The inaugural Craft Coven at Fleischer Art Memorial encouraged people to dress up and get crafty, or purchase goods from local vendors.
Time is beginning to feel like it is fast-forwarding, or is that just me? I admit that a desire for more whimsy also hits me hard this time of year, so this list of mid-October happenings are inspired by that, especially since the days are noticeably darker a bit too early for my liking. To compensate for light, here is what you could enjoy, from exhibitions to craft workshops to POST to a Mac and Cheese Crawl (yes, you read that right).
As part of the Vox Populi project, An Endless Meeting: Collective Process, Artistic Labor, and the Politics of Working Together, Miguel Gutierrez presents a new work informed by time spent in Latin America. The new solo performance explores the area’s historical political tensions while using the lessons gleaned to hold a mirror up to the US. This performance will require walking from N. 11th Street to Independence Hall, so prepare your walking shoes and be sure you are comfortable spending up to an hour meandering through the city.
Autumn in Manayunk
Manayunk Fall Fest Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11am-4pm Main Street Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA Free to enter; Food and drinks for purchase
This year, the Manayunk Development Corporation debuts its Fall Fest. With more than 50 vendors and two stages with live music, the fest takes over the area’s historic Main Street and downtown to kick off its new event. But they stepped it up a notch, planning the Mac and Cheese Crawl for its attendees. See more below.
My sad reality is that I am lactose intolerant, or severely lactose sensitive, but I love cheesecake, my husband’s border-style chile con queso, and a good mac and cheese platter with a lot of black pepper. When I saw Manayunk Fall Fest would have a dedicated crawl with 18 restaurants showcasing their own spin on the dish, I had to include it for you. So, please report back because I could not (literally) stomach 18 different mac and cheese bites if I wanted to.
Philly’s Open Studio Tours is back again this weekend, this time for a tour through artist studios east of Broad. You can check out an online map with all studios identified by a red marker here. This is perfect for people who love gabbing with artists about who they are and why they do what they do. If you missed last weekend, wear your comfy shoes (I’m slipping on my platform Crocs) and head out to a few, or all, studios you possibly can.
From Invisible to Invincible: The Art of Color 2450 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia Runs through November 8, 2026; There is an event highlighting two artists on October 17, 2026 at 2pm Free to the public
Bringing together some of Philadelphia’s talented Latino and Black artists, From Invisible to Invincible curates works by these 12 artists: Henry Bermudez, Barbara Bullock, Syd Carpenter, Martina Johnson-Allen, Tim McFarlane , Tom McKinney, Pedro Ospina, Ron Rumford, Sherry Shine, Steven CW Taylor, Yolanda Ward, and Richard Watson.
On October 17, meet two of the featured artists: sculptor Syd Carpenter and abstract painter Tim McFarlane. I happen to love hearing from the artists after perusing an exhibition, especially one where you have a chance to buy their work. Of course, those prices are not public, but I am a big believer in supporting and purchasing local art. If you can’t catch the special event, the exhibition runs through November 8.
Crafts galore
2nd Annual Craft Coven Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine Street in Philadelphia $0 (pay-as-you-go)-$200 (convention entrance ticket is all-inclusive of workshops and festivities all weekend) Note: the $108 convention entrance ticket sales end October 18, 2026
Crafty homies unite. If you love to engage in the art and be among other craft-minded people, this is your moment. Think of what you’d make: your own clay masterpiece, or perhaps a flip book to give to your kid, niece, or nephew? The sky is truly the limit. Workshops will cover collaging, figure-drawing, letter-writing, and even envelope making. Since this weekend also marks the Coven’s 10-year anniversary party, the Craft Coven is hosting a party where you can come dressed as witchy as you would like. If you don’t purchase the all-inclusive conference pass, head here to buy the party ticket for $12.
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