Jill Scott comes to Philly<\/p>\n
In her Philadelphia residency, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and cultural force Jill Scott brings the highly anticipated To Whom This May Concern World Tour to her hometown. Rooted in live musicianship, intentional storytelling, and the unmistakable warmth of Scott\u2019s voice, the To Whom This May Concern Tour will center on a series of residency-style performances, placing live band instrumentation at the heart of the experience. Each city will host uniquely curated shows designed to create deep, immersive connections between artist and audience. Renowned for live performances that blend power, intimacy, and authenticity, Scott returns to\u00a0\u00a0the stage backed by a masterful live band and delivers vocals that often surpass her recordings, reminding audiences why she remains one of the most revered voices in music. Known affectionately as \u201cJilly from Philly,\u201d she brings warmth, honesty, and grown-and-sexy energy to the stage, leaving the \u201cBeautiful People\u201d uplifted, inspired, and reminded of the power of music to heal, celebrate, and bring us together.<\/p>\n
When:<\/strong> Monday, July 27 and 29 at 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.<\/p>\n Center City District SIPS<\/p>\n Center City\u2019s premier after-work experience returns on Wednesday evenings this summer at dozens of locations. Participating locations will serve $8 cocktails, including specials made with Hornitos\u00ae Tequila, $7 wine, including selections from Kim Crawford, $6 beer, and appetizers under $10. For the first time, mocktails will be offered for just $6 at all locations. Some restaurants will offer 15% off dinner after 7 p.m. From vibrant beer gardens and lounges to popular restaurants, there\u2019s a place for everyone at Center City District Sips.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Wednesdays through Aug. 26 from 5-7 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> various locations including Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.<\/p>\n All Mozart<\/p>\n Few composers have shaped the sound of classical music like Mozart, whose works brim with wit, beauty, and unforgettable melodies. This program pairs the sparkling Overture to\u202fThe Marriage of Figaro\u202fwith the triumphant \u201cJupiter\u201d Symphony, a work of radiant energy and imagination. Select opera arias showcase Mozart\u2019s gift at composing for the human voice.\u202f<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Friday, July 31 at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Marian Anderson Hall, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.<\/p>\n \u00a1Bailar en FDR! Salsa Class and Social Dance<\/p>\n Bailar is back! Now in its sixth season, this popular dance class and social event is open to all levels of salsa experience. Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and DJ Valentin of Dance Philly on the Gateway Plaza in FDR Park and enjoy pay-as-you-go food from Taqueria Morales. Free to attend.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Friday, July 31 from 7\u201311 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> FDR Park Gateway Plaza, 3601 Broad St.<\/p>\n “Living Through Death” by Ivette Chaires<\/p>\n 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 “Living Through Death,” Chaires merges contemporary imagery with traditional techniques and patterns.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Friday, July 31-Nov. 8<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.<\/p>\n Allegheny Avenue Arts Fest<\/p>\n The Allegheny Avenue Arts Fest will feature over 25 artists performing gospel, jazz, R&B, classical genres of music. Visual artist will display reactions, music petting zoo and more. Bring your bags for free groceries and your fans for Boots on the Ground community line dance. Greet our elected officials, enjoy Children\u2019s activities tables, free hot dogs, water, snacks , health screenings and educational resources. Sign up for two free lessons at the Georgia E. Gregory Interdenominational School of Music. A wonderful day celebrating the arts sector in North Philadelphia. Free to attend.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> 1600 block of West Allegheny Avenue<\/p>\n All Beethoven<\/p>\n The four powerful notes opening Beethoven\u2019s Fifth Symphony are among the most famous sounds in all of music. They herald one of the most iconic symphonies by a composer whose bold, personal, and dramatic works redefined what orchestral music could be. This all-Beethoven concert pairs the Fifth with the dramatic sweep of the\u202fCoriolan\u202fOverture and the bright, youthful energy of the First Piano Concerto.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Marian Anderson Hall, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.<\/p>\n Freedom Now Fest<\/p>\n This weekend is Freedom Now Fest, a powerful community celebration honoring the anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic Freedom Now Rally Tour in Philadelphia. More than 60 years after Rev. Dr. King delivered his call for equality, economic justice and voting rights before more than 10,000 people at 40th and Lancaster Avenue, the community will return to the very place where history was made to commemorate his legacy through music, art, storytelling, food, film and reflection. Attendees can expect the Freedom Now Rally Tour Art Exhibition, Black-owned food trucks and local small businesses, live musical performances, spoken word, DJs and cultural entertainment.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Sunday, Aug. 2 from 12\u20136 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> 38th to 40th streets & Lancaster Avenue<\/p>\n “The Notebook”<\/p>\n Based on the book that has sold millions of copies worldwide and a film that is one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all-time, the musical adaptation of The Notebook tells the story of Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. \u201cFull of butterfly-inducing highs and beautiful songs\u201d (Entertainment Weekly), The Notebook is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> ends Sunday, Aug. 2<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.<\/p>\n The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market<\/p>\n Reading Terminal Market will extend its footprint outdoors this summer with The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson, a new pedestrian-friendly destination transforming 15,000 square feet of the 1100 block of Filbert Street into an outdoor gathering space in the heart of Center City. The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson will feature expanded outdoor seating, live entertainment, local vendors, sponsor activations, and a bar operated by Molly Malloy\u2019s. The eight-week activation arrives as Philadelphia prepares to welcome visitors for a summer filled with major events, including FIFA World Cup activities, America\u2019s 250th anniversary celebration, and MLB All-Star Week. Market Day Stalls on the Plaza will feature more than 15 rotating local entrepreneurs offering handmade goods, artwork, apparel, candles, cosmetics, and other specialty products. Reading Terminal Market will also operate a Market Merch cart featuring limited-edition soccer and market-themed apparel, with proceeds benefitting the nonprofit steward of Philadelphia\u2019s public market, the Reading Terminal Market Corporation.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> ends Sunday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> 1100 block of Filbert Street<\/p>\n 2nd Street Fest<\/p>\n Philadelphia’s largest neighborhood summer festival is back and bigger than ever! The Northern Liberties Arts & Commerce Alliance announces the 16th Annual 2nd Street Festival. Celebrate America\u2019s 250th Birthday with 250+ restaurants, food trucks, beer gardens, family fun, live music, artists, pop-up shops and entertainment. Street food and summertime sips will be available from a giant list of 50+ restaurants, bars, breweries and food trucks, including 10 outdoor beer and cocktail gardens. Get ready to dance (and rock) in the street with live music and DJs on two main stages. Enjoy 14 blocks of non-stop activities along N. 2nd and connecting side streets, from Spring Garden all the way to Girard. Look for food, drink and retail specials at merchants along the famed commercial corridor. The event is no charge and open to the public.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Sunday, Aug. 2 from 12-10 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> North 2nd Street from Girard Avenue to Spring Garden Street<\/p>\n Dirty Rocks Cocktail Competition at Fringe Bar<\/p>\n The public is invited to attend Dirty Rocks Cocktail Competition. Using Patron Tequila as the core spirit, nine Philadelphia bartenders compete to make the most memorable, enjoyable and delicious tequila cocktail and win a cash prize. The event is open to the public, and aims to create community by bringing Philadelphians together. Unlike other competitions where a panel of judges decide the winners privately, this event engages all attendees in the process. Guests taste the cocktails and cast their vote for their favorite. Guests can earn more tickets for votes through a series of networking challenges throughout the event. The goal of the challenges is to create community and connections. The event is a casual summer block party with a DJ spinning throughout the day. There will be pizza available from the food truck as well as Fringe Bar\u2019s a la carte menu and drinks specials at the bars. Tickets are required to attend.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Sunday, Aug. 2 from 3-7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Fringe Bar, 140 N. Columbus Blvd.<\/p>\n \u201dFreedom Dreams\u201d at the Barnes<\/p>\n As Philadelphia and the nation prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, Freedom Dreams brings together powerful works by artists in film, video, and installation that invite viewers to immerse themselves in the memories, dreams, and histories of Black Americans. The exhibition features works by Arthur Jafa, David Hartt, Garrett Bradley, Ja\u2019Tovia Gary, and Tourmaline, all exploring history, archives, and cultural memory. Freedom Dreams highlights the fluid boundary between past, present, and future and encourages viewers to reflect on how Americans of color have shaped identities and created spaces of resistance, joy, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression. The exhibition is co-curated by Maori Karmael Holmes, Chief Executive and Artistic Officer of BlackStar Projects, and James Claiborne, Fleischner Family Vice President for Engagement at the Barnes.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> through Sunday, Aug. 9<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.<\/p>\n Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026<\/p>\n In celebration of the Year of the Horse \u2014 symbolizing energy, passion, freedom and transformation \u2014 the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will glow with breathtaking light, art, culture, and global spirit. The Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Visitors will wander through glowing landscapes filled with magnificent, illuminated sculptures, each piece crafted from steel frames and vibrant silk. All of the lanterns will be brand new, including one-of-a-kind lanterns celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer. The lanterns blend the magic of Chinese tradition with the spirit of global connection and friendly competition, along with themes of animals and flowers. In addition to the stunning lantern displays, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, as well as food and drink offerings such as Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and signature cocktails in the Cocktail Garden.<\/p>\n