Welcome to Mural Arts Month, a celebration of free, accessible, public art!
This October, Mural Arts Month, you’re invited to experience new additions that expand our collection and cement Philadelphia’s place as a leaders in free, public, accessible art.
With over 4,000 murals, our collection extends beyond walls with a processional performance art piece, an art crawl, and the launch of a river-to-river citywide exhibition that emphasizes art’s place in every neighborhood. From community murals and gallery exhibitions to tours, talks, and art-making activities across the city, this month shines a light on how art can help tell our stories and shape civic life.
Whether you’re a longtime mural lover or discovering the city’s creative landscape for the first time, there are countless ways to explore, connect, and get involved. Join us this October 1-31, subscribe to our newsletter, and follow us on social media to stay up to date on what’s happening throughout Mural Arts Month.
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All events are free and open to all, with the exception of tours. Please consider registering for artist talks and panel events, as audience capacity will be limited. While attending outdoor events, remember to bring water and sunscreen, and have fun!
Highlights of this year’s programming include:
- Heart of Kensington Creates Art Crawl (Oct. 3) touring a series of neighborhood-wide public art projects—including 10+ new murals, gallery activations, Afromation Avenue, and 1.2 miles of community paintings installed along the Market-Frankford Line (The Gusset Plate Art Project)—created in collaboration with Councilperson Quetcy Lozada’s Office and Impact Services.
- Vámonos Pa’l Monte, a four-mile processional performance connecting the Puerto Rican diaspora in Philadelphia’s Norris Square neighborhood to the landscapes, ecology, and history of Puerto Rico, conceived by artist Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz with support from costume designer Kristina Tollefson.
- Speciality tours all month long highlighting murals and other multi-media works by Mural Arts, including a Sun Ra-themed tour and film screening, a quilt and mural tour in collaboration with the The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM), and a Washington Ave West walking tour with Founder Jane Golden and Streets Dept’s Conrad Benner.
- Artist panel discussions exploring public art’s role in civic life, city infrastructure, and communal place-making.
- Mural Arts Fest (Oct. 31), a family-friendly event at Love Park with live painting, music, art-making activities, and more.
October Special Events
Connect and celebrate Philadelphia’s creative community at festivals, block parties, and special events throughout the month, culminating in our annual Mural Arts Fest on October 31!
Mural Arts Month Featured Artist: Kaldric Dow
Our fourth annual collaboration with Mural City Cellars includes a special Mural Arts Month wine, showcasing the original piece Sisters by artist Kaldric Dow. Learn more about Dow’s work and the collaboration below.
Left to right: Sisters © Kaldric Dow. Courtesy of the artist. Photo of Kaldric Dow by Steven Taylor. Courtesy Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists.
About the artist
A recipient of the 2026 Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists, Kaldric Dow honed his skills emphasizing the portrayal of skin tones using diverse materials. Dow’s work centers on representing African American culture through rich artistic expression, employing a variety of mediums, including acrylic paint, fabrics, and patterned paper. His art delves into themes of cultural identity, striving to elevate African American imagery for exhibition in museums and galleries worldwide. Dow’s commitment to his heritage shines through in every piece, inviting viewers to explore and appreciate its depth.
About the collaboration
Available at Mural City Cellars for $45 beginning October 1, a portion of the bottle’s proceeds will be donated to Mural Arts. This year’s collaboration is a Cabernet Franc with a bold expression of a signature East Coast varietal. Grown in the Finger Lakes, bottled in Fishtown, and adorned with a gorgeous label by Philadelphia artist Kaldric Dow, this bottle is the perfect option for drinking local and making an impact.
Help spread the word
Find press resources, event information, images, and additional materials to help tell the story of Philadelphia’s artists, communities, and public art.
Thank you to our sponsors
Mural Arts Month is made possible with the support of our generous sponsors and partners.
Funding for Mural Arts Month has been provided by TD, PNC Arts Alive, and Pennsylvania Department of Tourism (Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development). Mural Arts Fest is supported by TD, PNC Arts Alive, LOVE Park, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Artwork/photo credits:
Love Letter To Philadelphia © 2026 City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program / Alloyius Mcilwaine, 11th block of Market Street. Photo by Steve Weinik.