Here’s whats going on this week in Philly…
Monday, April 29th
- Monday Jazz Jam – Think of it as an open mic night for jazz musicians! The event is FREE, and held from from 5:30 to 7 pm upstairs at the World Cafe Live.
- 9th Street Italian Market Walking Tour – Awfully Nice Tours takes visitors through the famous 9th Street Italian Market, to meet the owners and operators of a number of establishments, try samples, see the street made famous by ‘Rocky’, and, of course, try an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Tour groups have a 12 person capacity and are 2 hours long.
- Monday Movie Night – Catch the cult classic “Animal House” at the Trocadero! For 21 and older, $3 gets you admission and goes toward a drink. Doors open at 6:30, the movie starts at 8 pm.
Tuesday, April 30th
- Wondrous to Behold – Tuesday marks the final spring tour of Philadelphia Water Works, guided by park house guides. The Water Works are a mainstay of the city and engineering marvel of its time, described by Edgar Allan Poe as “wondrous to behold”. This date is free, and for Philadelphia Museum of Art members only.
- Anything Goes Open Mic – Recently opened music venue Rebel Rock Bar & Bites (100 Spring Garden St.) selects weekly talent to perform for Swarthmore College’s radio station, WSRN 91.5. Admission is free; sign-ups start at 8:30 and performances begin at 9.
- Teen Tuesdays – The Free Library of Philadelphia opens its doors to teens after school from 3:30 to 5:30 for activities such as gaming, acting, manga and art in the Skyline Room.
Wednesday, May 1st
- Dino! An Evening with Dean Martin at the Latin Casino – Tickets are $35 during the week, $40 on weekends, and $20 for students and individuals under 24 years of age with ID.
- Astral Artists presents Rising Stars – Hailed soloists from the Temple University Symphony Orchestra perform works by Tchaikovsky, Mercadante, and Beethoven at the Kimmel Center. Tickets are $30 general admission, $25 for seniors and $5 for students and patrons up to 30 years of age.
Thursday, May 2nd
- Red & Black Affair – This year’s annual benefit for The Ladybug Project will be held at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens. Complimentary wine and light refreshments will be served, while Gina Ferrara entertains with live West African Music. Guests have the option of arriving in style with private car service Uber for a discounted price of $20.
- ‘Come Together’ Spring Dance Festival – The Suzanne Roberts Theater is home to performances by a number of acclaimed choreographers and dance companies over two weekends: May 2-5 and May 8-12.
- Verdi’s “La Traviata” – Guiseppe Verdi’s operatic masterpiece about a beautiful courtesan whom struggles with love and cruelty in the world of Parisian high society plays at the Prince Music Theater on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday, May 3rd
- FOXTROT – Old City’s Moko celebrates its 5th anniversary in roaring 1920’s style! RSVP on Facebook to attend with friends, try out cocktails from Art In The Age, sample organic beauty products and mingle with models in costumes designed by Sugarcube.
- Equality Forum National Panels – Two compelling panel discussions which explore the legal and political issues at stake for LGBTQ peoples in the US will take place at the National Constitution Center from 4-5:15 and 5:30-6:45 pm. Admission is free and reservations are recommended by calling 215-409-6700 or visiting the website.
- First Friday – It’s that time of the month! Wander through Old City and discover art, entertainment, food and street vendors, receptions and gallery openings throughout the neighborhood from 5 to 9 pm. As always, rain or shine!
Saturday, May 4th
- Brauhaus Schmitz Maifest Street Festival – Philly’s authentic German restaurant and bierhall opens its doors for a spring festival that runs down South Street from noon until 8 pm. Tickets are $100 and extremely limited, so get yours quick!
- Performance Garage Dance Marathon – Be there for the Performance Garage’s first annual Dance Marathon which benefits the venue as an incubator of original work in Philadelphia. Registration runs from $30 to $100 for individuals and teams, and competitors are automatically eligible to win prizes, including tickets to Cirque de Solei, and a gift card for Hand and Stone massages and facials.
- Saturday Clay Clinics – Take to the potter’s wheel and wear something you aren’t afraid of getting dirty this Saturday for a wheel throwing class at The Clay Studio. These classes are fun and informative, designed for those who are curious about clay or want to further their skills without the commitment of a class. $35 fee includes the price of materials.
Sunday, May 5th
- “Free China: The Courage to Believe” – The Barnes Foundation screens “the movie the Chinese Communist party doesn’t want you to see”, which tells the story of Jennifer Zeng, a mother who, along with more than 70 million others, was practicing a belief that combined Buddhism and Daoism until the Chinese Government outlawed it. The screening is free from 1 – 2:45 pm, although reservations are recommended. A Q&A with the director, producer, and cast will follow, along with a Chinese musical performance and book signing.
- SundayOUT! at the Piazza – The annual LGBT fest is partying on Cinco de Mayo at the Piazza at Schmidt’s. A $10 cover gets you access to over 100 food vendors, artisans and business organizations from 12 to 6 pm..
- Annual Strawberry Festival – Peddler’s Village celebrates spring with a weekend of strawberry treats, pie-eating contests, live entertainment and demonstrations. Click on the link for a full schedule of events.
- Tokyo Quartet final performance – Five decades after the group’s conception, the Tokyo Quartet have announced their disbandment. Come see their Philadelphia swan song performance at the Independence Seaport Museum ($24, $10 for students) at 3 pm.
