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.
7.31
John Heinz Refuge presents ‘Reptile’
Kingsessing Library
Free
Experts from John Heinz National Refuge will be presenting an educational, interactive program all about reptiles.
8.1
Step Afrika!
The Mann Center
Free
Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! is a dance company that performs the African dance tradition of stepping. They are making their way to the Mann Center in Philly to perform a free show.
8.2
Grow Up Green
Sister Cities Park
Free
Each week, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation crew will be hosting a nature-themed exploration and presentation for kids in Sister Cities Park. This week’s theme is hiking.
Outdoor Screening of ‘The Breakfast Club’
Fringe Arts
Free
There will be an outdoor screening of “The Breakfast Club” this Wednesday at Fringe Arts Haas Biergarten, along with drinks and food available for purchase from La Peg.
8.3
Blackstar Film Festival
Lightbox Film Center, Pearlstein Gallery, World Cafe Live, ICA, and Johnny Brenda’s
Celebrate the African American film community as over 60 films are screened, all centering around the “Resistance” theme of this year’s festival. There will be movie showings, panel discussions, and much more at this three-day event, which is back in Philly for its sixth year.
SustainPHL
WHYY Philadelphia
SustainPHL is an awards ceremony and celebration honoring the extensive work that Philadelphia residents have done to increase sustainability. Awards created from reclaimed wood will be presented to winners of categories like Activist of the Year, Climate Hero, Business Innovation, and more, along with presentations from Bill Golderer, Judy Wicks, Nick Esposito, and Saleem Chapman.
Pairings on the Parkway: Brian Fitzy
Sister Cities Park
Free
Brian Fitzy will be performing in this week’s Pairings on the Parkway. Logan Square Cafe will offer special summer menus and the Chadds Ford Winery will be on-site to fulfill all of your wine needs.
Movie Night- Serenity
Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons
Free
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons will be hosting a free screening of “Serenity,” an intergalactic movie about a fugitive girl with unique powers, a spaceship crew of thieves, and an evil villain.
8.4
Outdoor Screening of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Clark Park
Free
In this week’s installment of “Movies in Clark Park,” will feature “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial.” Also, the crew from the University City Arts League will be there to help you make your own alien masks.
Fourplay Performance
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Free
As the kick-off of “Smooth Jazz Summer Nights,” Fourplay will be performing a lively show.
Salsa Night in the Piazza
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons
Free
Siempre Salsa and Jimmy Jorge & the Latin Express will be collaborating for a musical night to teach you how to salsa like a pro, with the help of Jackie Fisher, director of the Philadelphia Dance Foundation.
8.5
Cedar Grove Open House
Cedar Grove
Head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s colonial country house for a classic family BBQ, while enjoying the summer sun.
8.6
2nd Street Festival
2nd Street from Germantown to Spring Garden
Free
Join 2nd Street in celebrating the summer with live music at three different stages, eight beer gardens, and food and merchandise from over 250 vendors at the 2nd Street Festival.
ACANA African Festival
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
Free
African music and dance artists will be performing along with food, games, drinks, art, and more at the ACANA African Festival, sponsored by the PECO Multicultural Festival Series.