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A self-guided walking tour of Latine changemakers, Accessibility Open House, 25th Annual Peoplehood Pageant, Ulises Bookshop events, and more
BSR Weekly roundup: November 4-10
Vicky Díaz-Camacho
After the rush of midterm elections, this weekend gives us the space to exhale a little bit. Plus, now that days feel a bit shorter and get darker earlier, making plans to spark joy are that much more important. The first week of November is the peak of Seasonal Affective Order, affecting roughly 1.4 percent of the US population. A WHYY report suggests it could be higher—between 2 to 7%, with even more people—roughly 20 percent—of the general population experiencing a less severe form known as winter blues. Two keys to curbing the symptoms: getting outside and being social. Some sunlight is better than none and socializing is proven to help reduce isolation and boost endorphins. Consider this roundup your BSR prescription for the weekend.
From Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color
Through Sunday, November 8, 2026, 10am-4pm
Historic Strawberry Mansion, 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia
Free
This is your last chance to see From Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color hosted in the historic Strawberry Mansion, a preserved gem in the middle of lush Fairmount Park. Once the home of abolitionist and lawyer Judge William Lewis, the space has evolved during the past 200 years, now serving as a museum. Having just toured the grounds earlier, I was captivated. Plus, now that the orange leaves on the old oak trees are beginning to fall, it is even more beautiful. This particular exhibition has historical significance. From Invisible to Invincible pulled together works by 12 Black, Latine or Hispanic, and queer artists set inside this late 1800s mansion. Their works take over the first-floor ballroom, dining room, and kitchen, juxtaposed on a chain-link fence that protects and creates a barrier between audiences and the antique furniture. Many of the works are for sale, so get in to check them out before they tear down this Sunday!
Explore Asian American and Latine culture in Philly
Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
November 5-15, 2026
Varying locations, times
$20+
The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is celebrating its 19th anniversary, and this year it kicks off with the world premiere of the Glenn Holsten documentary, KIYOSHI, which BSR writer Evan Schares previewed in October. You have 73 screenings over the course of 10 days, with the option to watch some in-person and others you can screen virtually. Check out the PAAFF program guide, linked here, to make a plan.
Las Huellas walking tour
Through Thursday, November 19
Varying locations across the city
Free
There are many Hispanic and Latine leaders in Philly, and Visit Philly’s new project, Las Huellas, aims to highlight their impact—or footprint—on Philly, from Queen Village all the way up to North Philly. Because the people featured came from all around the city, your best bet is to make this a scavenger hunt for a trip around the city in search of the multi-colored footprints created by three local artists: Cindy Lozito, Fabiola Lara and Manuela Guillén. Or, make a day trip out of it to grab some goodies from El Coqui’s bakery or Majdal Bakery. Find more information at Visit Philly’s guide here, and have fun! The audio tour is accessible by scanning the QR code on the footprint, available in English and in Spanish.
Accessibility and new perspectives
First Fridays Accessibility Open House at the Arden Theater
Friday, November 6, 2026, 5:30pm
40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia
Free (unless you buy a ticket for a show. Note: $5 tickets available for the first 2,000 people)
The Arden Theater recently won a $25,000 grant from PNC Arts Live to expand access to live theater. The theater is now putting that money to good use with two Accessibility Open Houses, the first of which is this Friday, November 6. Open House events let attendees explore accessibility tools and services, sensory tours, and meet with regional arts leaders and representatives who serve people with disabilities. There is another perk: there will be 2,000 discounted $5 ACCESS tickets to eligible patrons with disabilities and individuals with limited incomes throughout the Arden's 2026/27 season.
First Friday reception for Three Perspectives by Nancy Neill
Reception: Friday, November 6, 2026, 5-8pm
Gallery hours: November 4-29, 2026, open Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5pm
Muse Gallery Philadelphia, 52 N 2nd Street, Old City Philadelphia
Free
The kick-off for one of First Friday’s shows looks like a fun one. Painter Nancy Neill’s new show centers the feelings certain colors evoke, which invites audiences to interact with a series of her collage paintings comprising pastel, collage and mylar to create abstract forms on the canvas. Fun fact: The material, oil pastels, were initially created for Pablo Picasso in the late 1940s. But Neill, who sold five paintings to the Four Seasons Philadelphia, is reimagining how the medium is used, introducing texture through scratches and palette knife scrapes. The reception is one-night only.
Literary destinations
Worked Shoot: Six Poets Read Poetry
Saturday, November 7, 2026, 7-9pm
Ulises, 1525 North American Street, Studio 104
Free to enter, RSVP encouraged
The bookshop and art space, Ulises, has been putting on some special events since I stumbled upon it one year ago. This time, it is hosting two events: one is a book launch and the other a poetry reading. First on this list is Worked Shoot: Six Poets Read Poetry, a free-to-enter space featuring work by Jo Barchi, Ted Dodson, Kristen Gallagher, Josef Kaplan, Matt Longabucco, and Caroline Rayner. Get to know a little more about the poets at the RSVP link here. Registration is encouraged.
Voy a cultivar la tierra: Book Launch and Fundraiser
Sunday, November 8, 2026, 5-7pm
Ulises, 1525 North American Street, Studio 104
Free to enter; books for sale
The second of Ulises’ events, the book launch, features London-based photographer HoJun Yu’s book of photographs around North Philly’s Iglesias Gardens, the fundraiser beneficiary. The book, considered a neighborhood archive, will be for sale on site, honoring Iglesias Garden as a hub for community building in West Kensington. RSVP is encouraged, so click here if you plan to attend.
Celebrate with Spiral Q
The 26th Annual Peoplehood Parade & Pageant
Saturday November 7, 2026 (rain date: Sat. November 14), 12pm
Paul Robeson House & Museum, 4951 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
After more than a month of collaborating with community members, it is time for Spiral Q’s 25th-Annual Peoplehood Parade & Pageant, a West Philly tradition. Leading up to the event, everyone is welcome to join in on the planning and preparation of giant puppets and art. If that’s you, click here. Otherwise, you can head to the Paul Robeson House in West Philly on Saturday to revel in the performances! The organizers, Spiral Q, say the goal for the past 25 years has been to bring people together, and forge a stronger community bond. Parade art will be laid out along 50th Street between Walnut and Chestnut featuring pre-parade performances and drumming on the Robeson House porch. The parade will move from the Paul Robeson House to Clark Park and culminate in a Pageant performance. Wear comfy shoes and enjoy the celebration. For a map of the day’s events, click here.
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