Autumn is approaching, and Longwood Gardens is ready. Oct. 16 marks the arrival of the Chrysanthemum Festival, transforming Longwood’s Conservatory into a vibrant visual feast of colorful chrysanthemum blooms. Iconic three-dimensional pieces showcase Longwood’s horticultural expertise while preserving an ancient art form practiced throughout Japan and China. In addition, enjoy live music and libations under a canopy of fall color in the Beer Garden Thursday–Saturday evenings, and a spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performance set to music at 8:15 p.m. both through Oct. 30. For tickets, visit longwoodgardens.org.
The Residence at Chadds Ford will have an open house from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28. To schedule a tour, contact Sarah Hull at shull@residencechaddsford.com or phone 610-222-3333.
The Brandywine Conservancy and River Museum of Art is looking for volunteers this Saturday, Sept. 18, to help clean its campus. The cleanup efforts cover the campus, trails, and the areas surrounding our historic properties. Check-in is 8–10 a.m. at the Conservancy Building. The cleanup lasts until 1 p.m. Go here to register as a volunteer.
The Chadds Ford Republican Party will hold its annual luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 2, at Pescators restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The group will honor former state Rep. Stephen Barrar. Contributions are $50, with a second ticket for $35. Tables are $300. RSVP by Sept. 24. Make all checks payable to Chadds Ford Republican Party. Corporate Checks are not permitted.
The Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging — in partnership with Delaware County Parks and Recreation — is sponsoring the nationally recognized Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease program for those 60 and older who need relief from arthritis pain or just want to remain active. This program will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m. from Monday, Oct. 4 through Friday, Nov. 12. The program is free; however, class size is limited. Registration is mandatory. To register, contact Ellen Williams at williamse@co.delaware.pa.us or by calling 610-499-1937.
The Philadelphia Orchestra launches its 122nd season on Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts with a special opening night celebration, led by Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and featuring a performance by acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The program features selections by Villa-Lobos, Saint-Saëns, Ravel, and the Verizon Hall premiere of Valerie Coleman’s Seven O’Clock Shout, commissioned by the orchestra and dedicated to the frontline workers of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evening also welcomes Philadelphia Orchestra storyteller, narrator, and host Charlotte Blake Alston in her official debut in this newly created role. The opening night concert takes place at 6 p.m. in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at 215-893-1999 or www.philorch.org.
