It was a busy and stimulating week! By now, you’re probably feeling some election talk fatigue, so let this report card offer you a little break as we look toward the weekend. For my part, I plan some time with my family to decompress.

This week’s programming:

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Get out

It’s been unseasonably warm lately, so you still have a few opportunities to explore the outdoors in and around Philadelphia, whether you’re looking for a relaxing picnic or a challenging hike. As the leaves change color in the area, find the last fall foliage before all the leaves fall.

The best things to do this week

Take the popcorn: The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival kicks off this weekend in the city while the suburbs will host the Delco Film Festival. It’s festival season again, so find a new film to immerse yourself in one of these four film festivals.

On the keys: South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim has just turned 90 and the pianist – who counted Nelson Mandela among his big fans – will play at the Annenberg Center on Sunday with his trio. It is known for its meditative sound, which you might need it now.

Head to the theater: The historical play by Lynn Nottage Intimate clothing is at the Arden Theater this month and it’s a beautifully crafted look at 1905 Manhattan, where love letters bring a couple together without being seen (sounds familiar, love is blind hive?), only for the relationship with break up after their marriage.

Intelligent competition:How funny are you? Test your skills at It’s Always Punny in Philadelphia, a pun competition at the Helium Comedy Club on Friday. You can confront each other or simply watch and (ideally) laugh.

Comfort food: Sometimes finding a restaurant isn’t a challenge, but getting into one is. This weekend, try a delicious spot on our new food guide The 76 which does not require reservation.

Philadelphia to Washington DC: Hard rock band Sheer Mag delivered an electrifying set at NPR’s Tiny Desk – complete with bagpipes. See Philadelphia’s stars go wild.

My calendar choices this week: Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival, Oyster Fest, Philadelphia Veterans Parade

The thing of the week

Your screen time is probably really high this week, so I suggest you unplug and catch a live show. Hamilton is in town at the Academy of Music this month (until November 23) and when I saw it last week, it almost made me forget about the current elections – which seemed counterintuitive, given that this is a story about the founding fathers. If you’ve never had the chance to see it, I can confirm that it’s still an incredible show, from the elaborate choreography to the rapid-fire lyricism. Additionally, even playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda admitted that Philadelphia should have played a bigger role in the musical, so we should take it a little reluctantly Philadelphia is proud to HamiltonAlso.

Fall Fun This Week and Beyond

Put on these sneakers: The 2024 Philadelphia Marathon lands in the city on November 22, so whether you’re planning to run (or cheer on others), here’s everything you need to know.

Get a Slice: Pumpkin, sweet potato, apple, oh my God, it’s time for pie. Plan early and find it best thanksgiving pies in town.

Me espresso: Curl up with a nice cup of coffee or tea at one of these six beloved cafes in suburban Philadelphia.

The city of flavors: Nashville hot chicken has taken over in parts of Northeast Philadelphia, where the food trend has led to a ton of stores opening within blocks of each other. I heard that it is it’s worth it.

Back home again: What is your favorite home movie? I’m obsessed with the Victorian house of Practical magicwhich was not real, but some houses shown on the screens became tourist sites for movie buffs.

Our critics’ picks

Pop music critic Dan DeLuca reviews the best upcoming shows.

THURSDAY: Sarah Shook and the Disarmers play MilkBoy Philly. The North Carolina country-punk band was a standout at the Sing Us Home festival in Manayunk this spring, and they’re returning to the city to support their 2024 album. Revelations. The same evening, an independent folk artist with an album almost identical to the name plays Union Transfer: Leif Vollebekk, who opted for a singular rather than plural spelling to title his new collection Revelation.

Also Thursday: Two fun Philly album anniversary celebrations kick off the weekend. Thursday, Johnny Showcase & Friends camps out in tribute to Prince’s 40th birthday. Purple rain at Ardmore Music Hall.

Friday: Philadelphia Tom Petty Appreciation Society celebrates 30th anniversary of Petty’s 1994 album Wildflowers at Johnny Brenda’s. Members of the War on Drugs, Dr. Dog, Strand of Oaks. and more are on display.

SATURDAY: Orion Sun – the stage name of singer-songwriter Tiffany Majette – is touring behind her new album of gentle and peaceful introspection Orionthe first full-length album from the Mt. Laurel-raised musician, who now lives in Los Angeles, since the 2020s. Hold space for me. She is at Union transfer.

Read more music picks.

Tonight I’m heading to a premiere screening of Gladiator II because nothing makes me think of things like a fantasy movie about slaves fighting oppressive empires.