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To celebrate Pope Francis's Philadelphia visit, the World Meeting of Families and Greater Philadelphia Film Office teamed up for a mini film festival that's been taking place all week at the Kimmel Center. It wraps up on Friday with four screenings: The Francis Effect and The Wizard of Oz will be shown in the afternoon. Visitors can also watch Invincible starring Mark Wahlberg, which is based on the story of South Philly native Vince Papale, who beat the odds to play for the Eagles at 30 years old. Crooners will enjoy a Sound of Music sing-along that will be screened at the Convention Center's Terrace Ballroom. More info on screenings and ticket links can be found here. Friday, September 25th, various times, $5-$10, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Get a refreshing treat and support a great cause with a rainbow Popesicle. Mr. Popesicle (pictured) will be selling treats made by Lil' Pop Shop, that, in all their multi-colored glory, represent the Pope's messages of inclusiveness. Proceeds will support The Trevor Project, which aids suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth. Friday, September 25th, 12 pm, various prices, 13th and Locust streets.
East meets West in this special, pope-visit-inspired yoga class at East Passyunk's Palo Santo Wellness Boutique. Vinyasa is a type of yoga that flows through a series of poses, concentrating on the breath as a guide through each motion. With a themed playlist for the session, the atmosphere should be relaxing and fun—two things that will surely be appreciated as we head in to this wacky weekend. Friday, September 25th, 6 pm, $13, Palo Santo Wellness Boutique, 1707 East Passyunk Avenue.
Just days after the release of their dreamlike LP This Is All Yours, English indie group alt-J will play at Penn's Landing, the second stop on their fall tour in support of their sophomore record. They will be joined by San Fermin, the Brooklyn-based group of eight with a baroque folk style. Friday, September 25th, 8 pm, $52.25, Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, 601 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Looking to jump right in to pope weekend? Try squeezing in to one of these events:
On Saturday at 4:45, the pope will speak to a crowd of 50,000 at Independence Mall. He is expected to touch on topics like immigration and religious freedom from the very podium Abraham Lincoln used to deliver the Gettysburg Address.
Later, Pope Francis is expected to ride (hopefully in a popemobile) from Eakins Oval and around City Hall before making an appearance at the Festival of Families and concert on the Parkway. Hosted by Mark Wahlberg, the event will feature performances by Aretha Franklin, The Fray and comedian Jim Gaffigan.
On Sunday at 4 pm, the pope will be the star of the show in a giant Papal Mass outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. That's his last scheduled event before he hops on a plane and heads back to Vatican City—hopefully taking all those Pope A Potties with him.
The Pub on Passyunk East, affectionately known the P.O.P.E., was practically obligated to host a celebration on the weekend of the Papal visit. This weekend, while Francis is bopping from location to location in Center City, they will host a South Philly-style block party with special craft beers, music, and even a cardboard Pope Francis for all your Instagramming needs. Saturday and Sunday, September 26th and 27th, 11 am to 6 pm, 1501 East Passyunk Avenue.
Closing out Pope Francis' weekend visit, the eerie and whimsical Divine Hand Ensemble will play two concerts of classical pieces. Before Sunday mass, they will perform free for the public on the Eakins Oval stage at 1 pm on the Ben Franklin Parkway. In the evening, there will be another show at the Church of the Holy Trinity (6 pm for $30). Can't make it to the Rittenhouse church? You can also stream the performance live for $12. Sunday, September 27th.
October Gallery invites visitors to de-stress by making a masterpiece during two Boomer's Paint Party sessions this weekend. People of all skill levels can learn how to paint select works by Don Stephens. Supplies, as well as a small buffet and wine or champagne, will be provided. Through Sunday, September 27th, 6 pm, $20, October Gallery, 6353 Greene Street.
If you're looking for a cultural celebration a bit farther from all the papal commotion, the Irish Fall Festival is coming up in New Jersey. Some highlights include the food courts and beer gardens, free dance lessons, and Sunday mass followed by an Irish parade. Through Sunday, September 27th, pay as you go, Olde New Jersey Avenue, North Wildwood, New Jersey.
Originally spawned from the Walker Stalkers podcast about the Walking Dead, the Walker Stalker convention invites the show's fans to meet some of their favorite stars. There will be a performance by Emily Kinney, singer and Walking Dead actress, a short film festival, as well as an apocalyptic zombie game event. Fans can also purchase special VIP packages. Through Sunday, September 27th, 6 pm, various prices, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks.
Inspired by Pope Francis's favorite painting, Mary, Undoer of Knots, artist Meg Saligman has created an art installation for the Cathedral Basilica alongside homeless- and hungry-serving nonprofit Project HOME. Images of the painting and even visitors tying and untying knots will be projected on the dome of the cathedral every night through the weekend. Visitors can tie and untie knots in the constructed grotto next to the cathedral, symbolizing both personal struggle and aiding others. Through Sunday, September 27th, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 1723 Race Street.
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information to ksordjan@phillymag.com.
