The Best Things You Can Possibly Do in Philly This Week
The Sound of Music, an Easter bunny walk down South Street, the return of Open Streets, and more this week in Philly.
Left: Robert Plant and Suzi Dent, who are performing at the Met / Photograph courtesy of Live Nation) | Right: Art by MOTELSEVEN that will be on display at Paradigm for First Friday / Image courtesy of MOTELSEVEN/Paradigm
Whether you’re looking for big laughs, fun music, or an excuse to boo and hiss in the theater, it’s all right here in our compilation of the best things to do in Philadelphia this week, as carefully curated by Philly Mag’s arts and entertainment editor.
CONCERTS
Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band
Calling all fans of Americana! To see if this is your thing, check out this song of theirs from 2025.
April 3rd at Union Transfer
Tower of Power
The legendary Oakland horn band, which has been around since before Woodstock, is joined by War — as in “Cisco Kid” and “Low Rider”.
April 3rd at the Tropicana
Webb Thomas and His Super Band
South Philly’s Webb Thomas is one hell of a jazz drummer.
April 3rd at Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Robert Plant with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian / Photograph courtesy of Live Nation
Robert Plant
He’s much more folk and much less falsetto in his latter years. The former Led Zeppelin singer is joined by his rootsy band Saving Grace featuring singer Suzi Dian. Yes, they do play some Led Zep at these shows. But you definitely shouldn’t go if you’re hoping to hear Led Zeppelin IV in its entirety.
April 4th at the Met
Thievery Corporation
The veteran electronica duo mixes all sorts of sounds, from acid jazz to bossa nova to hip-hop to classical Indian music. And you’ll want to dance to all of it.
April 4th at Franklin Music Hall
Wax Jaw
The danceable Philly post-punk band released their debut album It Takes Guts! last year. They’re joined by the excellent and also local KulfiGirls. Never heard a sitar played so heavy! If you’re not up on the local music scene of 2026, this show is a good way to fix that.
April 4th at Johnny Brenda’s
COMEDY
Bert Kreischer
If you’ve seen the new Netflix sitcom Free Bert, this would be that guy.
April 3rd and 4th at Ocean Casino Resort
Devon Walker on SNL / Photograph via NBC/Getty Images
Devon Walker
You might recognize him from SNL. Here he is on “Weekend Update” in 2025.
April 3rd and 4th at PunchLine
Whitney Cummings
Since the last time she was in town, Cummings had a baby. And her new tour is all about motherhood.
April 3rd at the Miller Theater
THEATER
New This Week:
A production image from The Sound of Music / Photograph by Jeremy Daniel
The Sound of Music
The hills are alive … on Broad Street. I won’t personally be mad at you if you hiss whenever Baroness Elsa von Schraeder takes the stage.
March 31st through April 5th
Ongoing:
Can’t Forget About You
Philly cultural connector Brett Mapp, who probably sees more theater than anybody else in town, tells me that Inis Nua’s production of this David Ireland play is one of the funniest plays he has ever seen. And coming from Brett, that means a lot. A guy suffers a particularly difficult breakup and then gets involved with an older woman, and the laughs and provocations ensue from there.
Through April 5th at the Drake
The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington
The 2014 play from the brilliant mind of South Philly Pulitzer-winner James Ijames, Miz Martha sees the first First Lady of the United States on her deathbed when she’s put on trial by those she enslaved. I had the chance to see this when it originally came out way back when, and the show comes with my highest possible recommendation.
Through April 5th at the Wilma
Romeo & Juliet
Barrymore-winning director Amina Robinson puts her own spin on Shakespeare’s tale of romance and violence.
Through April 8th at the Arden
EXHIBITS
New This Week:
This artwork from MOTELSEVEN will be on display at First Friday in Old City / Images courtesy of Paradigm/MOTELSEVEN
First Friday
There’s plenty to check out. If you have to choose one gallery this time around, make it Paradigm or Arch Enemy Arts, both of which have compelling openings.
April 3rd in Old City
Ongoing:
“The Living Temple: The World of Moki Cherry”
A retrospective of the late Swedish artist, whose media included textiles, painting, collage and ceramics. Her works were heavily influenced by Tibet, Indian culture, Buddhism, and pop art.
Through April 12th at the Fabric Museum & Workshop
“Noah Davis”
A retrospective of the late American painter and founder of the Underground Museum in Los Angeles. He died at just 32.
Through April 26th at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition”
For a complete rundown on this fun exhibit that’s really more about STEM than it is about Jaws and Jurassic Park, check out this review by my colleague Laura Swartz.
Through September 7th at the Franklin Institute
The Ministry of Awe
A new massive, six-story immersive arts space in Old City from the brain of acclaimed Philadelphia muralist Meg Saligman. For more on exactly what this is, go here, where we do our best to explain it. (You really have to see it to fully comprehend.)
Ongoing at 27 North 3rd Street
SPORTS
Kyle Schwarber / Photograph via Getty Images
Nationals vs. Phillies
It’s our last home series until April 10th. And Wednesday is BOGO hot dog night, which is cool and all. But I still miss Dollar Dog Night.
March 30th through April 1st at Citizens Bank Park
MISCELLANY
“Ultimate Job Interview: Let’s Hire a Congressperson”
In which a panel of local hiring executives grill the following congressional candidates: State Representative Chris Rabb, Dr. Ala Stanford (who seems to be spending beaucoup bucks on advertising), and State Senator Sharif Street. (Morgan Cephas was set to attend, but just dropped out of the race.) Free to attend, but you need to register. This event is presented by Citizen Media Group, owner of Philly Mag.
March 31st at Fitler Club Ballroom
Spring Break
I’m told that this week is Spring Break for Philly public schools (my kids are in college, so forgive me for my lack of knowledge), and this means two things. First, SEPTA buses, trolleys, and trains will be much, much calmer during the times when kids are normally going to or from school. Second, the kids need things to do. Fortunately, we have this guide.
Through April 5th citywide
Open Streets: West Walnut
Don’t like cars? Me neither. That’s why I’m heading to the first Open Streets event for 2026. The city is closing Walnut Street from Broad to 19th and 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut. Meaning you can finally spend way too much money at your much-coveted table outside of Parc without having to listen to car engines and inhale exhaust fumes.
April 5th in Rittenhouse Square
See Also: The Best Spring Festivals to Check Out in Philly
93rd Annual Easter Promenade
Don your Sunday best and bunny ears and parade down South Street. Naturally, you’ll stop for selfies with the Easter bunny.
April 5th from 5th and South to 2nd and Lombard
LOOKING AHEAD
Bruno Mars fans will want to know that their hero is playing not one but two nights at Lincoln Financial Field on September 1st and 2nd, part of his 71-date North American and European tour. If you want to sit in the front row, that will cost you $1,829.40. Per seat. And, no, that doesn’t include parking, food, or beers. Whatever you do, don’t let me hear you complain about the price of gas.
