17 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.
Philadelphia International Children's Festival
The Philadelphia International Children's Festival brings the performing arts to over 10,000 children and their families each year, and the line up for this weekend is pretty magical: Attendees will be able to enjoy performances by Pilobolus Dance Theater, Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Playing By Air, Spring Garden Pictures, and more. Runs through May 9th, various times, $10 per performance, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience at Borgata
A retrospective and tribute concert from the drummer-son of Led Zeppelin’s long-deceased John Bonham. Friday, May 8th, $39.50-$45, Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City.
Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta
Over 100 colleges and universities from across the U.S. and Canada will be in town this weekend for the annual Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta, the nation's largest collegiate regatta. Named after the famous rowing coach Harry Emerson "Dad" Vail, spectators can take in the series of races along Kelly Drive for the two day tournament. Through May 9th, various times, free, Fairmount Park, 2200 Kelly Drive
PA Guild of Craftsmen Rittenhouse Juried Craft Fair
Over 150 fine craftsmen from around the country will set up shop this weekend at Rittenhouse Square during the PA Guild of Craftsmen's Juried Craft Fair. White tents will line the park, featuring pottery, glass, photography, furniture, jewelry, clothing, handbags, and more. It's a great place to pick up a last-minute Mother's Day gift. Through May 10th, various times, free, Rittenhouse Square Park, 1800 Walnut Street
Wizard World Comic Con
Warning: If you see a person dressed up as Batman walking down Market Street, don't freak out. It's the return of the insanely popular Wizard World Comic Con, which runs through Sunday. Hundreds of actors, comic book artists, and celebrities ranging from Burt Reynolds, Allen Iverson, and WWE Superstar Sting will be on hand throughout the four-day event. Runs through Sunday, May 10th, various times, $35-55, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street.
SEXx Interactive Conference
Led by GALAEI, this multi-day conference dedicated to all things sex runs all weekend long. The interactive series includes forums with sexuality experts, TED-style talks, workshops, films, and performances. Where else can you take classes on boylesque, prostitution laws, and BDSM all in the same place? Runs through Sunday, May 10th, various times, $20-125, Unitarian Universalist Church, 2125 Chestnut Street. —Bryan Buttler
Seaport Slumbers at Independence Seaport Museum
It's an overnight pajama party aboard Philly's favorite maritime museum. Children ages 6 to 12, along with their parents, are invited to the Independence Seaport Museum on Friday for a variety of fun activities, including cleaning up an oil spill, deciphering Morse code, building tin boats, woodworking, and more. Friday, May 8th, 6:30 pm, $50, Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard
The Makeup Date at Bloomingdales
The early bird gets the makeup worm: Bloomingdale's in Willow Grove is holding a morning event featuring a hot runway show, insider beauty trends, and one-on-one sessions with makeup artists. Bex from 96.5 will be hosting the get together for fashion lovers, and your reservation fee of $25 can be credited towards a cosmetics purchase. Saturday, May 9th, 8:30 am, $25, Bloomingdale's, 2500 West Moreland Road, Willow Grove
The Franklin Flea at Headhouse Plaza
Everyone's favorite vintage market, The Franklin Flea, is setting up shop this Saturday at Headhouse Plaza. Between 40 and 60 vendors selling reclaimed and handmade goods will be on hand, along with plenty of opportunities to chow down and enjoy your newly purchased treasures. Saturday, May 23rd, 10:00 am, free, Headhouse Plaza, 550 South 2nd Street.
Spruce Hill May Fair
A free petting zoo, pony rides, a bounce tent, and an obstacle course await eager guests at this year's Spruce Hill May Fair this Saturday. Live performances will take place all afternoon, and there will be plenty of food trucks, a $1 used book sale, arts and crafts, a plant sale, and much more. Saturday, May 9th, 10:00 am, free, Clark Park, 4398 Chester Avenue
“Genghis Khan: Bring the Legend to Life” at Franklin Institute
If your kids are iffy on this examination of the 13th-century Mongol warrior, just tell them one of his 12-foot-long crossbows is on display. Through January 2016, Franklin Institute, 271 North 21st Street.
Jurassic Park Movie Marathon and Dance Party
The Academy of Natural Sciences is throwing a movie marathon on Saturday where guests can watch all three of the Jurassic Park movies back-to-back throughout the day. Additionally, Tracy, a 10-foot-long Triceratops puppet, will be grooving every hour on the half hour, and you can try your best dance moves along with this playful dinosaur. Saturday, May 9th, 10:20 am, free after museum admission, Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Art Star Craft Bazaar
This highly-anticipated craft fair at Penn's Landing will feature funky and quirky products ranging from ceramics, prints, paper goods, sculpture, and more. The Art Star Bazaar will also include plenty of live bands, DJs, and food vendors, along with a photo booth, ring and bean bag toss, plus crafting stations where you can make your own projects. Runs through May 10th, 11:00 am each day, free, Penn's Landing Great Plaza, 101 South Columbus Boulevard
International House Philadelphia Korea Gala
Don't miss this exquisite gala event on Saturday evening that celebrates both International House Philadelphia and all things Korea. There will be performances from a variety of world-renowned artists, a silent auction, dinner, and a chance to meet some of the most innovative thinkers in business, government, philanthropy, science, and more. The after party will feature open bar and dancing. Saturday, May 9th, 6:30 pm, $250, International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut Street
Crosby, Stills and Nash at Caesars
Their 1969 Woodstock performance of “Wooden Ships” still gives us chills. Saturday, May 9th, $85-$185, Caesar's Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Avenue, Atlantic City.
Our Mother's Day Gardens Guide
Philadelphia magazine's Sandy Hingston selects 12 great local gardens that will easily "wow" your mom on Mother's Day.
Radio 104.5 Birthday Show
This birthday concert for 104.5 features performances from Death Cab for Cutie, Hozier, Passion Pit, Of Monsters and Men, and more. Although Radio 104.5's website claims that tickets are long gone, there are a few websites offering re-sale seats for this extremely popular event (but purchase at your own risk). Sunday, May 10th, 12:00 pm, $40-115, Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbor Boulevard, Camden
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.
