Summer, the time of year a lot of us love to death, is winding down once again. With the impeding changing of the season, musicians are taking their shows indoors and actors, dancers and artists of all stripes are coming out of their summer hibernations and suiting up to entertain us all in the darkening and cooling days ahead.
Yeah, we know. You can stay home and watch the crazy unhinged circus that is America socially coming apart at the seams for free. But for the sake of your own sanity, break the spell, turn the TV off and get the hell off Facebook for a few hours every now and then and take in however many of the upcoming fall concerts, shows and events you can.
Art & Literature
E.J. Dionne, Jr. and Norman J. Ornstein
The political columnists and authors of “One Nation After Trump: A Guide for the Perplexed, the Disillusioned, the Desperate and the Not-Yet Deported” host a reading 7:30 p.m. Oct 10 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.
Van Jones
The CNN commentator and author of “Beyond the Messy Truth: How We Came Apart, How We Come Together” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.
Gabrielle Union
The actor and author of “We’re Going to Need More Wine: Stories That are Funny, Complicated and True” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.
Old Masters Now: Celebrating the Johnson Collection
Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of European art by the likes of Botticelli, Bosch, Titian, Rembrandt and Monet Nov. 3-Feb. 19, 26th Street and the Parkway; 215-763-8100.
Dan Rather
The longtime broadcaster, journalist and author of “What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism” hosts a reading 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; 215-567-4341.
Comedy/Humor
Lewis Black
The comedian performs 9 p.m. Oct. 6-7 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
Wyatt Cenac
The comedian seen on “The Daily Show” performs Oct. 13-14 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606-6555.
David Sedaris
The acclaimed humorist and author performs 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
Nikki Glaser
The comedian performs Oct. 19-21 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606-6555.
Michael Ian Black
The comedian seen on “The State” performs Oct. 26-28 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.
Jessica Kirson
The out comedian performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888-596-1027.
Chris Rock
The comedian performs 7 and 10 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
John Mulaney
The comedian performs 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
Margaret Cho: Fresh Off the Bloat
The out comedian performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-625-3681.
Maria Bamford
The comedian seen on “Comedians of Comedy” performs 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-625-3681.
Upright Citizens Brigade: We Know How You Die
The sketch/improve-comedy troupe performs Dec. 1-2 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420.
Judy Gold
The out comedian performs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at The Rrazz Room, 385 W. Bridge St., New Hope; 888-596-1027.
A John Waters Christmas
The out filmmaker and kitsch expert entertains for the holidays 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.
Dance
BalletX
Dance Affiliates and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts present the Philly-based contemporary dance company Oct. 6-7 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Dance Affiliates and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts present the world-class Chicago-based dance company, which returns to Philly after a 10-year absence, Oct. 20-21 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
Raphael Xavier: Point of Interest
The Dance Affiliates and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts dancer expands the boundaries of hip-hop 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900
PHILADANCO: H-i-s-t-o-r-y
The acclaimed Philadelphia dance company performs a show encompassing the incomparable legacy of African-American choreographers Dec. 15-17 at Perelman Theater, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5847.
Music
Lady Gaga
The singer brings her Joanne World Tour Sept. 10-11 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 Broad St.; 215-389-9543
Ms. Lauryn Hill and Nas
The hip-hop icons perform 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300.
Project Pabst Citywide Festival
The daylong festival features The Menzingers, Peaches, Big Thief, Speedy Ortiz and more 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.
Arcade Fire
The rock band performs 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Quicksand
The alternative-rock band performs 8:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.
UFO and Saxon
The British classic-rock bands perform 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.
Hanson
The pop-rock band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 28 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-625-3681.
Ani DiFranco
The out folk-rock singer-songwriter performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.
Yes featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman
The classic prog-rock band performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
Herbie Hancock
The award-winning instrumentalist and R&B songwriter performs 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
Rock Allegiance
The festival featuring Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Halestorm, In This Moment, Steel Panther and more starts at noon Oct. 7 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300.
Kesha
The pop singer performs 9 p.m. Oct. 7 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-625-3681.
Guns n’ Roses
The rock band performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Bruno Mars
The pop/R&B singer performs 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
The Psychedelic Furs
The classic alternative/new-wave band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.
Andrew WK
The rock singer performs 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.
Katy Perry
The pop singer performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull
The Latin singer and the rapper perform 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Blues Traveler
The jam-rock band performs as part of its 30th-anniversary tour 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.
Musiq Soulchild
The neo-soul/R&B singer performs 8:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.
Ministry and Death Grips
The industrial-rock band and the alternative hip-hop groups perform 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.
Hope Sandoval and The Warm Inventions
The Mazzy Star singer performs with her solo band 8 p.m. Oct. 18 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.
Ben Folds
The alt-rock pianist and singer-songwriter performs 9 p.m. Oct. 20 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-625-3681.
Dracula’s Ball
The goth-industrial event featuring performances by Lord of Acid, Combichrist and Christian Death, 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.
Gwar
The theatrical horror-comedy-theme rock band performs 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; 215-922-6888.
Dru Hill
The R&B group performs 8 p.m. Oct. 29 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.
Motionless in White
The gothic metalcore band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.
Evanescence
The hard-rock band performs its biggest hits backed by an orchestra 8 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets; 610-352-2887.
Flogging Molly
The punk band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.
Tori Amos
The alternative-rock singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets; 610-352-2887.
The Breeders
The alternative-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.
A Perfect Circle
The alternative-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 7 at BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; 609-365-1300.
Tegan and Sarah
The out rock duo performs 9 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets; 610-352-2887.
Periphery and Animals as Leaders
The prog-metal bands perform 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.
Janet Jackson
The pop/R&B singer performs 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Macklemore
The Grammy-winning hip-hop artist performs 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-625-3681.
HIM
The gothic-rock group performs as part of its farewell tour 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-625-3681.
Puddles Pity Party
The cabaret crooner in the form of really tall sad clown performs 8 p.m. Nov. 16 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.
Squeeze
The alternative-rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; 215-572-7650.
Thrice and Circa Survive
The hard-rock bands perform 6:45 p.m. Nov. 24-25 at The Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; 800-745-3000.
Gary Numan
The new-wave/rock singer performs 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.
Theater & Arts
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum
Walnut Street Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s classic Tony Award-winning musical Sept. 5-Oct. 22, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel
Media Theatre presents the classic American musical Sept. 20-Oct. 22, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.
A Period of Animate Existence
Pig Iron Theatre Company presents the world premiere of the commissioned work contemplating a future of ominous environmental predictions and rapid technological change Sept. 22-24 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
Kathleen Turner: Finding My Voice
The acclaimed film, television and stage actor brings her trademark voice to the American songbook, performing classic songs with her band, interwoven with personal anecdotes in an intimate cabaret setting, Sept. 25 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420.
Kinky Boots
The Broadway musical with music by Cyndi Lauper about how a drag queen’s sturdy footwear helps save a failing shoe factory, Oct. 3-8 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
Wrestling Jerusalem
Writer and performer Aaron Davidman’s acclaimed solo show that grapples with the complexities of identity, history and social justice in one American’s journey to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Oct. 18-Nov. 5 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420.
The Gap
Azuka Theatre Company presents the world premiere of a dark comedy by Philadelphia playwright Rebecca Wright about family secrets, performing and sisterhood, Nov. 1-19, 1700 Sansom St.; 215-563-1100.
Phantom of the Opera
The classic stage drama comes to Philadelphia as part of a brand-new North American tour Nov. 1-12 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
Annie
Walnut Street Theatre presents the beloved musical about the charming orphan Nov. 7-Jan. 7, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Media Theatre presents the musical adaptation of the Disney classic Nov. 15-Jan. 14, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.
Finding Neverland
The Broadway musical about the story behind the creation of Peter Pan, Nov. 21-26 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
This Is The Week That Is
1812 Productions presents its annual political comedy show Nov. 24-Dec. 31 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; 215-592-9560.
Stomp
The high-energy dance show shakes floorboards Dec. 26-31 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.