All Month Long: West Chester University’s Mahatma Gandhi Exhibit
Celebrating the life and legacy of one of this past century’s greatest men, this exhibit features photographs and works of Gandhi as well as Indian fabric and artifacts on loan from Dr Shiv Gupta and Nirmal Garg. West Chester University, Francis Harvey Green Library, 610-436-3383, wcupa.edu/pr
Fridays And Saturdays In October, 7pm: Ghost Tour Of West Chester
This walking tour features tales of ghosts, folklore and history. Your guide will lead you on a 90-minute walk through the spooky lanes of neighborhoods where you’ll explore the land of the shadow people, learn of the lost souls of the Underground Railroad, and hear about the West Chester gallows where horse thieves and murderers were hanged. Ghost Tours of West Chester occur every Friday and Saturday night in October and start at The Lincoln Room. Courtyard Grill will be open for light sandwiches, snacks and beverages before the tours, and doors open at 7pm rain or shine. Price is $10 per person, ages five years and up. Reservations required. 28 West Market Street, 610-696-2102
Thursdays In October, 10am-12pm: Storytime
The West Chester Public Library presents storytime every Thursday in September for children ages two to three. Times vary depending upon age, with two-year-olds at 10am and three-year-olds at 11am. 415 North Church Street, 610-696-1721, wcpubliclibrary.org
Thursday 10/6, 11am-1pm: WCU International Festival’s Food Festival
Taste typical dishes from Russia, Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Brazil, Puerto Rico, China, Costa Rica, Nigeria and many other nations during this, the final event of West Chester University’s International Festival. West Chester University, Sykes Ballroom, 610-436-3383, wcupa.edu/pr
Friday 10/7, 5-9pm: Fall Gallery Walk
It’s a Friday night and you are looking for something to do. You wish there was something free around, but where? Downtown West Chester is the place to be. Come out for an evening of culture, shopping, dining and that crisp fall weather we all enjoy! In addition to 13 great galleries, they will once again offer the “Stillman Volvo Art Experience” in the Wells Fargo parking lot. Check out our in-depth look at some of the stops. Or, get your Fall Gallery Walk Map
Galleries:
FastFrame West Chester
Kent Studios at Z Gallery
Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery
The 5 Senses
Visual Expansion Gallery
One Night Only Art Shows:
Chester County Art Association
Chester County Historical Society
DNB First Bank
Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
Fulton Bank
The Hickman
Wells Fargo
West Chester Friends School
Friday 10/7, 5-9pm: John Hannafin’s New Show
Local artist John Hannafin was one of many talented artists to participate in this year’s Plein Air Brandywine Valley. He will be debuting his work at the Chester County Historical Society this Friday during the fall gallery walk. 225 North High Street, 610-692-4800, chestercohistorical.org and JohnHannafin.com
Friday 10/7, 5-9pm: Bill Basciani’s Opening
Bill Basciani will be premiering his new show “Dare to Dream” at Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Art Gallery during the fall gallery walk. Catch a collection of brand new works and have a chance to meet the artist. 23 North High Street, 610-692-0374, sunsethillgallery.com
Sunday 10/9, 12-3pm: West Chester Chili Cook-Off
For $10 you can purchase a wristband and sample chili from 60 booths lining Gay Street. Additionally, vendors will be filling the streets with arts, crafts, goods and even other foods. So, even if you don’t like chili, this is a can’t-miss event. You can purchase tickets in advance at three for $25. westchesterchilicookoff.com
Monday 10/10, 8pm: West Chester Story Slam
Once a month a crowd gathers upstairs at Ryan’s Pub seeking the simple joy of sharing stories. Participants will take the mic and share short, five-minute stories all related to the topic of the evening. This month’s topic is celebrity sitings, and if last month’s crowd is any indicator, you’ll want to show up early to make sure you get a seat. October is also the last regular story slam of the month, and the last chance to qualify for November’s grand slam. Ryan’s Pub, 124 West Gay Street, 610-344-3934, wcstoryslam.com
Tuesdays In October 10am-2pm: Storytime
The West Chester Public Library presents storytime every Tuesday in October for children ages zero to five. Times vary depending upon age, with children under age one at 10am, ages one to two at 11am and ages four to five at 1pm. 415 North Church Street, 610-696-1721, wcpubliclibrary.org
Wednesday 10/12, 5:30-7:30pm: Mini Golf Outing
No, you’re not invited to come play a round of putt-putt golf, but rather a short game of regular golf. Come out for a fun and beneficial end to the golf season and play a three-hole mini-scramble with other members of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. After the round, enjoy a great networking opportunity while getting professional feedback on your golf swing via video analysis. There will also be great prizes given out, including a membership to Applecross. Even if you’re a terrible golfer, you can still enjoy this event. Tickets are $45 for F.L.O.W. members and $60 for chamber members. Applecross Country Club, 170 Zynn Road, Downingtown, 610-696-4046, gwcc.org
Tuesday 10/18, 6:30pm: Nonna’s Five-Course Wine Dinner
Sometimes it’s nice to pick out exactly what you want to eat, and sometimes it’s best to leave it up to the professionals. For just $75 you’ll enjoy a dinner of prosciutto-wrapped scallops, braised rabbit ravioli, coffee-encrusted rack of lamb and grilled pound cake with marscarpone cream. Each course will be paired with a matching wine supplied by Banfi Vinters, plus a welcome wine during the reception. Spaces are limited, so all interested parties must be registered by Friday, October 14. 116 East Gay Street, 610-430-0203, nonnaswc.com
Friday 10/21, 7-8pm: The King Of Planets
The West Chester University Planetarium holds monthly shows consisting of an overview of all that is visible in the current night sky. Tickets are $5 per person. To purchase tickets please contact the SSI ticket office. West Chester University, Schmucker Science Center, 610-436-2266, geology.wcupa.edu/planetarium_public
Saturday 10/22, 10am-12pm: Homecoming Parade
Don’t miss the excitement of West Chester University’s homecoming weekend. There’ll be music and floats taking over Rosedale Avenue on Saturday in anticipation of the evening’s game. Rosedale Avenue, 610-436-1000, wcu.orgsync.com/org/wcuhomecoming
Saturday 10/22, 2pm: Homecoming Game
The Golden Rams take on the highly ranked Bloomsburg Huskies in this year’s homecoming game. Farrell Stadium, wcupagoldenrams.com
Thursday 10/27, 5-8pm: Pumpkin Carving
Mark your calendars for Chester County Art Association’s annual Pumpkin Carve at CCAA. CCAA will supply the pumpkins and the paint; you supply the carving tools and the imagination. Call to register or just drop-in. Cost for carving is $10 and enters you in the contest for a free art class or two tickets to next year’s gala. Cost for painting a pumpkin is $2-$5 depending on the pumpkin. Please also consider bringing a brand new pair of socks for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program’s sock drive. The socks go to homeless and disadvantaged people. Chester County Art Association, 100 North Bradford Avenue, 610-696-5600, chestercountyarts.org
Thursday 10/27, 7pm: Halloween Parade
Enjoy the costumes, the kids, and the fun of the West Chester Halloween parade. The parade gathers on Market Street between Church and Darlington and continues down Market and up Gay. Marching bands and cheerleading performances are featured. Families and groups are welcome to participate, or you can simply gather along the street and enjoy. West Chester Parks and Recreation, 610-436-9010, west-chester.com