Things to Do in Philly in August
Snoop Dogg plays Bethlehem Musikfest on August 15th.
Through January 7
“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.”
See Thurston Moore at Union Transfer on the 5th.
August 3-6
“Get Into Our Shorts” at Painted Bride
Four nights of short plays, all by Philadelphia playwrights.
August 5
Thurston Moore at Union Transfer
Of Sonic Youth fame.
August 6
Nicki Minaj at Susquehanna Bank Center
One can only imagine what antics the scantily clad Trinidadian will bring with her to Camden.
August 6-7
Mad Decent Block Party at Penn’s Landing
One for the high-energy EDM set.
August 6-21
“Stories from Non-Putin Russia”at International House
Documentary film-lovers, take note of this series featuring docs made in the former Soviet Union after its collapse but before its current president took power.
August 7 to 16
Bethlehem Musikfest
When Bethlehem’s annual music festival launched 31 years ago, the lineup was exactly as sleepy and washed-up as you’d expect something in the Lehigh Valley to be. Headliners the first few years included Don McLean, the Association and, er, Judy Collins. But three decades later, the 10-day event is a respectable festival, with more than 500 shows, the vast majority of them free. This year’s ticketed headliners include Snoop Dogg, Darius Rucker, Jerry Seinfeld, Alice in Chains and the Flaming Lips, plus a special pre-party on August 6th with Duran Duran. But don’t worry, you old-timey Pennsyltuckians: There’s still plenty of polka every year.
Secretaries is among the lineup at this year’s GayFest! taking place August 8th to 9th.
August 7-22
GayFest!
No, not a pride parade, but an LGBT theater festival from Quince Productions.
August 8-9
Bug Fest at Academy of Natural Sciences
Your annual chance to get freaked out by Madagascar hissing cockroaches.
August 11
Jennifer Weiner at Central Library
The Queen Village author returns with … wait for it, wait for it … a love story. She’ll tell you all about Who Do You Love at this free event.
August 11-12
Phish at the Mann Center
Wanna go? Check Craigslist or StubHub, because this two-night run has been sold out for a while.
August 13
Erykah Badu at The Dell
She blew us away at this year’s Roots Picnic, so we’re excited to see what else she has in store.
August 13-16
Philadelphia Folk Festival
Lyle Lovett, in his first Folk Fest appearance, is among the headliners.
August 14
Mötley Crüe at Wells Fargo Center
No, really. It’s their final final final final final final tour. Promise.
Catch Mötley Crüe at Wells Fargo Center on August 14th.
August 14
Bill O’Reilly and Dennis Miller at Borgata
A right-wing nut job and a washed-up comedian walk into a casino …
August 15
“The Other Rocky”at Theatre of Living Arts
An all-night celebration of Rocky Horror Picture Show, including a midnight screening.
August 16
Maroon 5 at Atlantic City Beach
If only all those teenage girls could gamble.
Maroon 5 plays Atlantic City Beach with Nick Jonas and Matt McAndrew on the 16th.
August 16
Willie Nelson at Borgata Festival Park
He’s pushing 83.
August 20
Jimmy Buffett at Susquehanna Bank Center
With from-out-of-nowhere special guest Huey Lewis and the News. I want a new drug …
Lenny Kravitz plays the Mann Center on the 30th.
August 27
Van Halen at Susquehanna Bank Center
Skeptical? Rolling Stone raved about their tour opener in July.
August 30
Philly Zine Fest at The Rotunda
If you’re a fan of zine culture, get to Philadelphia’s festival of small presses.
August 30
Lenny Kravitz at the Mann Center
Taking a break from The Hunger Games (he played Cinna the stylist) to get back to his music.
August 30
Kevin Hart at Lincoln Financial Field
The Philadelphia-bred funnyman gets an entire football stadium. Guess he’s doing all right for himself.
