18 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Living up to its recent nomination by Vivid Seats as the top live music city in North America, Philly has some great shows coming up this weekend — from Minus the Bear to chillwave-electronica project Neon Indian. Starting to feel the holiday spirit? Go on a Thanksgiving race in the Woodlands, or check out a mini treelighting in Peddler’s Village. Movie-goers can attend the Asian American Film Festival, or the Ritz’s screening of hilarious cult phenomenon The Room. Check out these events and others below for more activity ideas.
First Person Arts Festival
David Crabb in “Bad Kid”
The final week of the First Person Arts Festival is upon us, with some cool events to check out before it wraps. In Bad Kid, David Crabb takes us through the hilarious antics of growing up as a Texas Goth. Post Traumatic Super Delightful uses comedy as a way of healing from sexual assault. Out/Spoken tells true stories that celebrate the variety of voices of the LGBTQ experience. Through Sunday, November 15th, various times, prices and locations.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show
Courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art
See the work of 195 of the best American craft artists — from furniture, glasswork, unique jewelry and clothing. Best of all, everything is for sale. Through Sunday, November 15th, 10 am, $15-$20, Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
This festival is dedicated to celebrating and exploring the Asian-American experience through film. This weekend, check out films like A Family Day, about a grandmother with Alzheimer’s, Dukhtar (pictured), about a woman who kidnaps her own daughter to keep her from being a child bride, and Family Gathering, about an interracial gay couple who spend the day with their families. Through November 22nd, various prices, times and locations.
The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center
Under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Orchestra takes on Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring as well as One Land, One River, One People, a world premiere from composer and trumpeter Hannibal Lokumbe. November 13-15, various times, $70-$147, Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center.
The Room at the Ritz at the Bourse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pjg-j4rNs0
“You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!” Tommy Wiseau’s so-bad-it’s-good cult classic is back as this week’s pick for Midnight Movies at the Ritz at the Bourse. A story of friendship, love and deceit, director and star Wiseau and his cast will have you amused throughout. Friday, November 13th, 12 am, $10, Ritz at the Bourse.
Dilworth Park’s Rothman Ice Rink Opens
So it’s not winter yet, but it will be here before you know it. And nothing says “’tis the season” quite like ice skating, especially at Philly’s City Hall. The Rothman Ice Rink opens up this Friday, with new treats to keep you warm, like burgers, fries and hot chocolate. No skates? No problem: Rent a pair for $9. Through February 28th, 2016, various times, $3-$5, Dilworth Park.
“Procession: The Art of Norman Lewis” at PAFA
Norman Lewis’s “March on Washington”
As a Harlem artist and activist who became part of New York’s abstract expressionism, Norman Lewis explored black urban life in his work. Starting this Friday, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts offers the first in-depth look at Lewis’s body of work, particularly by exploring the recurring theme of processions. Through roughly 90 paintings , it will examine the span of his career and how it blended together the social issues that comprised the background of daily life at the time. Through April 3rd, 2016, $15-$20, 11 am, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
Light Parade at Peddler’s Village
Can’t get enough of the budding Christmas spirit? Mrs. Claus, accompanied by a brass band, will light numerous trees around the Village in a Light Parade, before the Grand Illumination Celebration of the whole Village next Friday. Friday, November 13th, 6:30 pm, free, Peddler’s Village, Lahaska, PA.
Friday the 13th Rooftop Movie: Se7en
To celebrate Friday the 13th — and to show off their gorgeous rooftop deck — Goldtex apartments is hosting a rooftop screening of the 1995 psychological thriller starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, Se7en. Food and drinks will be served. Friday, November 13th, 7 pm, 315 North 12th Street.
Minus the Bear at the Electric Factory
It’s hardly an unlucky day if you spend it at a good show. Minus the Bear are no strangers to rocking the Electric Factory, closing out the night to a moshing crowd after Cursive back in 2012. Sans their drummer, Erin Tate, who departed the group early this year, the Seattle indie rock band returns to the Factory this Friday for a 10th anniversary tour for their second album, Menos el Oso (their group name in Spanish), which will also be reissued. Listen before you go: “Knights.” Friday, November 13th, 8 pm.
Age & Beauty Part 2: Asian Beauty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq6cTKq-bNM
The second sequence in Miguel Gutierrez’ series of queer explorations of choreography and dance, this performance takes on the subject of Gutierrez’s personal and collaborative relationships, examining how they relate to the process of creating art. Through Saturday, November 14th, 8 pm, $15-$29, FringeArts.
Rachael Yamagata at Union Transfer
With a rich voice and years of songwriting, Rachael Yamagata has worked with many other artists, including Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams and Ray LaMontagne. And she has an impressive resume on TV, with her music being used in the O.C., Grey’s Anatomy, and NCIS, and movies like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Friday, November 13th, 8:30 pm, $7-$8, Union Transfer.
Dungeon Comedy Night at Kung Fu Necktie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ4xkYvk0C4
Kung Fu Necktie hosts an independent comedy show to give you the best of local LOL-makers. This week features improv comedy group The Matriarchy, Rachel Fogletto (above) Skeletons ETC, and Jimmy Viola. Friday, November 13th, 9 pm, $5, Kung Fu Necktie.
Woodlands Gobble Wobble
Thanksgiving is only a couple weeks away, and The Woodlands is holding its first 5K race to get in the holiday spirit. Go alone or as a team, and race through the William Hamilton estate against the West Philly Turkey. The winner will get a Thanksgiving turkey from Mariposa (or a tofurkey for the vegetarians/vegans out there). Registration also includes a year-long runner’s membership. Saturday, November 14th, 10 am, $35, The Woodlands.
Bacon and Beer Festival
Back for its third year, Eat Philly presents this delightful combo of meat and drink, bringing together tons of local restaurants and breweries to create some unique bacon-inspired dishes. Tickets get you access to all the samples inside, but VIP passes are available for a little more indulgence. Saturday, November 14th, 2:30 pm, $46.50-$75, 23rd Street Armory.
National Dog Show at Oaks Expo Center
Courtesy of National Dog Show
The Philadelphia Kennel Club is hosting this two-day parade of pooches featuring 180 American Kennel Club-sanctioned breeds and varieties. Dog lovers will be in heaven as 1,700 dogs compete for the coveted “Best in Show.” The event is one of a few National Dog Show competitions that is open to the public, where canines will be on display all day for attendees to get their four-legged fix. Saturday and Sunday, November 14th and 15th, various times, $14, Oaks, Pa.
Alex G at First Unitarian Church
The young Philly native Alex G has built up a faithful local following and media approval, from playing venues at the University of Pennsylvania to Johnny Brenda’s. After a few self-releases and records on independent labels, Alex G’s first LP on Domino Records, Beach Music, premiered last month, showcasing his prowess as a rising star in the indie lo-fi world. Beg a friend to let you grab one of their extra tickets though, because you’ll be hard-pressed to find them. Before you go, check out our Q&A with Alex G here. Listen before you go: “Bug.” Saturday, November 14th, 7:30 pm.
Neon Indian at Union Transfer
To call Neon Indian just another electronic group would do Alan Palomo and his bandmates a disservice. His music mixes synth-y psychedelia and chillwave, with the occasional reggae or disco elements. Last month, the multi-charting third record Vega INTL. Night School was released, which also marked the official absorption of Palomo’s side project VEGA into the band. Listen before you go: “Slumlord Rising.” Sunday, November 15th, 8:30 pm.
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