Things to Do in Philly in May
Dad Vail Regata hits the Schuylkill River May 8th and 9th.
May 8
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience at Borgata
A retrospective and tribute concert from the drummer-son of Led Zeppelin’s long-deceased John Bonham.
May 8-9
Dad Vail Regatta on Kelly Drive
Three thousand rowers show up for the country’s largest competition of its kind. Expect traffic. Lots of traffic.
May 9
Crosby, Stills and Nash at Caesars
Their 1969 Woodstock performance of “Wooden Ships” still gives us chills.
May 9-January 3
Of Monsters and Men play the 104.5 Birthday Show on May 10th.
“Genghis Khan: Bring the Legend to Life” at Franklin Institute
If your kids are iffy on this examination of the 13th-century Mongol warrior, just tell them one of his 12-foot-long crossbows is on display.
May 10
The 104.5 Birthday Show at Susquehanna Bank Center
We couldn’t care less about a radio station’s birthday, but with acts like Hozier, Of Monsters and Men (pictured) and Death Cab for Cutie, this is worth a look.
May 13
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox at Trocadero
YouTube their irresistible swing covers of Bell Biv DeVoe, Guns N’ Roses and Miley Cyrus.
May 13, 15 and 16
Philadelphia Orchestra at Kimmel Center
You shouldn’t miss a chance to see Yannick Nézet-Séguin conduct our orchestra playing Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3.
May 13-21
Lightning Rod Special’s Let the Dog See the Rabbit starts May 13th.
Let the Dog See the Rabbit at Rotunda
A new play from our newest ensemble-based theater group, Lightning Rod Special. The cast of 13 explores man’s relationship with animals.
May 15
Faith No More at Electric Factory
The recently regrouped California rock band still has a devoted cult following. Download their just-released album Sol Invictus for a taste of what they’re like 25 years after their epically overplayed “Epic.”
May 16
MMRBQ at Susquehanna Bank Center
Slash, Bush and Breaking Benjamin take the top slots at WMMR’s annual excuse to get drunk.
May 16
Radnor Hunt Races at Radnor Hunt
Time for your annual blue-blood transfusion. While you’re out on the Main Line, you might as well visit the Devon Horse Show, May 21st to 31st.
May 16-17
Catch slash at WMMR’s MMRBQ on May 16th.
The Italian Market Festival on 9th Street
A procession of saints, a half-ball tournament, and lots of fun bands—what more could you ask for in a street festival? What’s that you say? A meatball-stacking contest? Yeah, they have that, too.
May 17
Haverford Spring Fest at Brookline Boulevard
The Delco street celebration features local musical talents Charlie Gracie, Kuf Knotz, Cabin Dogs, and Hooters member David Uosikkinen.
May 17
The Who at Wells Fargo Center
Don’t expect to hear too many B-sides; this show is an unapologetic hits fest. If you miss the Philly show, catch them at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on May 22nd.
May 20-June 14
The Lion King at Academy of Music
Just don’t blame us when Elton John’s “Circle of Life” gets stuck in your head for weeks.
May 21
Wall Ball at Electric Factory
If you love the city’s Mural Arts Program, get to its charity gala.
May 21-June 28
Philly actress Liz Filios performs in Passion, starting May 21st.
Passion at Arden Theatre
Philadelphia theater favorite Liz Filios (pictured) stars in Stephen Sondheim’s 1994 Broadway show about sex, love and obsession.
May 22-31
I Promised Myself to Live Faster at FringeArts
Pig Iron Theatre Company has been at the avant-garde theater game for 20 years. Here, they bring us an “intergalactic gay extravaganza featuring closeted extraterrestrials, high-stakes pursuits and nuns from outer space.”
May 26
Ed Sheeran at Mann Center
While his popularity here in the States grows, the redheaded Brit (and Taylor Swift pal) couldn’t be more loved at home: He plays three shows at Wembley Stadium in July.
May 28-June 28
The Hound of the Baskervilles at St. Stephen’s Theater
Lantern Theater Company presents a fresh, farcical take on the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery.
May 30
Roots Picnic at Festival Pier
The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky and Erykah Badu join the Roots crew along the Delaware River. Bring plenty of sunscreen.
