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Become a Person With Hobbies This Fall

Posted on September 24
Marie Albiges

Marie Albiges

Inside the wood shop at Philadelphia Woodworks, with a woman working at one of the workshop tables in the background. A large table in the foreground is lined with dozens of clamps along its edges; walls are hung with organized rows of tools and clamps; there is a drill press in the corner.

At Philadelphia Woodworks in Manayunk, you can learn to make Adirondack chairs, cutting boards, and side tables. (Marie Albiges/City Cast Philly)

We rounded up Philly spots where you can start a new hobby this fall — whether you want to make something, move your body, learn a skill, or just get really, really into something for no practical reason.

✂️ For the person who wants to make things

  • The Clay Studio: The fall term starts Sept. 30 at The Clay Studio, where you can sign up for a 10-week beginner class in wheel-throwing or handbuilding techniques. Can’t commit to a fall semester? The South Kensington studio also offers workshops, many of which are held on weekends.
  • Philadelphia Woodworks: There’s a class for pretty much anything woodworking-related at this Manayunk studio. Learn how to make cutting boards, picture frames, bowls, and furniture in a group or privately. Watch this video to get a taste of what to expect.

💃 For the person who wants to move

  • Philadelphia Rock Gyms: With locations in Fishtown and East Falls (plus a few in the suburbs), this climbing gym has intro classes for top rope climbing and lead climbing. The $49 intro package includes three day passes, gear rentals, and a beginner class.
  • Urban Movement Arts: Sign me up for the UMA Dip class, which is “for folks that have absolutely no dance experience” (like me!). The two Center City locations offer classes primarily based in contemporary Black American folkloric dance, African folkloric dance, Latin American dance, and contemporary somatic and movement culture practices.

🎲 For the person who wants to play

  • There’s a multiverse that exists in which I’m really into board games. If I wanted to manifest that life, I’d go to Queen & Rook Game Cafe in Queen Village. The cafe hosts weekly and monthly group sessions with games that range from Magic: The Gathering (for the strategic thinkers) to Scrabble (more my speed).

🎻 For the person who wants to learn

  • Treehouse Music Studios: Sign up for individual or group lessons at this Germantown studio that offers multi-level lessons in guitar, bass, ukulele, keys, voice, songwriting, music production, and more. If you’re not ready to commit, you can book a free consultation with one of the teachers.
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