21 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.
“Discovering the Impressionists” at Philadelphia Museum of Art
As one of the largest and most popular art museums in the nation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art rarely disappoints its visitors -- and the Impressionists exhibition that opened this week is no exception. The exhibit centers around Parisian art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel who believed in the Impressionist movement and championed now-legendary painters like Monet, Manet, Pissaro and Renoir. Paintings from these guys and more are on display in the galleries, tracing the history of the medium from Paris to Philadelphia, which is the only stop of this exhibition in the United States. It’s a must see—especially for those with an interest in art history. June 24-September 13, various times, $0-20, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Tall Ships Festival Featuring Rubber Ducky
The Tall Ships festival on the Delaware will bring a slew of outdoor events the whole family can enjoy. Visitors have the chance to observe, step aboard and even take a ride on more than a dozen international and domestic tall ships, including the U.S. Coast Guard vessel Barque Eagle, French vessel L'Hermione, the Canadian Barque Picton Castle and Gazela, Philadelphia's official tall ship. Besides marveling over these impressive sailing vessels, visitors can enjoy music by live bands and other entertainment, visit surrounding food trucks and beer gardens or check out the Independence Seaport Museum on location. June 25-28, various times, $16-150, Independence Seaport Museum, Penn's Landing.
New Jersey Art Star Craft Bazaar
Did you miss the annual fair at Penn's Landing? Don't worry. A second edition of the annual craft fair is taking place in New Jersey this weekend. And it's free to attend, also. July 26th, Bradley Park Fifth Avenue between Kingsley Street and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Supper, People on the Move at Project Space
Choreographer and owner of Cardell Dance Theater, Silvana Cardell, is presenting a new show opening this weekend. Supper, People on the Move explores the themes of migration and dislocation. A native of Argentina, Cardell wanted to examine the human experience of people on the move through. Along with the live dance performances, there will be an accompanying exhibit displaying stories of local immigrants and a free screening of the performance at Independence National Historical Park. June 25-28, 8pm, $15-20, Icebox Project Space at Crane Arts, 1400 North American Street.
Awesome Fest Kicks Off With Call Me Lucky
Awesome Fest kicks off its summer-long outdoor screening series at Liberty Lands with Bobcat Goldthwait's endearing documentary that chronicles the life and career of political satirist Barry Crimmins. The screenings are free and intended for mature audiences. Full summer schedule here. Fridays at sundown, June 26th through August 14th, Liberty Lands.
A Night of Gershwin with The Philadelphia Orchestra
The world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra will showcase an evening of music by prolific early-20th-century composer George Gershwin. The orchestra will celebrate Gershwin's groundbreaking works by performing some of his most prominent pieces, which means you’ll be hearing selections from Rhapsody in Blue, Porgy and Bess, An American in Paris and more. June 26, 8pm, $20-35, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue.
Starlights and Luminaries: A Tall Ships Premiere Celebration
In the midst of the Tall Ships event on the waterfront, the Young Friends of Independence Seaport Museum and Drink Philly will host Starlights and Luminaries, a special event held at dusk Friday to allow guests to see the Tall Ships once the crowd has dispersed. In addition to the spectacular view of the vessels from the fourth-floor balcony of the museum, guests can enjoy light refreshments, a raffle ticket and an open bar with their general admission ticket. June 26, 7-10pm, $45-55, Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard.
Matt Roach
Matt Roach calls his music "alternative to rock and pop, with a little country-comedian thrown in." Roach is currently on tour for his most recent album, The Ghosts of Aldine Street, and has been playing at different venues throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey since April. Listen before you go: "The Ghosts of Aldine Street." Friday, June 26, 8pm, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street.
The N Crowd Improv Comedy
The N Crowd is an uproarious Philly-based improv comedy troupe that offers shows nearly every Friday night. Having performed over 500 times in Philly alone, the troupe of 19 comedians have perfected their craft of making people laugh -- and audiences love it. Each show is about 80 minutes and filled with unscripted comedy, making for an unpredictable, crazy performance every time. June 26, 8pm, $12-15, The Actors Center, 257 North Third Street.
Family Weekend: Pets In Prison
Eastern State Penitentiary is partnering with New Leash on Life: USA to offer a family-friendly weekend of learning about prison animals. Families can hear unique stories about the clinker pets, participate in scavenger hunts and meet Eastern State's dog, Pep. New Leash on Life, a non-profit prison-dog training program, was started by former inmate Rob Rosa who had a puppy-training program in his prison that changed his life. Families will also have the opportunity to meet dogs from the New Leash on Life program, and adopt if interested. June 27 and 28, 12-4pm, $0-14, Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue.
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.
Family Day at the Shops at Liberty Place
To kick off Wawa Welcome America, a week of free events leading up to the Fourth of July, Family Day will be held to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first reading of Alice in Wonderland at the Shops at Liberty Place. A perfect day for some family fun, the event will have interactive games, entertainment, arts and crafts and more. June 27, 12-4pm, free, The Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street.
40th Street Summer Series
This series of annual free concerts on the lawn at 40th and Walnut streets kicks off this Saturday, with live performances by Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra and Music Over Matter. Held on the last Saturday of each month this summer, talented musicians, bands, dancers and actors will perform on the lawn for spectators to see. There will also be face-painting, jugglers, balloon art and more to make for an enjoyable family-friendly afternoon. June 27, 6pm, free, lawn behind the Walnut Street Library, 40th and Walnut streets.
Battleship New Jersey Craft Beer Festival
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild presents the Beer Festival aboard the Battleship New Jersey, where more than 20 New Jersey breweries will be aboard showcasing their specialty brews. A general admission ticket will get you 15 4-ounce beer samples (with the option to purchase more), a self-guided tour of the ship, live music and food for purchase. A short ferry ride from Philly, head over to Camden to join fellow beer lovers for a day of vessels and good ale. June 27, 12:30pm-4:30pm, $45-55, U.S. Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ.
Summer Solstice Saturdays
Liberté Lounge, a chic lounge and bar inside the Sofitel Hotel, will be hosting a Summer Solstice party on the last Saturday night of each month this summer. The spot is known for its elegant atmosphere, French cuisine and tasty cocktails, so join them in celebrating summer with drink specials, dancing and a live DJ. June 27, 9pm-1am, drink specials, Liberté Lounge, 120 South 17 Street.
Torres
Torres is an independent singer-songwriter and musician best known for her indie-rock and folk sound. Her first studio album, Torres, was released in January 2013, and since she has toured extensively across North America with a variety of different artists. Her most recent album, Sprinter, was released in May 2015. Listen before you go: "Strange Hellos." Saturday, June 27, 8:30 pm, The Boot & Saddle, 1131 South Broad Street.
Philly Dance Fitness Dance-Off
Philly Dance Fitness, a fun exercise-dance fusion studio with three locations across the city, often offers "dance-offs" to get people moving and sweating with some friendly competition. This weekend, they're hosting a "MJ v. Bruno" dance-off, where attendees can learn routines from Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. The 90-minute workshop will include simple routines, as well as more complicated combinations, from both pop stars. No dance experience is required, just come ready to sweat! June 28, 3:30-5pm, $20-25, Philly Dance Fitness, 1170 South Broad Street.
Running for Cover
The Noreen O'Neill Foundation for Melanoma Research presents the 10th annual Running for Cover event, benefitting Wistar's Melanoma Research Center. Events this year include a 5K Run, 1 Mile Walk and 1/2 Mile Junior Dash for participants under the age of 10. The event will be booming with music, games, health information and giveaways. All registered runners qualify for a raffle drawing where they can win various prizes, and a post-race award ceremony will be held. Whether you want to walk, run or just cheer on the participants, everyone is encouraged to come out and support the good cause. June 28, 8:30-10am, 0-$25, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street.
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.
Barenaked Ladies
Barenaked Ladies is a Canadian rock band formed in the late 1980s. Their label debut, Gordon, was released in 1992 and they gained a cult following in Canada that made its way stateside in the late 90s with singles like "One Week" and "Pinch Me." They have released 14 albums since their debut, and their most recent album, Silverball, was released in June 2015. Listen before you go: "One Week." Sunday, June 28, 7:30pm, the Mann, 5201 Parkside Avenue.
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 Josh Middleton at jmiddleton@phillymag.com.
