When it comes to learning about art, science, and culture, Philadelphia is one of the best classrooms around. Philadelphia’s museums, institutions, and innovative residents bring endless opportunities to learn and appreciate a side of our city you don’t always see.
This is a weekly roundup of events that can help you add a little culture to your schedule.
8.14
The Dayen Hall Quartet Performance
Philadelphia City Institute
Free
In an installment of the Summer Concert Series, hosted by the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Dayen Hall Quartet will be performing a soulful jazz and R&B set this Monday.
Science on Tap Un-Tapped: Quizzo
American Philosophical Society
Show off your knowledge of science history, natural sciences, anatomy, and more at this Quizzo event. Mike LaCouture, the cofounder and co-owner of Broken Goblet Brewing, will be hosting this evening of Philly trivia, with snacks and beer provided by Broken Goblet Brewing.
8.15
First Person StorySlam: Hairy
FringeArts
Share your story in front of a live audience, particularly a “hairy” situation you have been in. Ten storytellers will be selected from the audience to speak, with the best story being awarded winner with $100 and a chance to compete in the season finale Grand Slam.
Succulent Teardrop Terrarium Workshop
Outside Crabby Cafe and Sports Bar
Create your own succulent terrarium with all the materials provided, along with instruction so that your succulent will last.s
8.16
Outdoor Screening of Fifth Element
FringeArts
Free
Spend your Wednesday night admiring the sunset over the Delaware River Waterfront while watching Fifth Element, a movie about a cab driver caught up in a world of good versus evil competing to protect the “fifth element.” Snacks and drinks will be available from La Peg. For more outdoor screenings this summer, check out the Philly Views guide.
Community Night
The Franklin Institute
Free
Explore the exhibits of the Franklin Institute free of charge this Wednesday night.
8.17
La La Land in Concert
The Mann
Listen to the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia perform the musical score from La La Land, the Academy Award Winner of “Best Musical Score.”
Outdoor Screening of Dirty Dancing
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons
Free
Watch Johnny and Baby dance and fall in love under the stars this Friday at a screening of Dirty Dancing. Don’t forget to bring your own chair.
Summertime Thursday Jazz Series
Shakespeare Park
Free
Visit the Oval+ to listen to some of the newest artists entering the Philadelphia Jazz scene performing in the amphitheater at Shakespeare Park.
8.18
Friday Night Dance Party
Historic Headhouse Shambles
Free
Learn how to salsa dance with Philly’s own Siempre Salsa, as part of the South Street Headhouse District’s Friday Night Dance Party Series.
Josh Lawrence Performance
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Watch and listen to jazz trumpeter Josh Lawrence and fellow Philly musicians as they perform Color Theory, in which music and visual effects combine in an attempt to recreate the anomaly of synesthesia. Food and cocktails will be provided by Starr Catering.
8.19
Wine and Wit
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Join the first female to win the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Cartooning, Signe Wilkinson, as she puts her political cartoons in context with the work of Honore Sharrer’s work on exhibit. Wilkinson’s cartoon’s can often be seen in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
A Glorious Enterprise
Fairmount Park
A scenic trolley tour of Fairmount Park’s buildings, visas, and sculptures will be hosted by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, ending with a stop at Lemon Hill.
Julius Caesar: A Live Radio Play
Shakespeare Park
Free
Witness a cast of Philadelphia actors and actresses perform alongside an array of old-time radio sound effects in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. This performance is curated by Revolution Shakespeare and the Hear Again Radio Project.
Super Solar Saturday
The Mann
The Mann Campus is morphing into a space-themed park for one day, with all sorts of activities like a traveling exhibit from the Please Touch Museum, hands-on science experiments, live performances, and a screening of the movie Hidden Figures.
8.20
Philadelphia Caribbean Festival
The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Free
As a part of the PECO Multicultural Festival Series, the Caribbean Festival will be travelling to Philly to celebrate the life and culture of the 14 Caribbean Islands. There will be authentic food, dancing, crafts, reggae music, and more.