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If you want to get an up-close look at the handmade and eco-friendly creations featured in this summer's sculptural flotilla on the Schuylkill, the entire installation will be deconstructed into an exhibit at at the Philadelphia Art Alliance beginning this Friday, September 30. (Photo by Tod Seelie courtesy Philadelphia Art Alliance)

We first told you about Let Me Tell You About A Dream I Had in August, when the innovative multi-disciplinary installation debuted with a sculptural flotilla on the Schuylkill River.

Conceived in collaboration with the Philadelphia Art Alliance and the Miss Rockaway Armada, the project made two stops in University City and Kensington earlier this month, before arriving at its final destination this Friday, September 30, at the Philadelphia Art Alliance in Rittenhouse Square.

On view through December 30, the exhibition will feature the re-used materials from the land boats, which the Miss Rockaway Armada has reshaped to create the site-specific exhibit. By deconstructing the found materials over and over again, and reinterpreting them as a response to the building, Let Me Tell You About A Dream I Had enables visitors to encounter these materials in a new light, while breathing new life yet once again into what was ostensibly labeled as “trash”.

Be sure to swing by the Art Alliance this Friday at 6 p.m. for the opening reception, which is free and open to the public!

Let Me Tell You About A Dream I Had
When: Friday, September 30, 6 p.m.; on display through December 30
Where: Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.philartalliance.org

This weekend is shaping up to be an awesome Saturday, with the grand opening of Lenfest Plaza, Game 1 of the NLDS at Citizens Bank Park and the all-day, food and beer-filled, family-friendly RiverCity Festival at Penn Treaty Park. (Photos courtesy RiverCity Festival)

Head over to Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown on Saturday, October 1 for the Fourth Annual RiverCity Festival.

Kicking off at noon with live music, vendors and family-friendly activities, the festival runs through the afternoon until 5 p.m.

Presented by the Fishtown Neighbors Association (FNA), RiverCity promotes community engagement, local businesses and everything that historic Fishtown has to offer. Participating vendors include Bubba BBQ (get ready for a 20-foot smoked filled with BBQ brisket and ribs), Hinge Cafe (vegan-friendly), Mandi’s Deli and Johnny Brenda’s, among others.

And for just $20, you’ll get access to the FNA tent and a bottomless cup to try craft beers from Philadelphia Brewing Company and Brooklyn’s SixPoint Brewery.

Kid-friendly programming will include moon bounces, an inflatable rock wall, obstacle courses and loads of arts and crafts activities. Plus, the day will also feature the RiverCity 5K Fun Run, starting at noon. For registration info, click here. Live Music starting at noon will feature Gina Ferrera, the West Philadelphia Orchestra, Lenni Lenape Native Americans, Duffy Stringband and The York Street Hustle.

Also check out the concurrent River Wards Restaurant Week in Kensington, Fishtown and Port Richmond.

RiverCity Festival
When: Saturday, October 1, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Penn Treaty Park, 1342 N. Delaware Avenue
Cost: Free ($20 for FNA tent access & bottomless cup)
More info: www.rivercityfestival.org

MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange, a local non-profit dedicated to helping youth explore cultural diversity and social issues, presents an art exhibit titled MYXing It Up: 2001-2011 at The Philadelphia Foundation’s Community Art Gallery. It runs through January 20, 2012.

Founded by Philadelphians Josette Bonafino and Ian Cross in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks, MYX was created in response to the blind hatred that culminated in the days following 9/11.

Bonafino and Cross ascertained that if youths from various cultures met one-on-one to discuss their lives and values, they’d discover that their commonalities would far exceed their differences.

In MYXing It Up: 2001-2011, viewers will see more than 50 collaborative youth art pieces that trace the organization’s 10-year evolution.

The students’ artwork stems from multicultural workshops that MYX offers. During the workshops, students view relevant artwork, discuss the content and then express their feelings by creating new art. By exposing students to diverse cultures, varied viewpoints and cultural assumptions, they increase their empathy and tolerance of others.

Click here to check out MYX’s involvement in DesignPhiladelphia, a series of programs and events celebrating Philadelphia’s creative culture from October 13-23.

MYXing It Up: 2001-2011
When: Now-January 20
Where: The Philadelphia Foundation’s Community Art Gallery, 1234 Market Street, Suite 1800
Cost: Free
More info: www.philafound.org

Brilliantly casual theater is served up alongside a pie (a slice of pizza) and a pint (a drink of choice) with the Philadelphia debut of “A Play, a Pie, and a Pint” on October 4.

Presented by Tiny Dynamite Productions, the four-week series reinvents the traditional “formal” theater experience by offering one-act plays performed at non-traditional times (6 p.m.) on days when many other theaters are dark (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

At just $15/ticket, the series, which lasts through October 26, makes the theater experience both affordable and convenient, and is a great alternative to happy hour to unwind after a long day of work. Each ticket includes a complimentary slice of pizza and a beverage.

Performances take place at the Red Room at the Society Hill Playhouse and feature the work of some of Philadelphia’s best loved theater professionals.

Check out the full line up below and click here for tickets.

A Play, A Pie, and a Pint
When: Every Tuesday & Wednesday at 6 p.m., October 4-26
Where: The Red Room, Society Hill Playhouse, 507 S. 8th Street
Cost: $15
More info: www.tinydynamite.org

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The brightest light on the Avenue of the Arts, the dazzling Kimmel Center, celebrates its 10th year beginning this weekend. (Photo courtesy Kimmel Center)

UPDATE: Grammy and Tony Award winning star Audra McDonald concert, originally scheduled to kick off the Kimmel Center’s 10th Anniversary Season on October 1, is postponed to November 30.

The Kimmel Center’s 10th Anniversary Season officially kicks off with two dynamic powerhouse female vocalists taking the stage to showcase brand new works.

First up: Grammy-winning singer-songwriter k.d. lang with The Siss Boom Bang and special guest Teddy Thompson will perform a fusion of country rock and sweeping visceral melodies on September 29. The evening includes new works from their April 2011 release, Sing it Loud, and songs from throughout k.d. lang’s career.

Last time lang was on the Kimmel stage, she said, “It makes a girl want to sing all night.”

Then, reminiscent of the Kimmel Center’s inaugural season, opening weekend festivities also include a performance by four-time Tony winner Audra McDonald, an encore to her performance a decade ago.

She’ll be back on stage for the first time in four years since taking a hiatus for her role on Private Practice, and she’ll be performing her trademark medley of show tunes, classic movie songs and pieces written specially for her by leading contemporary composers.

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten (amazing) years since the Kimmel Center opened its doors. It’s going to be an exciting, star-studded season, showcasing Philadelphia’s legends and their connections to the Kimmel.

Check out everything to come. And below, we’ve included some fun quotes from headlining artists who’ve performed on the Kimmel Center stage.

Kimmel Center’s 10th Anniversary Season: Opening Weekend
When: September 29-October 1
Where: Broad and Spruce Streets
Cost: Tickets start at $38.50
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org

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The Race Street Connector is a special stretch of Race Street between 2nd Street and Columbus Boulevard leading from Old City to the gorgeous Race Street Pier. (Photos by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

The Race Street Connector, a project of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation in conjunction with the hugely successful new Race Street Pier public park, will have its grand opening celebration next Thursday, October 6.

Located at the end of Race Street along the waterfront’s edge, the Race Street Pier has turned a vacant, one-acre pier just south of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge into a vibrant public space with trees, a promenade, a lawn and a terrace.

It’s gorgeous, and makes for a great vantage point for watching Penn’s Landing Fireworks, a great spot to eat lunch or read and a perfect epitome of Philadelphia’s burgeoning park scene. And it’s made all the more accessible by the Race Street Connector, a special stretch of Race Street between 2nd Street and Columbus Boulevard leading from Old City to the park.

Design elements completed in this Phase One include signage, benches, bollards, curb realignments, increased sidewalk widths, plantings and a dramatic light screen along the south side of Race Street in front of the I-95 overpass abutments. Phase 2 construction on the connector, including site furniture, a dedicated bike lane and the creation of an intersection at the I-95 on-ramp to accommodate a sidewalk crossing, will hopefully be underway by late summer or early fall 2012.

Phase One’s lighted screen wall will be lit during the October 6 festivities, as well as pedestrian scale lighting for the sidewalk sections located west and east of the I-95 overpass abutments. A new public art project will also be installed, entitled Marque, comprised of a 60’ by 4’ horizontal LED screen mounted on the west-facing side of the I-95 overpass over Race Street in Old City. T=his LED screen displays live-feed images of the surface of the Delaware River, captured by cameras at the water’s edge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Pretty cool!

Join Mayor Nutter, Councilman DiCicco and other Philadelphia figures in celebrating this new connection to the Delaware River with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m., special lighting at 7:30 p.m. and festivities to follow on the Race Street Pier, including the Night Bright Band playing fun upbeat music with specially lit costumes and complimentary dessert from the Bike Caffe.

RSVP at: RSVP@delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com

Race Street Connector Grand Opening
When: Thursday, October 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Race Street & Columbus Blvd.
Cost: Free
More info: www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com

Stephen Starr’s Frankford Hall will keep the Oktoberfest spirit going with a celebration on Saturday, October 15 beginning at noon.

Frankford Hall has the spirit of a traditional open-air German biergarten; it’s the perfect spot to celebrate Oktoberfest. In addition to the usual beverage offerings, Frankford Hall will be celebrating with the following feature beers on tap: Sprecher Oktoberfest, Paulaner Helles Lager and Victory Weizenbock.

Guests will also enjoy performances by German band the Ja Ja Jas (1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.), in addition to a special performance by German line dancers in between sets. There will be fun for all ages with a magician, juggler and face painter throughout the day.

The popular Fishtown beer garden will also be having a raffle for the chance to win a scooter. Tickets for the raffle are $1 and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Fishtown Neighbors Association. And Mayor Nutter will be joining the festivities to tap a keg at 4 p.m.

If you can’t make it Saturday, the special beers will also be available on Sunday, October 16, with the Ja Ja Jas performing again from 1-4 p.m.

And this just in: leading up to the event, Frankford Hall will host a Ping Pong Tournament (October 11), Festbeer Challenge (October 12) and Beer Olympics (October 13). Plus, October 1-2, kids eat free from noon-3 p.m., while the entire family can have fun with face painters and a magician.

See above for special food and beer pairings available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through October 13.

Oktoberfest at Frankford Hall
Where: 1210 Frankford Avenue
When: Saturday, October 15, beginning at noon
Cost: Pay as you go for food and drink
More info: www.frankfordhall.com

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Free coffee? Yes, please.
(Photo courtesy Krispy Kreme)

Heads up for all coffee lovers: this Thursday, September 29, all Krispy Kreme stores in the Delaware Valley (that means Collingswood, Fox Chase and Center City) will celebrate National Coffee Day by launching their new Krispy Kreme Signature Coffee Blends.

AND they’ll be giving away a FREE 12oz cup of House Blend Coffee to every guest.

No purchase is necessary, just be sure to get there early to avoid pre-work lines (hint: Krispy Kreme’s super-trafficked Center City location opens at 6 a.m.).

Of course, the free coffee will be available all day if you’d rather wait until the afternoon or evening.

If you like what you taste, the new blends are available in 12oz, 16oz and 20oz cups, a 96oz Brew Box and 12oz freshly ground retail bags for home brewing.

Sounds like our cup of tea.

Krispy Kreme Free Coffee Giveaway
When: Thursday, September 29
Where: All stores in the Delaware Valley
Cost: FREE
More info: www.krispykreme.com

Weekdays are a great bet for Terror Behind the Walls, because of smaller crowds (read: greater fright factor), plus lower ticket prices. (Photo by Jeff Fusco courtesy ESP)

[Evenings in Philadelphia are always action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we'll be rounding up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

• Main Line Restaurant Week: Menus at 26 restaurants feature discounted, three-course dinners (appetizer, entrée and dessert) priced at $20, $30, or $40 per person. New this fall, Main Line Restaurant Week also offers additional gluten-free menus from select restaurants.

Where: 26 restaurants on the Main Line
When: September 26-October 2
Cost: $20, $30 or $40

• Zahav Rosh Hashanah Menu: From September 26 to October 2, Chef Michael Solomonov will be dishing up a delicious five-course Rosh Hashanah menu, $45 per person. L’Shana Tova 5772!

Where: 237 St. James Place
When: September 26-October 2
Cost: $45

• Miro Dance Theatre Mash-Up: Miro Dance Theatre pushes boundaries with every performance, but no more so than during their Miro Mash-Up Series. The evening will feature poetry from writer/dancer Kirsten Kaschock, music from Philadelphia-based band TJ Kong and the Atomic Bomb and, of course, dance from Miro dancers.

Where: Christ Church Neighborhood House, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, North of Market
When: Tuesday, September 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free

• The Felice Brothers with Virgin Forest at Union Transfer: This general admission, all-ages concert is a great one to catch if you haven’t been to Philly’s new mid-sized live music venue yet.

Where: 1004-26 Spring Garden Street
When: Tuesday, September 27, doors at 7:30 p.m., concert at 8 p.m.
Cost: $15-22

• Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary: The 20th anniversary of Eastern State Penitentiary’s iconic Halloween spooktacular Terror Behind The Walls has kicked off, and you want to be sure you catch it. Weekdays are a great bet for smaller crowds (read: higher fright factor), plus lower ticket prices.

Where: 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue
When: September 23-November 12
Cost: Ticket are $20 on weekdays

• Opening night of Angela Barrows-Dunlap’s Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boyz at the Merriam Theater: This electrifying gospel musical stage play is true-to-life and so leaves audiences filled with hope through prayer for the salvation of young women across America. The riveting plot depicts what so many Christian homes are experiencing in today’s urban environment of sex, drugs and violence. Tickets are available online.

Where: 250 S. Broad Street
When: September 27-October 2; Opening night is Tuesday, September 27, 8 p.m.
Cost: $35.50

The Revolutionary Germantown Festival is a day-long celebration of the rich history of Germantown, featuring the annual reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, the only military battle ever fought within the borders of Philadelphia.
(Photo by Ron Tarver courtesy Historic Germantown)

The Revolutionary Germantown Festival is an all day family-friendly event commemorating the Battle of Germantown in Philadelphia’s most historic neighborhood, and it returns this weekend.

On Saturday, October 1, from 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., you can partake in a range of festivities from battle reenactments; an 18th century shopping experience in the sutler’s grove at Cliveden featuring books, “simples” and military equipment; children’s games and activities and more.

During the Battle of Germantown, General Howe’s dog strayed into American territory and was taken by Washington’s soldiers. Although some thought that the dog should be held for ransom, Washington returned the dog to Howe. Watch as this exchange is reenacted at Historic RittenhouseTown as part of their festivities, including a dog walk (beginning at 10 a.m.) and Flea Market.

End your festival day at Grumblethorpe, a 1744 colonial German country seat, for a traditional Oktoberfest from 4:30-7:30 p.m. EnjoymMusic, German food, beer, house tours, cider-pressing and more.

Check out the festival’s full schedule online, along with a full list of Historic Germantown sites you can tour.

Revolutionary Germantown Festival
When: Saturday, October 1, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Where: Historic Germantown
Cost: Free
More info: www.revolutionarygermantown.org