MUSICOld 97’sThursday, 8 p.m.Union Transfer1024 Spring Garden St.$20-$22, Utphilly.comLong-standing alt-country storytellers and killer live act the Old 97’s are in town, heating up Philly’s cold night air with their Dallas-born debauchery. Their 10th album, “Most Messed Up,” was released last April. Local vintage pop–influenced rock trio Shark Tape and blues/rock Alabama visitors Banditos open.David Wax MuseumThursday, 8 p.m.Johnny Brenda’s1201 Frankford Ave.$13-$15, Johnnybrendas.comSouthwestern and eastern Appalachian-influenced folk outfit David Wax Museum just released a fifth studio album, “Guesthouse,” a Paul Simon-esque meander down the Rio Grande. Arc Iris, a lilting, soaring folk-rock outfit featuring former members of The Low Anthem, opens.Josh RitterFriday, noonWorld Cafe Live3025 Walnut St.Free, Xpn.orgSinger-songwriter Josh Ritter is earnest yet irony-seeking, a commentator and observer of the pop-folk persuasion. His newest album, “Sermon on the Rocks,” released just last week, explores the idiosyncrasies of rural life, the oxymorons of faith and fable and the limits of his genre.PeachesSunday, 7:30 p.m.Trocadero Theatre1003 Arch St.$20-$22, Thetroc.comRapper and electronic artist Peaches’ recently released album “Rub” is a collaboration with Feist and Kim Gordon. Peaches’ sexual and gender-questioning lyrics are so strong and overt that it can feel almost political. Blues and garage-rock duo Deap Valley opens.FOOD & DRINKState of Craft BeerThursday, 6 p.m.St. Benjamin Brewing Company1710 North Fifth St.$6, Brooklynbrewerymash.comPhilly is seventh in an eight-part podcast series called “State of Craft Beer” from the James Beard award-winning food site, First We Feast. Brooklyn Brewery founder Steve Hindy interviews the founders of Dogfish Head Brewery and the Victory and St. Benjamin Brewing Companies, along with the president of the Brewers of Pennsylvania.Cheesesteak FestivalSaturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.Lincoln Financial Field1 Lincoln Financial Field Way$20-$60, Cheesesteakfest.comAlthough the first annual, the sentiment behind the Cheesesteak Festival is a well established Philly tradition. Taste the best iterations of the hometown classic in its traditional form, as well in fusion and foodie versions, with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Naturally, beers, games, contests and spectacles are also in store.MUSEUMVoices of the DeadFriday, 2-5 p.m.Penn Museum3260 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19104Free, Penn.museumDo you like your Halloween with a bit of intellectual morbidity? Kolb scholars from as far as the University of Miami meet at the Penn Museum for a three-hour discussion of early funerary rites, human sacrifice and the secrets of ancient cadavers.TOURSoul Crawl: Haunted History Halloween ToursFriday and Saturday, 7-9 p.m.Laurel Hill Cemetery3822 Ridge Ave.$20, Thelaurelhillcemetery.orgLit only by the moon (nearly full) and flashlights (bring your own), take a nighttime tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark full of legends and lore. Learn about the cemetery’s art and landscapes, and dispel any lingering spirits by finishing off with cookies and cider by an open fire.PARADEPAWS Mutt StrutSaturday, 11 a.m.The Navy Yard4500 S. Broad St.$25, Pawsmuttstrut.orgIf dogs in costumes are your thing, and dogs aplenty are your dog’s thing, don’t miss the annual Mutt Strut, a celebration, fundraiser and adoption event for PAWS. Each dog registered in the parade will have its own fundraising webpage for friends and admirers to contribute to PAWS’ mission of rescuing and finding a home for unwanted animals.COMEDYThe Dungeon Comedy Night: Creepy Crawly JawnFriday, 8 p.m.Kung Fu Necktie1250 N. Front St.$5,Kungfunecktie.comLocal comedians and improv troupes have Halloween plans too, so they're getting their haunted hilarity out of the way early. Headliner Brendan Murphy is known for his committed, absurdist humor, while other acts include Den Mother, Matthew Tsang, Sad Trombone, No Ghosts? and Alejandro Morales.
