The Best Things You Can Possibly Do in Philly This Week
From a Fishtown hoedown to three big theater openings to a seriously funny Philly comedian, it’s all right here in Philadelphia this week. Plus: How to score $17 Phillies tickets.
Left: 40 Acres and a Unicorn, 2007, Noah Davis, from the Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibit | Right: Dessa, who is performing at Johnny Brenda’s this week / Photograph by Athel Rogers
From a Fishtown hoedown to three big theater openings to a seriously funny Philly comedian, it’s all right here in our compilation of the best things to do in Philadelphia this week, as carefully curated by Philly Mag’s arts and entertainment editor.
CONCERTS
Gary Numan
The musical weirdo behind late ’70s New Wave tunes “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” and “Cars” has a fiercely devoted cult following.
March 18th at the Keswick
Dessa
Not many people can say they’re a rapper, a poet, the host of an illuminating podcast, a TED Talk-er, a writer with numerous New York Times bylines, a member of an a cappella group, and a Penguin Random House-published memoirist, but such is the case with this Minneapolitan.
March 19th at Johnny Brenda’s
Sweet Pill / Photograph by Mitchell Wojcik
Sweet Pill
The Philly-born emo quintet, fronted by Zayna Youssef, just released their second studio album, Still There’s a Glow. (Yes, you can buy it on cassette.) They’re prepping for a European tour, but first, an all-ages show for their hometown crowd.
March 19th at Union Transfer
“Baby’s First Rodeo”
The monthly Fishtown hoedown returns with plenty of country and Americana — and two-step lessons to, well, boot. The headliner this time around is self-described “amateur musical anthropologist” Nathan Xander.
March 21st at Johnny Brenda’s
Brit Floyd
I don’t tend to feature tribute bands, but if you’re a Pink Floyd fan, this is as close to the real thing as you can get, and I don’t think you’ll ever have the chance to see the real thing again, so …
March 21st at Hard Rock Atlantic City
“Night of 1,000 Kates”
Over the last decade or so, more than 700 performers – singers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, performance artists – have come together for this wild annual variety show centered on the music of Kate Bush. I’m not sure why this exists. But I’m glad it does. Check out this New York Times piece about the unique Philly tradition.
March 21st at Underground Arts
Willie Jones III
The jazz drummer, who has played and recorded with the likes of Herbie Hancock and Roy Hargrove, brings his quartet to Philly.
March 21st at Chris’ Jazz Cafe
CLASSICAL
Haochen Zhang / Photograph courtesy the artist
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Pianist Haochen Zhang shows up to blaze through some Rachmaninoff.
March 20th through 22nd at the Kimmel Center
Sixth Annual Bösendorfer Youth Music Festival
Where you’ll want to be if you want to see the future Yuja Wangs and Lang Langs of the world. Bonus: It’s free!
March 22nd at the German Society of Pennsylvania
SPORTS
March Madness
Break out those brackets!
March 20th and 22nd at Xfinity Mobile Arena
Phillies Charities 5K
Five days before the Phillies home (and season) opener. Get psyched!
March 21st on Phillies Drive
COMEDY
Patton Oswalt
As in the guy from The King of Queens. No, the other guy.
March 20th and 21st at Helium Comedy Club
Finessica / Photograph by @rgfent_and_photography
Finessica
Don’t miss this rising star in the Philly comedy scene.
March 21st at Next in Line Comedy
THEATER
New This Week:
A promotional image for The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington (image courtesy Wilma Theater)
The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington
While the Arden continues to run Good Bones from the brilliant mind of South Philly Pulitzer-winner James Ijames, the Wilma opens his 2014 play, which sees the first First Lady of the United States on her deathbed when she’s put on trial by those she enslaved. I had the chance to see this when it originally came out way back when, and the show comes with my highest possible recommendation.
March 17th through April 5th at the Wilma
“Philly Grit 2026”
Local stage talents Bastion Carboni, Justin Jain, and Cookie Diorio present three separate shows as part of this annual series curated by the good folks at South Philly’s Theatre Exile.
March 18th through 29th at Theatre Exile
Hamlet
But not your average Hamlet. This version is presented by the irreverent Shit-Faced Shakespeare troupe and stars a drunk actor. Every show is different. Their disclaimer gives you an idea of what to expect: “Our show features murder, treason, war, violence (personal, sexual, and national), suicide, regicide, incest, and blasphemy — and that is just the Shakespeare! Our drinker has been known to contribute profanity, and the occasionally bare butt-cheek. If any of this puts you off, maybe another show is more your speed.”
March 20th and 21st at the Kimmel Center
Ongoing:
Romeo & Juliet
Barrymore-winning director Amina Robinson puts her own spin on Shakespeare’s tale of romance and violence.
Through April 8th at the Arden
Twelfth Night
The Bard’s tale, set at an ultra-exclusive resort for the wealthiest of the wealthy.
Through March 29th at People’s Light
Good Bones
The latest play from South Philly Pulitzer winner James Ijames. It’s about a sports stadium controversially being built in the middle of a neighborhood. Sound familiar?
Through March 22nd at the Arden
EXHIBITS
“Noah Davis”
A retrospective of the late American painter and founder of the Underground Museum in Los Angeles. He died at just 32.
Through April 26th at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition”
For a complete rundown on this fun exhibit that’s really more about STEM than it is about Jaws and Jurassic Park, check out this review by my colleague Laura Swartz.
Through September 7th at the Franklin Institute
The Ministry of Awe
A new massive, six-story immersive arts space in Old City from the brain of acclaimed Philadelphia muralist Meg Saligman. For more on exactly what this is, go here, where we do our best to explain it. (You really have to see it to fully comprehend.)
Ongoing at 27 North 3rd Street
MISCELLANY
St. Patrick’s Day
Find an Irish bar (or any bar) and have a seat. If you can find a seat, that is. Just remember: it’s always “Paddy” and never, ever “Patty”.
Everywhere on March 17th
Women’s History Month
We should really be celebrating women every day, but I digress. For a complete guide to what’s happening in Philly during this special month, check this out.
Through March 31st in various locations
LOOKING AHEAD
The Phillies just announced a $17 ticket sale for nine games through the end of April. The sale ends on Wednesday, so get them while you can. Use the promo code LUCK.
