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Dancing mania, spooky season vibes, and Afrofuturism
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, October 30-November 5, 2025
Kyle V. Hiller
This week taps into history with the Museum of the American Revolution looking at life in Philadelphia in 1775. There's also Choreomania, which explores "dancing mania" from once upon a time, and Arden Theatre Company's The Mountaintop reimaginges a pivotal night in American history. Look forward with a new exhibition at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, get crafty with CraftMONTH, and check out Penn Museum's 14th annual Día de los Muertos.
CraftNOW Philadelphia’s CraftMONTH
October 30-December 6
Various locations
The annual celebration highlighting the city’s craft community is back, and a variety of events and exhibitions are lined up now throughout early December. The kick-off event is Thursday, October 30 at Cherry Street Pier, and you can see the full list of events online.
JOB
October 30-November 16
Theatre Exile, 1340 South 13th Street
Theatre Exile’s latest premieres this week, telling the story of Jane, an ambitious Silicon Valley employee whose life is unraveling, and Loyd, the therapist trying to help her. What begins as a clinical exchange quickly escalates into an intense psychological showdown that explores power, technology, and morality in a world where personal and professional boundaries blur.
Choreomania
Thursday, October 30, 7-11pm
The Mütter Museum, 19 South 22nd Street
Choreomania is a dance party inspired by the historical phenomenon of “dancing mania” that periodically struck medieval European towns, including the so-called Dancing Plague of 1518 in Strasbourg, France, where hundreds of citizens were impacted by a widespread but inexplicable need to dance. Specialty cocktails, a sensory light installation, costumes, and dancing are set for this immersive, themed party.
WALDEN
October 31-November 23
InterAct Theatre Company, 302 South Hicks Street
After returning from a year-long Moon mission, NASA botanist Cassie finds herself in a remote cabin in the woods where her estranged twin sister Stella has found a new life with her Earth advocate fiancé. As the sisters attempt to pick up the pieces of the rivalry that broke them apart, they ask themselves if saving Earth is still a possibility or if humanity should colonize another planet.
The Mountaintop
October 31-December 14
Arden Theatre Company, 40 North 2nd Street
The next production in the Arden’s 2025/26 season comes to the stage this weekend, reimagining Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night before his assassination.
Glen Foerd’s Masquerade Ball
Friday, October 31, 7-11pm
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Avenue
Glen Foerd hosts its Masquerade Ball this weekend, set in the Gilded Age mansion and park grounds of Glen Foerd where guests can choose a side: angel or demon; saint or sinner. Encounter spectacular circus performers, sword swallowers, contortionists, jugglers, and others in the grand halls and moonlit grounds. Masquerade attire and masks are encouraged.
Revolutionary Philadelphia: 1775
November 1-2
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3rd Street
See what life looked life for Philadelphians living in a rebellious colony during the fall and winter of 1775 at the MoAR’s new living history interpretation event.
CultureFest! Día de los Muertos
Saturday, November 1, 10am-5pm
Penn Museum, 3260 South Street
The Penn Museum’s annual Día de los Muertos is this weekend, featuring a monumental ofrenda by Philly fashion designer Virginia Rivera, live performances, an artisan marketplace, activities, and more.
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design
Opening November 1, 2025
African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street
This exhibit makes its Philly debut with nearly 80 original costumes from films that shaped global culture—including Black Panther, Selma, Do the Right Thing, Amistad, Dolomite is My Name, Coming 2 America, and Sinners. Ruth E. Carter was the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards, and her work as a costume designer is celebrated here.
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