If you have been waiting for news about the Spruce Hill Halloween “Tot” Parade, here is a short update for now: the popular annual event that draws hundreds of participants will not return this year in its usual form, according to the organizers, the Spruce Hill Community Association. However, a smaller event is being planned in the neighborhood. Stay tuned for more information.

Families are also invited to celebrate Halloween at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland) during Halloween Family Fun Day. The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 24 from Noon to 3 p.m. and will feature a digital Halloween themed self-guided tour, and performances by Tangle Movement Arts and Karen Smith’s “Spiritual Atmospheric Cleansing.” Also after a hiatus, All Hallow’s Read, a spooky book event, will return this year as part of the Family Fun Day. Please bring a spooky or seasonal book to swap. Readers of all ages and spooky costumes of all kinds are welcome. Go here for more info. Continue Reading

Hamilton Mansion (Photo courtesy of The Woodlands)

The Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion is bringing back some of its popular seasonal events, both for children and adults, after last year’s hiatus. Check out more info below about this year’s After Hours event, Halloween Family Fun Day and Halloween Cocktail Party. Also, bird lovers are invited to the Woodlands on Friday, Oct. 8 for an early morning bird walk (the event begins at 7:30 a.m.). This is a great chance to observe birds during fall migration. The event is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. Go here for more info. Continue Reading

Fall is here, which means it’s time to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather. Check out these fun events and activities happening in West Philly’s Clark Park:

• Clark Park Youth Soccer League is returning this fall and registration is currently open for children ages 4 to 9. The 2021 Fall Season kicks off this Saturday, Oct. 2 and will continue until early November. Groups will be smaller this season due to COVID safety. The program meets every Saturday in the park’s “Bowl” near 43rd and Chester. This is a low-cost program run by volunteers. For more information and registration, go here.

• On Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m., the University of the Sciences (USciences), located near the southwest edge of the park on Woodland Ave., is hosting a free Bicentennial Block Party for the community. The event will kick off a month-long celebration of the university’s 200th Anniversary. The event will include the following performances and activities for all ages: Continue Reading

The 2019 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (Photo by Lora Reehling).

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Strolls, typically taking place twice every summer, have always been very popular, drawing huge crowds of both West Philly residents and guests. But this year, the event is returning with a new take, after taking a break last summer due to the pandemic.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, from 12 – 4 p.m., visitors are invited to stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 52nd Streets to visit local small businesses and restaurants during the Baltimore Avenue Saturday Stroll. Although there won’t be $1 offers from most participating businesses like during the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, they will offer Stroll specials, discounts, and unique offerings during the event. Continue Reading

The annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival will return virtually this year and will be streaming live at lancasteravephilly.com/jazzfest beginning at noon this Saturday, Sept. 18. The festival offers a tribute to Grover Washington, Jr.

This is the 15th season for the festival, organized by staff at People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and a planning committee of neighborhood residents.

Musicians in the lineup must perform at least one piece by the Philadelphia-based saxophonist, known for hits like “Magic Man” and “Just the Two of Us.” The Grover Washington Jr. Tribute Legacy Band headlines the event. Other performers include Glenn Bryan and Friends, The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble, Denise King and Friends, Chris Aschman and Trinidelphia, TC THE 3RD, and Greg Moore and Actual Proof. The line-up was curated by Leo Gadson of The Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia. Continue Reading

Keni Jackson (Facebook photo)

Great news for local jazz music fans! After a two-year break the popular Thursday night jazz series, Jazz Heritage Series, will return to Malcolm X Park this summer. The series will kick off this Thursday, July 1 (weather permitting), with a performance by Southwest Philadelphia native Keni Jackson, a bass player and vocalist.

All concerts are free and held every other Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. Please bring your blanket or portable chair, and picnic! Please note that performances are not held in inclement weather.

Here’s the full schedule of performances through October 21st: Continue Reading