Donna Dodson transforms a 24-foot chessboard into a monumental installation featuring 32 hand-carved wooden figures inspired by mythology, marine life, and powerful women. Visitors can walk among queens, warriors, and fantastical creatures, experiencing the game from within. The exhibition challenges traditional ideas of gender, power, and leadership through sculpture and storytelling.

Venue: Museum for Art in Wood,
Address: 141 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

NOV 5 (Thursday)
Craft Show Preview Gala
The Preview Gala opens the 50th anniversary Craft Show with an exclusive evening of art, shopping, and socializing. Guests get an early opportunity to explore the exhibition, meet participating artists, and purchase exceptional handmade pieces before the public opening. The event combines contemporary craftsmanship with one of Philadelphia's notable cultural fundraising traditions.

Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Address: 101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

NOV 6 (Friday)
Grand Opening Show
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show brings together 195 artists showcasing exceptional contemporary craftsmanship. Visitors can explore and purchase original works in ceramics, jewelry, glass, wood, textiles, furniture, and other decorative arts. One of Philadelphia's major annual art events, the show offers a rare opportunity to meet artists, discover extraordinary handmade objects, and collect directly from their creators.

Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Address: 101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

NOV 7 (Saturday)
Find Your Style — Fashion Event
Find Your Style celebrates the intersection of contemporary craft, wearable art, and personal expression. The event highlights how handcrafted jewelry, accessories, and fashion can become an extension of individual style. Visitors can discover distinctive pieces and explore the creative possibilities of artisan-made design.

Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Address: 101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

NOV 7 (Saturday)
CraftNOW Create — Family Workshops
CraftNOW Create invites children and families to explore contemporary craft through free, hands-on creative workshops. Young visitors can experiment with different materials, learn artistic techniques, and create their own handmade projects. The event makes Philadelphia's craft community accessible to families through playful, interactive experiences.

Location: Smith Memorial Playground
Address: 3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia, PA 19121


NOV 12 (Thursday)
Radical Americana: Throughlines Symposium
Radical Americana: Throughlines brings together artists, curators, and cultural professionals to examine the evolving meaning of American craft. Through conversations and presentations, the symposium explores the relationships between artistic traditions, contemporary identities, and the social histories embedded in handmade objects. The event offers an opportunity to discover the ideas and cultural conversations shaping contemporary craft.

Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center
Address: 101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Arch Enemy Arts celebrates the 15th edition of its annual exhibition dedicated to small-scale original artworks. Featuring imaginative contemporary art, the show highlights intricate details and craftsmanship within miniature formats. With many works priced at $300 or less, it also offers an accessible opportunity to start or expand an art collection.

Venue: Arch Enemy Arts
Address: 109 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Motley Multiples II explores artworks created in editions and multiple versions, challenging the idea that art must always exist as a unique object. The exhibition introduces different approaches to reproducible art, from prints to sculptural objects. It also considers how editions can make contemporary art more accessible to collectors.

Venue: Paradigm Gallery + Studio
Address: 12 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

German artist André Schulze transforms existing paintings and found imagery by introducing unexpected contemporary elements. His interventions create surprising contrasts between historical visual traditions and modern culture. The exhibition explores originality, authorship, and the possibility of giving old artworks entirely new meanings.

Venue: Paradigm Gallery + Studio
Address: 12 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

A solo painting exhibition exploring imagination, the unseen, memory, and the mysteries hidden beyond ordinary perception. Drozdova transforms inner visions and elusive emotions into visual forms, reflecting on loss, discovery, and the creative process.

Venue: PII Gallery
Address: 242 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Veronica Cianfrano presents an interactive exhibition exploring family relationships, inherited trauma, and the expectations placed on daughters. The project examines what happens when someone challenges established family roles and begins breaking inherited patterns. Through personal reflection and audience participation, it explores survival, boundaries, and the complicated process of redefining identity.

Venue: Abington Art Center
Address: 515 Meetinghouse Rd, Jenkintown, PA 19046

Presented in collaboration with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, this exhibition features nine experimental films by emerging and established artists. It highlights moving-image practices from South and Southwest Asia, North Africa, and their diasporas. The November 11 screening includes a conversation with filmmakers.

Venue: Twelve Gates Arts
Address: 106 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

A painting exhibition by Alfred Ortega exploring presence, intuition, spirituality, and the mystery of existence. His work embraces spontaneity and the creative process as a way of discovering beauty, awareness, and freedom.

Venue: Penn Burrison Gallery, University of Pennsylvania
Address:3611 Walnut Street 2nd floor, The Inn at Penn

An exhibition bringing together Paul Cava's psychologically charged imagery and Wendy Liss's elemental sculptures. Cava explores the human body, intimacy, and emotional tension through layered compositions, while Liss works with material, gesture, and physical presence. Their contrasting approaches create a dialogue between image and object.

Venue: Werring Contemporary
Address: 111 W Lancaster Ave, 2nd Floor, Devon, PA 19333

A series of exhibitions showcasing five members of the Cerulean Arts Collective. The presentation brings together distinct artistic practices and individual perspectives, offering an opportunity to discover artists working within Philadelphia's independent gallery community.

Venue: Cerulean Arts
Address: 1355 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123

A collaborative exhibition bringing together Black and Asian American artists to explore identity, belonging, and cultural memory.

Venue: Asian Arts Initiative / Painted Bride Project Space
Address: 1219 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 / 4029 Cambridge St, Philadelphia, PA

Three contemporary artists explore the relationship between artistic process, repetition, and meaning. Working with traditional materials and self-defined systems, they investigate themes including power, resistance, history, nature, and the relationship between spiritual and material experience. The exhibition encourages viewers to discover patterns and connections across individual works.

Venue: : Main Line Art Center
Address: 746 Panmure Rd, Haverford, PA 19041

Jonathan Spector's This Much I Know explores the psychology of belief, persuasion, and the ways people construct their understanding of reality. Through intersecting stories and provocative dialogue, the play examines why individuals hold on to certain convictions even when confronted with contradictory evidence. The production combines psychological inquiry with contemporary drama to question how much control we truly have over what we believe.


Place:InterAct Theatre Company
Adrees:The Proscenium Theatre at The Drake, 302 S Hicks St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Rajiv Joseph's unconventional love story follows two people whose lives repeatedly intersect through accidents, injuries, and emotional wounds. Moving back and forth across several decades, the play reveals how their connection evolves through vulnerability, pain, and missed opportunities. Its nonlinear structure creates an intimate examination of intimacy, self-destruction, and the complicated ways people care for one another.

Venue: Theatre Exile
Address: 1340 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Inis Nua Theatre Company presents a contemporary play exploring the passage of time and the ways personal relationships change under extraordinary circumstances. The production brings an intimate, character-driven story to Philadelphia audiences. Its emotional focus invites viewers to reflect on memory, connection, and the choices that shape our lives.

Venue: Inis Nua Theatre Company
Address: 1214 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Nicky Silver's dark comedy follows a dysfunctional family gathered around a dying patriarch's hospital bed. As long-suppressed resentments surface, their conversations become an uncomfortable mixture of cruelty, humor, and emotional honesty. The play exposes the absurdities of family relationships and the difficulty of genuine human connection.

Theater: Fever Dream Repertory
Address: 1714 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Jonathan Larson's musical follows young artists struggling with love, poverty, identity, and the AIDS crisis in New York City's East Village. Inspired by Puccini's La Bohème, the show combines rock music with a story about friendship and the urgency of living fully. Its themes of creativity, community, and resilience continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.


Theater: Old Academy Players
Address: 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129

This comedy takes place at a bed-and-breakfast where romantic misunderstandings and unexpected encounters create increasingly chaotic situations. The story follows older characters navigating relationships, attraction, and the complications of modern romance. Its humor challenges stereotypes about aging and celebrates the persistence of desire and adventure.

Theater: South Camden Theatre Company
Address: 400 Jasper St, Camden, NJ 08104

This interactive musical follows a curious duckling on an adventure through Philadelphia, introducing young audiences to the city's neighborhoods and landmarks. Designed as a sensory-friendly experience, the production combines music, movement, and audience participation. The show welcomes children and families into an imaginative theatrical environment where exploration and play become part of the storytelling.

Theater: Philly Sensory Theatre
Address: Multiple Philadelphia venues.

Conor McPherson's Irish drama unfolds in a rural pub where locals begin exchanging ghost stories with a newcomer. What starts as an evening of supernatural tales gradually becomes an exploration of loneliness, grief, and the need for connection. The play uses intimate storytelling and atmospheric tension to reveal emotional truths hidden beneath ordinary conversations.

Theater: Lantern Theater Company
Address: St. Stephen's Theater, 923 Ludlow St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

The Barrymore Awards celebrate excellence in professional theater throughout Greater Philadelphia. The ceremony brings together actors, directors, designers, playwrights, and theater companies to recognize outstanding achievements across the local stage community. The event offers an opportunity to experience Philadelphia's theater scene gathered in one place.

Organizer: Theatre Philadelphia
Address: 480 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146

Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's story, The Little Prince follows a young traveler encountering unusual characters across different planets. Through poetic storytelling and imaginative theatrical techniques, the production explores friendship, loneliness, love, and the limitations of adult perspectives. Its philosophical themes invite audiences to reconsider what truly matters in life.

Theater: The Wilma Theater
Address: 265 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

People's Light reimagines Cinderella through the British pantomime tradition, combining musical numbers, comedy, audience participation, and contemporary references. Familiar fairy-tale characters appear in a lively production filled with unexpected twists and theatrical humor. Designed for families, the show encourages audiences to become active participants in the storytelling.

Theater: People's Light
Address: 39 Conestoga Rd, Malvern, PA 19355

Based on L. Frank Baum's novel, this adaptation follows Dorothy as she journeys through the magical Land of Oz. Along the way, she encounters the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, each searching for something they believe they lack. The production celebrates friendship, courage, imagination, and the discovery that our greatest strengths may already be within us.

Theater: Arden Theatre Company
Address: 40 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

This imaginative musical tells the story of an old man responsible for keeping the moon filled with light, who abandons his duties to search for his missing wife. Combining folk-inspired music, puppetry, and inventive storytelling, the production creates a fantastical world of sea voyages and unexpected adventures. Beneath its whimsical surface lies a story about love, devotion, and the courage to embrace change.

Theater: Hedgerow Theatre Company
Address: 64 Rose Valley Rd, Rose Valley, PA 19063

This imaginative musical tells the story of an old man responsible for keeping the moon filled with light, who abandons his duties to search for his missing wife. Combining folk-inspired music, puppetry, and inventive storytelling, the production creates a fantastical world of sea voyages and unexpected adventures. Beneath its whimsical surface lies a story about love, devotion, and the courage to embrace change.

Theater: Hedgerow Theatre Company
Address: 64 Rose Valley Rd, Rose Valley, PA 19063

Based on Roald Dahl's novel, this musical follows Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to visit Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. Inside, inventions and eccentric characters reveal a world where imagination and temptation collide. The production combines theatrical design, music, and a story about kindness, greed, and humility.

Theater: Media Theatre
Address: 104 E State St, Media, PA 19063

Legendary saxophonist Marshall Allen, longtime leader of the Sun Ra Arkestra, presents an adventurous evening of experimental jazz and collective improvisation. At the intersection of free jazz, Afrofuturism, and avant-garde performance, the concert explores unconventional sounds and musical structures. It's a rare opportunity to experience the creative vision of a musician whose career spans more than seven decades.

Solar Myth
1131 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States

$42

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show at an exclusive preview evening featuring 195 contemporary craft artists. Guests can meet the makers, discover and purchase exceptional jewelry, ceramics, glass, textiles, and furniture before the exhibition opens to the public. The gala brings together designers, collectors, museum supporters, and Philadelphia's creative community for an evening of art and conversation.

Venue: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Exhibit Hall F
Address: 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Admission: Ticketed, starting at $250.

RAIR's 13th annual Trash Bash brings together Philadelphia's experimental art community for an evening of food, drinks, and a silent auction featuring donated artworks and creative objects. Guests can meet artists, collectors, and supporters of sustainable art while celebrating the organization's innovative artist residency programs. The event combines the energy of an art party with a fundraising initiative supporting RAIR's 2027 programming.

Venue: Galleries throughout Old City
Suggested starting point: Arch Enemy Arts, 109 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

RAIR's 13th annual Trash Bash brings together Philadelphia's experimental art community for an evening of food, drinks, and a silent auction featuring donated artworks and creative objects. Guests can meet artists, collectors, and supporters of sustainable art while celebrating the organization's innovative artist residency programs. The event combines the energy of an art party with a fundraising initiative supporting RAIR's 2027 programming.

Venue: Atelier FAS Gallery
Address: 1301 N 31st St, Suite 2, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Admission: General admission $90 in advance or $100 at the door; VIP $150 in advance or $160 at the door.

The Barrymore Awards celebrate the achievements of Philadelphia's professional theater community, recognizing outstanding productions, actors, directors, designers, and creative teams from the 2025–2026 season. The ceremony brings together leading theater professionals for an evening of performances, recognition, and celebration. With catered refreshments and a bar, the event offers an opportunity to connect with the people shaping Philadelphia's performing arts scene.

Venue: Suzanne Roberts Theatre
Address: 480 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19146
Admission: Ticket required; current ticket price not confirmed on the official event page.

BlackStar's fourth annual Luminary Gala celebrates Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists and cultural leaders through an evening of entertainment, dinner, dancing, and awards. Bringing together filmmakers, creatives, and supporters, the event honors artistic achievement while raising funds for BlackStar's year-round cultural programming. Hosted at the historic Bellevue Hotel, the gala offers an opportunity to connect with Philadelphia's film and arts community.

Venue: The Bellevue Hotel
Address: 200 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Admission: Ticketed fundraising gala; exact individual ticket price not confirmed. Ticket sales close NOV 12.

This rare Mexican science-fiction animated film returns to the screen after being considered lost for more than four decades. Restored from its original 35mm negative, the film offers a remarkable glimpse into an unusual chapter of animation history. The screening is a rare opportunity to discover a nearly forgotten work of international cinema.

Venue: Lightbox Film Center at Bok Auditorium
Address: 800 Mifflin St, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Admission: Ticketed; price to be confirmed.

This special premiere presents five documentary short films highlighting people and communities whose contributions have often been overlooked in Philadelphia's history. The films explore stories including those of activists Kiyoshi Kuromiya and Gloria Casarez, alongside the history and perspectives of the Lenape people. A post-screening discussion with the filmmakers invites audiences to reconsider how the city's past is remembered and represented.

Venue: Philadelphia Film Society Center
Address: 1412 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Admission: Free with registration.

One of the largest Asian American film festivals in the United States returns with a program of independent cinema, documentaries, and short films. The 2026 edition features 44 world, East Coast, and Philadelphia premieres, including an opening-night documentary about Philadelphia activist Kiyoshi Kuromiya. The festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences for screenings, discussions, and cultural events celebrating Asian American storytelling.

Venue: Multiple locations, including Moore College of Art & Design
Address: 1916 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (Moore College)
Admission: Ticket prices vary by screening.

This three-day program celebrates the work of Philadelphia artist and filmmaker Jasmine Lynea through screenings and conversations exploring the intersection of film and visual art. Events include an artist discussion, a selection of short films, and a conversation with artist Yannick Lowery. The series offers an opportunity to discover local creative voices and engage with Philadelphia's contemporary filmmaking community.

Venue: Philadelphia Film Society Center
Address: 1412 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Presented in collaboration with the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, this exhibition features nine experimental films by artists connected to South Asia, Southwest Asia, North Africa, and their diasporas. The program explores unconventional cinematic storytelling through moving images, artistic experimentation, and cultural perspectives. A special filmmaker conversation offers visitors an opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about their creative processes.

Venue: Twelve Gates Arts
Address: 106 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

The Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Festival presents international feature films, documentaries, and shorts exploring Jewish identity, history, and contemporary culture. Its ten-day program includes premieres, filmmaker conversations, and special events connecting cinema with music, history, and social issues. Opening and closing nights feature receptions, offering opportunities to meet filmmakers and members of Philadelphia's cultural community.

Venue: The Weitzman and additional screening locations
Address: 101 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Admission: Varies by screening; opening and closing night tickets $25.