Philadelphia is an underrated hotbed for art, science, and culture. Home to an array of venues, museums and institutions, there’s really no good excuse to be bored in this city.
Feed Your Curiosity is a weekly roundup of events in Philadelphia that will broaden your horizons, tantalize your mind, and hopefully sophisticate you into something more than the heathen that you are. Here’s what’s going on this week.
Monday, 7.16
Movie Mondays
The Trocadero Theater
$3
Doors open at 6:30 pm for a night of games, drinks, snacks, and Good Burger! The film starts at 8, but if you show up before 7 you get a free beer. Also, if you dress like a Good Burger character, free beer. If you buy a ticket to the movie, free beer. You have to buy a ticket at the door to get in, so whatever you do, you’re going to get a free beer. I think they’re trying to get you drunk.
Open Mic Night
Jon’s Bar and Grille
Free
Come out to Jon’s around 8:30 pm for the best amateur stand-up in Philly. If you want to perform, sign up at 8 and consume some liquid courage before your big debut. If you don’t, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Tuesday, 7.17
Bokyard BBQ
Bok Bar
Celebrate the official launch of #SummerOfShrubs from 6 to 9 pm at Bok Bar. Quaker City Shrubs is a new line of sparkling alcoholic beverages made with apple cider vinegar. That’s good for you, right? Either way, they’ll be providing complimentary drinks, and there will be free snacks, games, and more! RSVP to reserve your place.
A Night in the Tropics
Philadelphia Zoo
The zoo will be open from 6 to 9 pm for a wild night of tropically-themed cocktails, games, and dancing. Roam around the zoo with a drink, say hey to the lions and tigers, and stay out of the gorilla exhibition, please. This nation cannot take another Harambe incident.
StorySlam: Rebel Rebel
L’étage
Whether you were the pink-haired, combat boot wearing, tattoo yearning, cigarette smoking child, or the polo clad, socks and loafers, “I’m gonna tell my mom on you” type of kid, I promise you will enjoy this Story Slam. The theme is Rebel Rebel, and Philadelphia definitely has the rebellious crowd covered. Show starts at 7 pm, but come early for a drink or two, so you can finally gain the courage to tell the world of your rebellions.
Wednesday, 7.18
Plant & Paint Nite
The Lot at North Bowl
Starting at 6:30 pm, you and your friends can drink, plant, and paint all you want at The Lot. Ticket purchases include a planter that you will decorate yourself, three plants, and half priced drinks all night. So for $30, you’re getting a planter, three plants, and the necessary painting products for your special planter. The half priced drinks are just a little bonus for showing up.
Lip Sync Revue
Voyeur Nightclub
The lip-syncing starts at 8 pm, but the free drinks start at 7! Spend the night at Voyeur with some talented drag show stars and the people who love them. There will be raffles, a vintage silent auction, and a world-renowned Cher impersonator. What is not to love?
Thursday, 7.19
WXPN Waterfront Session
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Free
All throughout the summer, WXPN is hosting free outdoor concerts at Spruce Street Harbor Park. This one begins at 6:30 pm, and the July drink special is a $5 Victory Summer Love Ale. Show up early to score a hammock! Just make sure you use the bathroom first: Philadelphians pounce on hammocks the minute they’re open.
Summer Lovin’ Dance Party
Stratus Lounge
This party starts at 6 am. Start your day off right with a morning of dancing on the rooftop! There will be some free refreshments of the breakfast genre, live music, and yoga too.
Friday, 7.20
Shakespeare in the Cemetery
Laurel Hill Cemetery
What is more cultured than Shakespeare? Outdoor Shakespeare. What is more cultured than outdoor Shakespeare? Outdoor Shakespeare in an old cemetery. With a picnic and some wine. A Midsummer Night’s Dream starts at 7 pm, show up early for a good spot!
Artist Bash
The Barnes Foundation
From 8 pm to 11 pm, show up at The Barnes to peruse the museum and enjoy tons of artistic performances celebrating The Melting Pot of America. From dancing to slam poetry to musical performance, this event will have at least one act that will satisfy your cultural craving.
Saturday, 7.21
Neighborhood Chamber Concert
Penn Treaty Park
Free
Select members of The Philadelphia Orchestra will be performing a free concert at Penn Treaty Park starting at 5 pm. Not only will there be beautiful music, there will also be games, giveaways, and food trucks, too. This is their final free concert of the summer, so don’t miss out!
Harry Potter Drag Show
The Victoria Freehouse
Some of Philly’s most talented drag performers will be impersonating tons of Harry Potter characters on stage at 10 pm. This is a themed event. Potion cocktails are for sale and costumes are encouraged. Just don’t pretend like you’re cool enough to be a Slytherin.
Sunday, 7.22
Philly Vegan Bake Sale
Tattooed Mom
Free
100% of the proceeds of this sale will go toward the effort to provide support for immigrant families seeking asylum in the United States. That’s enough reason to go; it runs from 2 to 5 pm, and it will be delicious.
Rodin Museum Garden Bar
The Rodin Museum
From 3 to 8 pm, The Rodin Museum will have refreshments, live music, and activities to enjoy as you roam their Sculpture Garden. Let the beautiful surroundings help you recharge for the week ahead.