19 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.
Believe with Tongue and Groove Spontaneous Theater
In this improvisational evening of comedy, audience members are asked to fill in the blank to the phrase "I Believe." From there, spontaneous theater group Tongue and Groove will create a new work, including scenes, monologues, and more. Friday, July 10th, 8 pm, $18, Playground at the Adrienne, 2030 Sansom Street.
BlobFest at Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Theatre hosts this weirdly wonderful yearly celebration of the terrible 1950s movie that was filmed there. Look out for a street fair, film screenings and more. July 10th-12th, various times and prices, Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville. —Victor Fiorillo
BalletX Summer Series
The BalletX Summer Series heats things up this week with works by choreographer Adam Hougland. The performances will include a world premiere work, plus selections from Mashup and Risk of Flight. Through July 12th, various times, $40, Wilma Theatre, 265 South Broad Street.
Acrobatic Cats at Painted Bride
Do you like acrobatic stunts but can’t deal with watching humans fling themselves a hundred feet in the air? You’re in luck: The Acro-Cats are coming to Philadelphia this weekend. The Acro-Cats are performing five shows at the Painted Bride Art Center through Sunday. They’re led by trainer Samantha Martin, who created the show about 10 years ago. Martin’s cats — all former orphans, rescues and strays — is one of four “cat shows” in the country. But she says her show contains the only cat band, The Rock Cats (which features a chicken, Cluck Norris, on the cymbals). Part of the proceeds for the shows in the city will go to the Philadelphia Community Cats Council. Friday, July 10th, 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 11th, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, July 12th, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., $21, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street. —Dan McQuade
Parachute at World Café Live
Parachute is a pop-rock band from Virginia that joined the music scene in 2006. Since their debut, they have released three studio albums and eight singles. They are currently on tour before Vanguard Records releases their newest album this fall, and are playing acoustic shows in generally smaller, intimate venues. Listen before you go: "Crave." Friday, July 10, 8pm, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
Franklin Flea
Founder Mark Vevle says this Saturday's Franklin Flea lineup is one of the biggest yet, with the largest food lineup to date and eight vendors making their market debut. On the food front, look out for an appearance by Menagerie Coffee, who will be serving up pour-over and iced coffee drinks; and savory food trucks like Poi Dog Philly, Vernalicious and Seoulfull Philly. Among the eight new vendors are This Pretty Life, Upcycle Vintage and Goldalamode. Go forth and get your vintage shop on! Saturday, July 11th, 10 am-5 pm, Headhouse Plaza on 2nd Street.
Haddonfield Arts and Crafts Festival
Dozens of vendors from around the region will take part in Downtown Haddonfield's 2015 Arts and Craft Festival this weekend. This is the 23rd year for the annual event, which was voted one of the top 200 "Best Shows" by Sunshine Artists. Saturday, July 11th and Sunday, July 12th, various times, free, various locations throughout downtown Haddonfield.
Eastern State Penitentiary Bastille Day Celebration
Let them eat Tastykake! Over 2,000 of the treats will be sacrificed this Saturday at the annual Bastille Day Celebration at Eastern State Penitentiary. If you think that sounds strange, wait until you see the John Jarboe from the Bearded Ladies perform Edith Piaf live! Saturday, July 11th, 5:30 pm, free, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue.
Thunder From Down Under at Valley Forge Casino
The sexy male strippers from Australia's Thunder Down Under make their only Philly-area appearance this Saturday at the Valley Forge Casino Resort. The two shows they'll be performing include their signature "cheeky humor" and dance routines. Saturday, July 11th, 8 pm and 11 pm, $45-65, Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 1st Avenue, King of Prussia.
Christina Perri and Colbie Caillat at Mann Center
Pop singer-songwriters Christina Perri and Colbie Caillat are currently touring North America on their "The Girls Night Out, Boys Can Come Too" tour. Perri gained fame in 2010 after her debut single, "Jar Of Hearts," charted after it was featured on So You Think You Can Dance. Since then, Perri signed with Atlantic Records and has released two albums. Caillat debuted in 2007 with her album Coco, which included hit singles. Since then, Caillat has released four more albums and has won two Grammy Awards out of five nominations. Listen before you go: "Bubbly" and "A Thousand Years." Saturday, July 11, 7pm, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue.
Common Ground Marketplace Kicks Off
The second annual—and very-much-expanded—Common Ground Marketplace kicks off its 2015 season this weekend, on Sunday, July 12th, from noon-4pm. The market was organized by The Food Trust and Congregation Rodeph Shalom with the aim to celebrate the connection between congregation and community. From Sunday through November, you can expect not only a farmer's market, but urban farm tours, food trucks and a host of activities taking place throughout the day. Sunday, July 12th, noon-4 pm, free, Broad and Mt. Vernon streets. —Chelsey Hamilton
Movies On the Block: Newbold
Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is bringing outdoor cinema out into Philly’s neighborhoods, starting this weekend in Newbold. Movies on the Block is a free outreach program dedicated to uniting Philadelphia communities and breaking down social, economic and geographic barriers through the art of film. Up-and-coming South Philly enclave Newbold will kick off the series. Those looking to express deep thoughts or explore their inner hipster will be called to join community poetry workshops. Other activities unique to the Newbold experience will include a moving performance by local actor Carlo Campbell and a postcard design and writing project related to the featured film, Brownstones to Red Dirt. Sunday, July 12th, 8 pm, free, 15th Street between Mifflin and Moore streets. —Caralyn Dienstman
Dog Days of Summer in Chestnut Hill
Bring your pup (cats are welcome, too) this Sunday for an all-day festival that celebrates man's best friend. The second annual Dog Days of Summer will feature pet trainers, a paw reader, caricaturist, music, a photo booth, and a "Yappy Hour" for humans. Sunday, July 12th, 11 am, free, Chestnut Hill Business District, Germantown and Southampton Avenues.
Say Anything at Electric Factory
Say Anything is a Los Angeles-based rock band, formed in 2000 by frontman Max Bemis and four friends. In their first two years, they self-released two EPs and one full-length album, before signing with DogHouse Records in 2003. After a brief hiatus in 2005, the band signed with J Records and released four more albums. To celebrate the release of their newest album, Hebrews, the band embarked on their current summer tour on June 24. Listen before you go: "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too." Sunday, July 12, 7pm, The Electric Factory, 421 North 7th Street.
qFLIX Philadelphia LGBTQ Film Fest
Over 50 LGBTQ films from a variety of genres will be featured at this week's qFLIX festival. Various theaters throughout Center City will screen both local and international films, including several world and regional premieres. Through July 12th, various times, prices, and locations throughout Philadelphia.
Moon Man Walk with Orbiter 3
Orbiter 3 launches with a new play, Moon Man Walk, written by Barrymore winner James Ijames. Set (mostly) in Philly, "This magical journey through space and time takes us literally from Philadelphia to the moon and back." Through July 19th, various times, $22, Prince Theatre, 1412 Chestnut Street.
Closer Than Ever with Mazeppa Productions
The popular musical review Closer Than Ever, featuring the songs of Maltby and Shire, returns to Philly with Mazeppa Productions. Featuring 24 songs about life after your twenties, the evening promises to be both humorous and touching. Through July 25th, various times, $25, Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street.
Defending the Caveman at Penn's Landing Playhouse
The long-running Broadway play Defending the Caveman returns to Philadelphia at the Penn's Landing Playhouse. Local performer Vince Valentine takes on the comedic one-man show about gender, sex, and relationships, guaranteed to make you laugh in your seat. Through August 30th, various times, $45-65, Penn's Landing Playhouse, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.
Plan-ta-shun at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
Contemporary artist Colin Quashie presents an installation of modern works titled Plan-ta-shun at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Quashie uses "the language and imagery of marketing and mass media to lampoon racist historical norms and challenge contemporary racial and social constructs." Through August 16th, various times, free after museum admission, African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch 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.
