Grid L-R: The 2024 Germantown Literacy Fair and scenes from the 2022 Vernon Park Fall Bazaar. (Photos: Rasheed Z. Ajamu)
Spooky season clearly isn’t keeping anyone in the house this month, as Germantown is jam-packed with community convenings of all sorts. Neighbors can find everything from literacy fairs and autumn harvests to poetry performances and music festivals.
The Germantown Info Hub has it all laid out for our neighbors below.
Film Screening & Book Talk
What: A book talk with Germantown author Atiya Brinkley about her book, Flower Child, a tale about a young Muslimah who, after losing her father, has her faith in Islam tested by depression, bullying, and a boy she never expected to fall for. The talk is accompanied by the independent film, “Jinn,” where a carefree, Black teenage Instagram celebrity whose world turns upside down when her mother abruptly converts to Islam, causing her to reevaluate her own identity.
When: Wednesday, October 15, from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Wyck Gardens, 6026 Germantown Ave.
Who: Young Friends of Wyck
More: Tickets cost $5.50; get them here.
Amplifying Our Voices: EMPOWERMENT through Poetry & Community
What: A night of empowerment, joy, and storytelling through poetry, hosted by Germantown poet Trapeta B. Mayson.
When: Wednesday, October 15, from 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Friends Free Library at Germantown Friends School, 5418 Germantown Ave.
Who: Women in Transition
More: Pay what you wish admission; learn more here.
14th Annual Vernon Park Bazaar
What: A space to meet your neighbors, learn about local resources & organizations, make art, support the local economy, and more.
When: Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Vernon Park, 5800 Germantown Ave., 19144
Who: Friends of Vernon Park
More: Free to attend; learn more here.
Engaging Males of Color Health Fair
What: A health fair, catered to men, with resources, discussions, wellness screenings, food, and celebration.
When: Saturday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Men of Courage, 4821 Germantown Ave., 19144
Who: Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services
More: RSVP here; email EMOC@phila.gov or call (215) 687-9640 with questions.
First Annual Germantown Music Festival
What: A showcase of local musicians and bands from Germantown and surrounding neighborhoods in a beer garden alongside drinks and food trucks.
When: Saturday, October 18, from 7-11 p.m.
Where: Attic Brewing Company Beer Garden, 137 Berkley St., 19144
Who: Attic Brewing Company with support from G-Town Radio
More: $25 ticket fee; reserve tickets here.
Echoes & Healing: A Community Poetry Healing Experience
What: Live poetry and guided creative wellness practices to explore healing through the arts, particularly focusing on the wounds of gun violence that have touched the neighborhood and beyond.
When: Sunday, October 19, from 2-5 p.m.
Where: Ubuntu Fine Art, 5423 Germantown Ave., 19144
Who: Ubuntu Fine Art and Forbidden Fruit, with support from Healing Verse Germantown
More: Event is free; RSVP ahead here.
Second Annual Germantown Literacy Fair
What: A family-friendly space designed to celebrate literacy, storytelling, and community with activities for all. Expect activities and literacy fun from a variety of community organizations.
When: Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Natural Creativity, 5534 Pulaski Ave., 19144
Who: Natural Creativity Center
More: Event is free; learn more here.
Second Annual Germantown Community Archiving Fair
What: A showcase of hands-on archiving activities, including digital scanning, scrapbooking, and conversations about Germantown’s past, present, and future. Bring out your photos, letters, and life souvenirs.
When: Saturday, October 25, from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Joseph E. Coleman Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave., 19144
Who: Joseph E. Coleman Library
More: Event is free; learn more here.
Educational Equity Summit
What: An afternoon panel discussion exploring what’s driving pressures on public education, and actionable steps families, educators, and neighbors can use right away.
When: Saturday, October 25, from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Taulane Auditorium, Germantown Friends School, 31 W. Coulter St. (live broadcast on WURD, from 1-3 p.m.)
Who: Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia and WURD
More: Event is free; register here.
Harvest Fest 2025
What: An Autumn celebration for friends, family, and neighbors to gather for a marketplace, food truck, crafts & activities, hayrides, goats, and more.
When: Sunday, October 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Farm at Awbury, 6336 Ardleigh St., 19138
Who: Awbury Arboretum
More: Event is free; learn more here.