November is the time of year to be thankful. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is thankful for fall foliage, fun weekend events, and you— our neighbors and friends! This month, there are plenty of ways to give back to your community, celebrate holidays, break a sweat, and learn about nature. Here is a taste of what’s happening at our parks and rec sites each weekend in November:

Friday, November 1

Olney Community Yoga Class 
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Where: Olney Recreation Center (100 E. Godfrey Ave., 19120)

Join Roots2Rise every Friday evening at the Olney Rec Center. Classes are BYOM (bring your own mat) and all levels are welcome! Relax after a long week with some gentle exercise.

Saturday, November 2

Dia de los Muertos Events
Time: 4-6:30 p.m.
Where: LOVE Park (1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 19102)

Dia de los Muertos is an important Mexican holiday that honors loved ones who have passed. The celebration in LOVE Park will feature music, dance, arts and crafts, and face painting.

Events include music, kids’ activities, folk dances, mariachi music, and a screening of the movie Coco.

PEC Open House: Become a Nature Detective
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Pennypack Environmental Center (8600 Verree Road, 19115)

Stop by throughout the day. Hang around as long as you’d like and visit different stations throughout the building to learn how to use your detective skills, including owl pellet dissection and a craft to take home. Geared towards ages 5 years and older with an adult.

Community Plant Swap and Presentation
Time: 12-2 p.m.
Where: DiSilvestro Playground (1701 S. 15th St., 19145)

DiSilvestro Playground’s Plant Swap happens on the first Saturday of every month. Buy, sell, or trade your plants while getting to know your community. Read more details about the swap.  This month’s event features a hands-on workshop about growing microgreens and sprouts at home. Save money–grow tiny greens as a fresh & healthy addition to your salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. They make a great snack, too!

Sunday, November 3

BirdPhilly Walk
Time: 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Where: Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center (700 Cobbs Creek Pkwy., 19143)

We will check out the forest, meadow, and wetland to see what birds have arrived for the winter. Enjoy all the sights and sounds of nature in autumn!

Harriet Tubman Legacy Hike
Time: 2-4:30 p.m.
Where: Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindenbergh Blvd., 19143)

Explore the natural trails of a landmark historic site while reflecting on the life, work, and legacy of Harriet Tubman. Prompts will be provided for conversation, although this is an informal hike in the spirit of camaraderie and solidarity. This free program is open to all, but advance registration is required.

Friday, November 8

Motown Magic & Memories
Time: 7-11 p.m.
Where: East Passyunk Community Center (1025 Mifflin St., 19148)

Enjoy live entertainment by Retro 5. Music will be accompanied by a basket raffle, silent auction, dinner, libations, and dessert. Purchase tickets in advance or at the door.

Saturday, November 9

Love Your Park Fall Service Day
Time: various times
Where: various locations

Every fall, thousands of volunteers come out to clean and green their parks, plant trees, clean up litter, and more to help prepare parks for the winter. Grab a group of friends, family members, and neighbors, and volunteer in your favorite park! Check out the website to register and see all the parks available for volunteers. Working together to make your community better is always fun!

Sunday, November 10

Bird Anatomy for Artists
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindenbergh Blvd., 19143)

This one-of-a-kind workshop is back by popular demand! From goldfinches to bald eagles, Bartram’s Garden is a favorite stop for many migratory and year-round species of birds. We’ll take a look at the art and the science of avian anatomy. Explore new techniques for drawing on the fly and experience our feathered friends from a new perspective.

Monday, November 11

Veterans Day Salute featuring the Polish American String Band
Time: 12-1 p.m.
Where: Campbell Square (2525 E. Allegheny Ave., 19134)

Join your friends and neighbors at Campbell Square to celebrate Veterans Day! The Polish American String Band will honor our veterans with wonderful music.

Saturday, November 16

Saturday Volunteer Drop-In Series
Time: 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Where: Lardner’s Point Park (5202 Levick St., 19135)

Join the Riverfront North Partnership on the 3rd Saturday of each month for their drop-in volunteer series at Lardner’s Point Park. Participants will help with a variety of tasks including forest restoration, trail maintenance, invasive removal, general park cleanup and more.

Trails Through Time: Discovering Frankford Creek
Time: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Tacony Creek Park (Tacony Creek, 19120)

The Frankford Creek was a natural resource for the Lenni-Lenape as well as a source of power for the industrious village of Frankford in what is now Northeast Philadelphia.  Join us and our partners for a guided bus tour (some walking required) exploring the history of this urban creek. Learn how partners are working together to revitalize this often overlooked green space.

Friday, November 22

Philly Marathon Weekend
Time: 12 p.m.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway (2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 19130)

Get excited for the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend! From November 22 through 24, there will be many events including health & wellness expo, races for runners/walkers and wheelchairs/handcycles, and races for kids! The event begins Friday and continues through Sunday.

Saturday, November 23

Kids Explore: Meadow
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Wissahickon Environmental Center (300 W. Northwestern Ave., 19118)

Ready for your kids just to be kids in the woods? Led by our staff, equipped with a few Band-Aids, the kids will go climbing over fallen trees, scrambling over rocks, running through a field, playing in the leaves, and much more! Ages 6-12. Drop Off optional.

Christmas Village Preview Weekend
Time: 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Where: LOVE Park (1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 19102)

The Christmas Village in LOVE Park welcomes visitors for its opening weekend. From November 23 to 24, Christmas Village will preview its month-long stay in one of Philly’s favorite parks! This authentic German Christmas village has booths selling treats and gifts while they spread the holiday cheer. After this weekend, the Christmas Village will re-open full-time from November 28 to December 24.

Thursday, November 28

Fairmount Park Turkey Trot
Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Memorial Hall (4231 North Concourse Dr., 19131)

Race in the 29th annual Fairmount Park Turkey Trot five-mile run! Running is a great way to begin your Thanksgiving Day with some energy and exercise. Visit the website for registration and more information.

100th 6abc Thanksgiving Day Parade
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway (2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 19130)

Experience first-hand the magical, massive floats this Thanksgiving Day! This iconic parade is celebrating 100 years of bringing joy and festivity to Philadelphia. Find a spot along the Parkway to see all of your favorite floats!

Saturday, November 30

Get Ready, a Motown Revue
Time: 7-9:30 p.m.
Where: Venice Island Performing Arts Recreation Center (1 Rector St., 19127)

Enjoy a night of music with some of the greatest classic songs. You’ll be singing along to each song and be dancing in your seat!

Sunday, December 1

Caroling Night
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Gorgas Park (6300 Ridge Ave., 19128)

Join your friends and neighbors at Gorgas Park to celebrate the first night of December. There will be carols, hot chocolate, and a very special guest! This event is hosted by Friends of Gorgas Park.