HSP hosts Artists in Conversation on the legacy of Black bandmaster Francis Johnson
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) presents Exploring Francis Johnson: Artists in Conversation, a dynamic panel featuring visual and performing artists whose work is inspired by the life and legacy of Francis Johnson. Textile artist Santé Johnson, choreographer Lauren Putty White, and musician/composer Brent White will discuss how archival research, particularly within HSP’s collections, has informed their recent projects, including The Arrival: Soirée Musicale and Dance Like It’s 1829. The conversation will examine how artists engage with historical materials, where creative inquiry intersects with academic research, and how archives can better support artistic processes. Together, the panelists will reflect on Johnson’s enduring influence as a pioneering Black composer and bandleader in 19th-century Philadelphia, and how his story continues to inspire new creative work across disciplines. Tickets are required.
When: Monday, April 13 from 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
Cobbs Creek Community Workday
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy at the Johnny Sample Recreation Center in Cobbs Creek Park as we refresh the garden for spring with perennial cutbacks, weeding, and mulching. All tools and materials will be provided.
When: Tuesday, April 14 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Cobbs Creek Park, 1338 S. 59th St.
The Heart of Jazz foundation holds fundraiser at Chris’ Jazz Café
The Heart of Jazz, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit whose mission is to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians, is partnering with Chris’ Jazz Café for a fundraiser at the legendary Center City venue to support the HOJ’s scholarship program. The evening of music features The New Philly Sound, a dynamic collective of young, local musicians who reflect both Philadelphia’s rich jazz legacy and its vibrant future. Formed by saxophonist Aidan McKeon at the request of Monaghan, The New Philly Sound features some of the finest university jazz students with roots in the greater Philadelphia area. The collective embodies the Heart of Jazz’s mission: equity, access, and authentic performance rooted in community, while fostering emerging talent and building a vibrant local jazz culture. Membership flows throughout the year—students graduate, new musicians are recommended by current members, and the lineup evolves annually.
When: Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Where: Chris’s Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St.
Belmont Wetland Community Planting
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation in the Belmont Wetlands of West Fairmount Park for a volunteer day to plant new trees and care for the landscape. All tools and materials will be provided.
When: Wednesday, April 15 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Belmont Plateau, 1800 Belmont Mansion Dr.
Free Tax Prep Services for West Philadelphia Residents
In partnership with ACHIEVEability, the Campaign for Working Families (CWF) is once again offering free tax preparation services to West Philadelphia residents this tax season. Now through April 15, residents can schedule an appointment via CWF’s website to receive expert assistance from trained nonprofit professionals. Appointments are available Mondays through Thursdays and on select Saturdays, ensuring a smooth, accurate, and stress-free tax filing experience. The free services will be held at ACHIEVEability, which is proudly serving as the host location for the program. Last year, with the support of ACHIEVEability and CWF, more than 1,000 residents received tax assistance, resulting in a combined total of $855,292 in refunds for those who used the free service.
Where: ACHIEVEAbility, 5901 Market St.
“Molière’s The Hypochondriac”
There is more than one way to afford healthcare. Argan is convinced his undiagnosable illness is fatal, and he must spend his wealth on celebrated doctors to survive. Anxious over medical bills and a profligate second wife, he schemes to marry his beautiful daughter to a doctor to ensure free healthcare. Can his daughter’s loveless marriage give Argan the insurance he needs against illness, or will he survive sickness without tridaily enemas and realize that the true ills threatening his life, happiness, and survival are not medical?
When: Wednesday, April 15-May 10
Where: Quintessence Theatre, 7137 Germantown Ave.
Artists in Conversation: Craig Calderwood and Didier William
Join guest curator Robert Cozzolino for a conversation with artists Craig Calderwood and Didier William, who reimagine figurative painting through hybrid materials and pattern to explore gender, sexuality, and the body’s relationship to culture, with works on view at PAFA and Woodmere Art Museum in “Bodies & Souls.”
When: Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St.
Sheinelle Jones talks new book at Free Library
Philadelphia favorite and “Today” show co-host Sheinelle Jones returns to her hometown to appear in the Free Library of Philadelphia’s acclaimed Author Events Series, sharing insights from her debut book, “Through Mom’s Eyes.” Inspired by her popular Today segment of the same name, Jones brings together heartfelt, candid wisdom from the mothers behind some of today’s most celebrated figures. Through conversations with women like the mothers of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lady Gaga, and Stephen Curry, Jones explores the challenges, triumphs, and deeply personal moments that shape both parenting and success. Blending these powerful stories with her own experiences raising three children, Jones offers an uplifting and relatable look at modern motherhood — highlighting resilience, empathy, and the enduring bond between mothers and their children. “Through Mom’s Eyes” is a moving celebration of the women who guide, support, and inspire from behind the scenes.
When: Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
Paul Taylor Dance Company comes to Philly
Paul Taylor Dance Company, “one of the most exciting, innovative, and delightful dance companies in the entire world,” (The New York Times) returns with Speaking in Tongues, which had its world premiere on the Penn Live Arts stage in 1988. Set against a melodic yet haunting score, the piece examines the undercurrent of fanaticism and hypocrisy in religion. The program also features the definitive Taylor work Esplanade, “a classic of American dance” (The New Yorker) celebrating its 50th anniversary.
When: Friday, April 17-18
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
PHILADANCO! EXPLOSIVE!
As a pillar of Philadelphia’s dance community and Ensemble Arts Resident Company since 2001, a cornerstone of PHILADANCO!’s legacy has always been its fierce commitment to cultivating new voices in dance, a mission helmed by cultural pioneer and national arts leaders Joan Myers Brown. With EXPLOSIVE!, the company fuels that mission with a high-voltage program created by four dynamic choreographers. The result is an electrifying evening where risk, innovation, and raw physical power take center stage.
When: Friday, April 17-19
Where: Perelman Theater, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Panda Fest Philadelphia 2026
Panda fest is an outdoor Asian food festival with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs. Panda fest is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia. We will decorate the festival with a lot of Panda decorations. And we will have Panda inflatables, Panda Dough Figurine, Panda Painting DIY, Panda Face Painting, Panda themed food. Guests can expect 60+ Asian food and merchandise vendors, 100+ Asian street food, Asian culture performance and Panda related merchandise. Tickets are required.
When: Saturday. April 18 at 10 a.m.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Franklin Square Opening Day
Enjoy the return of the Franklin Square Fountain Show in the Rendell Family Fountain and take part in Earth Day activities including eco-friendly crafts. Experience the wonder and delight of Raptor Jawns by meeting majestic birds like a red-tailed hawk and an adorable Eastern screech owl up close, discovering their natural history and connecting with these predators in an unforgettable way. There will also be games, giant bubbles, music, fitness fun, and play for children with YoYo. Free carousel rides for the first 100 guests. Free and open to the public.
When: Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
Ready, Set, Bloom Market
Taking over North Front Street for the third time, Now + Then Marketplace’s Ready, Set, Bloom Market returns to Star|Bolt and Five Sisters with 50 local vendors. Vendors are springing up inside and outside Star|Bolt, where shoppers can find food & drink specials all day. Vendors range from vintage clothing to local artwork and so much more. The market is free to attend, dog and kid friendly!
When: Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Star|Bolt, 1936 N. Front St.
Manayunk StrEAT Festival
The largest food event in Philadelphia — and one of the largest food truck festivals in America — is back and bigger than ever! StrEAT Food Festival returns to Manayunk with over 70 food trucks and 20 gourmet food vendors of the region’s top food trucks and food vendors will line historic Main Street for the day, serving up menus that range from savory BBQ and global street food to decadent desserts and sweet treats. The lineup reads like a who’s who of the regional food truck scene, including favorites such as Bake’n Bacon, Deke’s BBQ,Humpty’s Dumplings, Hangry Joe’s Food Truck, The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company, Wokworks, G’Day Gourmet, Cousins Maine Lobster, and many more. In addition to the food trucks, the festival will also feature gourmet food vendors, unique shopping options and live music throughout the day. New for 2026, the festival will feature an all-new, expanded family area, creating even more space for guests to relax, explore, and enjoy the day.
When: Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Main Street Manayunk
Stenton Museum, PA Dames to celebrate 3rd annual Dinah Day
Stenton, a National Historic Landmark and historic house museum, and The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA Dames), will host the third annual Dinah Day Saturday. As the United States celebrates the semiquincentennial, Stenton will host its own 250th celebration in the heart of North Philadelphia’s Logan neighborhood. Dinah Day marks the date in 1776, months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, when Dinah, a formerly enslaved Black woman, was manumitted from slavery. Dinah Day will include reflections at the Dinah Memorial, tours, crafts and children’s activities, community healing, and the screening of Dinah’s episode of the docuseries “For the Common Good: The Women Who Shaped our Nation.” This multi-part docuseries tells the vivid stories of nine pioneering Pennsylvania women who made important contributions to the founding of America. The Dinah Memorial, designed by Karyn Olivier and officially unveiled in 2024, is the first memorial in the City of Philadelphia to honor a formerly enslaved Black Philadelphia woman. Olivier is a professor of sculpture at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture who was awarded the prestigious Rome Prize in 2018.
When: Saturday, April 18 from 12-4 p.m.
Where: Stenton, 4601 N. 18th St.
Family Art Day at PAFA
Bring the whole family for a fun, creative afternoon at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). Family Art Day is a completely free, all-ages event designed to get everyone making art together. Enjoy our monthly make & take art activity — perfect for budding artists of all ages. Explore the Museum, try out new materials, and take home your very own creation. Registration is required.
When: Sunday, April 19 from 1-3 p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St.
10-day World Circus Festival debuts
Ladies and gentleman, and children of all ages! Get ready to celebrate World Circus Week at the Birthplace of American Circus — Philadelphia! As part of America 250 and Philly 250 celebrations, Philadelphia School of Circus Arts is bringing that history to life with a brand new TEN day World Circus Week Festival. From gravity-defying aerial acts to interactive workshops where guests can try circus skills themselves, this is one of the most unique and accessible arts experiences in Philadelphia this spring. All take place at one of the most unique venues and schools in the country. All events are no charge or a small low cost ticket.
When: ends Sunday, April 19
Where: Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene St.
Stamp Rally
April marks the return of Historic Germantown’s highly-anticipated spring Stamp Rally. The theme for the popular program is “Trees of Germantown.” The free program allows participants to pick up a passport book and collect stamps at various sites, providing residents and visitors with a fun, interactive way to explore Germantown. Participants have the opportunity to discover the neighborhood through an entertaining scavenger hunt, with prizes awarded to those who complete the challenge.
When: Sunday, April 19-June 21
Where: various locations throughout Germantown
”The Changing Faces of Independence: Pennsylvania in the 1800s” at HSP
How has the makeup of who is an American changed since the American Revolution? How have the people in that changing face of America continuously reinvigorated and reasserted the founding ideals of the country? By examining the documents left by our ancestors in the time leading to America’s 200th birthday, this display will ask those questions of their descendants. This exhibit draws on collections at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and will be curated in partnership with ethnic and genealogical societies that seek to connect Americans to their ancestors through research, programs, and networking opportunities.
When: through Friday, April 24
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
”On the Table: Still Lifes Now” at BWA
A group exhibition that reexamines the still life as a living, evolving genre that reflects contemporary questions of identity, labor, consumption, memory, and power. On view now through May 1, 2026, in the Printed Image Gallery, the exhibition brings together works by artists who have created prints at BWA across multiple generations, highlighting the continued relevance of still life imagery in contemporary art.
When: through Friday, May 1
Where: Brandywine Workshop and Archives, 730 S. Broad St.
Open Streets: West Walnut
Center City District (CCD) is pleased to return Open Streets in 2026, beginning along West Walnut Street, this spring. CCD, with support from Rittenhouse Row and the City of Philadelphia, transforms one of Philadelphia’s most popular shopping and dining destinations, 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from Broad to 19th, by temporarily closing streets to vehicular traffic. During these closures, pedestrians are invited to stroll nearly eight blocks of car-free space while enjoying shopping, dining, and activities for all ages.
When: Sundays through May 17
Where: Walnut Street (Broad to 19th) & 18th Street (Locust to Chestnut)
”The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales”
This spring, Arden Children’s Theatre invites families into a hilariously twisted world where classic fairy tales don’t go quite as expected in its final production of the 2025/26 season, “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.” Based on the beloved book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, adapted by John Glore, the production brings the book’s whimsically fractured fairy tales to life for kids and adults alike. Directed by Steve Pacek, the laugh-out-loud production is where fairy tales get scrambled, mixed up, and turned upside down. Classic fairy tales get scrambled and turned upside down. The Ugly Duckling doesn’t become a beautiful swan, just a Really Ugly Duck. A princess kisses a frog and ends up with a mouthful of slime. Familiar characters wander in and out of the wrong stories, narrators lose control of the plot, and the title character himself, a very smelly cheese, tries to steal the spotlight.
When: through Sunday, May 31
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
”Muliebrity” by Viola Bordon
Philadelphia-based interdisciplinary textile artist and educator Viola Bordon blends sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and fibers to explore the interplay between materiality and environmental fluctuation. Her textile-focused practice draws upon pre-industrial craft techniques like weaving and quilting, intertwining them with inquiries into contemporary issues in our society. For Radical Americana, Bordon conducted research at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to create her exhibition, Muliebrity, where she examines the invention and evolving meanings of American liberty in the national identity.
When: through Sunday, July 26
Where: Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd St.
“Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at AAMP
The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) presents a cultural milestone exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” The acclaimed exhibition, celebrating the power of art, identity, and imagination, marks its Philadelphia debut with nearly 80 original costumes from films that have shaped global culture — including “Black Panther,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Amistad,” “Dolomite is My Name,” “Coming 2 America,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and, for the first time ever, “Sinners.” As the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards, Ruth E. Carter has transformed costume design into a form of cultural storytelling, honoring the past while envisioning what’s possible for the future. Her journey from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Hollywood’s most celebrated stages resonates deeply with Philadelphians.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
”Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” at Franklin Institute
Step inside the creative and innovative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions, including “Jaws,” “Illumination’s Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Sing,” SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “Jurassic World,” DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal Monsters, and more. Play your way through eight themed galleries, where 100 original artifacts bring each experience to life. From authentic costumes and iconic props to early concept models, experience the creativity, artistry, and innovation behind Universal’s most epic attractions. Snap a photo, storyboard a ride, design and animate horror masks, cue a live show, and experiment with animation and projection mapping — all while hearing directly from the creators, animators, and show writers who make it happen. “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” is a timed-entry exhibit, which allows the museum to manage the number of guests in the exhibit, providing the best possible experience for everyone. Advanced tickets are recommended.
When: through Monday, Sept. 7
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
”Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga” at Penn Museum
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’s 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 “golden age” that marked the height of Egypt’s power and wealth. Many affluent officials built their tombs at Dra Abu el-Naga — a key part of the larger Theban Necropolis. Their tomb paintings show scenes from everyday life and imagery depicting the journey to the netherworld — illuminating how much the ancient Egyptians valued family bonds, honoring their ancestors, and continuing one’s identity into the next life. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors will close in November—just ahead of the grand opening for the Penn Museum’s Egypt Galleries: Life and Afterlife on Dec. 12.
When: through November 2026
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
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