The Barnes Foundation is rolling out a lineup of programs that invite visitors to engage with art, music, and community in inspiring ways. From intimate jazz performances to hands-on workshops and curator-led discussions, there’s something for every art enthusiast this October at The Barnes.
First Friday: Denise King
Kick off the month with an evening of art, live music, and cocktails at the Barnes’ monthly First Friday mixer on Friday, Oct. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. Acclaimed jazz vocalist and Philadelphia native Denise King takes the stage to pay tribute to the “lady legends of song,” weaving together blues, jazz, pop, and soul classics from icons like Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse.
Performances are at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m., and attendees can also enjoy light fare and cocktails for purchase. For those looking for a heartier meal, the Barnes’ Garden Restaurant is open for dinner during First Friday (reservations available between 6 and 8 p.m.). Tickets are $35, with discounted rates for students and members, and free admission for Supporters and Sustainers.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day
The Barnes’ Free First Sunday Family Day returns on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering free access to the collection along with interactive art activities and performances. This month, the celebration coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and the museum welcomes Kevin Maillard, a children’s book author and member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, for readings of ‘Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story.’ Registration for the readings opens Thursday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m.
It’s a perfect day for families to explore, create, and celebrate culture together in the galleries.
Barnes Create & Connect
A new initiative, Barnes Create & Connect, takes place on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, offering workshops for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. Presented in partnership with the Parkinson Council, the program focuses on connection—between participants, with works of art, and through shared moments of reflection and making.
Each session begins in the Barnes galleries, where trained staff members guide participants through slow-looking exercises and conversations about selected works. These guided engagements are followed by a hands-on art-making experience led by a teaching artist. Together, staff and participants create a welcoming and supportive space that honors each individual’s pace, perspective, and presence. No prior experience with art is necessary—just openness to explore, create, and learn.
Workshops take place on select Saturdays from August through October. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Curators in Conversation
On Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 2 p.m., dive deeper into the art and legacy of Henri Rousseau with curators Christopher Green and Nancy Ireson. Their discussion will explore Rousseau’s unconventional career, distinctive style, and recent discoveries from research surrounding his work.
The conversation takes place in the Comcast NBCUniversal Auditorium and is also available via livestream. Tickets are $15 on-site or $8 online, with free admission for members and students. On-site attendees also gain access to the exhibition itself, making it an immersive experience for both novice and seasoned art lovers.
Whether you’re drawn by the rhythms of jazz, the joy of family programming, or the intrigue of curatorial insight, the Barnes Foundation offers a rich tapestry of events this fall that promise to enlighten, entertain, and inspire.
For more information, visit barnesfoundation.org
