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OURfest, Indigenous Peoples Day, Confabulation, and more
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, October 10-16, 2024
Kyle V. Hiller
Philly is geared up for a weekend of celebrating its Native and Indigenous communities with events from the Museum of the American Revolution, Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac, and, of course, IPD Philly. Then, in the spirit of LGBTQ+ History Month, OURfest hits the streets and the Strides Collective, a relatively new theater company established in 2020 to produce works by queer artists about queer stories for all audiences. And we’re just a few weeks away from Election Day, and a pair of block parties will help you get ready for the pivotal day.
Happy Indigenous Peoples Day, Philly!
Confabulation
October 10-20
Arden Theatre, 40 North 2nd Street
The Strides Collective's world premiere of Confabulation comes to the Bob and Selma Horan Studio Theatre at the Arden this weekend. Starting with a preview on Thursday, October 10 at 7pm and opening night on Friday, October 11, the two-hour dramedy is set during a past-life regression support grup led by a headstrong spiritual hypnotherapist who uses her unique skills to help group members deal with their issues and regain control of their lives.
Philadelphia OURfest
October 11-13
Various locations
In celebration of National Coming Out Day and LGBTQ+ History Month, the second annual OURfest will feature a weekend of live performances, artists, vendors, food and drinks, family friendly activities, and a record-breaking 400-foot-long Pride flag. The parade, featuring curated floats, community organizations, and more, takes over Center City from 5th and Market Streets to Broad and Locust Streets on Saturday from 4-6pm, and more festivities pop up in the Gayborhood on Sunday from 12-7pm.
Celebrate Philadelphia Block Party Series
Saturday, October 12, 15pm
4029 Market Street, Philadelphia
Saturday, October 19, 2024
2301 North Broad Street
It’s prime Election Day season, and with the big day only a few weeks away, Welcome America, Inc. is hosting a pair of block parties to help spark the spirit for the vote. The free parties take place at two of the city’s satellite election offices. This weekend in West Philly will feature games and pop ups, food giveaways (there’s talk of pizza courtesy of OnePhillyConnect, an organization to help Philadelphians find, understand, and access free and life-changing services from local, state, and national agencies), voting registration (of course), and a program heartily titled The Power of Influence: How Digital Platforms and Influencers Impact Elections/Future Generations: Young Voters and Their Role in Shaping Tomorrow (the kids are the future, you know). The next Saturday in North Philly offers another program around encouraging and empowering Black men to vote.
Indigenous Peoples Weekend at the MoAR
October 12-14
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South 3rd Street
The Museum’s annual weekend celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day is back with a host of events. Each day features daily Lenape social dances from the Delaware Tribe of Indians, history interpreters, an Oneida Nation gallery, and Oneida beadwork. There’s also a daily screening of The People of the Standing Stone film, which explores the history of Native Americans who fought on the American side of the Revolutionary War.
14th Philadelphia Indigenous People Day Celebration
October 13, 11am-5pm
Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard
Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac (OYC), an organization that seeks to investigate, understand, and raise awareness of the Mexicayotl culture, invites their Indigenous friends and people of all cultures, races, genders, and abilities to come out and connect for Bartram’s Garden’s annual Indigenous Peoples Day celebration. Live music, dancing, lectures, and family-friendly activities can also be expected here.
The 8th annual Indigenous Peoples Day Philly
Monday, October 14, 11am-5pm
Shackamaxon Park (Penn Treaty Park), 1301 North Beach Street, Philadelphia
The annual event from IPDPhilly is back, making space for Native America, First Nations, and Indigenous communities in Philadelphia. Singing, spoken words, dances, drumming, storytelling, workshops, booth activities, and more are in tow for a robust afternoon. Be sure to check out the full lineup of activities (with some being livestreamed for those who may not be able to attend).
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