Shop Penn

The tricks have been treated and the holidays are right around the corner, but University City is still alive and hopping with things to do. Whether your love is history, art, music or sports, there is something for you! The “Shop Penn Playlist” is a snapshot of the top events being offered by institutions, organizations, and venues throughout the district this month.

Novelty Candle Experience – Cork & Candles
All Month

The Cork & Candles Novelty Experiences invites you to transform wax into unique realistic candles inspired by our favorite themes—food, decadent sweets and desserts, refreshing beverages, seasonal nostalgia, and household décor. Each month, we introduce an exclusive new candle design, giving you the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and explore advanced candle-making techniques in this unique educational and playful experience. For the month of November, they offer a Baked Fruit Pie candle, a seasonal delight that will have you replicating traditional baking techniques like whipping, piping, and decorating.

Joel Kim Booster: Rude Little Pig – World Café Live
November 7

Joel Kim Booster is a Chicago-bred Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who has been named one of The Queer Young Comics Redefining American Humor by the New York Times. He made the TIME100 Next list as well as the THR's 50 Most Influential People in Comedy in 2022. He is best known for writing and starring in Searchlight Pictures’ Fire Island which, following its June 2022 release, went on to land him two Emmy nominations along with a “Best First Screenplay” nom at the Independent Spirit Awards. 

Penn Basketball – The Palestra
November 7, November 15, November 29-December 1

The Penn Quakers open their 2024-25 season this November and will host Maryland Eastern-Shore and Big 5 opponent Saint Joseph’s at The Palestra before hosting the Cathedral Classic Invitational where they will play Navy, Maine, and Elon during Thanksgiving weekend. 

West Philly Swingers: Gotta Swing’em All – Penn Live Arts
November 8-9

Join West Philly Swingers for an electrifying evening of Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing as the group dances through the world of Pokémon! Experience high-energy performances that combine dynamic choreography with beloved Pokémon characters, bringing the spirit of adventure and friendship to life on the dance floor in an epic tribute. Get ready to groove and cheer in a vibrant celebration of dance and childhood nostalgia!

Forever Furness: The Arthur Ross Gallery at 40 – Arthur Ross Gallery
November 11

Join Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Class of 1940 Bicentennial Term Professor and Inaugural Faculty Director of the Arthur Ross Gallery, for a sneak peek at the gallery’s upcoming exhibitions and programs; and the launch of an exciting new tour of the Fisher Fine Arts Library Building, a National Historic Landmark and beloved Penn study spot designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Frank Furness.

Young and Out of Love Tour – World Café Live
November 12

Enjoy a night of music from four up-and-coming music stars on the Young and Out of Love Tour featuring American Idol contestants KAYKO, Haven Madison, Kaibrienne, and Blake Proehl. KAYKO is an alternative pop artist who accidentally found his way into the Top 20 for Season 22 of American Idol where he was the only contestant to exclusively perform original music on the show. Whether she’s performing at her local talent show or on the American Idol stage for millions of viewers, Kaibrienne demands attention. Even at her young age, this vocalist has already overcome so much in order to step into the spotlight. Haven Madison competed on season 21of American Idol featuring her pop sound. Blake Proehl gives it his all, whether he’s on the field or on the stage. Proehl isn’t your everyday singer-songwriter — he worked his whole life to achieve his dream of making it to the NFL, ultimately joining the Minnesota Vikings as a wide receiver. After a devastating injury during his rookie season, though, his life in football came to a screeching halt. During the recovery period and unexpected downtime, he encountered another surprise: falling in love with music.

Who? Weekley: The Podcast – World Café Live
November 13

Who? Weekly: The Podcast is back on tour with an all new, all Who live show! Join hosts Bobby and Lindsey to live, love and laugh LIVE and in-person alongside the Wholigans. They will dig into their favorite Daily Mail headlines, dive deeper into the lives of cultureʼs thirstiest D-listers and maybe once and for all figure out exactly what Rita Oraʼs up to… Donʼt miss out on this EXCLUSIVE chance to affirm your parasocial relationships!

Penn Football vs. Harvard (Homecoming) – Franklin Field
November 16

The Penn Football team concludes its 2024 home season with a homecoming game against Harvard Crimson. Running back Malachi Hosley leads the Ivy League this season with 647 rushing yards to go along with five touchdowns. 

Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Request Tour – Penn Live Arts
November 16

An indie superstar makes his Penn Live Arts debut! Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation, singer/songwriter and pianist Ben Folds has created an enormous body of work that spans pop albums with Ben Folds Five, solo releases, compositions for film/tv and more, with hits including “Brick,” “Rockin’ the Suburbs” and “The Luckiest.” With his signature charm, stirring melodies and cleverly brilliant lyrics, Folds makes a rare, one-night-only appearance in Philadelphia. This performance will feature an opening act by special guest Lindsey Kraft.

Up Late With The Sphinx – Penn Museum
November 16

Calling all kids and families! Have you ever wanted to explore the museum galleries after dark? Join us during Up Late with the Sphinx for an evening filled with games and gallery activities. Drop into a hands-on workshop and make something special to take home, then finish your evening with a flashlight tour through the museum. Each ticket includes a special Penn Museum patch. This program is best suited for children ages 6-12.

Limon Dance Company – Penn Live Arts
November 22-23

A titan of American modern dance, the Limón Dance Company performs The Traitor, one of the most significant works of the 1950s that explores betrayal through vibrant movement, lush musicality and haunting images. This iconic work is paired with two Philadelphia premieres - Scherzo, a compelling take on rhythm and movement that hasn’t been performed in decades, and a 2024 creation by Kayla Farrish, a powerful new voice in the dance world. Farrish’s piece will take inspiration from two lost Limón works, Redes and El Grito, and incorporate her own perspective on their themes of community and identity as an artist of color.