BY Lauren McCutcheon
Nov. 04, 2024
The 2024 election season is coming to a close. The issues have been profound. The tone has often been ugly. But we hear there’s an Election Eve — November 4! — party happening on the Parkway, not to mention a bunch more fun, productive events in the run-up to the big day.
Just like in 2020, our city is part of a national movement of voting-theme dance parties, DJ appearances, art activations and live concerts. There’s free food and drink. Music in the streets. Bruce Springsteen. Philly Elmo … Beyoncé? Taylor Swift? Nonpartisan orgs like Joy to the Polls and When we All Vote are fairly amazing at lifting your spirits and inspiring you not just to vote, but also to get your friends in on the action.
Now, where are those dancing mailboxes?!?
Through November 5, 2024 at 15th Street and JFK Boulevard
Mural Arts’ annual pre-Election Day display is getting more attention and traffic than ever, thanks to both a hotly contested presidential race that puts Philly in the spotlight, the presence of The Portal, and the not-to-be-missed art itself, including Hawk Krall’s locally proud Philly Will Decide, Lace in the Moon’s rainbow-y crocheted ballot confection, and more amazing, civic-minded selfie spots.
Figure: RISE UP by MsPassionArt at LOVE Park.
November 5 from 10am to 6pm
Some of Philly’s busiest voting spots host interactive art projects for voters and passersby of all ages, thanks to Committee of Seventy and OnePhillyConnect. Expect DJs and giveaways too.
West Philadelphia High School, 4901 Chestnut Street
omic book artist Ted Woods, participants will create custom comic coloring sheets that reflect voting and democracy. Artist Arshayla Robinson will also be engaging voters and their families to contribute to a mural with LED lights.
South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad Street
Bella Vista’s Fleisher Art Memorial travels south for democracy-theme multimedia craft inspired by Philadelphia communities.
Bright Hope Baptist Church, 1601 N. 12th Street
Taller Puertorriqueño leads butterfly crafting to create an arch destined to become this year’s ultimate selfie spot. Painter and muralist Jamee Grigsby leads mini mural project.
Figure: South Philadelphia High School.
Some of Philly’s fave DJs, bands — and Philly Elmo — are showing up at a polling place near you.
DJ Diamond Kutz:
7:30am: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Center City
9:20am: Finley Recreation Center, 7701 Mansfield Avenue, East Germantown / Stenton / Northwest Philly
SNACKTIME:
10:40am: Mallery Recreation Center, 100 E. Johnson Street, Germantown / Northwest Philly
12:10pm: Happy Hollow Recreation Center, 4740 Wayne Avenue, Germantown / Northwest Philly
PME Drumline (Philly Elmo!) and Eisa Davis
2pm: East Passyunk Rec Center, 1026 Mifflin Street, South Philly
Cosmo Baker
3:05pm: Global Leadership Academy Southwest, 5200 Pine Street, Cobbs Creek / West Philly
4:45pm: Paul Robeson High School, 4125 Ludlow Street, West Powelton / West Philly
Figure: Photo Courtesy of Joy to the Polls. Note: Philly Elmo.
Location TBA, 6pm and 7pm
DJ Jazzy Jeff and De La Soul perform at 6pm and 7pm, respectively, at a top-secret — where else? — West Philadelphia polling place for a pop-up concert. You gotta RSVP to get invited.
Every Voice, Every Vote funds Philadelphia media and community organizations to expand access to civic news and information. The coalition is led by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Lead support for Every Voice, Every Vote in 2024 and 2025 is provided by the William Penn Foundation with additional funding from The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, Comcast NBC Universal, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Henry L. Kimelman Family Foundation, Judy and Peter Leone, Arctos Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, 25th Century Foundation, and Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation.
MORE THINGS TO DO FROM THE CITIZEN
Ideas We Should Steal Festival
Real Estate Development for Good
Civic Health with Connor Barwin
Criminal Justice with Malcolm Jenkins
