Shop Penn

The tricks have been treated and the holidays are right around the corner, but University City is still alive and hopping with things to do. Whether your love is history, art, music or sports, there is something for you! The “Shop Penn Playlist” is a snapshot of the top events being offered by institutions, organizations, and venues throughout the district this month.

Novelty Candle Experience – Cork & Candles
All Month

The Cork & Candles Novelty Experiences invites you to transform wax into unique realistic candles inspired by favorite themes such as food, decadent sweets and desserts, refreshing beverages, seasonal nostalgia, and household décor. Each month, they introduce an exclusive new candle design, giving you the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and explore advanced candle-making techniques in this unique educational and playful experience. For the month of November, the candle is the Baked Fruit Pie. A seasonal delight that will have you replicating traditional baking techniques like whipping, piping, and decorating.

Postigo Express – Arthur Ross Gallery
Opens November 7

The Arthur Ross Gallery will present the first American exhibition of acclaimed Basque photographer Fernando Postigo’s work. This groundbreaking show offers unprecedented access to documentation of one of Spain’s most turbulent historical periods. Postigo spent over two decades chronicling the Basque separatist movement from the late 1970s through the early 2000s. Working as a photojournalist in San Sebastián, he documented Spain’s transition to democracy following Franco’s death in 1975, the implementation of the new Spanish Constitution in 1978, and most significantly the Basque struggle for autonomy.

Paint the Dancefloor – Institute of Contemporary Art
November 7

Join ICA for Paint the Dancefloor: Phunktastic, it’s annual night of art and dancing inspired by the bold rhythms of Mavis Pusey and the cosmic “Funk-tional” visions of Xenobia Bailey. Come dressed in your funkiest, most colorful looks and get ready to groove with Lola Kinks. Paint the Dancefloor is presented by the Institute of Contemporary Art, in collaboration with the Weitzman School of Design and the Sachs Program for Arts Innovation. This event is part of Arts at Homecoming at the University of Pennsylvania.

Milo Rossi – Penn Museum
November 7

Join internet sensation Milo Rossi — better known to his 2.8+ million followers as "miniminuteman" — for an unforgettable evening of science, skepticism, and side-splitting commentary. This isn't your typical archaeology lecture. With more than 950 million views, the self-proclaimed “Googledebunker” has become one of the most trusted voices in debunking archaeological misinformation and making science accessible to everyone. In this engaging talk, he'll dive into the real dangers of pseudoscience and pseudo-archaeology and discuss why science communication matters now more than ever.

Choir! Choir! Choir! – Penn Live Arts
November 8

Why see a show when you can be the show? Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman have traveled the world to create harmony and unite strangers through the power of communal music-making. This fully interactive, participatory event turns the audience into the performers as you sing your way through the greatest songs of all time, from Leonard and Joni to Whitney and Shania. No experience necessary – all voices are welcome. Get ready to sing your heart out!  

Penn Football – Franklin Field
November 8, November 22

The Quakers wrap up their season this November with home games against conference opponent Cornell on November 8 and rival Princeton on November 22. Penn is in the title hunt after opening the season with a 4-2 record overall and a 2-1 record in Ivy League play . Quarterback Liam O’Brien is second in the conference in passing with 1528 yards and eighth in rushing with 287 yards. 

Philly Modular Synth Fest – The Rotunda
November 9

Electronic music enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike won't want to miss the Philly Modular Synth Fest at The Rotunda. This immersive festival celebrates the art of modular synthesis, bringing together musicians, makers, and audio experimenters to explore the cutting-edge world of electronic sound design. Whether you're a seasoned synth-head or simply curious about how these fascinating machines create otherworldly sounds, this festival offers a unique chance to dive into Philadelphia's thriving electronic music community.

Ephrat Asherie Dance with Arturio O’Farrill: Shadow Cities – Penn Live Arts
November 14-15

Reflect on the beauty, vastness and joy of the in-between in the world premiere of Shadow Cities, featuring the street and club dance choreography of Ephrat Asherie and original music composed and performed live by Grammy® award-winning jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill. In this Penn Live Arts co-commission, a cast of six dancers and four musicians explores how we are all an amalgam of cultures, identities and generations, fixed and infinitely fluid, fully embodied and fragmented all at once. With Asherie’s exhilarating remix of dance styles and O’Farrill’s signature Latin jazz grooves, Shadow Cities celebrates what it means to be in-between and how this vivid place is where we often feel most alive.

Up Late With the Sphinx – Penn Museum
November 15

Calling all kids and families! Have you ever wanted to explore the museum galleries after dark? Join us during Up Late with the Sphinx for an evening filled with games and gallery activities. Drop into a hands-on workshop and make something special to take home, then finish your evening with a flashlight tour through the museum. Each ticket includes a special Penn Museum patch. This program is best suited for children ages 6-12.

Spinning Honey: Distilling Stories – The Rotunda
November 16

Patchwork Storytelling Guild celebrates Tellabration™ 2025 with Spinning Honey: Distilling Stories, a hallmark celebration of storytelling honoring the artistry, essence, and revelatory impact of stories. Hosted by Denise McCormack, president of Patchwork and masterful storyteller, this showcase brings together a resplendent gathering of voices: Ingrid Bohn, Carin Bonifacino, Maria LoBiondo, Loretta Lucy Miller, MaryAnn Paterniti, Mark Schlawin, Barbara Sherf, Christina Sturgis, and Danielle Selber.

“Spinning Honey: Distilling Stories is both the craft of the teller and the shared experience with the audience, where —spun from life’s sweet and bittersweet moments—insights, delight, and wonder emerge naturally. Each tale is carefully distilled, allowing for fluid and transformational interpretations that highlight its essence, resonance, and the quiet magic of storytelling.” — Denise McCormack, Patchwork Storytelling Guild

Makers Market – The Rotunda
November 19

Get a jump on your holiday shopping with the Makers Market at the Rotunda. At this wonderful holiday event, get your loved ones something special and handmade by someone from your own Philadelphia community. There will be refreshments, a raffle, and a great opportunity to connect with members from your neighborhood.

The After-Dinner Joke – Penn Live Arts
November 20-23

The After-Dinner Joke by Caryl Churchill is a dark comedy on the "business" of "doing good." Through a series of avalanching vignettes, Selby endeavors to avoid politics, help those in need and avoid capitalistic greed -- but with a zany ensemble of characters helping (and hindering!) her, the humanitarian highway might not be straight as she wishes.

Native North American Gallery Opening Celebration – Penn Museum
November 22

Join Penn Museum for all-day festivities to celebrate the opening of their new Native North America Gallery! Shaped in collaboration with eight Indigenous consulting curators, this multi-sensory gallery highlights the powerful stories of self-determination as told by Indigenous peoples across four regions in the U.S.—despite attempts to erase their identities, cultures, and languages. Don’t miss this meaningful day of coming together as a community to celebrate cultural continuity and creativity as you explore 250+ cultural items and contemporary artworks on view.

Cathedral Classic – The Palestra
November 28-30

Penn Basketball will be hosting the 2025 Cathedral Classic over Thanksgiving weekend at the historic Palestra beginning on Friday, November 28. This year the participating teams include Penn, La Salle, Hofstra, and Merrimack with each team playing a full round-robin schedule. Games are set for 2 pm and 4:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and 12 pm and 2:30 pm on Sunday.