17 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.
Flag Fest 2015
This week features daily family-friendly activities throughout historic Philadelphia in honor of the American flag. Guests are invited to flag raisings with Betsy Ross, arts and crafts sessions, candle-dipping, storytelling, and much more during Flag Fest 2015. Through June 20th, various times, free, Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street.
Movie Monday at The Troc: Leon The Professional
The Troc's Movie Monday series continues this week with a screening of the 1994 hit Leon: The Professional, starring Gary Oldman and a young Natalie Portman. The rather cheap cost of admission, $3, can be applied toward a drink or a snack. Monday, June 15th, 8 pm, $3, Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch Street.
John Mellencamp at Merriam Theatre
Grammy winner John Mellencamp is bringing his "Plain Spoken" tour to Philly's Merriam Theatre this Tuesday evening for a one-night-only concert. If you purchase your tickets online, you'll be able to download Mellencamp's Plain Spoken album for free. Tuesday, June 16th, 7:30 pm, $45-128.50, Merriam Theatre, 250 South Broad Street.
Bette Midler at Wells Fargo Center
It's a divine intervention: Bette Midler comes to the Wells Fargo Center this Tuesday for a sure-to-be-show-stopping concert titled "It's the Girls!" This is the first time in a decade that Ms. Midler is on tour, and it's sure to be a huge toe-tapping, dancing in the aisles evening of fun. Tuesday, June 16th, 8 pm, $45-260, Wells Fargo Center, 3601 South Broad Street.
Pictures in the Park: Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: Enjoy a free screening of Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb this Tuesday at Dilworth Park. Bring along a blanket and grab a snack before partaking in this unique film-watching experience in the heart of Center City. Tuesday, June 16th, 8:30 pm, free, Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street.
New Exhibitions at LaSalle University Art Museum
LaSalle University Art Museum is opening two new exhibitions this Wednesday, and there will be an artist's talk before the opening reception where you can meet and greet artists and art lovers alike. Philadelphia painter Kathleen Spicer's "Natural Conversations" and "Natural Beauty: 19th-Century English Watercolors," will be on view throughout the summer months. Wednesday, June 17th, 4 pm, free, LaSalle University Art Museum, 1900 West Olney Avenue.
Outdoor Yoga at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Spruce Street Harbor Park isn't just a place to relax. SUP Yoga is bringing back paddleboard yoga to the SSHP marina again this year, with classes happening twice a week. Yes, you do yoga on a paddleboard in the water. It's legitimately a lot of fun! Wednesdays and Saturdays starting June 17th, Spruce Street and the Delaware River. —Dan McQuade
Eat Dessert First Fundraiser
The folks at People's Emergency Center (PEC) invite you to Eat Dessert First this Wednesday, all for a good cause. The event will feature sweet treats from the pastry chefs at The Capital Grille, Garces Group, Kima's Konfections, and more, and 100 percent of proceeds go to supporting PEC. Wednesday, June 17th, 6 pm, $40, The Pyramid Club, 1735 Market Street.
Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble at Penn Museum
The Penn Museum kicks off the Summer Night's Concert Series this Wednesday with a performance from the Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble. Enjoy this musical evening under the stars at the museum's outdoor courtyard, which will feature snacks and drinks for purchase. Wednesday, June 17th, 8 pm, $10, Penn Museum, 3260 South Street.
Mean Girls at The Roxy
Bring your own bottle of wine, pay a $2 corkage fee and you get to drink while watching Tina Fey's 2003 comedy smash. June 17th, 7:30 pm, $10, The Roxy, 2023, Sansom Street. —Dan McQuade
"The Art of John Lennon" at Ocean Galleries
Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, debuts an exhibit of artworks by John Lennon. “The Art of John Lennon” comprises limited edition prints adapted from the “Imagine” singer’s original drawings—from his iconic pencil-scribbled self portraits, to whimsical, comic book-like illustrations with sayings like, “He tried to consult the stars, but no one returned his calls.” It is a traveling exhibit created by Yoko Ono around 15 years ago with the intent of not only sharing her husband’s work with the masses, but to support local nonprofits. In this case, Ocean Galleries requests that guests donate $5 to see the exhibit, which will be given to Community FoodBank of New Jersey. Read our Q&A with Ono about the exhibit here. June 18-22, Ocean Galleries, 9618 3rd Avenue, Stone Harbor, New Jersey. —Josh Middleton
Summer Solstice Happy Hour in Old City
Enjoy a hot summer party this Thursday at Scarlett Alley, where the bar will be featuring cocktails, skincare giveaways, and shopping. Textile designer Janell Wysock will be on hand displaying her signature pieces for the warmer weather. Thursday, June 18th, 4:30 pm, free, Scarlett Alley, 241 Race Street.
Night Market Callowhill
Night Market hits Callowhill with about 70 food and drink vendors, including newbies like the Rio Brazilian Steak Truck, Roe Thai and Japanese and Sweet Nectar Delights. Nearby PhilaMOCA has curated an evening of local tunes, Dance Philadelphia will be performing, and suds will be available via the Underground Arts beer garden and Penn Distributors. Thursday, June 18th, 6-10 pm, free, 13th and Callowhill streets.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead at The Wilma
Time is running out to see Tom Stoppard’s classic at the Wilma. The playwright spared no words when writing what has arguably become his best-known play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. The Wilma Theater tackles this intense dark comedy with the same cast that starred in their production of Hamlet, and, fittingly, many of the same characters from Shakespeare's drama make interesting appearances throughout Stoppard's work. Through June 20th, various times, $30, Wilma Theater, 265 South Broad Street.
Justin Guarini in Company
The runner-up on American Idol’s first season stars as a 35-year-old who is harangued by his friends into settling down. Through June 21st, Bucks County Playhouse, 70 South Main Street, New Hope. —Dan McQuade
Passion at Arden Theatre Company
It is arguably one of the best Sondheim musicals ever composed: The Arden Theatre closes out their 2014-15 season with Passion, a story of intrigue, love, and obsession. Featuring local actresses Liz Filios and Jennie Eisenhower, this gorgeous show is one that will haunt theatergoers long after the curtain falls. Through June 28th, various times, $50, Arden Theatre Company, 40 North 2nd Street.
"Northern Lights: Scandinavian Design"
This exhibit traces the history of Scandinavian design from Royal Copenhagen ceramics to flatware for people with physical limitations to the video game Minecraft. We have a preview of some of the IKEA-harkening designs here. Through October 4th, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. —Dan McQuade
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.
