🎭 Your guide to Philly’s Fringe Festival | Things to do

Autumn isn’t just about fallen leaves, changing hues, cooler temps, or pumpkin spice lattes.

It’s also the season for experimental theater, Mexican Independence Day celebrations and outdoor raves at soccer stadiums. (Yes, you read that right.)

Read on for the best events happening across music, theater and the arts this weekend:

• The Philadelphia Fringe Festival returns
• Pour one up for Philly Black Wine and Spirits Festival
• Celebrate Mexican Independence Day
• Charli XCX at Xfinity Mobile Arena

— Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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The Philadelphia Fringe Festival returns for its 30th year

The Philadelphia Fringe Festival, arguably the nation’s biggest festival for experimental theater, is back for its 30th year.

More than 350 bold, alternative shows will be staged throughout the region for the month-long festival. This year’s lineup features uncensored works by new and independent artists through Sept. 27.

The lineup includes the Philadelphia premiere of Kramer/Fauci by director Daniel Fish, who was behind Broadway’s Oklahoma!. There will also be world premieres by Philly-based institutions such as the Nichole Canuso Dance Company, Ninth Planet and The Bearded Ladies Cabaret.

For the full lineup and event information, visit the Philadelphia Fringe Festival website.

The best things to do this week

🍯 A sweet time in Germantown: The Philadelphia Honey Festival is coming to Wyck Historic House and Gardens this Saturday. The day includes honey extractions, bee beard demos, honey tastings, and a conversation led by head beekeeper Jeff Eckel.

🍷 A taste of wine delight: Stop by Girard College on Saturday for the Philly Black Wine and Spirits Festival. The daylong event features live music, curated bites, and wine and spirits from Black-owned makers.

🍄 Have a little fungi: Make your way to Kennett Square, home to the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” this weekend. The Kennett Square Mushroom Festival offers two days of fungi-themed activities, food, live entertainment and shopping along State Street.

🎺 Jazz and rhythm in Northwest Philly: Jazz will fill the streets of West Oak Lane on Thursday for the return of the Uptown Rhythm Festival. The event will be hosted by radio legend Patty Jackson and headlined by homegrown jazz band Breakwater.

📅 My calendar picks this week: Vet Fest, Doylestown Arts Festival, La Feria del Barrio. Here’s our full list for the week.

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Enjoy a full day of Mexican food, dance, and culture at this year’s Mexican Independence Day Festival on Sunday.

The celebration will feature mariachi music, local artisans, family-friendly activities and the “El Grito” ceremony led by the consul of Mexico in Philadelphia.

This free event will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing.

For full details, visit mexicanculturalcenter.org.

Late summer fun this week and beyond

🎉 Rave at Subaru Park: Breakaway Music Festival takes off at Subaru Park this weekend. The two-day festival will feature EDM performers and DJs such as Marshmello, SOFI TUKKER, Tiësto, and others from Friday to Saturday.

🐎 High-jumping horsemanship: Make a stop in Chester County for the 13th annual Devon Fall Classic, where equestrians will put their skills to the test over four days inside the historic Dixon Oval.

🎃 Who says it’s too soon for Halloween?: The Nightmare Before Christmas Pop Up returns to Craftsman Row Saloon starting Friday. The Jewelers’ Row bar will be adorned in Halloween decor from door to door. Don’t get spooked.

📷 Keep your eyes peeled: The 10-day 20/20 Photo Festival will bring photographers from across the region and beyond. Highlights include photographer Mike Klusek’s Fishtown Photo Walk on Thursday, Ron Tarver’s new exhibition, The Long Ride Home: Black Cowboys in America, on Friday, and the Photo Book Fair at Cherry Street Pier on Saturday.

Staffer picks

Here’s pop music critic Dan DeLuca’s list of the best concerts this weekend.

🎵 Thursday: Actress and musician Alicia Witt, who first rose to stardom as Alia in David Lynch’s Dune, is on the road in support of her album, Between Heaven and Earth. She performs at World Cafe Live on Thursday.

🎤 Friday: British-born superstar Charli XCX, who released her latest album, Music, Fashion, Film, in July, will touch the Xfinity Mobile Arena stage with opener and San Francisco-bred artist Underscores.

🔊 Saturday: Florida rapper Rod Wave, who’s amassed millions of fans with his blend of auto-tuned confessions and melodic trap songs, is hitting the stage at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday.

🎸 Sunday: Glam rock band Julez and the Rollerz will perform at MilkBoy on Sunday. The Los Angeles-based quartet will be joined on stage by Philly-based musicians Ripley, Erin Fox, and Squiggler

Check out Dan’s full concert list here.

❓Pop quiz

Question: How many groups were a part of the first Philadelphia Fringe Festival in 1997?

A) 45

B) 50

C) 55

D) 60

Here’s the answer to last week’s question: What year was Labor Day first recognized as a federal holiday? Answer: 1894

Ask Earl anything

Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

See, I told you early autumn has more to offer than pumpkin spice lattes and layered outfit inspo. Now it’s up to you to get out there and enjoy it.

– Earl Hopkins

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