Looking for some fun arts and culture events to check out this weekend in Philly? We’ve got you covered.
PECO Multicultural Festival
Locals can head to the waterfront this weekend for the seventh annual ‘We Are the Seeds: Indigenous Arts & Culture Festival + Pow Wow.’ Set for Sept. 19 and 20, the two-day celebration will honor Indigenous arts and cultures through a lively festival featuring dancers and singers from more than 40 Tribal Nations alongside artist presentations, live painting, workshops, films, storytelling and an expansive Indigenous art market.
But the festival is just one reason to visit. Before or after taking in the music, food and cultural performances, visitors can paddle across the Delaware in a Chiliboat, ride glowing swan boats after dark, or explore Spruce Street Harbor Park before it closes for the season.
‘This Should Never Be A Musical: An Improvised Reality Show’
1812 Productions is kicking off its 30th anniversary season with ‘This Should Never Be A Musical: An Improvised Reality Show.’ This fresh concept — where “no two performances are alike” — is set to run through Sept. 27 at Arden Theatre Company’s Arcadia Stage. As the company notes, the comedy blends the chaos of ‘American Idol’ and ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ with the mockumentary spirit of ‘Waiting for Guffman.’Essentially, each night, the audience supplies “hilariously terrible” musical titles, which performers turn into improvised songs and scenes through a series of reality TV-style challenges. The audience then votes to determine which “musical” advances, with the winner revealed at the start of the second act. To cap everything off, the cast will perform a fully staged, 30-minute version complete with costumes and choreography of the winning production. Tickets (starting at $44) are available online.
40 N 2nd St., 1812productions.org
The Clover Market is popping up in Collingswood this weekend. On Sunday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., locals can peruse food trucks, live music, activities for all ages and, of course, plenty of vendors selling unique and creative crafts.
The award-winning market debuted in 2010 with the mission to provide a venue for independent artisans and antique dealers to connect with customers who love to shop small. Every market is curated and focuses specifically on handmade goods and high-quality vintage finds. The Collingswood Market is easily accessible by car, PATCO, and public transit from Philly. Vendors will be set up in the N. Atlantic Ave Farmers Market lot, the former Zane Schoolhouse parking lot and along Irvin Ave. More information can be found online.
WXPN Festival
Set for Sept. 18 to 20 at Wiggins Park on the Camden, New Jersey waterfront, this three-day festival will bring together a broad mix of established acts, emerging artists and genre-spanning performers. Housed along the Delaware River, the festival’s location offers lawn seating, two stages and views of the Philadelphia skyline. Festival-goers can also fuel up with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages or explore other food, beverage and retail vendors throughout the grounds. WXPN members also have the extra benefit of a meet-and-greet area.
Three-day and single-day tickets are available online with prices ranging from about $16 for children to $310 for a three-day pass, including fees. Three-day passes are also available with a 12-month basic WXPN membership for about $279, while single-day admission runs about $102 on Friday and $112 on Saturday or Sunday. The Kids’ Pass, available for children ages 2–12, is valid for either one-day or three-day entry as well.
Free Library of Philadelphia Fall Speaker Series
Every year, The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation curates a lineup of writers, public figures, journalists, and local icons for its fall author events season—and 2026 is looking to be the biggest page-turner yet. The schedule offers audiences numerous opportunities to engage in conversations spanning literature, history, politics, technology, and contemporary culture like Philly sports and music.
With most programs priced at just $5 — and some offered free of charge — the series remains intentionally accessible year after year. A small number of events will also include book bundles, giving attendees an opportunity to engage with some authors directly.
On Sept. 22, acclaimed classicist and translator Emily Wilson will present ‘Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea’. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will follow on Sept. 23 with ‘Go and Do Likewise’, a conversation about public service and leadership with Michael Smerconish (this event is sold out, but a rush line will be available). A full schedule of events for the fall can be found online.
1901 Vine St., freelibraryfoundation.org/events
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Keywords
Arts and culture events,
Philly,
PECO Multicultural Festival,
Clover Market,
WXPN Festival