The Best Things You Can Possibly Do in Philly This Week
This week in Philly: the Fringe Festival, Eagles season begins, the return of Open Streets, mushrooms in Kennett Square, and much more.
The Philadelphia Fringe Festival returns: Thomas Jay Ryan in Kramer/Fauci / Photograph by Maria Baranova-Suzuki
This week in Philly: the Fringe Festival, Eagles season begins, the return of Open Streets, mushrooms in Kennett Square, and much more. Here’s the best of the best happening this week.
ON STAGE
Philadelphia Fringe Festival (and related events)
This annual citywide celebration of contemporary art and performance features over 1,000 events throughout the city. Whether you’re into dance, circus, comedy, avant-garde performance art, theater or music, there’s truly something for everyone — including kid-friendly shows and free stuff, too. (Don’t know where to start? Arts and entertainment editor Victor Fiorillo has some tips for you.) September 8th-27th, multiple locations.
Mitridate, re di Ponto
Mozart was just 14 when he wrote this opera of doomed romance and family drama. Opera Philadelphia gives the rarely performed work its Philadelphia premiere, with tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the titular king, countertenor (and Opera Philadelphia general director) Anthony Roth Costanzo as his son, and soprano Brenda Rae as the woman they both love. September 9th-13th at the Academy of Music.
Charli XCX
The 365 Party Girl opens her latest arena tour, “Music, Fashion, Film,” here in Philly. September 11th at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Rent at Bucks County Playhouse / Photograph by Joan Marcus
Rent
Head to Bucks County Playhouse for Jonathan Larson’s iconic rock musical about a group of artists and friends navigating love, loss, creativity, and community in 1990s New York City. Through September 13th at Bucks County Playhouse.
Summer, 1976
David Auburn, the Pulitzer-winning playwright behind Proof, brings humor and poignancy to this story of friendship, ambition, and the choices that shape us. Kate Galvin directs the Philadelphia premiere. September 10th-October 10th at St. Stephen’s Theater, 10th and Ludlow streets.
Breakaway Music Festival
The EDM-centric fest comes to Chester, with two days of live music by Sofi Tukker, Tiësto, Marshmello, and lots more. September 11th & 12th at the Festival Grounds at Subaru Park, 1 Stadium Drive, Chester.
FESTIVALS
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival / Photograph by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia
Mushroom Festival
Kennett Square is the “mushroom capital of the world,” so of course they’re going to go all out for fungus. The two-day festival has plenty of mushroom-centric food, plus live music, kids’ activities, music, cooking demos, and more. September 12th & 13th, 101 South Union Street, Kennett Square.
Philadelphia Honey Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Philadelphia Honey Festival brings a day of bee-centric activities to Wyck Historic House. The festival has fun for all ages, with beekeeping demos and talks, food trucks, vendors, and even a guy with a beard of bees! September 12th, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wyck Historic House, 6026 Germantown Avenue.
Aki Matsuri
This Japanese harvest festival brings live performances, crafts, cosplay, games, food, shopping, and a lineup of Bon Odori dances you can join in on — including a Pokémon-inspired one! September 12th, 2–9 p.m. at Schauffele Plaza, Lancaster and Cricket avenues, Ardmore.
Spring Garden Sunflower Festival
This family-friendly block party includes a full schedule of live music, more than 50 artists and vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, and a kids’ zone with crafts and games. September 12th, noon-8 p.m., 1700 to 1900 Fairmount Avenue.
Philly Black Wine & Spirits Fest
Sip wines and spirits from Black-owned and diverse brands, then stick around for live DJs, performances, food vendors, interactive art and plenty of Mardi Gras-inspired revelry. And this year’s “From Bourbon Street to Broad Street” theme means purple, green, and gold are encouraged. September 12th, 3 p.m. (VIP at 1 p.m.) at Girard College, 2101 South College Avenue.
The Philly Black Wine & Spirits Fest returns to Girard College this weekend. / Photograph by Unseen Visuals
Open Streets: West Walnut
The Best of Philly-winning event returns. Take to the streets as 18th from Locust to Chestnut, and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th streets will be closed to vehicular traffic. From 10 a.m to 5 p.m. on those days, the streets will be open to pedestrians, along with live entertainment (think music, dance troupes, strolling performers) and a kids’ zone with free activities. Sundays from September 13th through October 25th, 10 a.m-5 p.m., 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from 15th to 19th.
Feria del Barrio
This North Philly celebration of Latino culture dates back to 1979, and includes live music and dancing, food, arts and crafts, and much more. September 13th, noon-5 p.m., North 5th Street between Huntingdon and Lehigh.
Mexican Independence Day Festival
Hosted by the Mexican Cultural Center, this annual waterfront celebration features live music and performances, kids’ activities, food, vendors, and more. September 13th, 2-8 p.m. at Blue Cross RiverRink.
20/20 Photo Festival
This annual, 10-day event brings Philly’s photography community together for a citywide celebration of contemporary photography with exhibits, artist talks, workshops, demonstrations, and a book fair. There will be an opening night party Thursday at Crane Arts, and the book fair will be on Saturday at Cherry Street Pier. See the full schedule here. September 10th-19th, multiple locations.
FallFest at Shady Brook Farm
Yardley’s famous farm is once again decked out in seasonal sights and activities — including a light show, farm animals, wagon rides, pick-your-own produce, and an America 250-themed corn maze. Tickets available online. September 11th-through October 30th Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley.
MUSEUMS
“Colors of Creation” at the Weitzman / Photograph by Shoot From Within
“Colors of Creation”
The Weitzman’s new family gallery features a 30-minute immersive, multi-sensory experience that combines projection mapping, music, colorful lighting, and hands-on activities inspired by the story of creation. Timed tickets are available online. Now open at the Weitzman.
“A Nation of Artists”
A groundbreaking two-venue exhibit showcasing more than 1,000 pieces of American art, part of the Semiquincentennial. Through July 5, 2027 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and PAFA.
“The Declaration’s Journey”
At the Museum of the American Revolution, visitors can learn how the Declaration of Independence went from a single document to one of modern history’s most important political texts, influencing the fight for freedom around the world. Through January 3rd at the Museum of the American Revolution.
MISCELLANY
Spruce Street Harbor Park / Photograph by Matt Stanley
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Blue Cross RiverRink just closed for the season, but its chill southern cousin remains open for hammock lounging and fun for all ages. This weekend’s events include yappy hour with ACCT, family fun with PopUpPlay, and live music. 301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Goat Walk at Laurel Hill
Take a free evening walk through Laurel Hill Cemetery East, where you’ll stroll the historic grounds alongside Philly Goat Project‘s goats, and hear stories of the famous people buried there. September 9th, 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery East.
The Feast of Reason
Carpenters’ Hall is reviving Thomas Jefferson’s “Feast of Reason” dinners for the modern era, bringing 16 people together over a family-style meal for a guided discussion about a thorny civic question. The first installment tackles public monuments and statues, with Monument Lab’s Yannick Trapman-O’Brien helping lead the conversation. Apply for a spot online. September 10th, 6–8 p.m. at Carpenters’ Hall.
Devon Fall Classic
Like a mini version of the larger spring event with high-jumping competition, shopping, live music, and, of course, the Country Fair midway with carnival rides and games. September 10th-13th, 23 Dorset Road, Devon.
Latin American Book Fair
Authors and illustrators from across Latin America gather at the Kimmel Center for a day of books, art, and culture. In addition to finding your next read, expect a live program of Colombian music and performance. September 12th, 11 a.m. at the Kimmel Center.
Ben Franklin plays pickleball at Dilworth Park’s CityPickle pop-up courts. / Photograph by Laura Swartz
CityPickle at Dilworth Park
Pickleball is taking over Dilworth Park from September 2nd through October 18th. CityPickle will once again set up two courts near City Hall, giving players a chance to rally in the middle of Center City. Book a court through the CityPickle app, or reserve a private court for your crew. Through October 18th in Dilworth Park.
Philadelphia Zoo Car Show
The zoo’s inaugural car show will display over 100 classic and high-end cars throughout the grounds, as well as activations sharing how car owners can be more eco-friendly. The show is included with general zoo admission. September 13th, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Eagles Home Opener
The Birds are back in town! The Eagles take on the Washington Commanders at the Linc on Sunday — go nuts! September 13th at Lincoln Financial Field.
