation, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia Zoo, and the Penn Museum. For a complete list, go to Visit Philadelphia.
