21 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.
XPoNential Music Festival
WXPN is back at Wiggins Waterfront Park and Susquehanna Bank Center with dozens of bands on the Camden waterfront, including Grace Potter, My Morning Jacket, George Ezra and Nashville’s Kopecky (pictured, above). But seriously, are people still booking the Indigo Girls? Blech. July 24-26, various locations on the Camden Waterfront. —Victor Fiorillo
Kidchella at the Smith Memorial Playground
A music festival for the single-digit set, with a lineup of artists that parents won’t find annoying in that if-I-hear-that-Barney-song-one-more-time-I-am-going-to-kill-someone way. Friday, July 24th, 6-8pm, $10-$30, Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive. —Victor Fiorillo
Koresh Come Together Dance Festival at Suzanne Roberts Theatre
Koresh Dance Company presents their third annual Come Together Dance Festival, featuring 33 national dance artists at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Over the course of the five-day festival, local and national artists will come together to stage a fusion of dance styles, including hip-hop, tap, jazz, ballet, modern, contemporary, acrobatic, and traditional African and Indian dance. Audiences can expect to see a wide range of talent from some of the country’s most prominent dance companies. Friday, July 24-Sunday, July 26, various times, $25-35, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 South Broad Street.
Twilight in the Gardens
South Street's own mosaicked art gallery is hosting a multi-sensory series with different activities, performers and tours throughout the garden every week. This week, PMG will celebrate the mid-point of their Twilight in the Garden Series by hosting a fun evening of live music and art. Brooklyn-based band Cuddle Magic will perform while guests learn to design and create their own art with the help of teaching artist Brittany Walker. Guests are encouraged to BYOBBS (booze, blankets and snacks!) Friday, July 24, 7-10pm, $12-15, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street.
Diana Krall with The Philadelphia Orchestra
Diana Krall is a Canadian jazz pianist and singer who has been active in the music industry since 1993. Since her debut she has released 12 studio albums, 3 live albums and has sold more than 6 million albums in the U.S. and more than 15 million worldwide. In 2009, Billboard named Krall the second jazz artist of the 2000s, and she is the only jazz artist to have eight albums debuting at the top of the Billboard jazz charts. Krall has also won five Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards. In this show, she will be performing alongside the world renown Philadelphia Orchestra. Listen before you go:"Love Is Where You Are." Friday, July 24, 8pm, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue.
Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga at the Borgata
The elder statesman of American crooners meets Ms. Meat Dress. Should be an interesting evening. Friday, July 24th, 8pm, $125-$250, Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City. —Victor Fiorillo
Five Dollar Comedy Week at Plays and Players
Plays & Players Theater will close out their Five Dollar Comedy Week this weekend with a raunchy, wild comedy show at various times for only $5 each. Some of Philly’s most hilarious comedians will host unscripted shows that rely heavily on audience participation. Friday, July 24-Sunday, July 26, various times, $5, The Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Street.
“A Tribute to Phyllis Diller” at Act II Playhouse
Speaking of comedy: Philly theater greats Jennifer Childs and Mary Martello head to Ambler to fête the life of the comic legend. July 24-26, various times and prices, Act II Playhouse, 56 East Butler Avenue, Ambler.
Awesome Fest Screens Body at Liberty Lands
The Awesome Fest continues its adults-only film series in the cozy Liberty Lands Park in Northern Liberties. This week, bring a warn shoulder to nestle up to as you watch Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s eerie Body, which follows three girls who break into what they think is an empty mansion. Well it isn’t. Death, blood and all that scary stuff ensues. Admission is free and open to the public, just bring a blanket or a chair to relax and enjoy the alfresco screenings. Friday, July 24, 9pm, free, Liberty Lands Park, 926 North American Street.
Philadelphia Dance Day 2015
The annual Philadelphia Dance Day brings local city-goers a day of free dance classes and workshops at studios throughout the city. Philly Dance Fitness organized the event to celebrate National Dance Day, a holiday coined by the creators of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. This festival will not only offer free classes in various genres, but also live dance performances by some of the city’s most renown dancers. The goal of dance day is to unite the Philadelphia community in celebrating dance as a powerful platform for creative expression and physical activity. At night, Philly Dance Fitness will host their annual Dance Day Gala at The Ethical Society of Philadelphia. For just $5, guests can attend the gala which will feature at least five different dance workshops, an open Zumba party, professional dance performances, open-social dancing, and most importantly, an evening of celebration and fun. Saturday, July 25, 9am-11:30pm, free, various dance studios throughout Philadelphia.
Art Star Craft Bazaar in Asbury Park
Philadelphia's premiere indie craft shop and gallery Art Star is hosting the Asbury Park Art Star Craft Bazaar this weekend. The outdoor retail/arts and crafts show will feature nearly 50 local and national artists. Shoppers can expect high quality, handmade goods being sold by unique—and local—vendors. Saturday, July 25, 11-7pm, Sunday, July 26, 11-5pm, free, Bradley Park, Fifth Avenue between Kingsley Street and Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park.
Christmas in July Celebration at RiverRink Summerfest
Philly’s first and only outdoor skating rink, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, will host a celebration in honor of Christmas in July. Guests can enjoy an afternoon of midsummer "holiday" festivities, complete with a Summer Santa available for photos, Santa and elf hats, holiday music and traditional Christmas movies. There will also be crafts, balloon animals and more activities for kids. Besides the merry festivities, traditional summertime favorites will also be available at the Riverrink — rollerskating, arcade games, lounging areas and more. Saturday, July 25, 3-7pm, pay as you go, Blue Cross Riverrink Summerfest, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.
40th Street Summer Festival at 40th Street Field
A local summer favorite, 40th Street Summer Series, is hosting a free carnival-themed evening of fun for the whole family. The summer celebration will feature live music, interactive arts and crafts, and entertainment including fire dancers and balloon artists. Free Ben & Jerry's and Philly Pretzels will also be available while supplies last, so get there early! Saturday, July 25, 5-8pm, free, 40th Street field, behind Walnut West Free Library.
Annual Summer Ale Festival at Philadelphia Zoo
Beer enthusiasts are welcome to raise a glass to the animal kingdom during the Philadelphia Zoo’s annual Summer Ale Festival. On Saturday, July 25th visitors can attend an evening filled with the region’s finest brews and favorite food truck vendors. Dance to live music alongside jungle creatures like exotic birds, great apes, large cats and other wildlife that call the Zoo home. More than 30 local breweries will be participating. Saturday, July 25, 6:30-10pm, $55, Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue. —Caralyn Dienstman
Emily King at Underground Arts
Emily King is a R&B/soul singer-songwriter active since 2004. Her 2007 debut album, East Side Story, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album. Her most recent album, The Switch, was released this year. Listen before you go: "For Them." Saturday, July 25, 8pm, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
Tall Ships Tavern at Independence Seaport Museum
The Independence Seaport Museum is bringing back their seasonal pop-up beer garden that overlooks the Delaware Waterfront from the Museum’s second-floor balcony. The beer garden offers a few different beers on tap and tasty bar foods with a rotating menu every week. Adding to the list of waterfront beer gardens this summer, the Tall Ships Tavern Beer Garden is sure to give you a relaxing mixture of brews and scenery. Thursdays-Sundays July-September, various times, pay as you go,Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.
Jill Scott at the Borgata
The once-local gal puts on a hell of a live show. Sunday, July 26th, 8 pm, $61-$86, Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City. —Victor Fiorillo
Traveller at Johnny Brenda's
Alternative-country musician Jonny Fritz teamed up with Robert Ellis and Cory Chisel to create Traveller. Currently on a summer tour along the East Coast, the trio will perform a night of original music for Philly fans. Listen before you go: "Nobody Makes It Out." Sunday, July 26, 9pm, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 North Frankford Avenue.
Car Show and Street Festival on East Passyunk
East Passyunk's largest block party of the year is back for its 10th go-round this Sunday. Come out to view more than 140 antique, show, classic and custom cars, as well as enjoy a free day of live music and DJs on every block, a moon bounce and other entertainment for kids and dozens of delicious street food and drink stands. Sunday, July 26, 11am-4pm, free, East Passyunk Avenue.
Last Chance: Old City Restaurant Week
Old City kicked off its second annual restaurant week last Sunday, and this weekend is your last chance to get in on the delicious deals. Old City has long been known for its wide variety of unique restaurants, top chefs and overall tasty food options. Select restaurants will offer set lunch or dinner menus for either $15, $25 or $35. Friday, July 24, Saturday, July 25, various times, $15-35, various locations in Old City Philadelphia.
Last Chance: University City Dining Days
Participating restaurants offer a pre-fixed, three-course dinner meal for either $15, $25 or $35. The series concludes this weekend, so use Dining Days as an excuse to hit up some of those West Philly restaurants you’ve always wanted to try. Friday, July 24-Sunday, July 26, various times, $15-35, various locations in University City Philadelphia.
Submit Your Show
Have a show you'd like featured in an upcoming roundup? Email details to Katiera Sordjan at ksordjan@phillymag.com.
