After several years’ hiatus, The Neighborhood to Neighborhood (N2N) street festival is returning to 50th and Baltimore. An all-day event, which has featured stars like Macey Gray, Chrissette Michele and Robin Thicke, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8, 12 – 8 p.m. This year, rapper Common will be headlining the festival, which will also feature live performances by national and local recording artists, including West Philly rapper Chill Moody. There will also be free food, vendors, a 76er’s Kids Zone, and tents with community resources.

The festivities will be held from 49th to 51st Streets and from Willows to Catharine. Check out the festival schedule here.

The festival is presented by State Sen. Anthony Williams, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, and Black Women in Sport Foundation (BWSF). The event is free and open to the public.

The festival began in 1989 as a barbeque, but was halted after 2010 due to budget cuts. Check out this story by Philly.com on the festival and its history.

Black Hound Clay Studio has recently opened near 50th and Baltimore and on Saturday, Oct. 15 all are invited to a Grand Opening Party. This is an opportunity to tour the studio and have fun – play pin the handle on the mug, drink some beer and eat s’mores toasted on the studio’s firepits.

The opening celebration begins at 5 and will be held on the studio’s large patio. It will also include live music by The West Philly Foot Tappers (starts at 8 p.m.). Suggested donation is $5 per person, and children are also welcome. You can find more information and RSVP on the event’s Facebook page.

West Philly clay artist Bethany Rusen is behind the studio, which offers classes and workshops, co-working space for ceramic artists and events throughout the year. The studio occupies a part of the spacious, former warehouse building at 711 South 50th Street (the other half is occupied by The Green Tambourine music studio). For more information, visit: www.blackhoundclay.com. (Photos courtesy of Black Hound Clay Studio)

The Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion will be hosting a number of cool events this month to help you get into the Halloween spirit. We have compiled the listings below. Also check out The Woodlands website (www.woodlandsphila.org) for more information. Note: The annual Woodlands Gobble Wobble Fun Run will take place November 12. Click here for more details.

HollyWoodlands Movie Night 

Saturday, Oct. 15, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

HollyWoodlands is back for a Double Feature evening: first watch the original Ghostbusters and then stick around for the Halloween classic, Poltergeist! In addition, enjoy snacks from PB & Jams and BYO smores supplies for The Woodlands’ firepits. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., film starts at 7 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Requested donation: $10 for adults, $2 for children under 12. You can register online here. Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 16.  Continue Reading

This Tuesday (Oct. 4), Vice-Presidential candidates Mike Pence and Tim Kaine will square off in a debate scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. If you are going to watch it and need a company, check out the list of places below hosting debate watch parties. There’s a special invitation for West Philly Local readers from volunteers helping PA Democrats to join them at a watch party at City Tap House on Tuesday, starting at 9 p.m.

Drexel Dems VP Debate Watch Party

8 – 11 p.m., Wahoo’s, 3180 Chestnut St.

West Philly VP Debate Party

8 – 11 p.m., Cavanaugh’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, 119 S. 39th St.

VP Debate Watch Party at The Bar(n)

8:30 – 10:30 p.m., 4901 Catharine St.

Kaine vs. Pence VP Debate Watch Party in West Philly

9 – 11 p.m., 1575 N. 52nd St.  Continue Reading

A great way to say “goodbye” to the summer is by visiting the historic Woodlands cemetery grounds for the fall edition of Go West! Craft Fest. The fest is scheduled for this Saturday, Oct. 1 (rain date is Sunday, Oct. 2), from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and, as always, will feature handmade wares from about 100 local craftspeople, live music, and entertainment for the whole family. There will also be an opportunity to tour The Woodlands, sample delicious food from local eateries, and enjoy performances by Tangle’s tinycircus performers.

Here’s the schedule of performances:

11:00 – The Green Tambourine
12:00 – The River Bones
1:00 – West Philly Foot Tappers
2:00 – Brady And The Bear
3:00 – Tinycircus
4:00 – Christopher Davis-Shannon

For a sneak peek of what’s in store from the participating makers, go here. Also check out #gowestcraftfest on Instagram for more glimpses of Saturday’s offerings.

A new community discussion group hosted by Council for Relationships (CFR) held its first session on September 17 at its University City location at 4025 Chestnut Street. The public forum, titled “Reflections,” was created to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who have been emotionally impacted by troubling current events. Events may include local or global tragedies, mass killings, global warming, civil rights and other issues. This is an opportunity to share your feelings, listen to one another, and connect with others.

With this new program, CFR seeks to provide community, dialogue, and emotional support for those who need it. The West Philadelphia community members are invited to talk about their responses to current events in a supportive group dialogue, which will be facilitated each month by CFR’s staff of clinical therapists.  Continue Reading