🍻 Grab a stein at Roxtoberfest and more | Things to do

Hey folks! I’m back with another random assemblage of events, attractions, and competitions happening this week.

Some may leave you frightened, while others make up your favorite seasonal activities — pumpkin picking and Oktoberfest-themed entertainment.

Then there’s one that may fuel your competitive spirit when it comes to squeezing your car into an impossible parking spot.

Read below to see what’s happening this weekend:

- Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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The Please Touch Museum turns 50 with two days of events for children and their caregivers.

Guests can enjoy toddler sing-alongs, juggling, music, dancing, art-making, story times, and an end-of-day parade on Saturday and Sunday.

While both days are currently sold out, museum organizers are taking walk-ins when possible.

Click here for more information on the two-day celebration.

🇺🇸 A trip to historical grounds: The Revolutionary Germantown Festival, which marks the devastating loss George Washington endured before retreating to Valley Forge in 1777, is happening this Saturday. The free event will feature living history interpreters, hands-on activities with craftspeople, tours of the Chew House, and other activities.

🎭 A Broadway classic: The Broadway classic, Mamma Mia!, is hitting the stage at the Academy of Music for a limited run. Make your way to the Center City theater before the final curtain call on Sunday.

🍺 Celebrate Oktoberfest in Northwest: Head to Roxborough on Saturday for the 14th annual Roxtoberfest street festival. Visitors can enjoy German-themed entertainment, including live music, a stein-holding competition, a scarecrow walk, and more.

👻 Frightening nights: Visit the haunting cell blocks and frightening attractions at Eastern State Penitentiary during Halloween Nights. The month-long experience kicks off Friday, likely giving even the bravest of guests a scare or two.

📅 My calendar picks this week: Philadelphia Regatta Cup, Proximity: A Street Photography Exhibition, In Community Exhibition. Here’s our full list for the week.

Adjust your mirrors. Strap in your seat belt, and roll up to Headhouse Plaza for the Philadelphia Parallel Parking Association Championship.

Fifteen competing drivers will test their skills across three events. The first gives drivers a chance to park as close to the curb as possible. The second challenges drivers to navigate a tight squeeze while making the fewest maneuvers. The third will test how well drivers can park under duress.

The free event will take place from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday. It will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend.

Click here for more details.

🎥 A reel movie fan’s dream: Experience classic movies in 35mm for the 35th anniversary of the Philadelphia Film Festival and the 25th anniversary of the Philadelphia Film Society. Screenings for REEL October are happening at the Film Society Center and running through Oct. 11.

🎨 Builders and makers: Street art and architecture collide at the 22nd Design Philadelphia Festival starting Thursday. The nearly two-week festival will feature lectures, panel discussions, and installations for emerging and seasoned designers.

🎃 Pumpkin patch at Liberty Point: Make your way to Liberty Point this Saturday for pumpkin picking, carnival games, a photo booth, and other fall-themed activities through Nov. 1.

Here’s a list of the best concerts this weekend.

🎤 Thursday: Rapper Logic will hit the Highmark Mann stage alongside Memphis legend Juicy J and Bay Area native G-Eazy for a supreme rap show.

🎸 Friday: The Jonas Brothers are dropping into South Philly to perform at Xfinity Mobile Arena, with support from singer-songwriter Magnus Ferrell and DJ Deleasa.

🔊 Saturday: South Korean rock band Wave to Earth will grace the Met Philadelphia stage with their lo-fi, indie surf-rock jams as part of their “Pieces Tour.”

🎤 Monday: Stanley Simmons, whose music floats between folk and indie-rock, is set to headline at World Cafe Live on Monday.

Where did the Please Touch Museum originally open its doors?

A) Memorial Hall

B) Academy of Natural Sciences

C) Franklin Institute

D) Parkway Central Library

Here’s the answer to last week’s question: What year was the first Concilio’s Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade in Philadelphia? Answer: 1964

Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

That’s all folks! Enjoy your weekend, and feel free to sharpen up your parking skills if you feel so inclined. This writer here will certainly appreciate it.

– Earl Hopkins

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