Philly Mah-Jawn
Photograph by Jeff Fusco Interest in mah-jongg has surged over the past couple of years, but Philly Mah-Jawn has been at it since 2019; they opened a new clubhouse in Old City last year. The weekly meetups there (and in KOP on Wednesdays) are when more experienced players participate in league games and events; beginners can try their hands on Saturday afternoons. 123 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Library Mixtape
These days, the music you’re listening to was probably recommended by AI, or even made by AI. Escape the algorithm at Parkway Central Library’s vinyl listening and discussion club, which meets in the Music Department the last Wednesday of every month. Each month’s meeting is themed (there was recently one focused on Philly-made jazz), but attendees can always bring their own selections or request a spin of something from the library’s catalog of 30,000 records. 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Museum of Music Technology
This massive warehouse in Montco houses groundbreaking musical instruments from the 1960s to the 1990s, such as the Minimoog and the ARP-2500 — and not just those instruments but some that come from the personal collections of Queen, Stevie Wonder, and the Who. Access is available by guided tour only and by appointment. 45 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA 19438
KulfiGirls
From left: Joan Natesh, Abi Natesh, Stephanie Bruning, and Adesola Ogunleye. / Photograph by Jeff Fusco Like many kids born in the ’90s, Abi Natesh wanted to learn to play the guitar. But her traditional parents and other relatives, who hail from the Tamil Nadu region of India, had other ideas. “My aunt had a veena in the house,” recalls Abi, referring to an Indian lute in the same family as the sitar. “‘We have this, so you’re going to play this,’ she told me.” Abi, who grew up in Montco, began taking veena lessons when she was 12, eventually studying voice, including South Indian Carnatic styles. During COVID, Abi and her life partner, Joan, were writing punk and rock songs, and Abi realized she wanted to incorporate the sounds of India. Thus, KulfiGirls (kulfi is an Indian dessert) was born, eventually adding bassist Stephanie Bruning and drummer Adesola Ogunleye. And it turns out the fusing of these styles really works. They just released an expanded edition of their 2025 debut, Divinity, and are working on a follow-up album. We love the video for their single “Bite,” which was recorded, in part, at Rowhouse Grocery in Point Breeze and includes lots of blood and … pomegranate juice? Follow their Instagram for their next show.
Historic Strawberry Mansion
Many Philadelphians don’t realize that Strawberry Mansion is not just a neighborhood. There’s an actual mansion, built in the 1780s, the former home of abolitionist and lawyer William Lewis. Plenty of the original architecture is still intact, as well as some original floors, furniture, and other positively fascinating artifacts. It’s a gorgeous step back in time, and preservationist Tyson Gardner will wear period costumes and tell you all about it during the hour-long guided tours, available Thursday through Sunday. “I just wish more people knew we were here,” says Gardner. “This house has quite the Philadelphia story to tell.” Bonus: There’s a public garden, and you can feel free to pick from it. 2540 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19132
Jamey’s House of Music
Blues music is underrepresented in the Philly scene, but this Delco institution maintains a robust schedule of shows (beyond the blues, too). Our favorite? The Sunday blues brunch and jam, where you’re welcome to join the fab band on stage, as many do. The intimate 60-seat venue is run by West Philly resident and bassist Jamey Reilly. His wife, Suyun, holds down the kitchen — you’ve gotta try her fried rice. 32 Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050
FaceClock Gallery
What this zero-proof lounge, gallery, and event space lacks in liquor it makes up for in avant-garde entertainment. The space, decked out in vintage design and local art, hosts a slew of gatherings, from poetry readings to yoga classes to DJ sets. And if you’re a fan of the adaptogen-packed drinks at their bar (love that lemon lavender spritz!), hit the bottle shop to take home some of the same ingredients they use in your faves. 1935 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
Cobbs Creek Golf Course Driving Range
Photograph by Jeff Fusco No, not that kind of swinger, ya dirty birds. The much-anticipated 18-hole course on the edge of the city won’t be unveiled until the fall of 2027 — at the earliest. Meanwhile, we’ve been loving the driving range that opened in December, with its beautiful double-decker setup of 68 covered driving bays, 48 of which are first come, first served. And, for when it gets cold again, some of the bays have heat, making this a truly year-round destination. 7403 Lansdowne Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19151
Queer Arm Wrestling
If you’ve been working on your biceps, triceps, glutes, and core, try your hand — well, arm — against others in the city at these furious but fun face offs held at places like Val’s Lesbian Bar and Philadelphia Brewing Company. Philadelphia, PA
Plantie Mame
On workdays, you’ll find Meg Rider in professional attire for her job as a Medicare trainer for Jefferson Health Plans. In her off time, she goes everywhere from Dirty Franks to local parks, arboretums, and community centers as her alter ego, Plantie Mame, a green-thumbed goddess akin to what you’d get if the wildly flamboyant 1950s movie character made famous by Rosalind Russell and a greenhouse had a baby. (Rider, who also calls herself the Diva of Dirt, is literally covered head to toe in plants and flowers.) Plantie Mame hosts plant swaps — bring a plant, take a plant — and all sorts of other horticultural activities, spreading joy and positivity along the way. “During COVID, I was going through isolation and the recent loss of my parents,” Rider says. “I created Plantie Mame as a way for me to heal but also to help others.” Philadelphia, PA
The Curtis Institute Recital Series
Want to see the future Lang Langs and Yuja Wangs and Hilary Hahns in action? The prestigious Rittenhouse Square institution — from which all of the aforementioned graduated — offers more than 100 free recitals each year, from piano soloists to full orchestras to operas to chamber music. They happen at 7:30 p.m. on most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and make great classical music accessible to all. 1726 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
God’s Automatic Body and Spa
The antidote to Live Nation and Ticketmaster is Philly’s flourishing DIY and underground scene, where anybody can get an idea for a show and put it on. Getting to God’s is a bit of a journey: You walk through an unlit field to access a path that goes behind some houses, where you’ll eventually see a hand-painted sign pointing you to a door. (Yes, it feels just as bananas as it sounds, but the destination’s worth it.) Step inside and you might see country or punk bands, comedy or storytelling, fringy theatrical productions or art shows — and always an interesting and wildly diverse group of attendees. If you’re looking to experience something different, this is it. 5522 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Saturnia
Photograph by Jeff Fusco This is for everyone (like the grumpy Philly Mag staffer writing this snippet) who complains that clubs don’t play enough disco music. At the Trestle Inn every Saturday night, it’s nothing but disco, with a go-go dancing duo performing for truly authentic Studio 54 energy. Because, as the Bee Gees would say, you should be dancing. 339 North 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Ceremony
Who says those enraptured by the dark arts can’t get a little groove on too? The new monthly goth night at Club 624 offers a perfectly dimly lit place to do all your vampiric swaying to the sounds of post-punk and dark wave classics. Expect lots of black clothing, Depeche Mode, and a tarot reader. 624 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Jazz Attack
The volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to spreading appreciation of the vast range of swing dance — which includes Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston, etc. — hosts a drop-in Lindy 101 lesson (from $7) every Thursday to get you started with a basic rock step, triple step, triple step (among other footwork). Once you get into the, well, swing of things, test out your moves at the social dances held throughout the month. 1336 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Moore College of Art’s Young Artists Workshop
Middle schoolers with their acrylic paintings during Moore College’s Young Artists Workshop in 2025 / Photograph by Naomieh Jovin The long-running but ever-evolving Young Artists Workshop turns weekends into a working studio experience for middle and high schoolers. Taught by practicing artists, students focus on disciplines like animation, graphic design, fashion, ceramics, game art, and much more in 10-week sessions. They’ll build up their skills — and their portfolios. 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Schuylkill Center’s Wild Wanderers
This after-school nature-immersion program set amid 365 acres of forest, meadows, and streams is the perfect antidote to long days stuck in the classroom — walking trails, poking around streams, learning local ecology, and doing just enough structured activity that it feels like discovery rather than “programming.” Pro tip: Transportation slots (from select Northwest Philly pickups) are especially competitive, so don’t treat registration like it can wait. 8480 Hagys Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Music Theatre Philly
Now expanded into a three-story studio space at 13th and Locust, MTP has scaled up everything: more classrooms, more age groups, and a wider mix of training tracks. (There are even classes and productions for parents reliving their on-stage dreams.) The programming has grown into an entire creative ecosystem — structured 14-week skills sessions, full-scale productions, private lessons, summer camps — with the same mix of expert training and inclusive joy that’s made them a second home for theater kids throughout Philly. 1301 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
World of Robotics
Your kid’s already spending hours on Roblox — let’s just say it’s been way more than 99 nights in the forest — so why not have them actually learn to code it? World of Robotics’ classes range from coding and game design to 3D modeling and building LEGO-based robots, and are offered on various weeknights and weekends, depending on the location. Locations in Huntingdon Valley and King of Prussia, PA
Range of Motion
While this community space offers everything from martial arts to dance, its parkour classes are the way to go — part sport, part problem-solving lab, and fully designed to burn off energy. Kids climb, vault, and swing their way through obstacle courses, stringing together runs to make one continuous route. Here, kids are encouraged to test their limits — with soft landings and the kind of coaching that turns “I bet I can make that” into something they actually can. 812 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Skilladelphia
Parents have been raving about this skill- and confidence-building organization that teaches girls and nonbinary kids ages six to 14 how to be their best at sports like basketball and lacrosse — and life in general. The program regularly pulls in top players from Penn, Temple, and Drexel to work with the kids and provide role models and mentorship. (Workshops are held in various places throughout the city.) Fun Philly trivia: Skilladelphia is run by coach Mac Casey and his wife, who just happens to be New York Times bestselling novelist Liz Moore.
Books and Brews Philly
Remember in elementary school, when you and your classmates squealed over the latest Captain Underpants or Amelia’s Notebook and spent precious quarters on holographic bookmarks at the Scholastic book fair? Well, the joy of our bibliophilic youth now lives on through Books and Brews. The group hosts book fairs and swaps for grown-ups at local watering holes — from Love City Brewing in Callowhill to New Hope’s Manoff Market Gardens — in collaboration with independent bookstores. (They usually host one to two per month, announced on their Instagram a few weeks in advance.) Pure nostalgia, matured — and a TBR pile you’ll actually dig into.
BiJinx
This party each fourth Wednesday at Franky Bradley’s isn’t just another night in the Gayborhood. With events like speed dating, sober night, and parties co-hosted alongside leather bar Bike Stop, the event brings bisexual attendees together for flirting or friendship or both. Anybody (who’s into everybody) is welcome. 1320 Chancellor Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Players Only Arcade
Long before the Switch, there was Frogger and a host of other ’80s delights that operated on just a few dozen kilobytes of ROM and a couple of kilobytes of RAM. Players Only Arcade is a beautiful tribute to that era. For $10, you can play for an hour — and for $20, you can play for as long as you want. It’s the very definition of rainy-day fun. 201 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007
The Lezborhood
In 2024, we gave Val’s Lesbian Bar — at the time little more than a logo and an Instagram page — a Best of Philly award simply for the idea of bringing lesbian nightlife back to Philly. Now, with their smash-hit hot pink bi-level bar (opened in March) steps away from queer women’s-sports bar Marsha’s, they’ve done just that, instilling some liveliness on a small chunk of long-forlorn South Street. The cheeky name fans have given the area — the Lezborhood — deserves an award of its own. Queen Village, Philadelphia, PA
Space Melt Cinema
If you’re the friend in the group whose movie-picking rights have been revoked after one too many weird deep cuts, Space Melt Cinema will finally do right by you. Run by co-directors and married couple Emily Eisler Monteverde and Matt “Monty” Monteverde, along with Nick McDowell, the group hosts screenings of underrated, unconventional films like House and Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same at all kinds of venues — from the PFS and drive-ins to breweries and thrift shops. This month: a screening of 1991 drag queen musical Vegas in Space on August 22nd, hosted by At My House in Queen Village.
Fencing Academy of Philadelphia
So you’re looking for a new recreational sport, but the usual suspects — pickleball, golf — are boring. Take a stab at fencing through this nearly 40-year-old program with locations in University City, Havertown, Wyncote, and Exton. (Olympic gold medalist Maia Weintraub trained with them, by the way.) No experience needed, and everyone above eight is welcome; you can even arrange a fencing party through the academy. Multiple locations, PA
Penn Live Arts
This season at the University of Pennsylvania’s theater brings us everything from an evening with Hedwig and the Angry Inch creator John Cameron Mitchell to banjo plucker extraordinaire Béla Fleck to Branford Marsalis with Diane Reeves to classical Indian dance to … well, truly something for everyone. 3680 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Philadelphia Erotic Gallery & Museum
So maybe it’s not first-date material, but you do you. Also known as P.E.G., this new addition to Philly’s top-notch museum scene is a monument to sex, gender, and erotica. If the history room, interactive “please touch” anatomy room, rotating art exhibitions, and calendar full of educational and delightful events (like drawing classes, open mics, and movie nights) don’t tickle your fancy, maybe the gift shop (books, jewelry, apparel, decor, and … other items) will. 706 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Maisy’s Meeting House
Want to get out of the house without blowing money on drinks and bumping into the city’s sweatiest and loudest? This BYOB Old City clubhouse offers a chiller kind of sociality — in the vein of after-school activities for adults, like Heated Rivalry Jeopardy!, murder-mystery potlucks, and upcycling workshops. Browse their library of crafts and games, and settle in for some good old-fashioned fun. Events are ticketed and must be reserved in advance. 39 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Trinket Troves
Late last year, tiny cabinets, boxes, and DIY stands began popping up across the region, filled with little toys, keychains, handmade jewelry, and all manner of delightful odds and ends. Known as Trinket Troves, they’re part community exchange, part scavenger hunt, and part reminder that the best surprises are often hiding in plain sight. Find these whimsical boxes in Manayunk, West Philly, Fishtown, by the stadiums, even in Glenside … and who knows where else by the time you read this. Multiple locations