The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

You can always find our favorite activities of the weekend at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Movies) For over a week, this hybrid film festival presents the best in Asian & Pacific Islander film and storytelling. The event combines a mix of virtual and in-person screenings and events for a truly accessible experience. Grab a festival pass or individual ticket so you don’t miss out on any of the available screenings.

⌚️Nov. 7-17, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 tickets.paaff.org, 💵 Varies

(Community) Travel back in time to 1777 during this reenactment of Philadelphia’s occupation by British troops. You’ll learn all about life under occupation in 1777 over two days through costumed historical interpreters, special programming, guided walking tours and more.

⌚️Nov. 9-10, 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 Varies

(Community) Sly Fox Brewing Company’s most popular event is back for another year of mud, bikes and beer. Racers from across the Philadelphia region will battle it out on this challenging cross race track. Come cheer them on and enjoy delicious beers around the track and in an outdoor beer garden.

⌚️Nov. 10, 9a.m., 📍331 Circle of Progress Dr., Pottstown, Pa, 19464, 🌐 visitphilly.com, 💵 $49 to race

(Community) This annual parade honors all of the brave veterans in the Philadelphia region, and celebrates their service to the country. The parade will end with a festival featuring a food truck lineup with Philly favorites like Federal Donuts and Deke’s BBQ.

⌚️ Nov. 10, 12p.m., 📍21st St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 phillyveteransparade.org/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

This fall weekend, Philadelphia shines with its rich history, vibrant parks, strong community spirit, artistic flair, and deep-rooted patriotism. From hands-on art projects to parades and historical reenactments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

(Outdoors / free) Philadelphia’s parks invite city families to experience a mid-fall tradition of service, recruiting volunteers to gather leaves, plant bulbs, and trees across town. Be sure to register in advance. Ages 8 and up.

⌚November 8-10, various times, 📍various locations, Philadelphia, PA, 🌐 loveyourpark.org, 💵 Free

(History) At the Museum of the American Revolution, Carpenters’ Hall, and Old City streets, experience 1777 when British forces occupied the city. Outside, explore soldiers, spies, encampments, and woodworkers, plus a family-friendly walking tour on Saturday at 11 a.m. Veterans, military, and Blue Star families get free admission. Ages 5 and up.

⌚November 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 Free to $33

(Community / free) From the Paul Robeson House to Clark Park, Spiral Q’s giant puppets join community groups, activists, and performers for a vibrant parade, ending with a pageant at the park. All ages.

⌚November 9, 1-4 p.m., 📍4951 Walnut St. to 45th St. and Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19139, 🌐 spiralq.org, 💵 Free

(Art) At Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, create Peruvian-inspired altar boxes using air-dry clay, cardboard, and fabric in a mosaic art space by Isaiah Zagar. Ages 5 and up.

⌚November 10, noon-4 p.m., 📍1020 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147, 🌐 phillymagicgardens.org, 💵 Free ages 5 and under, $8 ages 6-12, $12-$15 students and adults

(Holiday / free) This year’s Veterans Parade follows a new route on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, filled with marching bands, flashing-light vehicles, and motorcycles honoring veterans. Afterward, enjoy a festival with food trucks, stilt walkers, oversized games, and face painting. All ages.

⌚November 10, noon-4 p.m., 📍21st St. and Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 phillyveteransparade.org, 💵 Free

(Community / multiday) Can you teach toddlers and elementary school-age kids empathy? It’s certainly worth trying. The Please Touch Museum’s visiting exhibit aims to help children express feelings and understand others’ through lightbox silhouette-making, playing with empathy blocks, and negotiating a seesaw. Ages 2-10.

⌚September 27-January 12, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays,📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org , 💵$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder

(Science / multiday) Animatronic dinos from chillier climes, like the fearsome, feathered Troodon raptors, represent Late Cretaceous creatures who inhabited the Arctic. Hands-on exhibits show off ice-proof teeth and eggs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Ages 2 and up.

⌚September 28-May 4, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16-$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2