1. Philly DJ Mural Block Party Redux
Rich Medina, Cosmo Baker, Illvibe Collective and Scratch Academy (created by Jam Master Jay) provide the music for this block party celebrating a new mural about Philly’s influential DJ history from artist Shepard Fairey, best known for the Obama “Hope” posters and the Andre the Giant “Obey Giant” imagery. The party is the close to the Philly DJ Mural Project, a yearlong music education program where students got to work with DJs — and it’s “redux” because the Mural Arts Program held a kickoff party in the same spot last October. Franky Bradley’s, just a couple of blocks away, is hosting an “Obey the DJ” afterparty. Friday, 6 to 9 p.m.; 13th Street between Chestnut andSansom streets; Free;Opensource.muralarts.org
2.Johnny Showcase record release for ‘The Octopus!’
with Minka, West Philadelphia Orchestra and Martha Graham Cracker
When we first saw Johnny Showcase, playing the small, low stage at Connie’s Ric Rac years ago, we’ll admit we were a little skeeved — which is kind of the idea. The singer/performance artist is out with a new album blending his signature mix of funk, soul and psychedelic sounds that ooze ’70s skeeze in a wildly funny (and skillful) way. He performs with Rumi Kitchen, The Truth, and the band Mystic Ticket. But that’s not all! Our favorite drag queen, Martha Graham Cracker, will also show up to serenade us. The always-festive Balkan brass–playing West Philadelphia Orchestra and locals Minka, complementing Johnny Showcase with an absurdist shtick of their own, round out the lineup. Friday, 9 p.m.; Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., $13; Undergroundarts.org
3. Fall Fest atMorgan’s Pier
On Fall Fest weekends, head to this waterfront bar/restaurant/music venue — open until the end of the month and equipped with tents and heat lamps — to indulge in cuisine from some of Philly’s top chefs for $30 per person. This weekend, taste the culinary creations of Jeremy Nolan from Brauhaus Schmitz and the new Whetstone Tavern. And may we suggest capping off the evening at Whetstone, with the autumn-perfect apple dumpling baked by Nolan’s pasty chef wife, Jessica? Next week, Jason Cichonski (Ela, The Gaslight, the new 1100 Social in Xfinity Live) getshis turn to helm the kitchen. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25; Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Columbus Blvd.; 215-279-7134; Morganspier.com
4. Applefest at Hop Angel Brauhaus
We’ll hop on the El to Northeast Philly if some type of apple/alcohol combo is involved. German-American bar Hop Angel Brauhaus is hosting a fall party with drinkable treats like local hard apple ciders paired with chipotle apple bisque, apple-braised short ribs, apple crisp and more, plus apple-bobbing (we’re on the fence about this) and keg bowling. Saturday and Sunday; 7980 Oxford Ave.; Hopangel.com
5.‘Bye Bye Liver: The Philadelphia Drinking Play’
Sketch comedy and drinking games collide in this amusingly boozy play, which is basically a series of skits punctuated by interactive drinking games — interactive meaning you, the audience, are imbibing too. You’ll have the most fun if you go with a group and prepare to get a bit tipsy (after assigning a designated driver or signing up for Uber, of course), but we’re pretty confident you’ll still be laughing hard even if that’s just club soda in your glass. Saturdays, 8 p.m. (Ongoing); Urban Saloon, 2120 Fairmount Ave.; $20; 215-232-5359; Urbansaloon.com
Johnny Showcase, hard cider, and more things to enjoy this weekend
Provided
