“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
— French novelist Albert Camus (1913-1960)
Poet William Cullen Bryant called the colorful beauty of autumn “the year’s last, loveliest smile.” From horror films to book chats on the African diaspora, these low-cost or free events will keep you smiling through at least the month.
Book Dives Into the Underworld
Thursday, October 16, 2025. The Parkway Central Library’s Author Events Series does not disappoint with Nic Stone, Boom Town In Conversation with Tracey Lewis-Giggetts. Dive into a talk about Atlanta-based Nic Stone’s adult thriller about friends committed to finding two missing professional dancers working at an Atlanta club. The search leads to “a tangled web of deceit, privilege, and power” and a dangerous underworld. Join Stone and event moderator Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts, author of 25 books on culture, identity, and spirituality. Stone’s and Lewis-Giggetts’ books can be purchased at the event. Pre-register; $5 but a larger donation is encouraged, if possible; 7 p.m. EST to 8:30 p.m. EST, Parkway Central Library, 2000 Hamilton St. Email: info@freelibraryfoundation.org, 215-567-7710 or https://freelibraryfoundation.org/events/nic-stone-boom-town/
Three Movies, One Big Scare
Fridays, Oct 17, 2025. Get your blankets and popcorn under the stars along the Delaware River for a night of cinema at its creepiest. Check out Frights & Fun: Scary Movies at the Pier. Enjoy the short monster films, the classic Frankenstein (1910), and The Haunted Castle (1896), opening up for the feature Gremlins (1984).. Free, 7 p.m. EST to 10 p.m. EST. Cherry Street Pier No. 9, 121 N. Columbus Blvd. 215-923-0818 or cherrystreetpier@drwc.org or https://www.cherrystreetpier.com/event/2025/09/scary-movie-nights-at-cherry-street-pier/
Photo by Stephen Lyford Photography
Drink Up The Pop-up History At East FallsFest
Saturday, October 18, 2025. Philly History Pop Ups operated by Cara Schneider Bongiorno are a real treat. They are engaging presentations and tours that highlight lesser-known stories, people, and places in well-known places in local history. It will be part of East FallsFest at the family-owned Wissahickon Brewing Co.’s beer garden. Discover East Falls, a hilly, tree-lined, walkable historic community along the Schuylkill Riverfront in Wissahickon Valley, the original home of the Lenape people. Enjoy the scenic river, live music, pumpkin decorating, and juggling performances; indulge in local specialties including sweets, crafts, Cresta tacos, and award-winning craft beer in the WissBrew beer garden while soaking up a little pop-up history about the area. Pop Ups free, no RSVP required; 2 p.m. EST to 2:30 p.m. EST. East FallsFest, Wissahickon Brewing Co. Beer Garden, Ridge and Midvale avenues. Email: PopUps@gmail.com or 215-206-2034 or phillyhistorypopups.com
Epic Myths Of The Diaspora
Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Check out The Author Events Series presents Harmonia Rosales – In Conversation with Imani Roach, a discussion and book signing that highlights the African diaspora. Los Angeles-based author Harmonia Rosales recounts African myths from her book Chronicles of Ori, spanning the beginning of the universe to the modern world of colonialism and resistance. She takes a deep dive into the mighty deities, the Orishas, the founding of Yorubaland by the shrewd leader Oduduwa, and the heroine Eve, “born in a time of violence and despair, who would help her people regain their past splendor.” All of the stories were connected. Event moderator Imani Roach is the inaugural director of the Brind Center for African and African Diasporic Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she’s planning the first permanent gallery for the arts of Africa and its diaspora scheduled to open next year. In this role, she works with colleagues focusing on educational, curatorial, and conservation initiatives. Rosales’ book can be purchased at the event. Preregister; $5 but a larger donation is encouraged, if possible. 7 p.m. EST to 8:30 p.m. EST, Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St. Email: info@freelibraryfoundation.org, 215-567-7710, or https://freelibraryfoundation.org/events/harmonia-rosales-chronicles-of-ori-an-african-epic
Day Of Fall Fun
Saturday, October 18, 2025. Any event at Bright Hope Baptist Church in North Philly promises to be a hit. Join the Bright Hope Baptist Church Fall Bazaar featuring cool merch from local vendors, prizes, games, giveaways, and activities for all ages. The event will be hosted by the President’s Council Ministry. Free admission but pre-register, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST. Bright Hope Baptist Church, 1601 N. 12th St. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bright-hope-baptist-church-fall-bazaar-tickets-1640758927119
Walk To Mend The Mind
Saturday, October 18, 2025. The NAMIWalks Philly mental health awareness fundraiser will be a day of connection and community. Enjoy a 5K walk, live music, inspiring speakers, a community resource fair, interactive art, a community award to a “Philadelphia Mental Health Hero,” and raffle prizes. The cool prizes include Wellness Kits from Soul Balance Wellness, tickets to the Autoshow Philly; the Crayola Experience in Easton, Pa, the Dry Run, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and a “Date Night Package” featuring two dozen roses from Robertson’s Flowers. The theme is “Arts and Culture for Mental Health.” NAMIWalks rallies communities across the country to promote the importance of mental health and equity. Free but donations are encouraged to aid NAMI Philadelphia’s education, advocacy, outreach, and peer-support programs. Free entry, 10 a.m. EST to 2 p.m. EST. Friends Hospital. 4641 Roosevelt Blvd. Volunteers and donors can register. namiphilly.org/get-involved/namiwalks
Sphinx Virtuosi
Photo Courtesy of Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
Sphinx Virtuosi Performs for Peace
Thursday, October 16, 2025. Enjoy the music of Sphinx Virtuosi, the 18-member group of rising Black and Latinx classical soloists performing Visions of Peace with featured cellist Sterling Elliott. The Sphinx Virtuosi is a chamber orchestra of cultural ambassadors who serve as the performing entity of the Sphinx Organization, a social-justice nonprofit dedicated to promoting diversity in the arts. $32 per ticket (discounted tickets available: 267-334-4897); 7:30 p.m. EST. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts / Perelman Theater, 300 S. Broad St. Email: mail@pcmsconcerts.org, https://www.pcmsconcerts.org/concerts/sphinx-virtuosi-elliott/
