Where to Dance in Philly in August

Disco nights, break-dancing battles, Taylor Swift-themed dance parties and more places to get your boogie on this month.

1st Thursdays at Brasil’s
Every first Thursday of the month, Brasil’s Nightclub provides hours of hip-swaying fun that makes Old City feel like Havana, Cuba. On August 6th, take free salsa lessons with Michael Andiono and enjoy music from special guest DJ Kevin NGO. Thursday, August 6, 9 pm, $7, Brasil’s Nightclub, 112 Chestnut Street.

The Total Destruction Dance Party at The Dolphin Tavern
The BroadZilla DJs are a trio of offbeat chicks who spin records wild enough to warrant a name like “Total Destruction Dance Party.” According to the Broadzilla Facebook page,“Expect underground disco anthems and twitchy punkfunk stompers.” Friday, August 7, 10 pm, $5, 1539 South Broad Street. 

https://soundcloud.com/thomzilladjs/all-right-now-thomzillas-bitch-queen-edit

DJ Neil Jackson at Rumor Nightclub
Rumor has it that legendary spinning sensation DJ Neil Jackson will be dropping by for a visit on August 8th. Jackson’s electric beats will have hips poppin’ and feet stomping all night long. Saturday, August 8, 10 pm, $20, 1500 Sansom Street. 

Second Sundae Break Dance Battle at Silk City
Those dedicated to old-school jamming can circle ’round bboys and bgirls at Silk City. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes even if you don’t intend to battle—this is still a dance party, after all. Sunday, August 9, 10 pm, $5 to party/$10 to battle, 435 Spring Garden Street. 

Shake It Off! A night of Taylor Swift and Friends at The Barbary
Swifties are welcome to join DJ AZN Jake as he spins four heavenly hours of Tay-Tay classics. Thursday, August 13, 10 pm, $5 before midnight, $7 after midnight,  951 Frankford Avenue. 

https://soundcloud.com/barry-harris/shake-it-off-barry-harris-tribal-house-remix

DJ Deejay Moshulu Boat Party!
Jamming to Lonely Island’s  hit single “I’m On a Boat”  is a lot more fun when you’re actually on one. Throw it back to the ’90s and early ’00s with DJ Deejay on the Moshulu boat at Penn’s Landing. Friday, August 14, 10 pm, $5, 401 S Columbus Boulevard. 

Rusted Root at Coda
Rusted Root resembles a version of Grateful Dead mixed with a hint of African and Middle Eastern music. If that sounds like something you could jam to then come spend the evening at Coda. Sunday, August 16, 9 pm, $25, 1712 Walnut Street. To view all upcoming events at Coda, click here

The Sensational Soul Cruisers at Morgan’s Pier
Wednesday nights are band nights at Morgan’s Pier. Journey through the decades with The Sensational Soul Cruisers as they play covers of classics stretching back to the ’50s. Some songs in their setlist include Motown jams, disco beats and foot-moving Michael Jackson hits. Wednesday, August 19, 8 pm, $5, Morgan’s Pier, 221 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard. 

https://soundcloud.com/gigamesh/michael-jackson-dont-stop-til-you-get-enough-gigamesh-remix

Showtune Sundays: Wednesday Matinee Edition at Tavern on Camac
The Gayborhood’s beloved TOC will offer a special mid-week edition of Showtune Sunday. Dance and sing-a-long to your favorite Broadway musicals. Wednesday, August 26, 8:30 pm, no cover, Tavern on Camac, 243 South Camac Street.

Summer of Summer at The Trestle Inn
The Trestle Inn has found the perfect cure for Saturday night fever. Come out and enjoy a sparkling discotheque and live music from various local DJs. Before hitting the dancefloor grab a $7 whiskey sour or a $3 Victory Summer Love can. Saturday nights through August 29, 10 pm, no cover, The Trestle Inn, 339 North 11th Street.