Looking for some fun arts and culture events this weekend in Philly? We’ve got you covered.
‘The Wizard of Dreams and Nightmares’
This weekend, 215 Live Entertainment, LLC will present its newest production, ‘The Wizard of Dreams and Nightmares’. Written and directed by Timothy “Supreme” Porter and co-directed and choreographed by Ryheen “Gate” Thomas, the comedy musical premieres this Sunday, March 29, at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center.
This reimagined fantasy follows South Philly teen Theodore and his friend Toni as they’re swept into a world of dreams and nightmares along with reimagined characters (Sticks, Man-Man, and Zion) and face the Baddie Witch of West Philly and her crew. Blending humor, music, and local culture, the production creates an interactive, family-friendly atmosphere while delivering a message about self-belief and the meaning of home.
Doors open at 4 p.m, tickets ($35 for reserved seating and $45 for premium seating) are available now online.
7 Lock St., veniceisland.org
‘The Forgotten Freedom: America at 250’ at the National Liberty Museum
‘The Forgotten Freedom: America at 250’ is a fresh three-part exhibition “exploring the often-overlooked freedom of assembly in American history.” The main goal is to showcase how people gather — and it highlights artifacts from the nation’s founding, events like Woodstock and Live Aid, people like Jackie Robinson and Michael Jordan, plus other contemporary artwork.
Specific highlights include a chair from the First Continental Congress, the 1936 Olympic Torch, a Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ Tour fan jacket, game-worn jerseys from sports superstars and much more.
321 Chestnut St., libertymuseum.org
Philly GRIT
This ongoing celebration of bold, unfiltered work by local and Philadelphia-connected artists will be hosted at Theatre Exile’s intimate South Philly venue, with a mission to amplify provocative voices and present work that is “raw, irreverent, and deeply human.”
This year’s lineup spotlights a dynamic trio of artists—Bastion Carboni, Justin Jain, and Cookie Diorio—each bringing their own unique perspective to the stage. Across the event, audiences can experience performances that dive into influencer culture, rework a Chekhov classic, and celebrate the arrival of spring with a glittering, high-energy cabaret all in one place.
A full schedule can be found online, and audiences can choose from a variety of two-show Flex Pass Subscriptions (starting at $30) to see Philly GRIT and also Exile’s other upcoming show outside of the series, ‘The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar)’. Single show tickets are also available online or by calling the Theatre Exile box office at 215-218-4022.
1340-48 S 13th St., theatreexile.org
Women’s History Month with Kimpton Hotel Palomar + Beyond the Bell Tours
The Kimpton Hotel Palomar and Beyond the Bell Tours have teamed up to offer the Badass Women’s History Tour throughout March. While on the journey, participants will hear stories of different entrepreneurs, doctors, politicians, artists, and activists who helped shape Philadelphia. Tickets come out to be $59 (hotel guests and groups can redeem an exclusive 10% discount), and tours will be held daily at 11 a.m.
117 S. 17th St., hotelpalomar-philadelphia.com
March events at Calder Gardens
Calder Gardens opened in the fall of 2025 from a collaboration between The Calder and The Barnes Foundations, featuring the former’s muse, artist Alexander Calder. The 1.8-acre site was designed to “immerse visitors in a place that catalyzes reflection and renewal, highlighting the interplay between art, architecture, and landscape.” It’s all meant to inspire a new approach to museums and art in the Philadelphia area by allowing the showcase — which incorporates different structures and outdoor focal points — to speak for itself.
But in March specifically, the arts venue has even more reason for locals to step inside and explore. One ongoing experience—Walks at Calder Gardens— happens every Thursday through Monday. The 45-minute guided tour gives an inside look at the gardens and galleries to ignite a deeper exploration of how Alexander Calder’s art “ offers different ways of thinking and feeling.” Each walk is capped at 10 people to offer a more up-close encounter, and tickets ($30; members $15) are available to buy online for either an 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. session.
2100 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, caldergardens.org