The Weekly BSR Arts and Culture Roundup, October 12-18, 2022

Year of Dracula
Through October 28
Mütter Museum, 19 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia

The Mütter Museum has declared this year as the Year of Dracula with an assortment of themed events. They opened their Dracula Case exhibit last week, which explores how folklore paired with embalming and funerary practices led to identifications of ordinary citizens as vampires in the 19th century. There’s more happening the rest of the month, too, including a “historical happy hour,” a screening of the 1922 Swedish silent horror-documentary film Haxan, and a Dracula-themed pop-up exhibit happening at the end of the month. There’s plenty to sink your teeth into.

Jouska PlayWorks New Play Showcase
October 14-16
Bluver Theatre at the Drake, 302 South Hicks Street, Philadelphia

Simpatico Theatre and Jouska PlayWorks team up to present excerpts from six new plays created by Jouska artists—all of which are coming from BIPOC individuals.

Celebrate! and PainterLee
October 14 and 15, 7-9:30pm
Performance Garage, 1515 Brandywine Street, Philadelphia

Roger Lee and company celebrate 10 years of dance this weekend with a pair of family-friendly events. First is Roger Lee’s PainterLee, a solo painting exhibit that features 12 new paintings from Lee himself. Then, catch Celebrate!, a concert series that kicks off their new season and the return to the stage.

Portales-Muchos, Mundos
October 14 and 15
Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Pasión y Arte Flamenco presents a work-in-progress performance featuring contemporary and traditional flamenco, kathak dance, live music, ritualistic movement, and spoken word that “looks at reconciling contrasting identities, dance forms, and artistic mediums, sparking conversation about spirituality, ancestry, racism, sexism and how our interpretation of history colors our sense of self.”

Peoplehood Parade
Saturday, October 15, 1pm
Paul Robeson House, 4951 Walnut Street
Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue, both in Philadelphia

The Peoplehood Parade celebrates its 22nd year of bringing together activists, neighbors, and youth for an afternoon of collective liberation. Drumlines, banners, performances, and more starting from the Paul Robeson House culminate into a pageant in Clark Park.

Pastorius Gardens Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 15, 12-6pm
Pastorius Community Gardens, 10 East Pastorius Street, Philadelphia

The Germantown garden hosts a festival with over 20 local vendors, a variety of performances, food and drink specials from local restaurants, and more. Attendees can also make their own screen-printed tote bags courtesy of Fleisher Art Memorial’s ColorWheels mobile art van, hang out with farm animals, and check out the garden and orchard. All festivities are free and open to the public.

Theatre Al Fresco
Saturday, October 15, 4-6pm
Las Parcelas, 2248 Palethorp Street, Philadelphia

Power Street Theatre (PST) posts up at North Philadelphia’s Las Parcelas garden with Theatre Al Fresco, an event celebrating Latine culture for Hispanic Heritage Month. Actors, comedians, dancers, and other local artists come together for a roster of multidisciplinary performances.

Also, be sure to check out a throwback episode of the BSR podcast featuring PST artistic directors Gabriela Sanchez and Erlina Ortiz before you go!

AIDS Walk
Sunday, October 16
Various locations

The 36th annual AIDS Walk stomps through the city to raise money for people living with HIV in the Philadelphia area. The walk kicks off early in the morning on Sunday—and you can still register and donate for the 5K walk. There’s a “virtual walker” option if you want to walk your own path, or you can volunteer if that’s more your speed.