14 Things to Do in Philly This Week
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Sesame Place 35th Birthday Celebration
Join your favorite monsters from Sesame Street as they celebrate Sesame Place's 35th Birthday. There will be special meet-and-greet events all week long, plus admission offers and a giant 3-D chalk "birthday cake" installation that is not to be missed. Starts Monday, July 27th, various times and prices, Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne
Rock School of Dance Education Concert at the Mann
There's nothing better than a free concert at the Mann Center, and this Monday, the Rock School for Dance Education is presenting a showcase at the popular performing arts venue. Experience a fusion of ballet, modern dance, and hip-hop during the program. Monday, July 27 th, 11 am, free, Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue
Kathy Reichs at the Free Library
New York Times best selling author Kathy Reichs will be in town at the Free Library this Tuesday to present a talk on her latest book, Speaking in Bones. She's the vice president of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, who also writes captivating mystery novels. Tuesday, July 28th, 7:30 pm, free, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street
Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell at Union Transfer
We can’t wait for their collaborative album, coming out this month, which features covers of everyone from the Talking Heads to Sade to Pete Seeger. Tuesday, July 28th, 8 pm, $35, Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street.
Movies on the Block: Bite Size
The Philadelphia Film Society continues their Movies on the Block series this Wednesday with a screening of Bite Size at the Belmont Charter School. The health-themed evening will include veggie sales, a farm mobile, plus a free Zumba class. Wednesday, July 29th, 6 pm, free, Belmont Charter School, 4030 Brown Street
El Caribefunk at Penn Museum
The Penn Museum's Summer Nights Concert Series continues this Wednesday with a jam session by El Caribefunk. Guests can expect to hear the sounds of funk, salsa, and Caribbean music while enjoying admission to the museum during this after-hours event. Wednesday, July 29th, 5 pm, $10, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street
Claymation Class at The Oval
Learn all about the art of claymation at The Oval this Thursday afternoon. Participants will be able to create a character and "bring it to life" on an iPad. The short stop-motion movies will be available for viewing on The Clay Studio's YouTube channel. Thursday, July 30th, 12 pm, free, The Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Frozen Sing-Along in Mt. Airy
Bring the kids to this free event in Mt. Airy on Thursday, and make sure that you put on your best singing voices. The Park Before Dark series will present the mega Disney hit Frozen, and there will be confections from Curbside Creamerie and Luscious Bakery. Thursday, July 30th, 6 pm, free, Lovett Library Park, 6945 Germantown Avenue
Free Neighborhood Concert With the Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is throwing a free community concert this Thursday at the Kimmel Center. Pre-registration is required for this popular event, and you can make a day of it. The Center is providing other entertainment throughout the afternoon starting at 4 pm. Thursday, July 30th, 6:30 pm, free, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street
Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival
This unique series of performances, workshops, and seminars is dedicated to all elements of women in theater. The Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival features a variety of diverse plays, a Wo(men) in Shakespeare performance, and plenty of thought-provoking art. Through August 2nd, various times, prices, and locations throughout Philadelphia.
BlackStar Film Festival Begins
The fourth annual BlackStar Film Festival premieres in Philly this Thursday. Audiences can look forward to films from more than four continents specializing in work that's often overlooked by mainstream media platforms. The theme for this year is the role of costume production and design in films, as well as social justice issues. Notable flicks will include Muata’Ali Muhammad’s critically acclaimed film, Life Essentials with Ruby Dee, the premiere of BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez, Kiara Jones's Christmas Wedding Baby and dream Hampton's Treasure: From Tragedy to Transjustice, Mapping a Detroit Story. July 30-August 2, various times, prices and locations, blackstarfest.org.
Vulcan Lyric Summer Festival
The Vulcan Lyric Festival invades the Prince Theatre starting on Thursday for a rotating selection of unique musicals, including Heathers: The Musical (!) and the Philadelphia premiere of Glory Denied. The festival's goal is to promote new works and young emerging artists. Through mid-August, various times and prices, Prince Theatre, 1412 Chestnut Street
Lulu's Golden Shoes at Caplan Studio UArts
Flashpoint Theatre Company presents this insanely funny (and insanely dark) satire set in Philadelphia, from our Tony- and Pulitzer-winning playwright, Quiara Alegría Hudes. July 15th through August 2nd, various times and prices, Caplan Studio Theater at University of the Arts, 211 South Broad Street.
Defending the Caveman at Penn's Landing Playhouse
The long-running Broadway play Defending the Caveman returns to Philadelphia at the Penn's Landing Playhouse. Local performer Vince Valentine takes on the comedic one-man show about gender, sex, and relationships, guaranteed to make you laugh in your seat. Through August 30th, various times, $45-65, Penn's Landing Playhouse, 211 South Columbus Boulevard.
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.
