Shop Penn

There is nothing like Fall in University City! The leaves turn, the air gets chilly, and there are so many things to do and see. Whether you enjoy sports, art, or music, this is the place to be! The “Shop Penn Playlist” is a snapshot of the top events being offered by institutions, organizations, and venues throughout the district this month.

Malpaso Dance Company – Penn Live Arts
October 6-7

Making its Penn Live Arts debut, Cuba’s hottest contemporary troupe shares a little slice of Havana in a program featuring the world premiere of Osnel Delgado’s Dancing Island. With the “fluid, sexy athleticism” (Miami New Times) for which its known, this co-commissioned work sees Malpaso Dance Company exploring the genesis and evolution of Cuban social dances, from rumba to salsa, which burst with the rhythms, moves and culture of this vibrant country.

Penn Football – Franklin Field
October 7, October 27

The Quakers opened the 2023 season with back-to-back wins at Colgate and Bucknell before suffering a tight home defeat to Dartmouth in overtime. Penn hosts Georgetown in its final non-conference game of the season on October 7 and returns to conference play with a contest against Brown on October 27.

Goya: Prints from the Arthur Ross Collection – Arthur Ross Gallery
Opens October 7

On the occasion of the Arthur Ross Gallery’s 40th anniversary, Goya: Prints from The Arthur Ross Collection references the gallery’s inaugural exhibition held in February of 1983 of a first edition of Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes’ series the Disasters of War (Los desastres de la guerra). Drawn from the Arthur Ross Collection at Yale University Art Gallery, a selection of Goya’s indelible depictions of war will be complemented by Goya’s last major series of prints, the Follies or the Proverbs (Los disparates or Los proverbios). This exhibition focused on the Arthur Ross Collection is presented in celebration of the Gallery’s 40th Anniversary. An additional print, Goya’s Self Portrait, is lent by the Penn Art Collection. 

WXPN Welcomes Philly Music Fest – World Café Live
October 11

Philly Music Fest will take place on both stages at World Cafe Live. One ticket gets you entry to all performances in The Lounge and the Music Hall. Enjoy performances from Philly music acts like Sadurn, Trap Rabbit, Marian Hill, Sophie Coran, Ryan Gilfillian, and Julia Pratt.

Tis’ The Damn Season: A Taylor Swift Dance Party – World Café Live
October 13

Celebrate all of the Swift eras with a dance party at World Café Live. In addition to a DJ playing hits from throughout all of Taylor’s eras, there will also be a costume contest, lipsync battle, themed photo areas, and bracelet trading.

David T. Little’s Sin-Eater – Penn Live Arts
October 14-15

“America’s most astonishing choir,” (The New York Times) The Crossing, performs the world premiere of David T. Little's SIN-EATER, a work of ritual grotesquerie exploring the nature of power through its connection to eating and food. Led by Donald Nally, the multiple Grammy® Award-winning new music choir collaborates with Little, “one of the most imaginative young composers,” (The New Yorker) and the Bergamot Quartet for this Penn Live Arts co-commission. Drawing texts from across time and place, the work is rooted in the medieval practice of paying a poor person to “eat” the sins of the rich, juxtaposed with exploring who we ask to sin or suffer for us today.

Owen Valentine Presents: Classique Cool Soul – The Rotunda
October 14

Spend an evening grooving to the soulful sounds of "Lady T.” Join Vocalist, Violinist and multi-instrumentalist Owen Valentine and his funky string troupe URBAN CLASSIQUE with an electrifying night of Classic Soul and R&B saluting the music of Teena Marie aka “Lady T” and featuring recording artist ZANDRA

Sip, Shop, Connect: A Women's Networking Event - Grant BLVD
October 15

Are you purpose-driven and interested in building authentic relationships for your business or career? Looking for an empowering and inspiring environment of women who lift each other up? Join Grant BLVD for a fun Sunday of connecting and while you are there make sure you check out the new fall collection.

Gego: A Book Launch with Monica Amor – Institute of Contemporary Art
October 17

Join author and curator, Mónica Amor, for a conversation in celebration of the Philadelphia launch of Gego: Weaving the Space in Between. This monograph is the first extended study of the life and work of German-born, Venezuelan artist Gertrude Goldschmidt (1912–94), known as Gego. Through rigorous archival research, formal analysis, theoretical relevance, and deep exploration of historical context, Amor complicates traditional approaches to history and unpacks the artist’s radical recasting of the modern sculptural project through her engagement with architecture, craft, and design pedagogy.

Negro Ensemble Company: No Policy, No Justice – Penn Live Arts
October 20-21

New York’s esteemed Negro Ensemble Company (NEC), performs the world premiere of two commissioned one-act plays: Breathe by Cynthia Grace Robinson and Elevator Not Necessary by Mona Washington. As part of our season-long focus, the plays will center on the tragedy and trauma of the gun violence epidemic and its disproportionate impact on communities of color.

CultureFest: Dia del los Muertos – Penn Museum
October 21

This full-day festival offers fun for the whole family, including an arts activity, altar competition, artisan market, dance and music performances, and an enormous traditional ofrenda (altar) installation by the Mexican Cultural Center. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a lively holiday blending Indigenous Mexican beliefs and traditions with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. With roots in rituals dating back 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, Día de los Muertos is observed across Latin America and in Latino communities worldwide.

The California Honeydrops: Bye Bye Baby Tour – World Café Live
October 28

The California Honeydrops are an electrifying group that defy convention at every turn. They’ve become a mainstay at festivals including Byron Bay Bluesfest (Australia), Outside Lands, Monterey Jazz, Lightning In A Bottle, and touring with B.B. King, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint.