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.

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. Whether 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 peak summer 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.

Archives Discoveries 2026: Unseen Curiosities from the Secret Cinema Collection – The Rotunda
October 8

The Secret Cinema returns to the Rotunda on October 8 with another chapter of their occasional series, ARCHIVE DISCOVERIES 2026: UNSEEN CURIOSITIES FROM THE SECRET CINEMA COLLECTION. Once again they will feature a mélange of fascinating short films from the past. As they go through their collection, reel by reel, they continually find films that don't necessarily lend themselves to fitting into a themed group, yet are too interesting, or fun, or funny to not share. None have been shown in previous Secret Cinema programs. Indeed, few of these films are likely to have been shown ANYWHERE in recent years.

UnRavelled – Penn Live Arts
October 8-11

UnRavelled is a powerful synthesis of theatre, music, science and visual art. An East Coast premiere, this “revolutionary theatrical production” (Metro Silicon Valley) explores the complexities of the human mind through the parallel lives of scientist-turned-painter Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel, both affected by frontotemporal dementia. With a cast of 10 actors and musicians, the play follows Adams, a gifted biologist whose life unravels as she abandons her career, consumed by the desire to paint and an obsession with Ravel’s iconic Boléro. As Adams’ cognitive decline accelerates, her art flourishes, revealing a surprising link between neurological disease and creativity.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration – Penn Museum
October 10

Join Penn Museum for a free community day presented in collaboration with Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts and Penn and Philly’s 250 Years of Shared History as part of year-round semiquincentennial programming. Honor the nation’s first inhabitants and celebrate the vibrant cultures and enduring traditions of Indigenous communities rooted in Philadelphia. Explore Indigenous art, history, and contemporary perspectives through free programming for all ages, including artist presentations, film, hands-on activities, and more.

Penn Football – Franklin Field
October 10, October 16, October 23

Penn Football wraps up its non-conference slate with a home contest against Howard on Saturday, Oct. 10, before playing host to back-to-back Ivy League opponents, facing off against Columbia on Friday, Oct. 16, and Yale on Friday, Oct. 23. Penn opened the season with a road win at Bucknell before falling in their home opener against Lehigh, the No. 7-ranked team in the FCS. The offense is being helmed this season by true freshman quarterback Mile Teodecki who put up three touchdowns, two through the air and one with his legs in his first collegiate start against the Bisons.   

Ballets Jazz Montréal – Penn Live Arts
October 23-24

A beloved hit with our audiences back in 2019, Ballets Jazz Montréal returns in the final tour of Dance Me, a riveting homage to famed poet and singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen. With “virtuoso dancing and an unbeatable soundtrack” (Broad Street Review) of Cohen's iconic songs, choreographers Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Andonis Foniadakis and Ihsan Rustem evoke the cycles of human existence explored in his deeply insightful music and poems. “Leonard Cohen’s art and soul shine on in this stirring tribute” (The Telegraph), using beautiful choreography and scenic design to reveal new meaning in favorites like "Hallelujah" and "Suzanne.”

CultureFest!: Día de los Muertos – Penn Museum
October 24

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a lively holiday blending of 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 Latine communities worldwide. Explore the unique history, traditions, and expressions of this celebration of life and death. Learn about the ofrendas (offerings) at the center of the festivities. These ornate and colorful altars honor the dead (and encourage them to join the party!) with bright yellow marigolds, food, drinks, and photos. Discover the origins of the iconic smiling calacas y calaveras (skeletons and skulls) that are seen on candy, masks, and dolls across parades, vigils, and gatherings.

Monsters, Myths, and Legends – Penn Museum
October 25, October 31

Where in the Museum do monsters hide, with demons and guardians lurking inside? With amulet in hand, hunt creatures small and grand! Discover vampires, werewolves, sea monsters, and other mythic beasts that tiptoe the line between fear and fascination. Alongside your seasoned guide to strange and sublime, you’ll dig deeper into the meaning of monsters: what they protected, what they punished, and what they revealed about the cultures that imagined them.