October is here and we’re happy to share some interesting and spooky events for adults and children alike happening in the neighborhood. Here’s what will go down at the historic Woodlands cemetery and mansion, Penn Museum, Bartram’s Garden, local libraries, and more locations.

The Woodlands (40th and Woodland)

Nature Nights: Raptor Night
Thu, Oct. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Explore The Woodlands after dark and learn about the hawks, owls and other raptors who live there. Meet live birds with Courtney Douds, aka Raptor Jawns, and discover some of the mysteries of the urban wildlife that calls The Woodlands home. This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is recommended. Click here for more info.

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The popular West Philly dive bar, The Bar(n), located in Cedar Park (49th and Catharine), needs help after a devastating fire that early Monday morning, Sept. 25. While the Bar(n)’s management are hoping that they will rebuild the space, which sustained heavy damage, they have launched a fundraising campaign to help support their staff while the bar remains closed.

“In this challenging time, I turn to you, our cherished patrons and friends, who have enjoyed countless moments at The Bar(n), to ask for your support,” The Bar(n) General Manager, Chris White, posted on the fundraising campaign page. “We have initiated a donation campaign to help our dedicated staff members during this difficult period. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

The current goal of the campaign is to raise $10,000 which will be evenly distributed among the staff members. Over $4,000 have already been raised as of today.

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After taking a break in the spring, the popular West Philly event celebrating local artists and crafters, is set to return this Saturday (Sept. 30). West Craft Fest’s Fall edition will be held at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature dozens of vendors offering unique handmade items for sale, such as jewelry, ceramics, art prints, stationery, clothing, candles, soaps, skin care, home wares, baby gifts, and much more. The full vendor list is available here.

The event also features live music performances, food trucks, crafts to make and take, and favorite aerial performances by Tangle Movement Arts.

Here’s the entertainment schedule:

11:30 a.m.: Sing Slavic

1 p.m.: Ash Phillips (solo singer/songwriter/guitarist)

2:30 p.m.: Tangle Movement Arts

4 p.m.: Mad Beatz Philly

The event is free and open to the public. The Woodlands will be accepting donations ($1-$5) at the entrance that will help them host events like this and also maintain the historic grounds open daily all year round.

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Parkside Neighborhood Preservation, an affordable housing property, has reopened in Fairmount Park near 42nd and Parkside after renovation. Mission First Housing Group, which develops and manages affordable and sustainable homes for low-income Philadelphians, completed the historic preservation of 82 affordable housing units in 16 buildings along the 4100 and 4200 blocks of Parkside Avenue and at 4201 Girard Avenue and 1237-1241 Belmont Avenue.

The buildings, which date back to 1895, were last renovated in 2001-2003 and the property was at risk due to its declining physical condition. The buildings needed updates such as windows repair/replacement, HVAC upgrades, exterior repairs, including porch and masonry work, flooring throughout the buildings, new appliances, and some bathroom and kitchen upgrades. Painting was completed in the units and common areas as well.

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A Pennsylvania Historical Marker was recently installed outside of Hakim’s Bookstore, the oldest operating Black-owned bookstore in the state and perhaps on the East Coast, according to the University City Historical Society which advocated for the marker in partnership with the Enterprise Center.

Founded in 1959 by Dawud Hakim, the bookstore has been at 210 South 52nd Street for over 60 years, providing books, education, and the space for Black learning and cultural exchange. A ceremony to dedicate the historical marker was held on September 23 at the bookstore.

“This was a great day. My family and I want to thank all who braved the wind and rain to be a part of our celebration,” Yvonne Blake, Dawud Hakim’s daughter who is now managing the business, posted on Facebook. “My father devoted his life to making a difference by educating and mentoring so many. While he is no longer here physically his spirit lives on in his bookstore and in our hearts.”

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Community members are invited to support a local arts and education organization at a special family-friendly event. A Book a Day, a nonprofit based in West Philadelphia, is hosting a free fundraiser, titled Alphabet Soup, at the University City Arts League (4226 Spruce St.) on Saturday, Oct. 7, 1-4 p.m.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate A Book a Day’s efforts and achievements in elevating literacy, as well learn about their upcoming projects. Proceeds from the event, which will include a silent auction and raffle, will help ABaD with their efforts to continue providing free educational and art programs.

As always, readers of all ages are invited to join the host in the festivities. Kids’ focused band Ants on a Log is performing, authors Thembi Palmer and Kat Yeh will read and sign books, kid-friendly fun crafts can be made. Also, A Book a Day will unveil their new, one-of-a-kind project. Continue Reading