Curio Theatre Company is kicking off their 20th anniversary season with the Philadelphia premiere of Larissa FastHorse’s satirical comedy and Broadway hit, The Thanksgiving Play. The play has been one of the most produced plays in the country. Curio Theatre Co-Founder Tim Martin is directing the staging, which runs October 23-November 9.

“Our playwright was tired of hearing many theatres say that they couldn’t produce plays with Native characters because there weren’t enough Native actors,” said Martin “This play is her response. Four well-meaning theatre artists come together to create a play for an elementary school, all the while struggling with the need for Native representation. Watch and laugh as they sort through cultural myths of our nation’s favorite family-focused turkey feast, by America’s premiere Lakota playwright.”

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The Spruce Hill Community Association has confirmed that the old neighborhood Halloween tradition is still alive: the 26th Annual Halloween Little Tot Parade will return on Oct. 31! As usual, gathering begins on 45th St. between Baltimore and Larchwood at 4 p.m. The parade will kick off at 4:30 p.m. and head east on Larchwood. Traditionally, the event concludes with a party at “Little Osage” (42nd and Osage), where parade participants are treated with cider and baked goods from local businesses and organizations.

Those who live in the area where the parade takes place, please be mindful of the following:

Roads will be closed from 3:45-5 p.m. (see the map below). You may not move your parked car if it is parked on the route during the parade.

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The Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) this fall. Several West Philly artists and art organizations are inviting visitors to their studios this Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 19-20), from 12-6 p.m. The list of artists and organizations who will welcome visitors this weekend includes:

• The Arts League (4226 Spruce St)

• Painted Bride (5212 Market St)

• Caroline Santa, Colleen McCubbin Stepanic, Douglas Witmer, Mary Henderson, and Phillip Adams (Green Line Workspace, 4218 Lancaster Ave)

• The Soapbox (47th and Kingsessing)

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West Philly residents are invited to The Lawn at uCity Square (37th and Filbert) on Saturday, Oct. 19 for a day filled with live music, fitness activities, and community engagement. The Open Sweat Jam West Philly Community Music & Fitness Festival, which will be held from 12-7 p.m., promotes wellness and civic responsibility.

The festival will feature Live Beats Fitness, an innovative fusion of live music and fitness led by internationally renowned drummer Jeremy Boyd, also known as “Wheat Bread,” and Nate McIntyre, owner of BodyRock Boot Camp, a West Philadelphia-based gym that gained national attention after its appearance on Netflix’s hit show “Queer Eye.” Also performing is Boogiemandela, a Philadelphia-based rap artist, producer, and sound engineer. Known for his Open Vibe pop-up open mic events, Boogiemandela will curate a live music experience that reflects the city’s vibrant and diverse underground music scene.

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Market Street near 40th will be closed this Saturday, Oct. 12 due to a large voter registration/encouragement block party organized by “When We All Vote” and Welcome America. The Celebrate Philadelphia – When We All Vote Block Party will be held from 1 – 5 p.m. at 4029 Market Street outside the Satellite Election Office of the 3rd Council District. Market Street will be closed between 40th and Preston Streets from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

During the event, guests will be encouraged to take civic action – including checking their voter registration, registering to vote, or making a plan to vote.

The event will also include:

• A program/open dialogue by A Seat at the Table: The Power of Influence: How Digital Platforms and Influencers Impact Elections/Future Generations: Young Voters and Their Role in Shaping Tomorrow, featuring several notable panelists.

• Rodeo-themed games and pop ups like a mechanical bull, line dancing, corn hole, sack racing, and more.

• Food giveaways, including pizza courtesy of Pizza to the Polls and OnePhillyConnect, and other treats courtesy of Herr’s and Tony’s Chocolonely.

• Cowboy hat giveaways courtesy of When We All Vote.

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The Friends of Clark Park, the volunteer-run organization that oversees much of the management of the park, is gearing up for the 2024 Parktoberfest, which will take place next Saturday, Oct. 19, 2-8 p.m.. Parktoberfest is a family-friendly event and a great opportunity to spend time with your friends and neighbors at the park, located at 43rd and Chester. The event will include live musical performances by local bands, food from neighborhood restaurants, and beer from Carbon Copy. The event is suitable for all ages!

Parktoberfest is a fundraiser for the Clark Park Master Plan, which was approved by the City last year. This new plan aims to expand the park’s impact on the community through multiple improvements and renovations.

“We are currently working to fund its final design and implementation,” says the Friends of Clark Park board member Cameron O’Grady. “The plan serves as a vision document, outlining substantial renovations to Clark Park to rejuvenate Park B. It includes plans for new playgrounds, a social gathering space near 45th and Chester, and other amenities and improvements.”

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