16 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.
First Friday Open House at Biomeme DNA Testing
It is not your usual stop during a First Friday crawl through Old City: Biomeme, Inc. is opening up their office for an open house. Visitors can learn more about the innovative tools that Biomeme produces and, if they wish, get their own DNA tested. Of course, there will be food and drink to enjoy as you get your biology game on. Friday, April 3rd, 5:00 pm, free, Biomeme, Inc., 20 North 3rd Street.
"Sarah R. Bloom & Rosalind Bloom: Reclamations”
Merion Station’s Sarah Bloom has been taking nude self-portraits in abandoned buildings for the better part of a decade. But her work received little recognition until earlier this year, when the Daily Mail sent her story viral. The self-taught photographer, 45, says she chooses these decaying structures because they are at once “sad and beautiful,” a comparison she draws with the aging human body. “There’s a lot of loss there,” she says. “But also a beauty to it.” This month, she shows some of the stark, bleak, arresting images from the series at Da Vinci Art Alliance, in a joint exhibit with her mother, mixed-media artist Rosalind Bloom. “I grew up with art books around me,” Sarah says. “Nude in art is not a weird thing in my family.” April 1st to 30th, Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catharine Street. —Victor Fiorillo
Turkish Jazz: The Secret Trio at Art After 5
The Philadelphia Museum of Art's popular "Art After 5" program presents a unique take on jazz: The Secret Trio fuses Middle Eastern sounds with jazz, rock, classical, dance, and world music for a completely innovative sound. Guests are welcome to browse through the museum's vast collection and enjoy snacks and cocktails curated for the event. Friday, April 3rd, 5:00 pm, free after admission, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Spring Formal at The Pharmacy
South Philly's The Pharmacy is rolling out the metaphorical red carpet this Friday for their 2015 Spring Formal. Over 25 emerging Philly artists will be on hand for an art market, plus there will be spoken word performances and live music from Visitor 10, Line Leader, Fake Boyfriend (pictured), Port Arthur, Butterfly Bandage, and Kelsey Skaroff all night long. Friday, April 3rd, 6:00 pm, $5, The Pharmacy, 1300 South 18th Street.
Uncanny Valley at Adrienne Theater
Philadelphia stage veteran Frank X stars in this new play about artificial intelligence from InterAct Theatre Company. April 3rd-26th, various times and prices, InterAct Theatre Company, 2030 Sansom Street. —Victor Fiorillo
50 Year Storm Tattoo Exhibition at North Bowl
Tattoo artists from Sweden, Germany, Australia, Canada, England, and, of course, Philadelphia, will be represented at this unique exhibition at North Bowl on Friday night. Lovers of art and tattoos will enjoy free snacks, drink specials, and music by DJ Ian Saint Laurent as they admire just how cool body art can truly be. Friday, April 3rd, 9 pm, free, North Bowl, 909 North 2nd Street.
The World is a Screen at Fringe Arts
Five experimental artists will hit the stage this Friday at Fringe Arts. The challenge? They'll be creating an improvisational piece of work in real-time. Vocalist Natasha Kmeto (pictured), guitarist Tim Motzer, founding member of Antipop Consortium, HPrizm, and dancers Cori Olinghouse and Kai Kleinbard will tackle this project where anything can happen. Friday, April 3rd, 8 pm, $15, Fringe Arts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard.
Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens
This Saturday, Longwood Gardens opens a two-month long special Spring Blooms exhibition, which features over 240,000 tulips, native azaleas, foam-flowers, and a peony garden. This is a perfect way to melt off the harsh winter we've experienced in the region, and bask in the little hints of spring to come. Opens Saturday, April 4th, various times, free after garden admission, Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.
George Crumb at 85
Bowerbird presents a special celebration of composer George Crumb this Saturday, featuring the counter-induction ensemble. Crumb's work has made an unmeasurable impact on both American and international contemporary music, and many of Crumb's own students will be performing in this tribute that features two new world premieres. Saturday, April 4th, 4 pm, $20, Trinity Center for Urban Life, South 22nd Street and Spruce Street.
She Shreds Magazine in Philadelphia
She Shreds is a magazine totally dedicated to female guitarists and bassists, and they're celebrating the publication of their 7th issue here in Philadelphia on Saturday evening. The concert will feature performances from Swearin', Amanda X (pictured), Mannequin Pussy, and Anomie, plus music from DJ Sad 13. Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 pm, $10, PhilaMOCA, 531 North 12th Street.
St. Matthew's Passion with The Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra's Yannick Nezet-Seguin leads large-scale musical forces to present Bach's epic The Passion According to St. Matthew. The production, which has a minimalist staging by director James Alexander, features a host of acclaimed singers, along with the talents of The Westminster Symphonic Choir and The American Boychoir. Wednesday, April 1st and Saturday, April 4th, 8:00 pm, $35-110, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street.
Philly Zombie Crawl
It's clearly not a traditional way to spend Easter Sunday, but the Philly Zombie Crawl has spooked Philadelphians for a decade. The festivities begin with a parade starting at Starr Garden, and the zombies will be making stops at Tattooed Mom, Manny Browns, 2nd State Lounge, and other bars as they haunt the streets of the City of Brotherly Love. Sunday, April 5th, 5:00 pm, free, Starr Garden, 6th Street and Lombard Street.
More Easter Weekend Events in Philly
Looking for our Easter weekend planner? Hop on over to Philly Mag Ticket's 7 must-do Easter events to get your holiday off to a great start.
Where to Eat and Drink Easter Sunday
From Foobooz:If you’re coming to Philly to check out the Easter parade (or looking to avoid making the trek home to your parent’s house), these restaurants are serving up brunch and dinner for your Easter celebrations. Full list here.
Fit Things to Do This Weekend
From Be Well Philly: With warmer weather comes killer fitness options. Don’t believe us? Check out the slew of fun things on tap for this weekend, like a potluck picnic for local runners, trail run at the Belmont Plateau, power yoga fundraiser and more. See the full list here.
Where to Shop in Philly This Weekend
Check out Shoppist's weekly sale roundup for sweet discounts, giveaways, sips and snacks at brick-and-mortar stores around Philly. More here.
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.
