Barbie-Themed Parties and Pop-Ups in Philly

Blondie in Manayunk is just one of the places throwing a Barbie pop-up party in Philly. / Photograph courtesy of Blondie

“Nothing big planned … just a giant blowout party with all the Barbies, and planned choreography, and a bespoke song.” The Barbie movie is already quotable and it’s not even out yet. While the film based on the iconic doll drops July 21st, we’ve (I’m using the royal “we” here, indulge me) been leaning hard into the Barbiecore aesthetic for a year now since the first images appeared online of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in all their neon-hued splendor. A movie this highly anticipated just begs for some tie-in parties, cocktails, pretty much anything pink and fun we can attend, wear, eat or drink. Here’s what Philly’s got planned so far — but keep checking back as we add more places sure to jump on the bandwagon (or Barbie Corvette?) as the movie premieres.

Night of 1,000 Barbies Burlesque Show

Franky Bradley’s, particularly focused on that “undress me everywhere” line in “Barbie Girl,” is throwing a drag and burlesque show in partnership with Haus of Lickher. Enough said.
$20-$25, July 15th, 7:30 p.m., Franky Bradley’s, 1320 Chancellor Street.

Blondie’s Barbie Pop-Up

Manayunk’s Insta-ready restaurant is the perfect fit for a Barbie takeover — it already has a Pink Room. Well, for one week only, they’re kicking it up a notch in there. The Pink Room? Even pinker. With elevated Barbie decor, soundtrack and activations. To match the Dreamhouse aesthetic? Themed food and drinks, of course. For cocktails, there will be the Bay Breeze-inspired “Malibu Blondie,” a”Blondie Bombshell” raspberry martini, and “Ken’s Kiss” frosé. Come for brunch and enjoy pink pancakes and a “Pretty in Pink” funfetti cake.
Pay-as-you-go, July 17th-August 9th, Blondie, 4417 Main Street.

Barbie-themed food and cocktails at Blondie’s pop-up / Photographs courtesy of Blondie

Barbie Land at Taqueria Amor

And right down the street, Taqueria Amor is coming in hot, making certain that Main Street in Manayunk is the center of the Philly Barbie universe. They’re bringing back their Barbie pop-up from Valentine’s Day, but bigger and better with decor galore, themed food, and “pink-powered” cocktails with names like “Let’s Go Party” and “Dream House.”
Pay-as-you-go, July 20th-30th, Taqueria Amor, 4410 Main Street.

Barbie Movie Soundtrack Preview Parties

It doesn’t come out till July 21st, but the Barbie movie soundtrack is already one of my favorite getting-ready playlists. They’ve been dropping tracks for months, starting with Dua Lipa’s disco-fabulous “Dance the Night Away” to kick off the summer. Since then, Nicki Minaj has continued her lifetime-long Barbie tribute by remixing Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” with Ice Spice, Charli XCX channeled Toni Basil, and album tracks by Lizzo, Sam Smith, Billie Eilish and more heavy-hitters have been announced. I’m obsessed. And I’m not the only one: The highly anticipated (and pressed on pink vinyl, obvs) album is launching a listening-party tour at record stores across the country. In Philly, those will be at South Street classic Repo Records and, in the most on-brand tie-in ever, the ’80s-and-’90s-centric Latchkey on East Passyunk. Both parties will be on the evening of July 18th and will have dancing, giveaways and of course the chance to listen to the whole album and pre-order it to take home on July 21st. Even better: Latchkey is promising an “indoor beach party,” so plan your outfit accordingly. They also just announced that reigning Mr. Philly Drag King, Hannibal Lickher, will be there bringing his finest Ken-ergy.
Free, July 18th: Repo Records (506 South Street) at 5:30 p.m. and Latchkey (1502 East Passyunk Avenue) at 6 p.m.

Barbie Skate Party

If you’re like Ken and “literally go nowhere without” your rollerblades, this is the party for you. Riot Nerd is coming to Blue Cross RiverRink for a Barbie-themed (and decked-out) skate party full of ’90s bubblegum-pop music spun by DJ Riot Meg. Come in your finest pink Barbiecore — or neon skate Spandex — and skate the night away. There’s no extra cover charge for this party, just the RiverRink’s normal rates ($5 to skate), so if you don’t bring your own rollerblades, it’ll cost you an extra $10 for rentals. No reservations are required if you just want to show up and soak up the vibes.
Free to attend, July 20th, 6-9 p.m., Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 South Columbus Boulevard.

“Her Dream House” Beer at Evil Genius

A pink raspberry glitter beer? Say less. But first I’ll say more: It’s only available on draft at the Lab in Fishtown, so get it while it’s … sparkly? They’re also hosting a Barbie Drag Brunch on Sunday, August 6th.
1727 Front Street.

Barbie treats at Madison K / Photograph courtesy of Madison K

Barbie Cookies at Madison K Cookies

Northern Liberties cookie artists Madison K — who never fail to memorialize every trend, pop-culture reference, sports championship, and whatever else captures our imagination — are planning to roll out some very pink, very Barbie treats beginning on July 20th to coincide with the movie premiere.
July 20th-22th, Madison K Cookies, 800 North 2nd Street.

Barbie cocktails at Dock Street / Photograph courtesy of Dock Street

Barbie Cocktails at Dock Street

For the Barbie movie’s opening weekend, this woman-owned and operated craft brewery has created three themed cocktails, available its new Fishtown taproom. The “Pink Jeep and Rollerblades” has hibiscus gin, watermelon and mint; the “Totally Buzzed Barbie” features rose vodka, blackberry, lemon andsparkling wine; and the very fruity “Malibu Day Dream” has rum, coconut, pineapple, lime, orange and strawberry. The cocktails are $14 and will be available all weekend long.
$14, July 21st-23rd, Dock Street Brewing Company, 1229 North Front Street.

Bottomless Barbie Brunch

Añejo Philly presents a special themed brunch with photo ops, drink specials, and a contest for Best Dressed Barbie (winner gets a $50 gift card). The 90-minute brunch includes food, plus bottomless mimosas, margaritas, Bloody Marias and sangria.
$47, July 22nd, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Añejo Philly, 1001 North 2nd Street.

Barbie doughnuts / Photographs courtesy of Collegeville Italian Bakery

Barbie Doughnuts at Collegeville Italian Bakery

For the weekend of Barbie‘s release, Collegeville Italian Bakery will have Barbie mini doughnuts, plus a DIY kit. They’ll have some available for walk-ins, but it’s best to pre-order to get exactly what you want.
July 22nd, Collegeville Italian Bakery, 3846 Ridge Pike, Collegeville.

Barbie Brunch at Uptown Beer Garden

Themed DJ music, bottomless mimosas, buffet brunch, and costumes highly recommended. The brunch is 21-and-up only, and VIP tables are available.
$35 and up, August 6th, noon-2 p.m., Uptown Beer Garden, 1500 John F. Kennedy Boulevard.