15 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.
East Passyunk Avenue Restaurant Week
Forget that other restaurant week: South Philly's East Passyunk Avenue is rolling out the red carpet for diners this entire week, offering discount deals for lunch and dinner at some of the area's finest restaurants. Hungry guests can pick from a wide variety of eateries, including Palladino's and Brigantessa. Follow #EPRW for reservation hints and special information. Monday, February 23-Thursday, February 26, Various Times and Locations
Meet the Mayoral Candidates: Doug Oliver
From Citified: Doug Oliver is a wild card in the 2015 mayoral election. He’s the 40-year-old kid in an aging field, the first-time candidate vying against (mostly) lifelong politicians. He’s an underdog, yes, but an intriguing one. ... Come judge for yourself if Oliver is ready for primetime. On Monday at 6 p.m., Citified's Holly Otterbein will grill the candidate on his readiness for the job and his plans for the city. It's the first in Philadelphia magazine's Candidate Conversations series. The event is free, you'll have a chance to ask Oliver a question or two of your own, and you'll get a handle on his qualities. Venturef0rth, one of the city's premier co-working spots, is hosting the event. Here are the details.
Free Showing of Despicable Me 2 at Xfinity Live
The Minions are back! Take the entire family to Xfinity Live! on Monday to watch a free screening of Despicable Me 2 shown on a 32-foot HD LED screen. There will be plenty of free games, prizes, popcorn, and even free parking. Special kid-friendly menus will be available at many of the Xfinity Live! restaurants. Monday, February 23, 5:00pm, Free, Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue
Brick And Mortar Preview At The Garage
From Foobooz: Brick & Mortar (ex-Franklin Mortgage partner Mike Welsh’s new spot) is expected to open sometime in March. But if you want a little preview of what’s to come in the Goldtex building, check out the Garage tomorrow, February 24, beginning at 5 pm because that’s when chef Brian Ricci will be in the house giving a little preview. More here.
Snap Chats with HughE Dillon
Philly Mag contributor and Philly Chit Chat extraordinaire HughE Dillon is opening his vast collection of famous photographs for a one-night benefit at The Market and Shops at Comcast Center. For a donation at the door benefitting the Linda Creed Breast Cancer Foundation, guests can view Dillon's work, as well as enjoy light bites and refreshments throughout the evening. RSVP here. February 24th, 5pm, The Market and Shops at Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
Free Monthly Mindfulness Meetup in Queen Village
From Be Well Philly: Philly-based positive psychology expert and holistic wellness coach Pax Tandon is kicking off a free mindfulness meetup series on Tuesday, February 24th at Baked Sunless Tanning in Queen Village. The session will run from 7 to 8 p.m. The free gathering aims to teach participants the basic tools of mindfulness, the state of being aware, present and attuned to self on a moment-to-moment basis. The goal, of course, is to help you unlock strategies to reduce stress and boost happiness in your day-to-day life. You'll tackle guided mindfulness and gratitude exercises, plus basic meditation. More here.
Mickle Street at Walnut Street Theatre
When Oscar Wilde came to Philadelphia in 1882, he took a side trip over the river to meet another great literary figure, Walt Whitman. In this world premiere production at Walnut Street Theatre, the two iconic writers go head-to-head over some glasses of wine, but in the end realize they both admire the same thing: a sense of beauty. Tuesday, February 24-Thursday, February 26, 7:30pm, $36.50, Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street
The Illusionists Opens at The Academy of Music
This isn't your Mama's magic show: See what The New York Times has called a "high-tech magic extravaganza." Seven of the world's greatest magicians and illusionists take the stage for an evening of death-defying (and genre-bending) acts that will be sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. Read our preview of the show here. Tuesday, February 24-Sunday, March 1, Various Times, $20-105.50, Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street
First Person Arts Story Slam at L'Etage
Sharpen your storytelling skills and head over to L'etage for the wildly popular First Person Arts Story Slam. This evening's theme is "Shock," which means you'll be sure to hear some pretty absurd, crazy tales being told as cocktails flow freely. If you're up to it, you can volunteer to tell your own story and possibly win a $100 prize. Tuesday, February 24, 8:30pm, $10, L'etage, 624 South 6th Street
Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Free Library's Independence Branch
Students from Holy Redeemer Elementary School will help ring in the Year of the Sheep at the Independence Branch of the Free Library with this free program. Watch traditional Chinese dances and listen to a master storyteller present captivating folk-tales. Drummers will help scare away evil spirits throughout the afternoon. Wednesday, February 25, 12:30pm, Free, Free Library of Philadelphia Independence Branch, 18 South 7th Street
Origami Mania at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Get ready to get crafty. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is offering an evening seminar on the ancient art of origami. Those who are good with their hands (and who avoid paper cuts) will be able to make two designs: One you'll be able to take home, while the other will be used in a large-scale installation at the Museum on April 29. It's also "Pay What You Wish" Wednesday after 5pm, so you can view the entire art collection for pennies. Wednesday, February 25, 5:30pm, Free after museum admission, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Bettye LaVette at World Cafe Live
Bettye LaVette has had a career that is almost unbelievable: In 1962, at the age of 16, she released her first single, "My Man---He's a Loving Man," which made it to the top 10 on the R&B charts. She's done just about everything since then: played Broadway, sang at the Kennedy Honors, and has been Grammy nominated. Ms. LaVette continues to sparkle with her soulful R&B sound, as guests will find out at World Cafe Live. Wednesday, February 25, 7:30pm, $32, World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street
Philadelphia Pride Concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra
The large-scale musical forces of The Philadelphia Orchestra will be presenting a concert that celebrates music inspired by the City of Brotherly Love. The evening will feature two works by Philadelphia composer Jennifer Higdon, who named a movement in her "Violin Concerto" after 1726 Locust Street, the home of The Curtis Institute. Benjamin Beilman, a young and extremely talented Curtis graduate, will serenade the crowd on the violin. Thursday, February 26, 8:00pm, $40-150, Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street
Meet the Artists Behind Philadelphia Theater Company's Mothers and Sons
Philadelphia Theatre Company invites you to a one-of-a-kind experience after their Thursday evening performance of Terrence McNally's Mothers and Sons. Get a chance to chat with members of the talented cast after the show, and ask them questions about the artistic process of creating this moving and groundbreaking play. Thursday, February 26, 8:00pm, $52, Philadelphia Theatre Company, 480 South Broad Street
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 Josh Middleton at jmiddleton@phillymag.com.
