Attention, freshmen: There’s a whole wide world to explore west of 40th Street, and on Saturday, Oct. 2, the “Welcome to the Neighborhood Festival” gives you a chance to sample it all in one place.

While the festival is designed to introduce new students to the energy, vitality and diversity of Penn’s home neighborhood, there’s something for everyone at the daylong event. Both Penn and neighborhood performance groups will showcase their talents; local vendors will offer a wide range of arts and crafts; six of University City’s best restaurants will offer a taste of their cuisine, and community organizations from all over West Philadelphia will offer festival-goers opportunities to get involved with the neighbors.

In addition, there will be African, swing, salsa and line dance lessons, carnival games, speakers, and a volleyball and three-on-three basketball tournament.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVAL: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Clark Park, 43rd to 44th streets from Baltimore to Woodland avenues. Info: visit www.ucnet.com/welcome or call the Office of City and Community Relations, 215-898-4830.

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