12 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival, FringeArts, Frank Sinatra Jr., Greenfest Philly, plus more.
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The 19th annual Fringe Festival runs through September 19th with over 100 performances from international theater troupes and local art-scene movers and shakers alike. If that sounds a little overwhelming, you're totally right. We take a stab at making your Fringe decision-making a little easier with a guide to the "curated shows" (the folks—many from outside Philly—who are getting paid to perform) and the "independents" (intrepid Philly artists who sign up to take part on their own dime.) Check out those guides here and here, respectively. And get to know some of our favorite players in this year's festival in our photographic slideshow, here.
Longwood Gardens has teamed up with People's Light to create a unique immersive theatre production called Lost in the Meadow. Guests will follow actor-travelers throughout the Meadow Garden and, using headphones, will be able to listen in on conversations across the massive space. Through September 19th, 6 pm, $45, Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square
Frank Sinatra Jr. will be in Atlantic City this weekend celebrating his late father at the Borgata. Sinatra Sings Sinatra will be a multimedia experience that features rare family photos, excerpts from his films, and, of course, lots of music. Friday, September 11th and Saturday, September 12th, 9 pm, $24.50-29.50, The Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City
Forget the fat lady singing: This long-awaited partnership between Opera Philadelphia and The Bearded Ladies takes everything that you think you know about opera and turns it on its head. From Campbell's Soup games to nudity, this sure isn't your grandmother's Verdi. Through September 20th, 8 pm, $30, 1526 North American Street
Moon Taxi, who has a new album coming out on October 2nd, is bringing their tour to Philly's TLA for one night only this Friday. They'll be joined on stage by Mo Lowda & The Humble and Firekid. Friday, September 11th, 8 pm, $16, Theatre of the Living Arts, 334 South Street
The University City District presents a free screening of the recent blockbuster Selma this Friday evening at Clark Park. Don't miss the performances and the film that everyone has been talking about. Friday, September 11th, 8:30 pm, free, Clark Park, 43rd and Baltimore Avenue
Join the Ivy Legacy Foundation at the first inaugural Chasing a Dream 5K run this Saturday. The race is open to all levels of walkers and runners, and proceeds from the festivities will go towards college scholarships. Saturday, September 12th, 8:30 am, $15-30, Forbidden Drive, 200 Northwestern Avenue
It's the world's largest festival dedicated to the mushroom. The Kennett Square Mushroom Festival lasts all weekend, and includes a parade, a street fair, mushroom cooking demos, a race, music, a carnival, and a "fried mushroom eating contest." We can't make that up. Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th, various times, prices, and locations throughout Kennett Square
The Kimmel Center is opening its doors for a free day of activities, performances, and more this Saturday. Catch a sneak-peek of Matilda: The Musical, plus the Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly Pops, and a special panel discussion on the future of Philadelphia arts, featuring yours truly. Saturday, September 12th, 10 am, free, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street
Actor and activist Hill Harper will be moderating a unique town hall this Saturday that will address modern-day slavery, voting rights, and human rights. Liberty: Unplugged! will allow those on Twitter to engage in the conversation, featuring Dr. Stefan Bradley, Dr. Lisa Weah, Dr. Mari Crabtree, and Jazzy T. Saturday, September 12th, 1pm, free, Moore College of Art and Design, 1916 Race Street
It's billed as the Best Family Event in all of Philly. Don't miss this year's Greenfest Philadelphia, featuring over 100 vendors that help guests learn about sustainability. There will be local green wares, food, music, demonstrations, and more. Sunday, September 13th, 10 am, free, Headhouse Square, 200 Pine Street
This one's not for vegetarians: Yards Brewing presents its 7th Annual "Smoke 'Em If Yous Got 'Em" party this Sunday, featuring beers from all over the country, plus a ton of barbecued meats. There will also be live bluegrass playing all afternoon. Sunday, September 13th, 1 pm, $20-55, Yards Brewing Company, 901 North Delaware Avenue
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.
