9 Things to Do in Philly This Week: Oktoberfest at Dilworth Park, Paul Strand at the PMA, a Witch Craft Beer Crawl, and More

By Marquesa Rotuski· 10/20/2014, 4:06 p.m.

Paul Strand: Master of Modern Photography

Philadelphia Museum of Art will open its newest exhibition this Tuesday. "Paul Strand: Master of Modern Photography" emphasizes the American photographer and filmmaker's most important projects, surveying the influential artist's entire life's work. The exhibition displays around 250 of Strand’s prints, many of which were chosen from the Museum's collection and includes important early prints. Screenings of Strand's films, work by fellow artists, and archival materials will also be on view. Catch it while you can. The exhibit is included with museum admission. Tuesday, October 21st-Sunday, January 4th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Marilynne Robinson

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Marilynne Robinson will speak at the Central Library this Tuesday evening. In 2013, Robinson was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama. She is currently promoting her most recent work, Lila, which revisits her characters from novels Gilead and Home.Tickets can be purchased online. Tuesday, October 21st, 7:30 p.m., $15 or $7 for students, Central Library, 1901 Vine Street.

Witch CRAFT Beer Crawl

Park your brooms and spend Wednesday evening sipping craft brews at 13 East Passyunk bars during the Witch CRAFT Beer Crawl. Admission gets you $3 craft beers at each bar, including special brews from Victory Brewing Company, a Witch CRAFT stamp card, and a witch hat. Earn stamps on your card by purchasing craft beers, food, or other beverages at participating locations–collect five or more stamps and you'll be entered to win a gift certificate prize package worth $325. Costumes are encouraged: the best dressed witch and most original costume will win a prize. Cheers! Tickets can be purchased online. Wednesday, October 22nd, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., $6.66, Garage, 1231 East Passyunk Avenue.

Water Liars

Take our word for it: if you're seeing any live show this week, it should be Water Liars. The bluesy vibes and gritty vocals of Justin Kinkel-Schuster and Andrew Bryant combine to produce sounds that are nothing short of brilliant. Also catch the impressive musical stylings of local favorites and opening act, the Levee Drivers. Listen to Water Liars tunes in advance right here. Tickets can be purchased online. See more of our recommended shows this week here. Wednesday, October 22nd, 7 p.m., $8, KungFu Necktie, 1250 North Front Street.

The Barefoot Artist

Catch a free, public screening of The Barefoot Artist, a film by Glenn Holsten and Daniel Traub, this Thursday evening. A portrait of the life of Chinese-American artist Lily Yeh, the documentary is currently vying for an Oscar nomination. Yeh, who was born in China but now calls Philadelphia home, is a global artist who believes in the power of art to affect social change. A panel featuring Yeh and Holsten will follow the screening. You can register for the screening online. Thursday, October 23rd, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., URBN Center Annex at Drexel University, 3401 Filbert Street.

Oktoberfest at Dilworth Park

Thursday marks the second of three days during which the brand new Dilworth Park will celebrate the season with Oktoberfest activities. Spend the night at the (cash-only) beer garden hosted by Rosa Blanca Cafe and look out for live entertainment, DJ Reed Streets, vendors, and more. The Franklin Institute will be showing off their science skills with demos and the Mural Arts Program will help you create some make-and-take crafts. Thursday, October 23rd, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., pay-as-you-go, Dilworth Park, Broad and Market Streets.— Aubrey Nagle

An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe with Anne Louise Williams

Get in the spooky spirit with a haunting reading of some of Edgar Allan Poe's best works by historic interpreter Anne Louise Williams. Williams will be performing the pieces from memory and she'll complete the picture with contextual information from newspapers, letters and from Poe's peers. A perfect way to dive into the mysterious author's life and works, this event will entertain bookworms of all ages. Admission is free but registration is required. Thursday, October 23rd, 6:30 p.m., Central Library, 1901 Vine Street. — Aubrey Nagle

Philadelphia magazine's Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival

Join Philadelphia magazine and Fine Wine & Good Spirits for the 2014 Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival at Lincoln Financial Field. In its 11th year, the Festival will feature a wide selection of spirits from around the world including premium whiskey, scotch, malts, bourbon, rum, vodka, gin, tequila and more. Thursday, October 23rd, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., $75-95 ($25 for designated drivers), Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattinson Avenue.

Arcadia Festival

The Lantern Theater Company will host four days of events that celebrate Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece, Arcadia, a play the company says, "weaves together romance, science, mathematics, sex, and so much more into a deeply personal, funny exploration of human experience." The festival begins this Thursday and features both free and ticketed events, including panel discussions, a high tea, lectures, special performances of Arcadia and other Stoppard works, and opportunities to mingle with fellow fans. Tickets can be purchased online. Thursday, October 23rd-Sunday, October 26th, various times and locations.