Things to Do in Philly in July

"Nightscape" at Longwood Gardens, Jimmy Carter at Central Library, BlobFest in Phoenixville and more things worth doing this month in Philly.

Orbiter 3's James Ijames | Photo by Jauhien Sasnou

Orbiter 3’s James Ijames | Photo by Jauhien Sasnou

Through July 19th

Moon Man Walk at Prince Music Theater
The most exciting development in the Philadelphia theater scene since the opening of FringeArts in 2013 is Orbiter 3, a new collective of playwrights dedicated to making the city an energetic hub for original plays. To do so, they’ve committed to writing and producing six works over the next three years. The first, Moon Man Walk, debuts this month from 2013 Best of Philly-winning theater talent James Ijames (pictured), who was just named a Pew Fellow last month. It tells the story of a Philadelphia man whose life changes when his mother dies and he goes on a transformative search for his father. (Our review here.) The setting changes to West Africa for Orbiter 3’s next production, Emma Goidel’s A Knee That Can Bend, but you’ll have to wait until December for that one.

July 1-October 31

“Nightscape” at Longwood Gardens
A light and sound show like no other, set among the 1,000-plus acres that make up Chester County’s beloved gardens.

July 3

West Philadelphia Orchestra

The always lively West Philadelphia Orchestra performs at Underground Arts on July 3rd.

West Philadelphia Orchestra at Underground Arts
With consummate funk showman Johnny Showcase on the bill, this is one hot and sweaty summer dance party you shouldn’t say no to.

July 7

Raekown and Ghostface Killah at TLA
Otherwise known as two-ninths of the Wu-Tang Clan.

July 8-12

Catch BalletX's Summer Series at The Wilma Theater.

Catch BalletX’s Summer Series at The Wilma Theater.

BalletX at The Wilma Theater
Three works by Louisville-based choreographer Adam Hougland. The one we’re most excited about is a world premiere that features live musical accompaniment by Philadelphia songwriter Chris Kasper. Look for Andrea Yorita (pictured, right) to shine in all three pieces.

July 8

Janeane Garofalo at World Café Live
Before she built a filmography of dozens of TV shows and movies (remember Reality Bites?), the staunch feminist was a stand-up comic, a skill she’s reverting to for this new tour.

July 9

Patti LaBelle at the Dell Music Center  
Prediction: an “Over the Rainbow” encore.

July 9

Wait Wait..Don’t Tell Me! at the Mann Center
The amusing NPR quiz show gets a Philly audience.

July 10

Jimmy Carter at Central Library
A book- signing for the 39th prez, who looks back on 90 years in his new memoir, A Full Life.

July 10-12

BlobFest at Downtown Phoenixville
The Colonial Theatre hosts this weirdly wonderful yearly celebration of the terrible 1950s movie that was filmed there.

July 11

Christina Perri at the Mann Center 
The pride of Bensalem. You’ve heard her 2010 debut single “Jar of Hearts” even if you think you haven’t.

July 11

Kenny Chesney at Lincoln Financial Field 
But please, people, leave the Confederate flags at home.

July 13

Foo Fighters at Susquehanna Bank Center 
Touring in support of their eighth studio album, Sonic Highways.

July 15-August 2

Lulu’s Golden Shoes at Caplan Studio UArts
Flashpoint Theatre Company presents this insanely funny (and insanely dark) satire set in Philadelphia, from our Tony- and Pulitzer-winning playwright, Quiara Alegría Hudes.

July 16

Neil Young at Susquehanna Bank Center
Maybe he’ll sing his recently released anti-Starbucks song, “A Rock Star Bucks a Coffee Shop.” Regardless, he’s not getting any younger. See him while you can.

July 23-26

“A Tribute to Phyllis Diller” at Act II Playhouse
Philly theater greats Jennifer Childs and Mary Martello head to Ambler to fête the life of the comic legend.

Nashville's Kopecky performs at the XPoNential Music Festival.

Nashville’s Kopecky performs at the XPoNential Music Festival.

July 24-26

XPoNential Music Festival at Wiggins Waterfront Park and Susquehanna Bank Center 
WXPN is back with dozens of bands on the Camden waterfront, including Grace Potter, My Morning Jacket, George Ezra and Nashville’s Kopecky (pictured, above). But seriously, are people still booking the Indigo Girls? Blech.

July 24

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga at the Borgata
The elder statesman of American crooners meets Ms. Meat Dress. Should be an interesting evening.

July 24

Kidchella at the Smith Memorial Playground 
A music festival for the single-digit set, with a lineup of artists that parents won’t find annoying in that if-I-hear-that-Barney-song-one-more-time-I-am-going-to-kill-someone way.

July 26

Jill Scott performs at the Borgata on July 26th.

Jill Scott performs at the Borgata on July 26th.

Jill Scott at the Borgata 
The once-local gal puts on a hell of a live show.

July 28

Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell at Union Transfer
We can’t wait for their collaborative album, coming out this month, which features covers of everyone from the Talking Heads to Sade to Pete Seeger.

July 30-August 2

Blackstar Film Festival at Various Locations
Ebony magazine basically anointed it the black Sundance. Spot the next Spike Lee, Steve McQueen and John Singleton here.

July 31

Weird Al at the Mann Center
True thing about Mr. Yankovic that we didn’t know: He asks for permission before recording a parody of another person’s song, even though the First Amendment covers it. A classy guy.

July 31

Sheer Mag at PhilaMOCA
Irresistible edgy punk from South Philly.

Through September 13

“Discovering the Impressionists” at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Monet, Renoir and Degas weren’t overnight successes. The PMA’s exhibit tells their stories and that of Paul Durand-Ruel, the art dealer who introduced a completely new style to the art world.