Philadelphia

Fall, Arts and Music: Free and Affordable Fun Things to Do in, Around and Outside Philly for Nov. 8 to 10

We have you covered for free or affordable fall fun this weekend from the shore to the suburbs

Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on.

It’s all about the arts and music this weekend! Film festivals, juried art shows and live music festivals are taking place throughout the area. This weekend is also the start of Winter in Dilworth Park so sharpen your ice skates!

We’ve found the top free (and affordable) choices of what to do this weekend, Nov. 8 to 10, in Philly and New Jersey.

What: College Night at the Barnes

Come party with other young people at a free night of art, hip-hop music and food as the Barnes Foundation teams up with Campus Philly.

Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA

When: Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cost: Free

It’s an old school party celebrating the early days of Hip Hop right in your neighborhood and if you are a college student, you get in for free. Join in on the fun right in Center City and for a sneak peak of one of a kind art.

What: Love Your Park Fall Service Day

Colds temps can't keep people from rolling up their sleeves to help keep Philadelphia's extensive park system looking good. You can volunteer your time and take part.

Where: Parks around Philadelphia

When: Saturday, times vary

Cost: Free, you can register online

What: Tape Philadelphia: Enter to Cocoon

A sprawling public art installation using 21.5 miles of translucent tape at the Philadelphia Navy Yard opens this weekend. People can check out the art from afar or go inside (reservation needed). 

Where: Philadelphia Navy Yard, 1701 Langley Ave, Philadelphia, PA

When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., runs through Dec. 1.

Cost: Free to view, must make reservations to enter.

You can enter a new, interactive art installation at the Navy Yard that looks like giant spider web. Tape Philadelphia: Enter the Cocoon opens Saturday and is made with 21 miles of translucent tape.

What: Moby-Dick Marathon Reading

The Independence Seaport Museum and the Rosenbach are teaming up for a white whale of a tale, a 25-hour reading of Herman Meville's 'Moby-Dick." There will also be artifacts, "boatloads of food" and a late-night happy hour.

Where: Independence Seaport Museum 211 S Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA

When: Saturday at 2 p.m. through Sunday at 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

What: 'Family Roots'

Pennypacker Mills gives you a look back in time through generations of Samuel Pennypacker's family.

Where: Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA

When: Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4p.m.; Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p. m.

Cost: Free, $2 donation suggested

WhatThe Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

This over-a-weeklong film festival will spotlight Asian experiences and Asian filmmakers through Philadelphia.

Where: Various locations in Chinatown and Center City

When: Through Nov. 17

Cost: Varies

WhatPhiladelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show

This juried art show features a variety of handmade goods including furniture, clothing, jewelry, painting and glass works.

Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia

When: Friday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Starts at $20

WhatGershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival

This annual event celebrates Jewish filmmakers and films about the Jewish experience. More than 30 films are featured this year.

Where: Various locations

When: Saturday through Nov. 23

Cost: Varies

WhatWinter at Dilworth Park

In the shadow of City Hall, families can enjoy ice skating, the Wintergarden, shopping and plenty of snacks and hot chocolate outside at Dilworth Park. Look for the light show projected onto City Hall at night, too!

Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia

When: Friday through Feb. 23, 2019

Cost: Free to explore

WhatExit Zero Jazz Festival

This annual jazz fest will feature more than 40 artists on several stages throughout Cape May.

Where: Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Avenue, Cape May, NJ

When:  Friday through Sunday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Cost: Varies

WhatCyclocross

Adventure cyclists will race around the outdoor track while spectators enjoy craft beer.

Where: Sly Fox Brewing Company, 331 Circle of Progress Dr., Pottstown, Pa

When: Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $36 to race

What: Blooms and Bamboo

This new exhibit brings bamboo art and bamboo installations to the conservatory. 

Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, Pa.

When: through Nov. 17

Cost: Varies

WhatTerror Behind the Walls

One of the country’s most popular Halloween attractions returns with more creepy zombies and ghosts that pop out as you explore the abandoned halls of this former penitentiary.

Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia

When:  through Nov. 19 on select dates and times

Cost: Varies

What: Dinosaurs Around the World

Visit with dozens of animatronic dinosaurs as you discover and learn about things like volcano activity and fossils.

Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences

When: Through Jan. 20

Cost: From $7 in addition to general admission 

The Dinosaurs Around the World exhibit at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is now open for all ages.
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