20 Things to Do in Philly This Weekend
Julius Caesar. Spared Parts is being performed at the Navy Yard. Photo by Luca Del Pia
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Julius Caesar. Spared Parts @ The Navy Yard, Building 694
Italian director Romeo Castellucci returns to the Fringe Festival with this remix of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, presented “as a series of ‘fragments’ rearranged and positioned against each other.” It’s the first FringeArts performance at the Navy Yard; they might have needed the space there because the show features a horse. It runs through Saturday but some of the performances are sold out.
Buddy Guy @ Keswick Theatre
Legendary blues musician Buddy Guy, now 80, performs at the Keswick. Fellow blues guitarist Matt Anderson opens.
King John @ Hawthorne Park
This free, outdoor Shakespeare production is set in the future, after civilization has collapsed and the world needs a hero. It runs through October 1st.
Composing the Tinnitus Suites @ The Rotunda
Composer Daniel Fishkin used his hearing damage to create this Bowerbird-presented series of four free concerts/sound installations. The first is Friday, featuring a “crowd-sourced creation of local Philadelphia artists.”
Opening Night @ Pennhurst Asylum
If you just can’t wait until Halloween, head to Spring City for the opening night of Pennhurst Asylum, a haunted attraction that looks absolutely terrifying, set in what was once an institution labeled “The Shame of Pennsylvania.”
Philadelphia Fashion Week @ 2300 Arena
Philly’s Fashion Week culminates in runway shows Friday and Saturday nights, each featuring work from 10 designers.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Comedian Amy Schumer brings her tour to the Wells Fargo Center.
Amy Schumer @ Wells Fargo Center
I don’t know that Amy Schumer is as trailblazing as she seems to think she is, but she’s pretty funny — and popular enough for a stadium tour.
Fairmount Park in a New Light @ Martin Luther King Drive
Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Parks on Tap are hosting a free festival across from Boathouse Row, complete with an after-dark light show.
Philly Free Streets
Remember when the pope came to town and all the roads were shut down, and some people complained about the inconvenience and other people thought it was awesome? The people who thought it was awesome get another chance to stroll down empty streets on Saturday, when the city will close 10 miles to traffic from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (including Martin Luther King Drive, which is already closed to traffic on weekends). Free activities will be set up outside, like Zumba, yoga, hula hooping, arts and crafts, dance performances in Fairmount Park, and more.
Watch Party @ African American Museum in Philadelphia
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is opening in Washington, D.C., and the AAMP is inviting people to come watch the dedication ceremony, followed by free programming for Museum Day Live!.
Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret @ FringeArts
The Fringe Festival closes out with a performance from Philly’s favorite drag queen and her talented band.
Workaholics @ Stratus Rooftop Lounge
Anders Holm, aka DJ Ango, and Blake Anderson, aka DJ Uncle Blazer, from the Comedy Central series Workaholics will be providing the music at Stratus’ fourth anniversary party.
Lotus @ The Mann
“Dance-rock/post-everything band” Lotus play the Skyline Stage at the Mann in support of their new album, Eat the Light, with special guest Tycho.
HollyWoodlands: Jane Austen Night @ The Woodlands
The Woodlands, an 18th-century estate, is throwing a Jane Austen-themed party with an outdoor screening of Sense and Sensibility.
Can Jam Music Festival @ Sly Fox
Sly Fox Brewing Company in Pottstown is hosting an all-day music festival, including a KanJam tournament and hot air balloon rides.
Humain Street USA @ Main Line Animal Rescue
Support Main Line Animal Rescue at this fundraising event in Chester Springs featuring a performance from Matt McAndrew, who was on Season 7 of The Voice, silent and live auctions, and classic cars.
A Jam Supreme @ The Schmidt’s Commons
Philadelphia Jazz Project’s celebration of John Coltrane’s 90th birthday continues with a concert at the Piazza featuring hip-hop, house and techno musicians and DJs interpreting Coltrane’s music. It’s free, but you have to RSVP.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Chestnut Hill’s Fall for the Arts Festival is Sunday.
Fall for the Arts Festival @ Chestnut Hill
More than 150 local and visiting artists and artisans will line Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill for the 32nd annual Fall for the Arts Festival. There will also be art-making demonstrations, activities for the kids, and live music.
Jessie’s Day @ Independence Seaport Museum
This annual event in memory of Jessica Beth Schwartz raises money to give scholarships to four local college-bound organ transplant recipients. The party includes DJ Casey Reed from Q102, a silent auction, activities for the kids, lots of food, and a beer garden.
Fall Fest @ Downingtown
Head to Downingtown for the annual outdoor festival and you’ll be rewarded with a long list of food vendors, entertainment from the School of Rock, Walton Marquette Project, Gina Miller & Division Highway, and the Punk Junkies, and cold brews from Victory Brewing Company’s Brewpub on Wheels.
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