Offbeat Philly
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Offbeat Philly is dedicated to making the history of Philadelphia and its surrounding area fun and accessable to visitors and locals alike.
We see history differently. History is so much more than a dusty list of names and dates. It is how we engage with
03/09/2026
Before the FDA, before clinical trials, before WebMD — Philadelphia newspapers were doing the heavy lifting. These ads span 1793 to 1927 and represent roughly 130 years of confident, creative, occasionally alarming medical advice. The cure for diphtheria was at 18th and Market. Nervousness could be treated with Peruna (mostly alcohol, as it turns out). And somewhere, a film student's horror movie is waiting to be made about that Kensington burial ground ointment.
History is weird. Philadelphia history especially.
Philadelphia Inquirer
03/04/2026
The group photo face is older than you think.
If you ever feel like a bad parent, remember that someone in 1927 tied their child to 21 kites with the express purpose of him flying through the air
08/11/2025
Paint and Sip at BUBS on August 17th! Come to paint, learn, and have some chill hangs.
07/27/2025
BYOB + Stencils + Vibes.
Come get artsy with us at Paint & Sip: Colonial Stenciling! Learn a quirky piece of Philly history while you create your own folk-art-inspired masterpiece. No experience needed—just bring your friends, your drink of choice, and your best creative energy.
🎨 Thursday, Aug 17 - 1 pm
📍 BUBS, Next to Berks Station
🥂 BYOB
Tickets going fast, grab yours now!
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-and-sip-colonial-stenciling-tickets-1510650218469?aff=oddtdtcreator
🔍⌛️
07/24/2025
Today is Parent Appreciation Day, so take a moment to appreciate that John Adams wasn't your parent.
The fact that 3 out of 4 of the children who survived to adulthood suffered with severe mental illness isn't exactly his fault... but the pressure he put on them didn't help.
🔍⌛️ ❤️
07/17/2025
For some reason, is trusting me with a projector?
Friday! Roast the Founding Fathers! Now with Visuals! And Jokes!
Join us this Friday, 7/18 at 7pm to basically crash out about the Benjamin Franklin. (Did I use that right? I am old)
This event is free to attend though tips are always appreciated.
07/12/2025
We're here! Come by our booth on 43rd South of Chester for storytime and sash making at noon.
See you soon!
07/10/2025
Join us for one of our upcoming events!
Saturday, July 12 - Parlor at the Bizarre for ages 5-10
Noon at Clark Park
Learn about Clara Lemlich and make a protest sash!
Friday, July 18th - Roasting the Founding Fathers for adults
7pm at BUBS (Under the Berks MFL Station)
A Comedy History hour
Learn more on our events page on our website!
06/18/2025
04/27/2025
We are here, braving the wind! Come try some Victorian stenciling, or help us hold down the table, one or the other!
04/25/2025
Due to severe weather, West Craft Fest is postponed to Sunday, April 27th.
Come see us and make some historic crafts! We'll be the ones in 19th century outfits 😉
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