UPDATE (11/30/2023): Curio is inviting kids to their dress rehearsal on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. FREE of charge. Please call 215-921-8243 for reservations as space is limited. The show lasts approximately one hour including the immersive “Fab Lab” portion. All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Also, please note that there will be photos taken for social media. 

Next month, Curio Theatre Company will present something unusual and innovative. Families are invited to take part in the  immersive theatre program –  Makerspace. The first play in this new program, Jack and the Beanstalk, will stage December 9-30, with previews taking place December 6, 7 and 8.

Here’s how it works:

Children who arrive to see a performance will have the opportunity to “make theatre” – create props, set pieces and voice recordings. They will even color a large cow on wheels! All these things will then be part of the show. Curio Theatre Company believes that “all children benefit not from just watching plays, but from making art.”

This event is fun for the whole family and people of all ages (3 to 99) are invited.

The play is written by Paul Kuhn and directed by Mya Flood. Performances begin at 2 p.m. except for the preview shows (6:30 p.m.)

Tickets are $15-$20 for adults and $10-$15 for children. Curio Theatre is located at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (48th and Baltimore). For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

The annual Philadelphia Marathon returns this weekend, with events taking place from Friday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Nov. 19. Two main events, a half-marathon and marathon will be held on Saturday and Sunday respectively. As always, the marathon events that draw thousands of visitors and participants, will shut down many roads in the city. Here is a summary of what roads and streets in West Philly will be closed to accommodate runners. Also, check out information below on cheer zones. Race maps are available here.

Both races kick off at Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 7 a.m.

Cheering zones for Saturday’s Half-Marathon:

• 33rd and Walnut Street
• 33rd and Market Street
• 34th and Girard Avenue (Philadelphia Zoo)

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Another great West Philly tradition, the Peoplehood Parade & Pageant, is returning Saturday, Oct. 28. The event was postponed by one week due to rain last Saturday. As always, the parade will feature giant puppets, created by Spiral Q artists and community volunteers. Here are some more details about this year’s event.

The line-up begins at Noon near The Paul Robeson House (50th and Walnut). The parade departs at 1 p.m. and proceeds to Clark Park at 45th and Kingsessing (see the map below), where performances will take place starting at approximately 2:15 p.m.

The family-friendy event, which promotes diversity, civic engagement and creativity, has been held since late 1990’s. Besides giant puppets, it features drumlines and banners. Last year, 43 community groups and over 600 people joined the parade and celebration, according to the longtime event organizer, Spiral Q, a West Philly-based arts organization.

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Fall is the best time of the year to plant a yard tree, and now interested residents can sign up for a free yard tree from Tree Philly, a program of Philadelphia Parks & Rec. About a dozen tree species are available to choose from, including fruit trees, large shade trees and beautiful flowering trees/shrubs (click here for more details).

West and Southwest Philadelphia residents can pre-register for the following tree giveaway events with Tree Philly’s community partners:

Saturday, Nov. 5, 12-2 p.m.
Partner: Holly Street Neighbors Community Garden
Location: Holly Street Neighbors Community Garden, 320 N. 41st St., Philadelphia
Registration: Register Here
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 31
Note: Trees are reserved for residents of 19104 and 19139 zip codes.

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Get your spooky/funny/cute costumes ready for the annual Spruce Hill “Tot” Halloween Parade! The great neighborhood tradition returns Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Gathering begins at 4 p.m. at 45th and Larchwood, and the parade kicks off at 4:30. The parade ends at 42nd and Osage where party-goers are invited to get treats, like cider and baked goods, from “Little Osage” neighbors and local businesses.

Every year, hundreds of costumed tots (ages 6 and under) and their parents or guardians participate in the parade organized by the Spruce Hill Community Association. This is a fun and family-friendly event for the local community with plenty of trick-or-treating possibilities in the neighborhood!

For more October events, check out this post.

Parents and guardians are invited this Saturday, Oct. 21 to participate in the 4th Annual Fall Clothing Swap for babies and kids (8 years old and younger). This is a great opportunity to get rid of your children’s old or unwanted clothes and/or shoes and find duds that you want in good condition!

The event will be held on the 4200 block of Regent Square, a side street off of Clark Park (near the playground). The drop-off starts at 9:30 a.m., and swapping takes place from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.. Only clothing and shoes in good condition (no rips or stains) will be accepted.

Check out the flyer below for more details.