12 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.
Old City Restaurant Week
Some of your favorite Old City restaurants, including Amada, Cuba Libre, Wedge & Fig, and more, are offering special discounted menus this week to celebrate Old City Restaurant Week. Lunch and dinner menus will range between $15 and $35. It's a great way to try a new place or savor an old favorite. Now through July 25th, various times and locations throughout Old City Philadelphia
PlayPenn New Play Conference
The PlayPenn New Play Festival is in high-gear this week, featuring nearly 10 free new play readings, plus a symposium in which artists will speak about earning a living wage and more. Although seating is free, you must register beforehand. Check out our PlayPenn preview here. Now through July 26th, various times, free, URBN Theatre at Drexel, 3401 Filbert Street
University City Dining Days
Dozens of eateries located in University City are offering three courses for either $15, $25, or $35 during University City Dining Days. Guests can enjoy savory favorites at Distrito, Pod, Harvest, Zavino, and many more. Now through July 26th, various times and locations throughout University City
Macaron Demonstration and Tasting
Join Chloe Johnston and Abigail Dahan, Head Pastry Chef at Parc, for this interactive demonstration and tasting session on Tuesday. Chef Dahan will show how to make macarons, and guests will leave with some of the French cookies, plus a recipe of their own so you can make us a batch (hint, hint). Tuesday, July 21st, 6 pm, $45, Location to be announced
Free Fitness Classes at The Oval
This Wednesday, head over to The Oval for a series of free fitness classes all day long. There's mother and baby yoga, power yoga, cardio kickboxing, bike riding, and house party hip-hop classes throughout the day, plus a stellar food truck lineup. Wednesday, July 22nd, various times, free, The Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Koresh Come Together Dance Festival
33 of local and national dance companies join forces for Koresh's "Come Together" Dance Festival, a multi-day series of performances to celebrate modern dance. In addition to performances, there will be receptions, talk-back sessions, and dance workshops. Starts Wednesday, July 22, various times, $25-99, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 South Broad Street
Pulp Fiction at FringeArts
Quentin Tarantino's dark comedy Pulp Fiction is the star at FringeArts this week during a free movie screening on Wednesday. While there, grab a drink at the beer garden or at La Peg, and enjoy the flick. Wednesday, July 22nd, 8:30 pm, free, FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard
Mad Hatter Tea Party
To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Alice in Wonderland, the Lillian Marrero Branch of the Free Library is throwing a Mad Hatter Tea Party on Thursday afternoon. Guests are encouraged to wear their craziest hat while library staff read selections from Lewis Carroll's book. Thursday, July 23rd, 4 pm, free, Lillian Marrero Branch, 601 West Lehigh Avenue
Park Before Dark with Streetside BBQ
Join Streetside BBQ this Thursday in Mt. Airy for a "Park Before Dark" presentation on American BBQ. Besides getting grilling tips, guests at this free event will be able to sample some good old summer cooking. Thursday, July 23rd, 6 pm, free, Lovett Library Park, 6945 Germantown Avenue
Street Artist JR Screens Women Are Heroes
French street artist JR, who is known the world over for his stunning black-and-white photographic murals, is coming to Philadelphia next week to host a free screening of his 2010 Cannes Film Festival favorite, Women Are Heroes. In the film, JR “introduces women who sometimes look death in the face, who go from laughter to tears, who are generous, have nothing and yet share, who have had a painful past and long to build a happy future.” Following the screening of Women Are Heroes, Open Source curator Pedro Alonzo will sit down with JR to discuss the film and perhaps the artist's phenomenal body of work.To get in, you need to register here. Thursday, July 23rd, 7 pm, free, The Graham Building at 30 S. 15th Street. —Josh Middleton
The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert
The Philadelphia Orchestra returns to the Mann Center this Thursday for The Fellowship of the Ring in concert. The film will be shown on a huge screen and accompanied by the orchestra, the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Boys Choir. Thursday, July 23rd, 7:30 pm, $25-85, Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue
“A Tribute to Phyllis Diller” at Act II Playhouse
Speaking of comedy: Philly theater greats Jennifer Childs and Mary Martello head to Ambler to fête the life of the comic legend. July 24-26, various times and prices, Act II Playhouse, 56 East Butler Avenue, Ambler.
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.
