{"id":285159,"date":"2026-09-13T14:08:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T14:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/285159\/"},"modified":"2026-09-13T14:08:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T14:08:09","slug":"out-and-about-whats-happening-in-philly-out-and-about-38","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/285159\/","title":{"rendered":"Out and About: What&#8217;s Happening in Philly | Out and About"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Rod Wave comes to Philly<\/p>\n<p>This year, trend-setting and chart-topping multiplatinum artist, rapper, singer, storyteller, visionary, and entrepreneur Rod Wave will embark on his biggest headline jaunt yet, the Don\u2019t Look Down Tour, canvasing the continent and visiting arenas coast-to-coast. Renowned for his powerhouse performances, he has quietly emerged as one of the biggest ticket-sellers in the culture, leading the pack for the touring industry. Following a momentous 2025, Rod has rolled into 2026 as hot as ever. At the moment, he consistently averages over 82.3 million weekly streams. Moreover, he closed out last year as \u201cthe third most-streamed artist in the U.S. on Audiomack and in the Top 15 of overall on-demand audio artists.\u201d Not to mention, he sold out every date of his arena headline tour, \u201cThe Redemption Experience.\u201d Not to mention, he garnered a nomination at the 2026 GRAMMY\u00ae Awards in the category of \u201cBest Song Written for Visual Video\u201d for \u201cSinners.\u201d Of course, it stands out as the title track and lead single from the 2x-time 83rd Golden Globe Award-winning, Ryan Coogler epic box office smash \u201cSinners.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>When: Monday, Sept. 14 at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad St.<\/p>\n<p>Manayunk Restaurant Week<\/p>\n<p>Philadelphia\u2019s largest fall restaurant week is back and tastier than ever! After a record-breaking return last year, Manayunk Restaurant Week returns at two dozen top restaurants, eateries and cafes this September. Food lovers are invited to experience the vibrant dining scene of Main Street Manayunk with specially priced lunch and dinner menus for $15, $25, $35 and\/or $45 each (per person, plus tax\/gratuity). Make your reservations now for some of the biggest names in the Manayunk dining scene. Experience a brand new eatery or revisit long-time favorites \u2014 including American comfort to global cuisine, fast casual to fine dining, indoor and outdoor, and everything in between. Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and make it a night out in Manayunk!<\/p>\n<p>Where: Main Street Manayunk<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra featuring Joanna Pascale<\/p>\n<p>Larry McKenna was one of the world\u2019s finest jazz saxophonists, celebrated for his rich, velvet tone, his lyrical gift for ballad playing, and his fluid, bebop-inspired improvisations. A deeply beloved figure in jazz, he shared the stage and studio with many of the music\u2019s great voices, including Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, and Frank Sinatra. His writing and arranging are showcased in The Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece ensemble devoted to performing his original compositions and arrangements. Since his passing, the orchestra is dedicated to honoring not only his remarkable artistry but also the warmth, and joyful spirit that defined his life in music. Free to attend.<\/p>\n<p>When: Tuesday, Sept. 15 from 6-8 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Whites Road Park, 400 White\u2019s Rd., Lansdale, PA 19446<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Live Jazz at Eddie V\u2019s: V Shayne Frederick Trio<\/p>\n<p>Join us for a sophisticated night of live jazz at Eddie V\u2019s Prime Seafood in King of Prussia. Relax in the elegant lounge, sip handcrafted cocktails, and soak in the smooth sounds of talented local jazz musicians in an upscale, intimate setting. There\u2019s no cover charge.<\/p>\n<p>When: Tuesday, Sept. 15-20 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Eddie V\u2019s, 670 W. Dekalb Pk., King of Prussia, PA 19406<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Celebrating 100 Years: The West Chester University Criterions Jazz Ensemble<\/p>\n<p>In the 1926-27 season, a new dance band was formed on West Chester\u2019s campus. Bringing the best of the best together, it was labeled as the criterion. In the fall of 2026, we will celebrate 100 years of the Criterions, the longest running band of its kind in the United States. We are honored to usher the Criterions into their second century, expanding their impact in the community and for our students.<\/p>\n<p>When: Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Rivett Canteen &amp; Social, 238 E. High St., Pottstown, PA 19464<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Jazz on a Summer\u2019s Day (1959)<\/p>\n<p>Filmed at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island, directed and edited by Aram Avakian and Bert Stern. JAZZ ON A SUMMER\u2019S DAY features intimate performances by an all-star line-up of musical legends including Louis Armstrong, Thelonius Monk, Gerry Mulligan, Anita O\u2019Day, Chuck Berry, Dinah Washington, and closes with a beautiful rendition of \u201cThe Lord\u2019s Prayer\u201d by Mahalia Jackson at midnight to usher in Sunday morning. Presented in a sparkling new 4K restoration, this 1959 classic is considered one of the most extraordinary and possibly the first concert film ever made. In 1999, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being \u201cculturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Where: Amber Theater, 106 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, PA 19002<\/p>\n<p>Free Barber Day<\/p>\n<p>The Free Library continues to provide equitable access to technology for residents in all neighborhoods. The Free Barber Day outreach program, created in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Barber School, the Mercy Community Center, and Path 2 Prosperity, represents a strategic partnership to provide an event that focuses on enhancing equity for those seeking professional development or those on a limited budget who do not have easy access to professional grooming. WAWA and Whole Foods Plymouth meeting are providing snacks.<\/p>\n<p>When: Thursday, Sept. 17 4-7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Free Library Hotspot @ Mercy Community Center, 1939 W. Venango St.<\/p>\n<p>Washington\u2019s Farewell: A Constitutional Convention Send-Off<\/p>\n<p>Join the Independence Historical Trust, the philanthropic partner to Independence National Historical Park, for a Toast to George Washington at its 5th Annual Washington\u2019s Farewell Event. During this night of toasts, drinks, and camaraderie, a farewell event for George Washington will be loosely recreated at the First Bank of the United States to celebrate the events at City Tavern following the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Before the famous document was signed, Washington and some friends headed to City Tavern for a party hosted by the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry. The bar tab came to more than 89 pounds \u2013 or more than $16,000 in today\u2019s money! Celebrate with refreshments and merriment.<\/p>\n<p>When: Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: First Bank of the United States, 120 S. 3rd St.<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Brandon Moulden<\/p>\n<p>Brandon Evan Moulden is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter, song stylist and poet rooted in the jazz idiom, soul influence, and pop sounds of old and new. With his voice and music, he seeks to amplify storytelling by placing both the lyric and the listener in a bed of thought and emotion. Free to attend.<\/p>\n<p>When: Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6-8 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: King of Prussia Town Center, 155 Village Dr., King of Prussia, PA 19406<\/p>\n<p>ODUNDE\u2019s Art Sho<\/p>\n<p>The Art Sho is part of ODUNDE 365, ODUNDE\u2019s year-round cultural programming. The art show also pays tribute to Lois Fernandez, the Festival\u2019s founder who was a lifelong supporter of art. Featured artists include Pauline Brown, Rebecca Black, Gabe Tiberino, Kariem Young, and many more.<\/p>\n<p>When: Friday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: LOVE Park, 1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd.<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival\u2019s Annual Swing Social with Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Nine<\/p>\n<p>Chelsea Reed is a jazz vocalist, arranger, composer, and bandleader living in Philadelphia. She\u2019s been singing and playing for audiences all over the world and adding band members along the way as the leader of the Fair Weather Band. With four albums and a decade of touring under her belt, Chelsea Reed brings the soul of a dance to any show&#8211;whether at a jazz club, backroom blues bar, or festival stage. Reed draws upon the intensity of powerhouse vocalists and the ingenuity of 20th century composers. She currently teaches jazz history and performance at Temple University. Free Swing Dance Lesson from 6-7 p.m., and Free Music and Dancing from 7-9 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>When: Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6-9 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Hotel West &amp; Main, 46 Fayette St., Conshohocken, PA 19428<\/p>\n<p>America\u2019s Town Hall: Rediscovering America\u2019s Forgotten Founders: Architects of the Constitution<\/p>\n<p>This Constitution Day, the National Constitution Center will explore the lives and legacies of four influential but often overlooked founders: John Dickinson, Gouverneur Morris, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson. These \u201cforgotten founders\u201d played critical roles in drafting the Constitution, shaping the structure of the new government, and securing the document\u2019s ratification. Carol Berkin, author of the National Constitution Center\u2019s definitive short biographies of all 56 signers; Jane E. Calvert, author of Penman of the Founding: A Biography of John Dickinson; Scott S. Greenberger, author of The Forsaken Founder: Gouverneur Morris, the Unsung Patriot Who Wrote the Constitution, Stood Up to Slavery, and Survived the Reign of Terror; and Jesse Wegman, author of The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People\u2019s Constitution, will examine how these figures shaped the Constitution and why their ideas continue to resonate in American civic life today. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates.<\/p>\n<p>When: Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6:30\u20137:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.<\/p>\n<p>Phoenixville Film Festival<\/p>\n<p>The Phoenixville Film Festival returns to the historic Colonial Theatre, bringing four days of independent film, emerging talent, and creative storytelling to downtown Phoenixville. The annual festival will showcase a diverse lineup of independent films from filmmakers near and far, giving audiences the opportunity to discover new voices and stories on the big screen. Beyond the screenings, the festival creates an immersive experience for film lovers and industry professionals alike with filmmaker panels, workshops, networking opportunities, after-parties, and an awards ceremony celebrating standout films and talent.<\/p>\n<p>When: Thursday, Sept. 17-20<\/p>\n<p>Where: Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville, PA 19460<\/p>\n<p>ODUNDE\u2019s Art Sho<\/p>\n<p>The Art Sho is part of ODUNDE 365, ODUNDE\u2019s year-round cultural programming. The art show also pays tribute to Lois Fernandez, the Festival\u2019s founder who was a lifelong supporter of art. Featured artists include Pauline Brown, Rebecca Black, Gabe Tiberino, Kariem Young, and many more.<\/p>\n<p>When: Friday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: LOVE Park, 1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd.<\/p>\n<p>Movies on the Mall: \u201cHamilton\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Join Independence Historical Trust, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and Independence National Historical Park for Movies On The Mall, an outdoor movie series in Philadelphia\u2019s own national park. Before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like 18th century games, arts and crafts, and Park Ranger programs. Pre-show activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the screening will start at dusk. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. The Liberty Garden will offer refreshments and beverages on-site. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is encouraged. Walk-ups are also welcome.<\/p>\n<p>When: Friday, Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Independence Mall, 599 Market St.<\/p>\n<p>Movie in the Park: \u201cSOUL\u201d<\/p>\n<p>This heartwarming film is the perfect addition to the festival and offers a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the music, creativity, and spirit of jazz. \u201cSOUL\u201d introduces Joe Gardner \u2013 a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before \u2013 a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Free to attend.<\/p>\n<p>When: Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Greater Plymouth Community Center Park, 2903 Walton Rd., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462<\/p>\n<p>\u201dPaths to Independence, 1765-1787\u201d at HSP<\/p>\n<p>In 1763, most American colonists proudly saw themselves as members of the British Empire. Yet by 1776, many were ready to break from Britain and condemn King George III as a \u2018Royal Brute.\u2019 Paths to Independence explores how this remarkable shift happened in just over a decade. The exhibit showcases rare documents from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania\u2014including letters, pamphlets, broadsides, prints, and early drafts of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Tracing the complex path to American independence, these documents reveal the ideas of well\u2011known leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Wilson, as well as the everyday Philadelphians whose experiences shaped the struggle for independence.<\/p>\n<p>When: ends Friday, Sept. 18<\/p>\n<p>Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.<\/p>\n<p>99th Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show<\/p>\n<p>The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show (RSFAS) will return to Rittenhouse Square Park to mark the 99th year of making art come alive for the city and the community. The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show began in 1928 with a handful of local art students exhibiting art on clotheslines. The show continues its 99-year history with a platform for student artists to learn from professional artists and gain exposure to patrons. One hundred forty-five professional artists from around the country will exhibit their<\/p>\n<p>originals-only fine artwork in Rittenhouse Square.<\/p>\n<p>When: Friday, Sept. 18-20<\/p>\n<p>Where: Rittenhouse Square, 1800 Walnut St.<\/p>\n<p>Work to Ride Arena Polo Championship<\/p>\n<p>On Saturday, Work to Ride will host the second-annual Philadelphia Arena Polo Championship, a celebration showcasing professional polo, food trucks, and pop-up family-friendly experiences. Guests will enjoy two opportunities to watch two separate exhilarating arena polo matches featuring current and alumni Work to Ride players, led by local champion, program alumnus and now Executive Director of Work to Ride, Kareem Rosser. Alongside the high-energy matches, attendees can explore food truck offerings, and shop from pop-up vendors.<\/p>\n<p>Where: The McCausland Arena at Chamounix Equestrian Center, 98 Chamounix Dr.<\/p>\n<p>Yoga at Independence<\/p>\n<p>Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces at Independence National Historical Park with Yoga at Independence. This free program is open to all ages and experience levels, from beginners to advanced yogis. Sessions are led by Monarch Yoga instructors and offer a welcoming, relaxed environment to start the day. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat or towel.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Second Bank of the United States, 420 Chestnut St.<\/p>\n<p>Fashion Illustration Workshop<\/p>\n<p>Welcome to a fashion illustration workshop where art and fashion come together. This 2.5-hour workshop is designed for beginners and students of all experience levels, whether you are brand new to drawing, curious about fashion illustration, or already enjoy creating your own designs. Together, we will explore the basics of fashion illustration in a relaxed and supportive setting. You will learn how to sketch a simple fashion figure, also called a croquis, gain an understanding of basic body proportions, and use that figure as the foundation for designing your own one-of-a-kind look. This workshop focuses on learning, experimenting, and enjoying the creative process. You will be encouraged to explore your personal style, try new ideas, and bring fashion to life on paper. By the end of the workshop, you will have your own illustration to take home, along with a better understanding of how fashion illustration begins. All you need is curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to try. Tickets are required; ages 16+.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Bethlehem Visitor Center, 711 E. 1st St., Bethlehem, PA 18015<\/p>\n<p>Superhero Saturday<\/p>\n<p>Calling all superheroes! Children can design their own capes and masks before showing off their superhero looks alongside the Philly Avengers in a superhero fashion show and testing their powers during Superhero Training Camp. The day also features superhero-themed art with ArtWell, storytimes, animation and design workshops, and more opportunities for young heroes to create, imagine and save the day.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Junior Jazz Festival<\/p>\n<p>Join Elmwood Park Zoo and Community Music School for a fun-filled, music-packed afternoon at the Stony Creek Stage. Enjoy a vibrant mix of performances by talented students and seasoned professionals, presented in partnership with Elmwood Park Zoo, Community Music School (Trappe, Pa), and other local music schools from across the region. This special event is included with zoo admission: explore the zoo, discover the joy of music, and spark creativity in your little ones.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, PA 19401<\/p>\n<p>2nd Annual Bites, Beats &amp; Streets Food Truck Festival<\/p>\n<p>East Market announces the return of two local favorite outdoor events at Jefferson Plaza this fall: the 2nd Annual Bites, Beats &amp; Streets Food Truck Festival and East Market\u2019s Craft Collective. The events bring outdoor local vendors, entertainment and artisan crafts to the community, creating a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors to enjoy. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon of Philadelphia\u2019s best food trucks, local vendors and live entertainment at East Market, with free admission open to the public and a chance to vote for this year\u2019s favorite food truck.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Jefferson Plaza, 1115 Chestnut St.<\/p>\n<p>Stranger Things Fan Celebration Day<\/p>\n<p>The Party is assembling at Netflix House Philadelphia! Throw on your best \u201880s look and join us for a day celebrating all things Stranger Things. Tickets to Stranger Things: The Immersive Experience are available for purchase, where you can be the hero Hawkins needs. Get stoked for free activities like photo ops, Stranger Things Bingo, DJ and plenty of rad surprises. This is a free event.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 from 12-7 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: The Netflix House, 180 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Josh Lawrence Celebrates Miles Davis at 100<\/p>\n<p>Throughout his musical career, marked by numerous accolades and prestigious commissions, Lawrence has made significant contributions to the jazz continuum. His artistic journey is illuminated by awards from institutions such as the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, American Composers Forum, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chamber Music America, Come Hear North Carolina, and Festival of New Trumpet Music. Free to attend.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5-8 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Well Crafted Ambler Brewery and Beer Garden, 300 Brookside Ave., Bldg. 19, Suite E, Ambler, PA 19002<\/p>\n<p>Earlybirds Club Dance Event<\/p>\n<p>Earlybirds Club is a wildly popular early-evening dance party sweeping the nation. Designed as a fun, welcoming alternative to traditional nightlife, the event offers a safe, inclusive space for women, trans, and non-binary folks to let loose, connect with community, and still make it home in time for a full night\u2019s sleep! Even better, 10% of proceeds from the event will support the Susie Lee Legacy Fund, supporting nonprofits that uplift women, gender-expansive people, and communities who need it most.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 from 6\u201310 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal St.<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: The Jazz Bridge Superband<\/p>\n<p>Jazz Bridge and The Cigar Republic present The Jazz Bridge Superband featuring Uri Caine, on piano; Ralph Bowen on saxophone; Madison Rast on bass; and Tom Cohen on drums. All proceeds will be benefiting Jazz Bridge. Jazz Bridge assists Jazz and Blues musicians living in the Greater Philadelphia Metro area who face financial, health, housing and similar crises. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jazzbridge.org\/montcojazzfest\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">www.jazzbridge.org\/montcojazzfest<\/a><\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19 from 8-11 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: The Cigar Republic, 126 Fayette St., Conshohocken, PA 19428<\/p>\n<p>We Are the Seeds: Indigenous Arts &amp; Culture Festival + Pow Wow<\/p>\n<p>The 7th annual We Are the Seeds Philly, part of the PECO Multicultural Series, is a two-day celebration of Indigenous arts and cultures featuring presentations, live painting, short films, creative workshops and a vibrant Indigenous art show. The festival kicks off with a powwow featuring dancers and singers from over 40 Tribal Nations. Sunday features a full stage schedule, including presentations by the We Are the Seeds Dance Troupe (Saponi\/Narragansett), original music by Zachariah Julian, and The Magic of Storytelling with Tchin (Narragansett).<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 19-20<\/p>\n<p>Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Luke Carlos O\u2019Reilly Celebrates John Coltrane at 100<\/p>\n<p>Luke Carlos O\u2019Reilly is an award winning pianist and organist. His musical style is heavily influenced by Jazz, Soul, R&amp;B, Gospel, Latin Jazz and Classical. He has toured and recorded with artists such as Seal, Roy Ayers, Curtis Fuller, Nicholas Payton, Dave Valentin, Billy Paul, Bobby Watson, Slide Hampton, Fred Wesley, Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, Carol Riddick and many others. MIC\u2019d Up (Music Industry Classrooms) is an artistic, community-based initiative that connects all-star Philly DJs, producers and musicians with the next generation of talent. MIC\u2019d Up is a new platform for mentors and mentees to discuss their passions for art, music and technology, as well as to learn more about the business, marketing and promotion of music. Free to attend.<\/p>\n<p>When: Sunday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Cheltenham Township Parks &amp; Recreation, Greenwood Avenue and North Bent Road, Wyncote, PA 19095<\/p>\n<p>Montco Jazz Festival: Josh Lee and the Family Celebrate Jimmy Heath at 100<\/p>\n<p>Josh Lee and the Extended Family is a Philadelphia based ensemble composed of Temple alums that authentically celebrates the music and the dance of the swing era. Composed of the brightest young musicians in the city, the Extended Family strives to further the 100-year tradition of big band music while honoring its pioneers\u2014Moten, Basie, Lunceford, Fletcher Henderson to name a few. Josh Lee is a Grammy winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger, as well as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra and faculty at Temple and Villanova Universities. Free to attend.<\/p>\n<p>When: Saturday, Sept. 20 at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Temple University Ambler, 580 Meetinghouse Rd., Ambler, PA 19002<\/p>\n<p>\u201dDECLARATION\u201d<\/p>\n<p>After decades in public life, Joe Torsella is stepping onto the stage in an entirely new role. The former Pennsylvania State Treasurer, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia, and founding president and CEO of the National Constitution Center has written, produced, and stars in \u201cDECLARATION,\u201d a powerful, semi-autobiographical one-man play that will receive its world premiere in eight performances during the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. \u201cDECLARATION\u201d follows a former public official whose career has ended, leaving him to confront a question familiar to anyone who has ever defined themselves by a title or profession: Who are we when the job is over? As he searches for answers and his voice, he turns to the Declaration of Independence\u2014not as a museum piece or political slogan, but as a living text that continues to challenge each generation. As Philadelphia stands at the center of the nation\u2019s 250th birthday, \u201cDECLARATION\u201d offers audiences an intimate, entertaining, and timely theatrical experience that bridges public history and private life, asking what America\u2019s founding promises demand of us still.<\/p>\n<p>When: ends Sunday, Sept. 20<\/p>\n<p>Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dThis Should Never Be A Musical: An Improvised Reality Show\u201d<\/p>\n<p>1812 Productions, Philadelphia\u2019s all-comedy theatre company, launches its 30th anniversary season with a world premiere production that will change every night\u2013literally. A part of the Phoebe and Otto Premiere Series as sponsored by the Wyncote Foundation, \u201cThis Should Never Be A Musical: An Improvised Reality Show,\u201d co-created and directed by Jennifer Childs and Mary Carpenter, will play at the Arden Theatre Company\u2019s Arcadia Stage for a strictly limited engagement. Part \u201cAmerican Idol,\u201d part \u201cWhose Line Is It Anyway,\u201d part \u201cWaiting for Guffman\u201d and 100% 1812, this is a brand new musical adventure unlike anything audiences have experienced. Each night, the audience will provide the worst musical titles they can think of, and the actors will improvise songs and scenes from each one with reality tv-style challenges. The audience will vote on which musicals move forward in the competition and the winning musical will be selected at the top of the second act followed by a 30-minute version of that musical, complete with choreography and costumes.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Sunday, Sept. 27<\/p>\n<p>Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dGarden Railway: Revolutionary Philly\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Just in time to mark America\u2019s 250th, Morris Arboretum &amp; Gardens brings America\u2019s past and present vividly to life through three interconnected exhibitions. Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly invites visitors of all ages to take a miniature journey through eighteenth-century Philadelphia. Bustling model trains wind along more than a third of a mile of track, passing handcrafted replicas of iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, and scenes modeled after events like the Battle of Germantown. Running in conjunction with the Garden Railway, the self-guided exhibition Plants from the Colonial Era highlights the trees, herbs, and flowers that fed, healed, sheltered, and inspired colonial Philadelphians.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Wednesday, Sept. 30<\/p>\n<p>Where: Morris Arboretum &amp; Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.<\/p>\n<p>Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest<\/p>\n<p>The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation welcomes the return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest for its 2026 Season. While Summerfest returns for the season with its signature roller skating in partnership with Independence Blue Cross, DRWC is expanding its wellness programming across its Waterfront parks, offering more opportunities for visitors to stay active through accessible outdoor experiences, including Wellness on the Waterfront: Yoga at Race Street Pier presented by Independence Blue Cross, Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 in partnership with Riverways. The Independence Blue Cross RiverRink has long shaped the Philadelphia Delaware River Waterfront as the go-to destination for seasonal traditions and outdoor recreation. This Summer 2026, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink will transform into Summerfest \u2013 offering Philadelphia\u2019s ONLY outdoor roller-skating rink \u2013 to create the ultimate family-friendly summer hangout. Against the backdrop of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Summerfest will continue to prioritize accessibility with free entry and flexible, pay-as-you-go options that invite visitors to create their own experience<\/p>\n<p>Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.<\/p>\n<p>CityPickle at Dilworth Park<\/p>\n<p>CityPickle is returning to Philadelphia, presented by Visit Delaware, at Dilworth Park City Hall in partnership with the Center City District for another seasonal pop-up of outdoor pickleball. Thanks to our 2026 partner, Visit Delaware, players can reserve professional-grade courts. Whether stepping onto the court for the first time or a seasoned pro, players of every skill level are invited to experience pickleball in one of Philadelphia\u2019s most iconic spaces. Standard court reservations can be made one week in advance through the CityPickle app. Advanced court bookings are currently available, allowing guests to reserve both courts. This option is ideal for event planning, including parties, a gathering with friends and family, a networking event, or corporate team building.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Sunday, Oct. 18; weekdays from 12-7 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.<\/p>\n<p>The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia Screenwriting Competition<\/p>\n<p>The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia 2027 Screenwriting Competition, which is presented by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, is open to all screenwriters, world-wide, who submit a feature length screenplay or an original TV pilot length screenplay that can be shot in the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Whether you\u2019re an experienced writer or fresh talent, we want to celebrate voices in storytelling while highlighting the opportunity and potential of Philadelphia locations by focusing on scripts that can be brought to life locally. And showcase the city and surrounding region as a viable and compelling setting for film and television. Your screenplay has the opportunity to carry forward a legacy of creative excellence, supported by the resources and partnerships of our city\u2019s film office community. All genres accepted. Writers do not need to be from Philadelphia, and scripts do not need to be explicitly set in Philadelphia. They must simply be feasible to shoot in the Philadelphia region. This year, the competition features over $20,000 in cash prizes, alongside direct industry exposure and detailed feedback opportunities for participating writers.<\/p>\n<p>When: deadline is Monday, Oct. 19<\/p>\n<p>Open Streets: West Walnut<\/p>\n<p>Since launching in September 2024, Open Streets: West Walnut has become a signature Center City experience, welcoming an average of more than 10,500 visitors each Sunday. The pedestrian-only streets serve as an extension of public space, with room for expanded al fresco dining and sidewalk retail. Businesses along the route may offer special promotions, in-store entertainment, or exclusive experiences. Food and beverages will be available exclusively from restaurants located along the route. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy live music and family-friendly experiences, and relax at in-street seating pods. The Fulton Fun Zone, located at the corner of 18th and Chestnut, will feature rotating programming including live broadcasts of Philadelphia Eagles games, mini golf, and seasonal activities.<\/p>\n<p>When: Sundays through Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.<\/p>\n<p>Where: Along Walnut and 18th streets<\/p>\n<p>\u201dLiving Through Death\u201d by Ivette Chaires<\/p>\n<p>Ivette Chaires, the 2024 Julia Zagar Residency for Women Artists recipient, is a multidisciplinary artist deeply influenced by her surroundings. She uses sculpture, printmaking, and photography to explore traditional themes in Mexican Folk Art. Living in Puebla, Mexico, Chaires draws inspiration from local traditions such as D\u00eda de Muertos, which led her to specialize in cartoner\u00eda, a traditional Mexican craft of creating papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9 sculptures, figures, and decorative objects by layering paper and glue over a framework and painting or embellishing them. For the past 15 years, she has focused on traditional cartoner\u00eda, creating calaveras and teaching workshops, blending craftsmanship with cultural storytelling. In \u201cLiving Through Death,\u201d Chaires merges contemporary imagery with traditional techniques and patterns.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Sunday, Nov. 8<\/p>\n<p>Where: Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dRon Tarver: The Long Ride Home, Black Cowboys in America\u201d at Print Center<\/p>\n<p>The Print Center is proud to present Ron Tarver: The Long Ride Home, Black Cowboys in America, an exhibition that reveals the depth, breadth, beauty and visual poetry of Black cowboys throughout America. Until recently, popular culture had not recognized the vital Black contribution to our national stories of \u201cThe American West.\u201d The Long Ride Home offers a contemporary counter-narrative to the traditional whitewashed myths. Tarver\u2019s insightful photographs of Black Western heritage affirm a thriving culture of Black-owned ranches, rodeos, parades, inner-city cowboys and retired cowhands, from rural ranches to big city riding clubs \u2014 many in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Saturday, Nov. 14<\/p>\n<p>Where: The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St.<\/p>\n<p>Historic Germantown 250th Stamp Rally<\/p>\n<p>This fall, Historic Germantown is challenging Philadelphians to put their knowledge of local history to the test while discovering some of the remarkable people who helped shape Germantown, Philadelphia, and beyond. The free Historic Germantown 250th Stamp Rally will turn Northwest Philadelphia into a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt, inviting visitors to explore 23 historic and cultural sites, collect stamps, and uncover the identities of trailblazers connected to Germantown\u2019s past and present. For this Stamp Rally, Historic Germantown isn\u2019t revealing the names of its featured figures. Instead, visitors will follow clues at each stop and scan QR codes to uncover individuals ranging from artists and abolitionists to educators, activists, and innovators. The experience is part of Historic Germantown\u2019s year-long celebration of America\u2019s 250th anniversary and offers a fun, interactive way for families and history lovers to discover the people behind the neighborhood\u2019s history. The Stamp Rally runs through November 14, with prizes available along the way. Visitors who collect six or more stamps and\/or scavenger hunt answers can earn a set of Trailblazer Trading Cards featuring 18 influential figures, with additional prizes for reaching 14 and 20 stops. The experience concludes with a Stamp Rally Wrap Party on November 14 at the Historic Germantown Visitor Center, featuring refreshments, prizes, and grand-prize raffle drawings.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Saturday, Nov. 14<\/p>\n<p>Where: various locations across Northwest Philadelphia<\/p>\n<p>\u201dAncient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga\u201d at Penn Museum<\/p>\n<p>Spotlighting century-old watercolor paintings by Egyptian artist Ahmed Yousef, Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga will go on view at the Penn Museum. Last exhibited in Cairo during the 1920s, the watercolor paintings have been carefully preserved in the Penn Museum\u2019s Archives for more than 100 years. They have never been on display in the United States. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors reveals the often underappreciated, but critical function of art in archaeology. The 1,500 sq. ft. exhibition highlights elaborately decorated tomb chapels during the New Kingdom (approximately 1550 BCE-1070 BCE), a \u201cgolden age\u201d that marked the height of Egypt\u2019s power and wealth. Many affluent officials built their tombs at Dra Abu el-Naga \u2014 a key part of the larger Theban Necropolis. Their tomb paintings show scenes from everyday life and imagery depicting the journey to the netherworld \u2014 illuminating how much the ancient Egyptians valued family bonds, honoring their ancestors, and continuing one\u2019s identity into the next life. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors will close in November \u2014 just ahead of the grand opening for the Penn Museum\u2019s \u201cEgypt Galleries: Life and Afterlife\u201d on Dec. 12.<\/p>\n<p>When: through November 2026<\/p>\n<p>Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dAt Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic\u201d at Arthur Ross<\/p>\n<p>The Arthur Ross Gallery\u2019s fall exhibition, \u201cAt Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic,\u201d asks visitors to consider the role of visual culture in creating collective conceptions of Philadelphia and its residents, including America\u2019s first international celebrity Benjamin Franklin, in the decades just before and after the nation\u2019s founding. The 41 works on view \u2014 including paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture \u2014 portray notable figures alongside depictions of daily life in Philadelphia. In addition to historical pictures and objects from the 18th and 19th centuries, the exhibition will include images of the era made to celebrate important national anniversaries, such as the marking of America\u2019s 150th in 1926, through to the present moment, inviting exploration of Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation and its first capital.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Sunday, Dec. 13<\/p>\n<p>Where: Arthur Ross Gallery, 220 S. 34th St.<\/p>\n<p>\u201dA Nation of Artists\u201d at PMA, PAFA<\/p>\n<p>With storied histories of their own, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (the country\u2019s very first art school and museum) delve into the richness and diversity of American art history. The two institutions team up with avid art collector (and Phillies\u2019 managing partner) John Middleton and his wife and partner Leigh for this blockbuster exhibition titled \u201cA Nation of Artists.\u201d Threading together 300 years of American art, the collection features over 1,000 portraits, sculptures, furniture, photographs and more across both museums. Viewers find some of art\u2019s biggest names \u2014 including Mary Cassatt and Charles Willson Peale \u2014 exhibited side-by-side with oft-overlooked Black, Indigenous, immigrant and historically underrepresented artists and contemporary talents. \u201cA Nation of Artists\u201d debuts as a cultural milestone celebrating the nation\u2019s creative and artistic legacy at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Monday, July 5, 2027<\/p>\n<p>Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.<\/p>\n<p>When: through Sunday, Sept. 5, 2027<\/p>\n<p>Where: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St.<\/p>\n<p>                                Stay informed and connected \u2014 subscribe to The Philadelphia Tribune NOW! <a href=\"https:\/\/phillytrib.com\/app\/newzware\/phillysub.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Click Here<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Rod Wave comes to Philly This year, trend-setting and chart-topping multiplatinum artist, rapper, singer, storyteller, visionary, and entrepreneur&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":285160,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[69,71,70,25342,49648],"class_list":["post-285159","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-philadelphia","tag-philadelphia","tag-philadelphia-headlines","tag-philadelphia-news","tag-things-to-do-in-philly","tag-things-to-do-in-philly-america"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/285159","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=285159"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/285159\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/285160"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=285159"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=285159"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=285159"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}