The autumn winds are already blowing in. As Philadelphia prepares for a season full of Fall activities, Mural Arts has announced its upcoming seasonal set, and Metro has the scoop on it all.
Tacony LAB First Friday
Mural Arts’ September lineup opens with a new banner series dedication set for Friday, Sept. 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tacony LAB Community Art Center. Titled ‘Interconnectedness of Community,’ the banner reflects the name as Tacony LAB resident artist Ayiana Viviana created this new public artwork collection in collaboration with community members.
Each unique banner features bold, colorful patterns, accompanied by community-nurturing phrases translated into the various languages spoken in the neighborhood. Registration for Tacony Lab First Friday is appreciated but not required. Light refreshments will be provided.
6918 Torresdale Ave., Eventbrite.com
Mural Arts Fest 2025
The free celebration of art, music, and more will take place at The Oval on Saturday, Sept. 13, and feature hands-on activities like art-making and kids’ activities, live painting, a Black artist gallery, an artist market, and community pop-ups from partners across the city.
Folks in attendance will enjoy live performances from Interna$hional Bounce, Plantain Party, Tameartz, ThursdayNightGroove, and more, including plenty of food and a beer garden by Libertee Grounds. The celebration will also feature a preview of October’s Mural Arts Month 2025, which will honor Voices of Philly.
In addition to Mural Arts Fest 2025, the organization will celebrate three major dedications in September.
September Mural Arts Dedications
The first dedication will take place on Friday, Sept. 19, when internationally acclaimed street artist Shepard Fairey unveils a new mural in Philadelphia. Among Fairey’s most well-known works is the iconic “Hope” poster that came to represent former President Barack Obama’s successful 2008 campaign.
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, Mural Arts will dedicate Embracing the Light by artist James Burns at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children (160 E Erie Ave). This project was uniquely co-created alongside patients, families, and community members as the mural raises awareness of suicide prevention and promotes access to critical mental health resources.
Finally, on Friday, Sept. 26, Mural Arts, in partnership with the Philadelphia Holocaust Remembrance Foundation, will dedicate Lay-lah, Lay-lah by Ella Ponizovsky Bergelson. Taking place between 10 to 11 a.m. at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza (Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 16th and 17th streets), the piece spans more than 2,000 square feet, and will stand as the nation’s first large-scale public mural dedicated to Holocaust memory in a civic space.
Advance registration is required to attend the event. Register here.
Additional Mural Arts events
- Fathers of West Philadelphia Mural Dedication on Friday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m.
- Restorative Justice Night at Triple Bottom Brewing on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
- PARK(ing) Day Philly on Friday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Printmaking by the People Workshop: Silkscreens & Signatures! Saturday, Sept. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit muralarts.org.
