12 Things To Do In Philly This Weekend: Macaulay Culkin’s Pizza Underground at The Oval, Art Star Pop-Up at Spruce Street Harbor Park and More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Beyond The Wall Exhibition
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (PMG) and the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program present Beyond The Wall, artwork by the Restorative Justice Program. The Beyond the Wall exhibition features paintings, sketches, mixed-media pieces, and other works created by youth who have had contact with the juvenile justice system, and inmates at the State Correctional Institution at Graterford. PMG will host the pay-what-you-wish opening reception of the exhibition this Friday, July 18th. Beyond The Wall will be on display in PMG's gallery spaces through Sunday, August 24th. Friday, July 18th, 6 p.m., Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street.
The Pizza Underground at The Oval
Your Friday night just got really good. The Awesome Fest is hosting a free outdoor performance by Macaulay Culkin's (yes, you read that correctly) cover band, The Pizza Underground–plus a giant pizza party–at The Oval. Culkin's band parodies The Velvet Underground, with pizza-themed songs and lyrics. The on-site beer garden will be open, and there will be performances from Ang and the Damn Band and Modern Colour, too, all followed by a screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And did I mention the pizza? Awesome Fest, we love you. More information is available here. Friday, July 18th, 7 p.m., The Oval, Benjamin Franklin Parkway & 24th Street.
Gladiator Live with The Philadelphia Orchestra
This Friday, The Mann Center is screening Gladiator like you've never seen it before. The five-time Academy Award-winning film will be played on a giant screen, with the epic score performed live by The Philadelphia Orchestra, right alongside the film. Gladiator Live is part of the Movie Nights at The Mann series this summer, which brings classic films to life with the sounds of the orchestra highlighting each story. You won't want to miss this. Tickets are available for purchase online. Friday, July 18th, 8 p.m., $14.50-$85, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue.
Art Star Pop Up Market
Spruce Street Harbor Park will host the Art Star Pop Up Market this Saturday, an open-air market featuring a variety of handmade goods from a curated group of 20 vendors. Stroll the waterfront park and shop the many items, all priced affordably (most pieces under $50), brought to you by Art Star Gallery & Boutique. Saturday, July 19th, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Spruce Street Harbor Park, 101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Crooked Cronies at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Curious about the "corrupt and contented" players of 19th-century Philadelphia? Crooked Cronies: Philadelphia's Profiteering Politicians of the Past will tour the grave sites of the rogues, rascals, and reformers of Philly's past this Saturday. Head to Laurel Hill Cemetery to learn the juicy tales of our city's political past as you walk along the resting bones of the sinners and the saints. Saturday, July 19th, 11 a.m., $12 or $10 for students/seniors, Laurel Hill Cemetery Gatehouse, 3822 Ridge Avenue.
Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival
The eighth annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival is back this Saturday, bringing live jazz, craft vendors, and food trucks galore to Powelton Village. The family-friendly neighborhood festival features an impressive lineup of jazz musicians, headlined by saxophonist and disciple of John Coltrane, Azar Lawrence. A variety of goods will be on sale from over 20 vendors, and tasty eats from several food trucks including Curbside Creamery and Grill Cheese. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon. For more information about the festival, click here. Saturday, July 19th, 12 p.m., Saunders Park Greene, 39th St. & Powelton Ave.
The Dog Days of Summer Cook-Off
Did you know that July is National Hot Dog Month? What better way to celebrate the summertime BBQ staple than a cook-off with unique hot dog creations from over 20 popular restaurants and food trucks? That's right–this Saturday, The South Street Headhouse District and Hot Diggity! are hosting the 3rd Annual Dog Days of Summer Hot Dog Cook-Off. The cook-off will feature hot dogs and sausages created by top restaurants around the region, including Alla Spina, Brauhaus Schmitz, Headhouse Oyster & Crab Co., Twisted Tail, and many more. A panel of judges–from media, chefs, and celebrities (plus our very own Ticket editor, Josh Middleton!)–will rank the competition, awarding three prizes for the best dogs, with $1,000 for first place. In addition to samples of all the delicious hot dogs, attendees will enjoy live tunes from local band Black Stars, cold drafts from Victory Brewing Company and 5 O'Clock Brew Co., small batch pop from Mom Pops, and an opportunity to vote for the "fan favorite" dog. VIP tickets, which include early admission before the crowd (at 12 p.m.) as well as 20 food and drink tickets, are available for purchase online. General admission begins at 1 p.m. and is free, with pay-as-you-go food tickets available 4/$10 or 15/$30. All funds raised will support the preservation of the historic Headhouse Square Shambles. Come hungry! For more information, click here. Saturday, July 19th, 1 p.m., South Street Headhouse District.
Yoga at The Porch at 30th Street Station
From Be Well Philly: This Saturday, the folks at Pop Up Yoga Philly are hosting a $10 donation class outdoors at the Porch at 30th Street Station. Instructor Kate Goodyear—yup, the same gal doing the free classes up in Norristown—will lead, and funds raised from the event will go to the family of a 12-year-old boy who just had brain surgery on July 8th. Be sure to bring your own mat and water. RSVP over on Facebook. Saturday, July 12th, 4-5 p.m., The Porch, 30th Street Station.
Summer Ale Festival at the Philadelphia Zoo
Lions and tigers and beers, oh my! The Philadelphia Zoo is hosting its sixth annual Summer Ale Festival this Saturday. The adults-only soiree will have more than 40 regional craft beers to sample (with favorites from Yards, Troegs, Dogfish Head, and more), delicious eats from some of the best local food trucks (The Cow and the Curd and Mac Mart Cart, amongst others), plus live entertainment all evening long. All this among a cast of very exotic characters. Tickets can be purchased online in advance only, and include a souvenir tasting cup, free Zoo parking, and a free shuttle from 30th Street Station. More information is available here. Cheers! Saturday, July 19th, 6:30-10 p.m., $25-$90, Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.
"Neon Musings" Exhibition by Eve Hoyt
Award-winning neon artist Eve Hoyt presents her first solo exhibition, "Neon Musings," at the Philadelphia Center for Architecture. The CFA will host a reception this Sunday, showcasing her unique work, from intricately crafted, sculptural neon tubes, to whimsical creations combining neon with found objects. Sunday, July 20th, 2-4 p.m., Philadelphia Center for Architecture, 1218 Arch Street.
Queens of the Stone Age at The Mann
From 7 Shows To See In Philly This Week: After years of setbacks and personal issues Queens of the Stone Age have released its first album in years: ...Like Clockwork. The riff-heavy rock group has had a strong following since its formation almost two decades ago, and they have not lost their touch. These guys are capable of getting loud, and the open-air venue at the Mann should enhance the experience. Sunday, July 20th, 7:30p.m., The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue.
