Penn Alumni and their partners across the University welcome everyone back to campus for three days of exciting programming during Homecoming Weekend. Homecoming Weekend features Arts and Culture at Penn, celebrated both virtually and in-person.
Join Penn Traditions for our annual Penn Palooza, the exclusive student section during Homecoming before the football game. There will be funnel cake and cotton candy, face painting, a photo booth, and a giveaway for the first 800 attendees. Bring your Penn ID and Penn spirit and come have fun with us before we beat Cornell!
*The event will be on the side of College Green that is between Sweeten Alumni House and Van Pelt Libary. Penn ID required for entry, undergraduate and graduate students permitted.
Join the GIC, SEC, and Penn Libraries for lunch and an engaging conversation about comics and graphic novels! Whether you're a longtime fan or just curious about the genre, this is a chance to connect with fellow comic lovers, explore what others are reading, and discover exciting on-campus exhibits and initiatives.
Bonus: We're hosting a comic and graphic novel donation drive for a Philadelphia public school. Consider bringing a book to contribute!
Friday, November 14, 2025
12:00–1:30 p.m.
GIC Living Room – 3708 Chestnut Street
RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNRmQ6W1DrSt56yqteI1aQF5JUOpfT7ZN2g4oSl3NaRgF5WA/viewform
Come for the food, stay for the stories!
Penn Alumni and their partners across the University welcome everyone back to campus for three days of exciting programming during Homecoming Weekend. Homecoming Weekend features Arts and Culture at Penn, celebrated both virtually and in-person.
Penn Alumni and their partners across the University welcome everyone back to campus for three days of exciting programming during Homecoming Weekend. Homecoming Weekend features Arts and Culture at Penn, celebrated both virtually and in-person.
Get out of the city and into nature with a leisurely day hike. Day hikes explore the trails, streams, lakes and other natural wonders within a 2-hour drive of Philly. Typical hikes cover 5-8 miles of trails. No experience is required. Transportation, instruction and guiding are provided. Register now on our member portal.
Time: TBD
Join Penn Traditions for our annual Penn Palooza, the exclusive student section during Homecoming before the football game. There will be funnel cake and cotton candy, face painting, a photo booth, and a giveaway for the first 800 attendees. Bring your Penn ID and Penn spirit and come have fun with us before we beat Cornell!
*The event will be on the side of College Green that is between Sweeten Alumni House and Van Pelt Libary. Penn ID required for entry, undergraduate and graduate students permitted.
Stop by Platt House during Homecoming Weekend! There will be snacks, crafts for little kids and grown-up kids, and time to check out the Platt House spaces. We hope to see you there!
After struggling composer Gordon Michael Schwinn collapses face first into a plate of spaghetti, his world is turned upside down with the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Surrounded by his nautical-loving partner, his mother, a co-worker, and the medical team, Gordon can’t help but keep composing a song for a children's TV show that features Mr. Bungee, the frog - a character that begins to haunt him throughout his medical nightmare. Facing a terminal illness, Gordon is forced to come to terms with his career and the state of his relationships, as he struggles to survive and finds salvation in the healing power of art.
Content Warning: Theatrical smoke/haze, adult language, references to sex
Renew your acquaintance with the Kelly Writers House or get to know this lively and innovative home for writers of all ages and genres. Visit our Open House to join members of the KWH community for informal conversation, coffee, and light refreshments. Advanced registration is not required, but we'd love to hear from you!
A celebration of new books by alumni fiction writers
Naomi Xu Elegant is an author and freelance journalist living in New York. Her debut novel, Gingko Season, was published by W.W. Norton in 2025 and named a New York Times Editors' Choice. She is co-editor of Gully, an independent literary magazine, and writes a monthly newsletter called luanqibazao. Her writing has appeared in Monocle, Fortune, Atlas Obscura, The Drift and elsewhere.
Lauren Francis-Sharma is the author of the critically acclaimed novel, Casualties of Truth, which was inspired by her attendance at South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Amnesty Hearings in 1996. She is also the author of Book of the Little Axe, a finalist for the Hurston/Wright Award in Fiction, and 'Til the Well Runs Dry, winner of the Honor Fiction Prize by the Black Caucus of the ALA. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Michigan Law School, and the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. She serves as Chair of the Awards Committee for the PEN/Faulkner Foundation and is the Assistant Director of Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference.
National Book Award finalist Beth Kephart is the award-winning author of more than three-dozen books in multiple genres, a widely published essayist, a paper artist, a co-founder of Juncture Workshops, and both a Penn alum and a winner of the Beltran Family Prize for teaching. Her most recent books include Wife | Daughter | Self: A Memoir in Essays, My Life in Paper: Adventures in Ephemera, Good Books for Bad Children: The Genius of Ursula Nordstrom, and her first novel for adults, Tomorrow Will Bring Sunday’s News: A Philadelphia Story, which received a starred Booklist review among other kind press. Beth’s paper arts have been featured in galleries, museum gift shops, and craft festivals. Her art also appears alongside her prose about writing and life in her Substack, The Hush and the Howl. More at bethkephartbooks.com and bind-arts.com
Head to Rhodes Field on Saturday, November 8 at 5 PM as Penn takes on Princeton.
Arts House shows are diverse and multimodal, as we combine videos and live dancing to create an exciting experience for the audience. We always have a large audience who enjoys the music, lights and dancing that come together to create a super fun show. Audience members are predominantly students, however, they are extremely diverse as well, and come from a broad variety of clubs, groups, and communities at Penn. Our audiences have just as much fun as we do throughout the entirety of the show and are not afraid to voice their support through lots of cheering!
After struggling composer Gordon Michael Schwinn collapses face first into a plate of spaghetti, his world is turned upside down with the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Surrounded by his nautical-loving partner, his mother, a co-worker, and the medical team, Gordon can’t help but keep composing a song for a children's TV show that features Mr. Bungee, the frog - a character that begins to haunt him throughout his medical nightmare. Facing a terminal illness, Gordon is forced to come to terms with his career and the state of his relationships, as he struggles to survive and finds salvation in the healing power of art.
Content Warning: Theatrical smoke/haze, adult language, references to sex
Sori Demon Hunters, inspired by KPop Demon Hunters, is a K-pop-flavored comedy concert where campus-haunting boy demons crash rehearsal while PennSori tries to seal the Hanmoon with harmony, hype, and perfectly on-time breadth.
Unread texts. Love letters. Job apps with no return. We have all sent messages that never make it through. Join the Songwriters Collective for a night of original music honoring the words that never reach their destination!
The copier’s jammed, the coffee’s burnt, and the arrangement stacks are high— it’s another day at Dischord Mifflin! Join Penn’s premier Pop and R&B A Cappella group for Elevator Pitch, a night where break room buzz turns into beats and riffs. From Billie Eilish to Bruno Mars, Jazmine Sullivan to One Republic and Ariana Grande, we’re bringing the hits that’ll make you want to trade your stapler for a mic. So clock out, grab your seat, and get ready for a night of Post-it note-perfect vocals. Welcome to Elevator Pitch— file this under “do not miss.”
Careers in the creative arts, journalism, and communications vary and come in all shapes and forms, and the path isn’t always clear how folks get to where they land - true for many industries, especially for these panelists in this field. Come hear our Penn First Plus alum career stories as they found their way to freelance writing, editorial, screenwriting, journalism, and becoming authors. The panel will be moderated by P1P alumni board chair Ashish Rughwani EE'95 W'95, and alumni panelists include: Justin Ching C’11, Caren Lissner C’93, Amanda Silberling C’18, and Katrina Janco C’19. Please RSVP at the link so you receive the Zoom link.
PAACH is back with the Explore. Reflect. Become. Lunch Series for fall 2025! Come join us for a catered lunch and learn from our exciting group of speakers.
Event Information:
-Date/Time: Wednesday, November 12 at 12pm
-Location: ARCH Room 108 (3601 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104)
-Registration: https://bit.ly/PAACHERBLUNCHSERIES
The Explore. Reflect. Become Lunch Series focuses on the deep reflection of our personal experiences and the becoming of ourselves. We will invite individuals from Penn and the Philadelphia community to share their intimate histories and backgrounds and how they've explored, reflected, and become the person that they are.
About the Speaker:
Ranim Albarkawi is the Program Coordinator for MENA & Arab Student Communities within the Greenfield Intercultural Center. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2024 with a degree in Political Science.
Listening Across Difference: Building Your Empathy Toolkit
Thursday, November 13th at 1pm
ARCH 108
Come join us for an afternoon of storytelling and conversation on listening and political empathy, hosted by the SNF Paideia Political Empathy Lab and the Office of Interpersonal Development and Engagement. We'll offer an interactive opportunity to expand your empathy toolkit by exploring strategies for deep, active listening and engaging with folks across difference. This event is open to all members of the Penn community, especially undergraduate and graduate/professional students.
Lunch will be served! Please RSVP.
Join us for Bi-Weekly Navigating Journeys from 7:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m @ the GIC Living Room | 3708 Chestnut St
Engage in meaningful dialogue centered on the adaptation, preservation, and celebrations of unique customs in a new country
School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? Join us in this show of adolescent self discovery to find out!
Content Warning: This production contains strobe lighting effects, theatrical fog/haze, and some mild language.
Join the GIC, SEC, and Penn Libraries for lunch and an engaging conversation about comics and graphic novels! Whether you're a longtime fan or just curious about the genre, this is a chance to connect with fellow comic lovers, explore what others are reading, and discover exciting on-campus exhibits and initiatives.
Bonus: We're hosting a comic and graphic novel donation drive for a Philadelphia public school. Consider bringing a book to contribute!
Friday, November 14, 2025
12:00–1:30 p.m.
GIC Living Room – 3708 Chestnut Street
RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNRmQ6W1DrSt56yqteI1aQF5JUOpfT7ZN2g4oSl3NaRgF5WA/viewform
Come for the food, stay for the stories!
Monthly PHC Council Meetings
We’re thrilled to welcome back Angbeen Saleem C'12 to campus for a special conversation about her new short film, Billo Rani, which has been officially selected for the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival!
Angbeen is a poet, writer, and filmmaker who uses storytelling as a powerful tool for learning, joy, and healing. Join us for an intimate fireside chat as she shares insights into the creative process behind Billo Rani and the inspiration that fuels her work.
Friday, November 14, 2025
2:00–4:00 p.m.
GIC Living Room – 3708 Chestnut Street
All are welcome!!! Come be inspired and celebrate this exciting moment in Angbeen’s artistic journey.
Join us for Bi-Weekly Breaking the Frame Sessions from 3:00 p.m to 4:30 p.m @ the GIC Living Room | 3708 Chestnut St
Come connect over arts and crafts as we share our experiences and partake in cultural conversations
Wondering what life after Penn really looks like?
Join us Friday, November 14th from 5–7 PM in Arch 108 for an inspiring (and fun!) conversation with four incredible alumni from all kinds of backgrounds. We’ll have a panel, talk career paths, and maybe even spark some new ideas for your next steps. You don’t want to miss it! Dinner will be provided. RSVP here https://forms.gle/dMQzdMMKYQxE26tQ7
This fall, the Penny Loafers are taking the stage (and the runway) with their show, "The Doughvil Wears Prada"! Step into the world of high fashion and even higher notes as they deliver a night of fierce vocals, sharp style, and unforgettable music featuring hits by artists like Beyonce, Adele, Hozier, and more!
Have you ever tried swimming lessons through Zoom? How about playing board games with friends who take it… wayyy too seriously? From hot dog announcers to human pianos to sketchy photographers, join Penn’s premiere comedy acapella troupe in their fall show, Family Freaking Friendly. Embark with us on a K-12 journey of singing and comedy any way the wind blows to Mykonos and beyond. As always, come ready to throw spoons!
Content Warning: Strong language, sexual references, smoking/vaping/alcohol references
Get ready to dance the night away with Sparks Dance Company in Disco Sparks!
Sparks Dance Company was founded in 1989 as Penn's premiere dance company dedicated to both performing and community service. The company, managed by undergraduate students, maintains a high technical level of many styles of dance including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical and contemporary.
Content Warning: Please note, this performance uses strobe lighting effects and includes some strong language.
Cheer on Penn volleyball at The Palestra on Friday, November 14 at 7 PM as they face Dartmouth.
Erase una vez… Fuerza invites you to step into a world of rhythm, magic, and Latin music! This fall, our show transforms classic fairy tales with a Fuerza twist—blending enchanting stories, humor, and unforgettable performances.
Join us for a night of music, storytelling, and enchantment at Fuerza’s fall show: Leyenda de Fuerza. Let yourself be swept away by the magic of Latin sound and the charm of our fairy-tale world.
Catch the show on November 14th and 15th from 7:30–9:00 PM in Platt House Lobby!
¡Los esperamos para vivir este cuento musical!
Sargam, Penn’s premier South Asian fusion music group, is back on stage this fall with Navras (“Nine Emotions”). This exhibition blends a range of traditional and modern styles of music, including Hindustani classical and Bollywood to Western pop and rock, in nine pieces that each reflect a core sentiment in Navras. Join us for an evening of music across the ages, genres, and emotions!
This Fall, The Excelano Project presents: OVERDRIVE, a two-night performance of poems spanning the joys and pitfalls of familial togetherness, love, sisterhood, religion, personal growth, and community struggle.
School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? Join us in this show of adolescent self discovery to find out!
Content Warning: This production contains strobe lighting effects, theatrical fog/haze, and some mild language.
Pennyo, the nation’s first collegiate Chinese cultural a cappella group, will sing various English and Chinese mash-up songs, a harmonious mixture of cultures. They will also debut a parody of the hit movie Sing!
Get out of the city and into nature with a leisurely day hike. Day hikes explore the trails, streams, lakes and other natural wonders within a 2-hour drive of Philly. Typical hikes cover 5-8 miles of trails. No experience is required. Transportation, instruction and guiding are provided. Register now on our member portal
Join the West Philly Swingers for a full day of swing dancing workshops, fun competitions, and an evening of social dance with live music from Chelsea Reed and the Fairweather Band! Whether you’ve never swing danced before or you’ve been dancing for years, we have a place for you - come dance the day away with us! Just interested in seeing the performance? Grab a social dance ONLY pass for access to just the live music and dance performances!
Performance: 9:00-10:00 PM
School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There, he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? Join us in this show of adolescent self discovery to find out!
Content Warning: This production contains strobe lighting effects, theatrical fog/haze, and some mild language.
Join the New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir for the performance of a dynamic selection of gospel music! This performance will feature gospel music from a variety of genres including but not limited to afrobeats, contemporary, and classic choir arrangements. Our show will also feature worship in the form of a student-choreographed praise dance.
All are welcome—come ready to clap, sing, and rejoice!
This Fall, The Excelano Project presents: OVERDRIVE, a two-night performance of poems spanning the joys and pitfalls of familial togetherness, love, sisterhood, religion, personal growth, and community struggle.
Catch Penn volleyball at The Palestra on Saturday, November 15, at 5 PM as they take on Harvard.
Sargam, Penn’s premier South Asian fusion music group, is back on stage this fall with Navras (“Nine Emotions”). This exhibition blends a range of traditional and modern styles of music, including Hindustani classical and Bollywood to Western pop and rock, in nine pieces that each reflect a core sentiment in Navras. Join us for an evening of music across the ages, genres, and emotions!
Pennyo, the nation’s first collegiate Chinese cultural a cappella group, will sing various English and Chinese mash-up songs, a harmonious mixture of cultures. They will also debut a parody of the hit movie Sing!