14 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.

Opening Tap 2015
On Friday, kick off what is being billed as "the best and largest craft beer party in the country." Opening Tap 2015 will feature live music, food trucks, plus tastings from over 40 beer breweries. Also, guests will be able to taste the debut of Leuven on a Prayer, a special collaboration beer. Friday, May 29th, 7:00pm, $46, 23rd Street Armory, 22 South 23rd Street.


Al-Bustan Music: {De} Perception
Syrian-born cellist Kinan Abou-afach is teaming up with visual artist Ayman Alalao for a unique performance on Friday evening at the Painted Bride Art Center. Featuring digitally created visuals and a combination of live and pre-recorded music, the evening will present a non-linear story where illustrations will be created on stage. Friday, May 29th, 8:00pm, $30, Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine Street.


Memphis at Walnut Street Theatre
LAST CHANCE: The Tony Award winning musical Memphis takes to the stage of Walnut Street Theatre, and it's perfect summertime fare. The show tells the story of 1950s underground dance clubs and how one singer was turned into a star. With a score by Bon Jovi's David Bryan, you'll surely be dancing in the aisles as the curtain goes down. Through July 12, various times, $20-85, Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street.


Philadelphia Burlesque Festival
This weekend-long event brings some of the world's most talented burlesque performers to Philly to show it all off. The Philadelphia Burlesque Festival includes evening showcases, performances, classes, and dance parties, along with the chance to meet some of your favorite striptease stars. Through May 31st, various times, $30 per performance, Plays and Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place.


Silent Film with Organ: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
You may have watched The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari in film class, but this is an entirely new experience: See the classic movie with live music from the Kimmel Center's famed organ playing in the background. It's a little taste of Halloween come early at this unique theater experience. Friday, May 29th, 9:00pm, $15, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.


Passion at Arden Theatre Company
It is arguably one of the best Sondheim musicals ever composed: The Arden Theatre closes out their 2014-15 season with Passion, a story of intrigue, love, and obsession. Featuring local actresses Liz Filios and Jennie Eisenhower, this gorgeous show is one that will haunt theatergoers long after the curtain falls. Through June 28th, various times, $50, Arden Theatre Company, 40 North 2nd Street.


8th Annual Roots Picnic
The insanely popular Roots Picnic returns this Saturday and features an all-star lineup, including Erykah Badu (pictured), The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Phantogram, and, of course, The Roots. The all-day show is on rain or shine, and there will be plenty of food and drink vendors on site so you can jam all afternoon and night long. Saturday, May 30th, 12:00pm, $99, Festival Pier at Penn's Landing, 601 North Columbus Boulevard.


The Lion King at the Academy of Music
Experience the grandeur of Disney's The Lion King during it's triumphant return to Philadelphia. Directed by Tony Award winner Julie Taymor, the musical has been a world-wide phenomenon, playing cities around the globe. It isn't just the for the kids: Adults will be wowed by the amazing stagecraft and athletic dancing that tells the story of the classic animated film. Through June 14th, various times, $23.50-169.50, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street.


TLC Summer Block Party
Love them or hate them, all of your favorite TLC "celebrities" are invading Penn's Landing this Saturday for a summer block party. Join Kate Gosselin, Buddy (a.k.a. The Cake Boss), The Roloffs from Little People Big World, and plenty more as they celebrate all things Philadelphia. Saturday, May 30th, 12pm, free, The Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.


Future Sensations at Eakins Oval
This is your last chance to check out this highly anticipated giant light-up art installation that’s been glowing all week at Eakin's Oval—and on your Instagram feed. Future Sensations features five huge interactive pavilions, a playground, beer garden, food trucks, plus pieces of French-American history interwoven into the exhibit. Check out the Oval after dark to see the pavilions at their best. Through June 6th, open till 10 pm, free, Eakin's Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.


Dolce Suono Ensemble Presents Música en tus Manos
The Dolce Suono Ensemble continues their exploration of American and Latin American music with this Music in Your Hands concert on Saturday evening. It will feature regular Ensemble members Mimi Stillman (pictured), Gabriel Cabezas, Charles Abromovic, and Gabriel Globus-Hoenich, along with special guests Solomiya Ivakhiv and Pablo Reyes. Saturday, May 30th, 8:00pm, $25, Curtis Institute of Music Gould Rehearsal Hall, 1616 Locust Street.


Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at The Wilma
Tom Stoppard spared no words when writing what has arguably become his most well-known play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. The Wilma Theater tackles this intense dark comedy with the same cast that starred in their production of Hamlet, and many of the same characters from Shakespeare's drama make interesting appearances throughout Stoppard's work. Through June 20th, various times, $30, Wilma Theater, 265 South Broad Street.


I Promised Myself to Live Faster at FringeArts
Pig Iron Theatre Company has been at the avant-garde theater game for 20 years. Here, they bring us an “intergalactic gay extravaganza featuring closeted extraterrestrials, high-stakes pursuits and nuns from outer space.” May 22-31, various times and prices, FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard.


LAST CHANCE: The Hound of the Baskervilles at St. Stephen’s Theater
Lantern Theater Company presents a fresh, farcical take on the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery. Closes Sunday, June 28th, times and prices vary, St. Stephen's Theater, 923 Ludlow 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.
