SHOP PENN Playlist for November
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.
Philadelphia Runner University City Group Run – Philadelphia Runner
Every Wednesday
Join Philadelphia Runner's welcoming weekly group run every Wednesday at 6PM in University City, where runners of all abilities come together for a supportive and energizing experience. This free community event embraces the "all paces and faces welcome" philosophy, making it perfect for both seasoned marathoners and those just starting their running journey. If you're new to the city, looking to meet fellow runners, or simply want to add some social motivation to your training routine, this weekly gathering offers a fantastic way to explore University City's neighborhoods while staying active during the fall season.
Yoga In The Gallery – Arthur Ross Gallery
Every Wednesday
Start your Wednesdays with haṭha yoga in the gallery. Led by Sarah Guérin of Penn’s History of Art Department, these welcoming, all-levels sessions offer an opportunity to inhabit your body fully while surrounded by art. No prior yoga experience is necessary. Participants should be comfortable getting up and down from the floor with ease. Sessions take place from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes in which you can move freely. You are welcome to register for multiple sessions or drop in for a single class, but registration is required for each session. Space is limited.
Nrityagram Dance Ensemble – Penn Live Arts
November 5-7
Nrityagram, the renowned and “most exciting Indian classical dance ensemble" (Fjord Review), returns to our stage with the Philadelphia premiere of KHANKHANĀ: the sound of dancing feet. Featuring live music and vibrant tradition, KHANKHANĀ journeys through three decades of acclaimed works by artistic director and Odissi choreographer Surupa Sen, showcasing her unique sensibility of thought and movement. Don’t miss this thrilling retrospective as “these are among the world’s greatest dancers” who frequently offer “one of the most extraordinary dance events of the year” (The New York Times).
The Blueprint Philadelphia – The Palestra
November 9
As part of Palestra 100, a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the historic venue, The Blueprint Philadelphia is a celebration of the unique intersection of basketball and American history. The event brings four Division I programs together in Philadelphia during a historic year for both the city and one of college basketball's most iconic venues. Penn will face off against Howard in the first game of the doubleheader followed by a matchup of Seton Hall against Charlotte.
Paint the Dance Floor – Institute of Contemporary Art
November 13
Join ICA for Paint the Dance Floor: Cut Up, it’s annual dance party! In dialogue with their Fall 2026 exhibitions, this year’s celebration centers on reclaiming, splicing, dicing and utterly reimagining everyday materials and forms: an invitation to cut up.
The Annual West Philly Swing Thing – The Rotunda
November 13
The Annual West Philly Swing Thing returns to The Rotunda for a 7th year, featuring Swing That Cat! Enjoy a night of swing dancing, including an hour of dance lessons where instructors will teach you Lindy and Swing dance steps to get you started. Swing That Cat is a sonic cocktail of Jump, Jive and Wail! Take Jump Blues, swizzle in Horny Swing, add a dash of Cabaret and splash of Bourbon Street. This female-led Philly band can shake it all up with rhythm, and writhe guaranteed to make you leap off your seat and dance your tail off!
Penn Homecoming vs. Harvard – Franklin Field
November 14
The Penn Quakers host Ivy League rival Harvard for homecoming in the final home game of the season. Penn sits at 3-4 this season with three games to go on the season. The Quakers have earned wins over Bucknell, Howard and Yale. Freshman quarterback Miles Teodecki is pacing the squad in both passing and rushing in his first collegiate season while senior linebacker Zach Darche paces the Quaker defense with 67 tackles.
Penn Museum Gala: Eternal Egypt – Penn Museum
November 14
This landmark evening will unveil the Penn Museum’s newly transformed Egypt Galleries through an exclusive private preview, offering guests a rare first look at one of the most significant gallery projects in the Museum’s history. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, and an unforgettable journey through the splendor of ancient Egypt and Nubia while helping support the Penn Museum’s mission of research, education, and cultural preservation.
Compagnie Hervé Koubi: Sol Invictus – Penn Live Arts
November 20-21
The fearless and powerful Compagnie Hervé Koubi returns to Philadelphia for the first time in over a decade with the mesmerizingly kinetic Sol Invictus. A fusion of contemporary dance, hip hop, capoeira and martial arts, this new work champions love as the guarantor of peace—affirming that, despite conflict, unity will triumph as humanity’s saving grace. Super-charged in both meaning and movement, the piece is set to a driving score by Mikael Karlsson, Steve Reich and Maxime Bodson. Sol Invictus takes its name from the “invincible sun” deity and Koubi’s dancers “could be mistaken for gods” (The New Yorker): fierce, weightless and seemingly a step beyond human. Don’t miss this company’s Penn Live Arts debut—“they change how you see the amazing” (The New York Times).
The Cathedral Classic – The Palestra
November 27-28
Enjoy two days of hoops in the Cathedral of College Basketball as Penn hosts a Thanksgiving weekend tournament at the Palestra. The Quakers will host Bucknell, Buffalo, fellow Big 5 member LaSalle, and Towson for the tournament with two games each on Friday, November 27, and Saturday, November 28.