21 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Young Professionals Night at The Barnes
Put on your best summer cocktail attire and head over to The Barnes on Friday for the 7th young professionals night. This month's theme is "The Summer Palette," and guests will enjoy LUPEC drinks and the "The Order of Things" exhibition. Friday, June 12th, 7 pm, $30, The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The Real McKenzies
Canadian-based Celtic punk band The Real McKenzies were founded in 1992 when they became one of the pioneers of the Celtic punk movement. The band performs traditional Scottish songs with a punked-out edge. They released their newest album, Rats in Burlap, this year and have been on tour since March 5th. Listen before you go: "Catch Me." Friday, June 12, 7pm, KungFu Necktie, 1248 North Front Street.—Chelsey Hamilton
Wanda Sykes at The Borgata
The writer and comedian performs her latest stand-up set at the Borgata in AC. Can't make it this time? She's returning to Philly on July 4th to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Annual Reminders at Independence Hall. June 12th and 13th, $59.50-$65, The Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Hello! Sadness!
When you talk to Mary Tuomanen, you know are in the presence of a person who’s serious about taking art to the next level. Her theories and philosophies on creating theater are so new, so profound, that you can’t help but stand on pins and needles to see what she’s coming up with next. Currently, Tuomanen is tackling a monumental task: She’s staging her one-woman show Hello! Sadness! at the Kimmel Center. The dark comedy "traverses the themes of feminism and madness" and features appearances by Joan of Arc, Emily Dickinson, The Black Panther Party, and more. Read our Q&A with Tuomanen here. Friday and Saturday, June 12th and 13th, 8 pm, $23, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Mad Hatter's Ball for AIGA
AIGA invites you to fall down the rabbit hole this Friday night at the Mad Hatter's Ball. Guests are encouraged to wear their wackiest hat for a contest, and there will be an auction, music, prizes, food, and drink, all for a good cause: Proceeds support AIGA Philadelphia SPACE and continued programming for design professionals and educators. Friday, June 12th, 7 pm, $55, Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street.
Jurassic World Opening Weekend
The dinosaurs are back on the big screen, as Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio and others deal with more dinosaur rampage 22 years after the original film. Will humans ever learn? Opens June 12th, wide release.
Charity Sweat Session at Bloomingdale's
Get a sweat while raising funds for breast cancer research. Join in on this unique fitness class at Bloomingdale's in King of Prussia before the store opens. DJ Xtina will be on hand, and there will be giveaways, healthy snacks and more. Saturday, June 13th, 9:30 pm, $10, Bloomingdale's, 660 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia.
Art for the Cash Poor
Inliquid's insanely popular Art for the Cash Poor returns this weekend, featuring two days of over 100 artists selling their work for under $199. In addition, there will be live music, beer, and food trucks. It's a great, local way to add to or begin that art collection you’ve always dreamed of. Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th, 12pm, free, Crane Arts, 1400 North American Street.
The Philly Mart
Manayunk's only open-air market opens for one last time this year, with 30 hand-selected vendors and a variety of food trucks. June 13th, 11 am-5 pm, Venice Island, 1 Rector Street.
Islamic Heritage Festival at Penn's Landing
The Islamic Heritage Festival this Saturday is billed as one of the largest of it's kind, featuring a Unity in Diversity parade, family-friendly games, entertainment, speakers, a health and wellness fair, giveaways, and a global bazaar. Saturday, June 13th, 2 pm, free, Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.
The Philadelphia Vendy Awards
It's often times called the "Oscars of Street Food:" The 5th Annual Philadelphia Vendy Awards is this Saturday, and features over fifteen food vendors, an open bar, beer garden, grown-up sodas, and live music. Proceeds will benefit The Food Trust and the Philadelphia Mobile food Association. Saturday, June 13th, 1 pm, $65, JFK Bridge, Schuykill Avenue and JFK Boulevard.
Jamaica, Farewell
But when Debra Ehrhardt escaped socialist Jamaica in the early 1970s, she was only 18 years old. “You think you’re invincible and that you’re never gonna die,” she says, a theme that she explores in her award-winning one-woman show Jamaica, Farewell, which she’s bringing to Philadelphia for the first time this weekend. It’s the real-life tale of her heroic escape from Jamaica told through 20 different characters, all played by Ehrhardt, on an empty stage with several black boxes and a handful of sound cues. However, even though the stage may be scarce, the story is where its at. Check out our Q&A with her here. Saturday, June 13th, 5 pm and 8 pm, $35, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street.
Juicy J
Juicy J is a rapper, producer and songwriter, best known for his recent solo rap work. Juicy J is a founding member of Three 6 Mafia, established in 1991. In 2011, he announced his co-ownership of Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Records and signed with Columbia Records as a solo artist. Listen before you go: "Bounce It." Saturday, June 13, 9pm, Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South Street.—Chelsey Hamilton
Justin Guarini in Company
The runner-up on American Idol’s first season stars as a 35-year-old who is harangued by his friends into settling down. Through June 21st, Bucks County Playhouse, 70 South Main Street, New Hope. —Dan McQuade
The Official Odunde Festival
It's billed as the largest African-American street festival in the country: The Odunde Festival returns to Philly this Sunday to celebrate 40 years, and features two huge stages filled with all-day entertainment. There will be vendors, dance, crafts, and much more across this fest that covers 12 city blocks. Sunday, June 14th, 10 am, free, 23rd and South Streets.
Chestnut Hill Plein Air Outdoor Painting Competition
This unique Sunday event features dozens of fine artists painting scenes from around Chestnut Hill. There will be grilling demonstrations, live music, arts and crafts, plus workshops on recycling, summer style, and cheese pairing. Sunday, June 14th, 10 am, free, Chestnut Hill Business District, 8600-8100 Germantown Avenue.
Fifth Annual Philly Burger Brawl
Over 60 restaurants will take over XFINITY Live! this Sunday for the fifth annual Philly Burger Bash. You'll be able to taste tons of sandwiches, all for a great cause: Proceeds from the festival benefit education and literacy programs for Philadelphia students around the region. Sunday, June 15th, 3 pm, $35, XFINITY Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue.
Celebrate Pride Weekend in Philly
It’s Pride week, Philadelphia! There are so many ways to celebrate this week outside the annual parade and festival at Penn’s Landing. We’ve rounded up as many as we could find happening between now and Sunday—from block parties and art exhibits to dyke marches and, yes, the festival at Penn’s Landing. Check out the full list here.
Train
Train is an American rock band from San Francisco, formed in 1993. Train achieved mainstream success with their 1998 self-titled debut album, which was certified double platinum in the U.S. and Canada. The band went on a three-year hiatus and returned to the music scene with the release of their 2014 album, Bulletproof Picasso. Train has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and won three, for their hit songs “Hey, Soul Sister” and “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me).” The Fray and Matt Nathanson will also perform. Listen before you go: "Drops of Jupiter." Sunday, June 14, 7pm, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, New Jersey. —Chelsey Hamilton
The Lion King at the Academy of Music
This is your last weekend to experience the grandeur of Disney's The Lion King during it's triumphant return to Philadelphia. Directed by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, the musical has been a world-wide phenomenon, playing cities around the globe. It isn't just the for the kids: Adults will be wowed by the amazing stagecraft and athletic dancing that tells the story of the classic animated film. Through June 14th, various times, $23.50-169.50, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street.
Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD with Opera Philadelphia
Time is running out to see YARDBIRD, Opera Philadelphia’s world-premiere production based on the life of legendary jazz musician Charlie Parker. Charlie Parker's YARDBIRD features tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the title character, with Angela Brown and Will Liverman rounding out the all-star cast. Through June 14th, various times, $95-125, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Submit Your Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information at least two weeks in advance to Bryan Buttler at bbuttler@phillymag.com.
