Independent film festival returns to South Philly
Independent filmmakers from around the world will converge on South Philadelphia later this month for the Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival, an event that organizers say is designed to support both underground cinema and the city’s creative economy.
The volunteer-run nonprofit festival will take place Aug. 25-30 at Theater Exile, bringing 70 filmmakers to Philadelphia for screenings and community events. The festival focuses on unconventional and independent films while providing opportunities for emerging artists to connect with the local film community.
Organizers say PUFF has spent thousands of dollars this year hiring Philadelphia artists, designers and gig workers and supporting local small businesses. The festival also provides free industry passes for aspiring filmmakers and partners with local film collectives including Girls Like Horror, VHS Club, Space Mouth Cinema and the Gay Film Club.
“Every dollar doesn’t just keep the festival running — it goes directly back into paying and supporting independent artists right here in Philadelphia,” organizers said.
Tickets range from $15 to $150, with income-accessible passes available upon request. Organizers say the goal is to make the festival accessible regardless of a visitor’s ability to pay.
Tickets and the full festival schedule are available at phillyunnamed.net. ••
Philadelphia musical ‘Little Things’ to showcase at Suzanne Roberts Theatre
A Philadelphia-rooted musical about divorce, fatherhood and starting over will return to the city’s theater scene later this month with a free showcase at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre in Center City.
“Little Things,” a pop-rock musical by David Smith and Tom Fosnocht, will be presented by Philadelphia Theatre Company at 3 p.m. Aug. 29 at 480 S. Broad St. The complimentary performance requires advance reservations and will feature a 10-member Philadelphia-centered cast that includes six Barrymore Award-winning or nominated performers.
The musical follows Ben, a middle-aged father of three who moves downtown after accepting that his marriage to Sarah has ended. As he tries to reconnect with his children, Ben navigates divorce, memories of his marriage and the unexpected freedom of starting a new life.
The showcase marks nearly a decade of development for “Little Things,” including Philadelphia readings and workshops. The show has twice been a national semifinalist in Theatre Resources Unlimited’s TRU Voices Musical Reading Series Competition.
Reservations are available at philadelphiatheatrecompany.org/little-things. ••
Graduate Hospital Restaurant Week
The inaugural Graduate Hospital Restaurant Week will take place Aug. 24–30.
For one delicious week, participating neighborhood restaurants will offer special three-course prix fixe menus at either $30 or $45, giving you the perfect excuse to discover a new favorite spot or revisit one you already love. In addition to the specials, restaurants will continue serving their regular menus.
Participating restaurants include Banshee, L’Anima, Say She Ate, Chicks, Chateau Rogue, La Sera Italiana, Old Towne & Sanna’s, Saigon Grace Cafe and Sidecar Bar & Grille. A full list of participating restaurants and menus will be announced soon. ••
History lecture at Gloria Dei explores overlooked Revolution figures
Preserve Old Swedes will present a lecture examining the lesser-known role of working-class Americans in the Revolutionary War at 7 p.m. Sept. 10, at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church, 916 S. Swanson St. in Queen Village.
Writer and history researcher Michael Schreiber will present “Radicals, Rebels and Riff Raff in the American Revolution,” highlighting how laborers and other ordinary colonists helped shape the nation’s founding. The lecture will also explore recent research uncovering Revolutionary War connections among members of the Gloria Dei congregation who are buried or memorialized in the churchyard.
The program is part of the “Great Talks at Gloria Dei” series and will be followed by a meet-and-greet reception in Riverside Hall, where attendees can speak with Schreiber. Gourmet desserts, wine, coffee and tea will be available for a donation.
Advance tickets are $10 and include one drink ticket. Admission increases to $12 on Sept. 10, with a limited number of tickets available. Proceeds will support the preservation of Gloria Dei Church and its historic graveyard. Advance registration is recommended. ••
Gobble Wobble 5K returns to the Navy Yard on Thanksgiving
The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is inviting South Philadelphia residents to lace up their running shoes for the annual Gobble Wobble 5K Run and Walk, returning to the Navy Yard on Thanksgiving Day.
The family-friendly event, which debuted at the Navy Yard in 2023, attracted more than 600 runners in 2025 despite rainy weather. The race is now held at four YMCA locations across the region and drew nearly 6,000 participants last year. Proceeds benefit the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, which provides low- to no-cost memberships and programs for local residents.
“We’re so glad to see how this race has grown across our YMCA footprint,” said Joe Ferguson, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. “Not only is it an important fundraiser for us — it’s at the heart of our mission: connecting people to healthier lives.”
Registration is open, with discounted summer pricing available through Sept. 7. Fees begin at $30 for adults and $20 for children 12 and younger. The event is presented by Independence Blue Cross. More information and registration are available at gw5k.org. ••
Feastival fundraiser returns this fall to support FringeArts
FringeArts will celebrate the 15th anniversary of its annual Feastival fundraiser on Wednesday, Oct. 28, bringing together some of Philadelphia’s top chefs, beverage makers and performing artists for an evening benefiting the organization’s year-round programming.
The event, scheduled from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the FringeArts campus along the Delaware River, will feature small bites and drinks from restaurants and bars including Manong, Mish Mish, Kiddo, Post Haste, Almanac, Turks Head Wines and Victory Brewing. Performance installations by Brian Sanders’ Junk will take place throughout the venue, blending culinary and performing arts.
General admission tickets are $200, while VIP admission is $350 and includes early entry from 6 to 7 p.m. with exclusive food offerings and performances. All proceeds support FringeArts programming and the annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
The fundraiser comes just weeks after this year’s Fringe Festival, which is scheduled for Sept. 8-27 and includes performances across Philadelphia, including several in South Philadelphia. Tickets and additional information are available through https://fringearts.com/. ••
Flea market Sept. 12 at FDR Park
The FDR Park Flea Market will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the FDR Park Welcome Center, 1800 Pattison Ave. There will be handmade and vintage goods from more than 50 vendors, everything from custom rubber ducks to vintage clothing to fresh flowers and plants. The market will support both local vendors and FDR Park itself. The event is free. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flea-market-at-fdr-park-tickets-1996370746644 ••
Thrill Show on Sept. 19
The 71st annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The cost is $15 per person or $35 for a family up to five. For more information, visit herothrillshow.org. ••
Ukrainian Folk Festival
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 23, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub (www.tryzub.org), County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham. The festival will feature Ukrainian arts and crafts, music, dance, food, refreshments, baked goods, vendors, live historical reenactments and a celebration of Ukraine’s independence. Admission is $20 at the gate. Kids under 15 are free. Parking is free. For each paid admission, $2 will be donated to humanitarian relief for war victims in Ukraine. Call 267-664-3857 or email info@tryzub.org ••
Volunteer for child literacy program
Philly Reading Coaches is looking for volunteers for the 2026-27 school year. Each coach reads one-on-one with a K-3rd grader for at least one hour per week after school. Visit ost.phila.gov/philly-reading-coaches or email PRC@phila.gov ••
New website for Review
The South Philly Review has returned to the website patimes.media.
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and a way to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site also includes a way to read the paper in “flipbook” style and a link to subscribe to the print edition. Copies of the paper can be found at the locations in this link: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/#spr
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook and on X @SoPhReview. ••
North Catholic 100th anniversary events
A number of events are planned for the 100th anniversary of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales ministry in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the opening of Northeast Catholic High School.
Here is the schedule:
• Sept. 8: Photos on steps of North Catholic building
• Sept. 22: Alumni Association Golf Outing, North Hills Country Club
• Oct. 3: Homecoming/all-year reunion at Cannstatter’s, 1-5 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Mass at North Catholic building, coffee and doughnuts afterward
• Nov. 8: Gathering of Alumni, family and friends, FOP Lodge 5
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day at St. Dominic
Call 215-543-1051 or necathalum@aol.com ••
Host foreign exchange student
ASSE International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. Students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Ukraine, Japan and Australia. They are ages 15-18. Host families may be single parents, couples and single persons.
The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
If interested in hosting an exchange student, call Holly at 800-677-2773, visit asse.com or send an email to asseusasouth@asse.com to request more information or start the application process. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW. ••
