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.
6.19
Round One of VS: PHIT Comedy Improv Tournament
PHIT Comedy at the Adrienne Theatre Second Stage
Twelve improv teams will fight to see who will be deemed the best improv group in Philadelphia over the course of 12 weeks.
6.20
Author Talk: Richard Russo
Parkway Central Library
Free
Pulitzer Prize winner and author of Empire Falls, Richard Russo will talk about his writing career and work process.
6.21
Sketching in the Galleries
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Pay what you wish
Become an artist yourself while surrounded by famous works in the galleries of the Art Museum. Paper and pencils provided.
Chef Demo: Summer Entertaining
Philadelphia Museum of Art
This 90-minute class will help you learn how to entertain a summer party by creating seasonal cocktails and snacks, taught by professional chefs at Starr Catering.
Community Night
The Franklin Institute
Free
Admission to the Franklin Institute is free this Wednesday so that you can learn about the exhibitions without dipping into your wallet.
Make Music Philly
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons
Free
At this festival celebrating the first day of summer, there will be a day full of music by musicians around the Philadelphia area, including Erin Fox and Big Highway.
6.22
Tai Chi at the Library
Oak Lane Library
Free
A free way to relieve stress with the traditional practice of Tai Chi, which has been proven to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and quality of life.
Donn T with Little Strike Performance
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Free
In this week’s Waterfront Sessions: Live Music Series, Donn T will be performing with Little Strike. Donn T was just chosen as Questlove’s nomination for the title of “Artist of Tomorrow.”
6.23
Peter Beets Performance
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Peter Beets, a famous Dutch pianist, will be performing at the Art Museum with jazz musicians from the area, such as Larry McKenna on tenor sax.
The Hot Club of Philadelphia Performance
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons
Free
The Hot Club of Philadelphia, a gypsy jazz group led by guitarist Barry Wahrhaftig, will be performing at Schmidt’s Commons.
The Big Bleu Band Performance
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons
Free
The Big Bleu Band will be performing for a night of dancing to Motown, Disco, and Pop.
6.24
Opening of the Moundbuilders Exhibit
The Penn Museum
The Moundbuilders: Ancient Architects of North America exhibit will be opening this Saturday. This exhibit expands on the story of Native American moundbuilding, some of them more than 5,000 years old.
Piazza Makers Market
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons
Free
This open air market will host artists, crafters, farmers, and local businesses and their handmade crafts and goods.
Manayunk Arts Festival
Main Street Manayunk
Free
Artists from all of the country will be showcasing their work along the street in a celebration of the arts. There will be crafts, music, food, and products for sale, with various restaurants in the area offering great drink specials.
6.25
The Arnold Newman Lecture: Michael Nichols
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Creator of the Wild: Michael Nichols exhibit soon to open at the Art Museum, Michael Nichols will be hosting a lecture about his work and artistic process. Nichols is a wildlife photographer and has been featured several times in National Geographic.