Shop Penn

With everything from art to history to music, there is something for everyone on the west side of the Schuylkill this September. 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.

Karl’s Garcia Band – The Rotunda
September 18

KGB is a heartfelt Jerry Garcia Band tribute celebrating the sound and feel of classic JGB eras, known for their psychedelic improvisational jams, lush harmonies, and danceable grooves, drawing on the familiar classics and deep cuts of the JGB catalog.

Alonzo King LINES Ballet – Penn Live Arts
September 25-26

The stunning Alonzo King LINES Ballet performs in Philadelphia for the very first time. Praised for “gripping, urgently beautiful choreography” by “one of the few bona fide visionaries in the ballet world” (San Francisco Chronicle), the company’s program includes Ode to Alice Coltrane, a radiant tribute to a jazz icon. This spiritually charged work spotlights King’s evocative style, the dancers’ impeccable technique and the sonic expansiveness of Coltrane’s beloved masterpieces. The performance also features LEGACY, a meditation on lineage and memory set to an original score by Grammy® Award-winning bassist esperanza spalding. 

Fall Opening Celebration – Institute of Contemporary Art
September 25

The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania welcomes you to celebrate the opening of their Fall 2026 season with an evening of art, conversation, and community. The season features four new exhibitions that explore land, belonging, solidarity, and connection across communities. The Condition of Being Near brings together artists examining solidarities and complexities across Black, African, and Chinese diasporic communities. The lineup also debuts Wilmer Wilson IV: SKIRL!, the first exhibition to emerge from our R+D residency, while Waste Scenes by Maia Chao and Fred Schmidt-Arenales marks the reopening of ICA’s Project Space. Entryways: Saif Azzuz activates ICA’s facade, and the return of Open Video Call renews an important platform for artists across the Delaware Valley.

Penn Football – Franklin Field
September 26

Penn Football kicks off its home season with a game against Lehigh at historic Franklin Field on Saturday, September 26. The Quakers are coming off a 6-4 season in 2025 and are picked to finish fourth in the Ivy League preseason poll. Head coach Rick Santos has taken the reigns of the program having previously coached at New Hampshire where he led his team to three FCS appearances in four years. 

An Evening with John Cameron Mitchell – Penn Live Arts
September 27

John Cameron Mitchell is the Tony Award-winning star of stage and screen who gave us the cult classic Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Most recently, Mitchell appeared in Broadway’s Oh, Mary!, hailed by The New York Times as “one of the best comedies in years.” Now, he performs in Philadelphia for the first time in an evening of hilarious, poignant songs and stories from his extraordinary career spanning off-Broadway, Broadway and beyond. Don’t miss this one-night-only chance for an intimate encounter with one of alt-culture’s boldest and most original voices. Dress to express—glitter and wigs encouraged!