14 Things to Do in Philly This Week

Our picks for what to do this week, including Center City Restaurant Week, E.T. at Headhouse Square and the Best of Philly Soiree.

By Bryan Buttler· 8/2/2015, 5:54 a.m.

Center City Restaurant Week

Dozens of your favorite Center City restaurants are offering special prix-fixe menus during a special summer edition of Center City District Restaurant Week. Select establishments will offer a $20 lunch, while others will serve dinner for $35 per person. Sunday, August 2nd through Friday, August 14th (excluding Saturday, August 8th), various times and locations throughout Philadelphia

Rising Stars of Tomorrow at The Mann Center

This free daytime concert at The Mann on Monday features a host of the hottest young talent in the region. Performers at the Rising Stars of Tomorrow concert will be between the ages of 8 to 19, which makes this great family entertainment. Monday, August 3rd, 11 am, free, The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue

Victoria Morse / Flickr

Smashing Pumpkins and Marilyn Manson at SBC

A double bill straight from 1995. Susquehanna Bank Center, August 3-6.

Power Yoga at the Oval

Get your zen on under the trees on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this Wednesday evening. This free happy hour power yoga class at The Oval is designed for all levels, so even if you don't know what a downward-facing dog is, don't fear. Wednesday, August 5th, 6 pm, free, The Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Dinner and a Movie: E.T.

"Phone home" this Wednesday night at the South Street Headhouse District's "Dinner and a Movie" series, featuring the film E.T. Pay-as-you-go at a variety of food vendors and restaurants before the start of the big show at 8 pm. Wednesday, August 5th, 6 pm, pay as you go, Headhouse Square Shambles, 122 Lombard Street

A Taste of African Heritage Cooking Class

The Free Library's Greater Olney Branch is hosting a free six-week African cooking class. Participants will learn how to prepare plant-based recipes that are low in cholesterol, saturated fat, sugars, and excess sodium, while learning about major African foods. Wednesday, August 5th, 6 pm, free, Free Library Greater Olney Branch, 5501 North 5th Street

West Philadelphia Orchestra at Penn Museum

The eclectic sounds of the West Philadelphia Orchestra will be swinging on Wednesday night at the Penn Museum's Summer Nights Concert Series. Your show ticket also gets you access to the Museum's vast collection for the evening. Wednesday, August 5th, 5 pm, $10, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street

The Piano Guys

Paul Anderson, Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, and Al Van Der Beek make up The Piano Guys, the musical group that puts a classical spin on pop music. They'll be playing The Mann on Wednesday, and guests can purchase a special "meet and greet" package if they want to meet the men behind the music. Wednesday, August 5th, 7:30 pm, $35-125, The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue

Summer Art Fun at The Oval

Join members of the Mural Arts Program this Thursday evening for an arts and crafts session at The Oval. Guests will have the chance to make kaleidoscopes, pinwheels, origami, paint-by-numbers, chalk art, and temporary tattoos. Thursday, August 6th, 6 pm, free, The Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Lawn Games and Relay Races in Mt. Airy

Mt. Airy's Park Before Dark series continues this Thursday evening with family fun for all ages. There will be lawn games and relay races at Lovett Library Park suitable for children and adults alike. Thursday, August 6th, 6 pm, free, Lovett Library Park, 6945 Germantown Avenue

Best of Philly Soiree

Philadelphia Magazine's own Best of Philly party is this Thursday, and it'll be an evening full of food, drink, and entertainment. This year's bash is at Dilworth Park, and will feature dozens of our Best of Philly winners. Thursday, August 6th, 6:30 pm, $90, Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street

“Get Into Our Shorts”

Four nights of short plays, all by Philadelphia playwrights. Painted Bride, August 6.

"Mind Illuminated" at Mütter Museum

Art meets science in this exhibit featuring the works of Philadelphia painter and neuroscientist Greg Dunn, who turns images of human neurons into fine art. The New York Times calls his images “haunting.” Mütter Museum, now till January 7. —Victor Fiorillo

Defending the Caveman at Penn's Landing Playhouse

The long-running Broadway play Defending the Caveman returns to Philadelphia at the Penn's Landing Playhouse. Local performer Vince Valentine takes on the comedic one-man show about gender, sex, and relationships, guaranteed to make you laugh in your seat. Through August 30th, various times, $45-65, Penn's Landing Playhouse, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.

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.

14 Things to Do in Philly This Week

Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.

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