Night of Lights, Dark Passage, Site/Sound and more welcome October

It’s October! Yes, I’m one of those folks that transform once October 1 hits. Surely, you’ve seen the memes on social already. But I promise, my weekend roundups won’t be possessed by the spirit of Halloween—at least, not entirely (insert maniacal laugh).

Kicking off the month, Penn alum brings her Disney and Terror Behind the Walls inspired immersive show to North Philly. Chestnut Hill illuminates, AAMP celebrates its fall exhibit, history slams at Philly Pigeon Poetry Slam, and innovation is at hand at Pennovation Works.

Happy Halloween, friends, foes, and Poes!

Dark Passage

It’s October, and it doesn’t have to be the 31st in order to be Halloween. Pseudonym Productions presents Dark Passage, a new immersive experience that runs from Friday, October 4 through November 2. The performance invites guests to sep into a realm between life and death or a haunting evening of mystery and exploration, winding mazes, intricate sets, and roaming performances. University of Pennsylvania alum Sarah Elger conceived the show, coming off her work with Disney and Universal. Get into the spirit at 1004 Buttonwood Drive, Philadelphia, and grab tickets online.

Chestnut Hill Night of Lights

The third annual Night of Lights is back, immersing visitors into the story of Chestnut Hill. The interactive exhibit will light up Germantown Avenue for one night only. Historical images and films from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s archives will project through storefront windows and exterior walls. Business owners and community members will also participate, and neighboring buildings will be illuminated with colored lights. The innovative event runs Friday, October 4 from 7-9:30pm on Germantown Avenue between Bethlehem Pike and Southampton Avenue, and coincides with the business district’s First Friday.

Fall 2019 Exhibition at AAMP Opening

In Conversation: Visual Meditations on Black Masculinity is running through the spring, and this weekend, the African American Museum of Philadelphia is celebrating the fall 2019 exhibition’s opening. On Friday, October 4 at 6pm, join in the opening celebration with wine, light bites, and a DJ, and visit the two-gallery exhibition of photography that explores the construct of Black masculinity through the lenses of 55 women and non-binary photographers of African descent. The event is free with RSVP.

Chrysanthemum Tran at Philly Pigeon Poetry Slam

Philly Pigeon Poetry Slam welcomes Chrysanthemum Tran, a Vietnamese American poet who was the first trans women finalist of the Women of the World Poetry Slam in 2016. Additionally, the poetry slam is open for a workshop at 7pm, and other poets are invited to perform, watch, or judge. It goes down on Friday, October 4 at 8:30pm at Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street.

Site/Sound at the Rail Park

Friends of the Rail Park, Mural Arts Philadelphia, and American Composers Forum, Philadelphia Chapter are opening a new collaborative project this fall with Site/Sound: Revealing the Rail Park. The free festival runs through Saturday, October 5 to October 19, and is a chance for visitors to engage with the history and the budding future of the Rail Park. Live music performances, discussions on public art, installations, and more decorate Site/Sound. For a full schedule of events, check it out online.

‘Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am’

The Robeson House and Museum, 4951 Walnut Street, is screening Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, an intimate meditation on the life and works of the acclaimed novelist. As part of their First Friday Films at 6:30pm, the Robeson House is doubling up for a Saturday matinee screening at 1pm as well. The event is free, and you can RSVP ahead of time.

Philadelphia Mini Maker Faire

Inventors, tinkerers, hobbyists, crafters, engineers, and beyond—if you like to create, discover, learn, and innovate, then the Philadelphia Mini Maker Faire is up your alley. Adults and kids alike and their new technologies and experimentations are showcased at the forward-looking event. Robotics, drones, fashion, and more are designed for your inspiration at Pennovation Works, 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, on Sunday, October 6 at 10am-5pm. Pick up tickets online.