It’s a big week for Philly’s stage, screen, and cultural scene, so make sure you don’t miss any of these things to do.
The Docs & Dialogues documentary festival continues, Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story premieres, as does The Coral Ring Legacy.
GIRL DOLLS: The American Musical continues its run, The Black Clown opens at the Miller Theater, and Liberty City Radio Theatre presents The Princess Bride Live on Stage.
The rescheduled Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show is this weekend, Parks on Tap moves to Mathias Baldwin Park, and Love Your Park Week is still happening.
For an educational experience, the Art at Noon series at PAFA features a lecture on Charles Willson Peale, the Free Library Author Series delves into the classics with Mary Beard, and One Book One, Philadelphia presents Stories Between Us: Creativity, Identity, and Belonging.
Entertainment for a cause this week includes Mission Story Slam 14, the return of the Green Philly Eco Fair, and SLH Impact’s Game Changers: A Night of STEM & Sports
The Mummer’s museum hosts the Festival of Many Colors, and the 2300 Arena hosts the Philly Jewish Music Festival.
The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour returns for the season to Old City, and They Might Be Giants graces Philly with their presence for two nights at Union Transfer.
Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.
COME TO A MISSION-DRIVEN STORY TIME. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of Mission Story Slam. The next event, Mission Story Slam 14: No Judgement, happens at Triple-Bottom Brewing May 12 from 5:30pm to 10pm. Storytellers from Philadelphia’s nonprofit, activist, sustainable business, and triple-bottom-line communities share five-minute stories to compete for a $250 donation to the nonprofit of their choice, while the audience favorite directs $100 to another selected nonprofit. $25-$50. 915 Spring Garden Street
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY
Docs & Dialogues, Love Your Park Week, GIRL DOLLS, Mission Story Slam, Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story, Free Library Author Series, Art at Noon series at PAFA, Parks on Tap, Game Changers: A Night of STEM & Sports, The Coral Ring Legacy, The Black Clown
COME TO A DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL. On Mondays and Tuesdays through May 19, Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media presents Docs & Dialogues, a screening of diverse and compelling documentary films and conversations with the filmmakers at The Weitzman. $10-$20. 101 South Independence Mall East
LOVE YOUR PARKS! It’s that time of year again, folks! Love Your Park Week continues through May 17. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and park friends’ groups across the city will be hosting events. Over 100 Philly parks need help with tending gardens and flower beds, caring for trees, and post-winter cleanup. Free, except for your time and energy. Various locations, check out the list here for a park near you!
SEE A MUSICAL COMEDY THAT ASKS WHAT YOUR FAVORITE DOLL SAYS ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD TRAUMA. in collaboration with The Bearded Ladies Cabaret and FringeArts, Jackie Soro and Pax Ressler take us on a cringeworthy journey to their 90s toy chests in GIRL DOLLS: The American Musical, open through May 17 with performances at 2 and 7pm. $2-$50. 140 N. Columbus Boulevard
SEE A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE EVERYDAY PEOPLE WHO SHAPED A NATION. Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story premieres at Philadelphia Film Society May 12 at 6pm. It tells the story of America’s founding through the lens of the diverse communities here in Philadelphia. There will be a panel discussion with the filmmakers hosted by WHYY’s Cherri Gregg following the screening. Free. 1412 Chestnut Street
ENGAGE WITH THE CLASSICS. The Free Library Foundation Author Series presents Mary Beard | Talking Classics: The Shock of the Old in conversation with Tamala Edwards May 12 from 7 to 8pm. For everyone who’s ever been fascinated by the ancient world. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of the Free Library Foundation. $5. 1901 Vine Street
LEARN THE OUTSIZED IMPACT OF THE PEALE FAMILY ON AMERICAN ART AND CULTURE. The Art at Noon series at PAFA welcomes Dr. Wendy Bellion Sewell C. Biggs Chair in American Art History at the University of Delaware on May 13 from noon to 1pm for The Peale Family & The Artist in His Museum, an engaging talk about Charles Willson Peale, his children, and their legacy. Pay what you wish. Rhoden Arts Center,118-128 N. Broad Street
DRINK BEER IN SPRING GARDEN. Parks on Tap comes to Matthias Baldwin Park May 13 to May 17 from 4 to 10pm (noon to 10pm Saturday and Sunday). The roving beer (and cocktail and food) garden provides a great excuse to bring your friends and your kids to happy hour in a natural green space. A portion of all proceeds benefits each park. Free admission. 423 N. 19th Street
NETWORK WITH STEM AND SPORTS LEADERS. SLH Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for youth through STEM and sports, hosts Game Changers: A Night of STEM & Sports May 14 from 6 to 10pm at The Bellevue Hotel. Celebrate the transformative power of education, innovation, and athleticism. $300-$600. 200 South Broad Street
ATTEND A DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE. On May 14 from 6:30 to 8:30pm The Weitzman is screening the documentary The Coral Ring Legacy, the story of how the daughter of Holocaust survivors started a social movement, Champions of Caring. While tickets are sold out, there is a waitlist! Free. 101 S. Independence Mall E.
SEE THE POETRY OF LANGSTON HUGHES BROUGHT TO LIFE. Opera Philadelphia presents The Black Clown, a musical theater adaptation of Langston Hughes’ poem by the same name, open May 14 through May 17 with afternoon and evening performances at the Miller Theater. $11-$250. 250 S. Broad Street
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour, They Might Be Giants live, Green Philly Eco Fair, Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show, Philly Jewish Music Festival, Festival of Many Colors, The Princess Bride Live on Stage, Stories Between Us
FIND MAGIC IN OLD CITY. The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour returns for the 2026 season May 15 with tours at 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Attendees are treated to fun, mind-bending magic relevant to the historic and off-beat Old City locations on the tour. Philly Magic tours also partners with local charities on passes and group outings for fundraisers and free tours for deserving school classes. $32.40. Tours meet behind the Bourse near 4th and Ranstead streets
DO THE THINGS A PARTICLE CAN. They Might Be Giants are live at Union Transfer for The Bigger Show Tour on May May 15, 16, and 17 at 8pm (doors open at 7). Random trivia: The Daily Show theme song is a TMBG song called “Dog on Fire.” Ages 16+ only. $50-$127. 1026 Spring Garden Street
GET IMMERSED IN A SUSTAINABILITY FAIR. Green Philly hosts EcoFair 2026 May 16 from noon to 4pm at Cherry Street Pier. Go for panels, storytelling and speakers, art activations by Walls for Justice, a sustainable home and life local marketplace, and opportunities to get involved with local nonprofits. Free. 121 N. Columbus Boulevard
PEEP SWEET RIDES IN ROXBOROUGH. The 24th Annual Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show was rescheduled due to icky weather, and is now coming to Ridge Avenue May 16 from 11am to 3pm. In addition to the classic and custom cars, you get live music, food, and more. Free entry; pay as you go. 6170 Ridge Avenue
ATTEND THE JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL. The Philly Jewish Music Festival is a daylong festival across two stages on May 17 starting at 10am at the 2300 Arena. Headliner Matisyahu caps a lineup of nearly a dozen eclectic artists, many from Philly. $43-$187. 2300 S. Swanson Street
CELEBRATE CARNIVAL MUMMERS STYLE. On May 17 from noon to 6pm, The Mummer Museum hosts the Festival of Many Colors, featuring food trucks, craft vendors, and a truly colorful array of local and world music and dance. Free. 1100 S. 2nd Street
NEVER GO IN AGAINST A SICILIAN WHEN DEATH IS ON THE LINE! Liberty City Radio Theatre presents The Princess Bride Live on Stage May 17 from 7 to 9:30pm at Rosy’s TacoBar East. Experience the timeless classic as an “old-time new-style radio show.” $21.40. 624 S. 6th Street
EXPLORE IDENTITY THROUGH STORYTELLING. One Book, One Philadelphia and South Asian Americans For Change present Stories Between Us: Creativity, Identity, and Belonging May 18 from 6:30 to 8pm at the Parkway Central Library. Inspired by Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, attendees will blend guided conversation with creative activities and contribute to a collective visual display. Free. 1901 Vine Street
ONGOING EVENTS
Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.
STROLL THE STREETS OF CENTER CITY. Open Streets: West Walnut returns for the spring on Sundays through May 17 from 10am to 5pm. In addition to shopping and eating, Center City District provides free entertainment with buskers, strolling performers, dance groups, a family-friendly zone, games and activities for kids, and more. Pay as you go. Walnut Street between Broad and 19th streets and S. 18th Street between Locust and Chestnut streets
GET DOWNRIGHT SILLY WITH CLASSIC FAIRY TALES. Arden Children’s Theatre presents The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, open through May 31 with performances in the morning, afternoon, and evenings. $30-$51. 40 N. 2nd Street
WALK AMONG LEGENDS. Every Friday in May from 5 to 6pm, Christ Church Preservation Trust invites you to Remember the Ladies, an after-hours tour of the Burial Ground to uncover women trailblazers in Philadelphia (and American) history. $12.51. 420 Arch Street
PARTY AT THE TROLLEY PORTAL. The Pop-ups at the Portal performance series at the Trolley Portal Gardens run Thursdays through June 4 (weather permitting). Free. 40th street and Baltimore Avenue
DO EVENING SHOPPING AT CHESTNUT WALK. Come to East Market every Tuesday from 3 to 7pm through June 16 for a lively Night Market featuring live music, food, plant and craft vendors, and more. Pay as you go. Chestnut Walk Between Market and Ludlow Streets
BE PART OF A COLLECTIVE, SUSTAINED RESPONSE. The new exhibition, How We Stay Free, from Mike Arrison, Harvey Finkle, Joe Piette, and Sunny Singh opens at TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image through June 27. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm. Free. 1400 N. American Street
IMPACTED BY PARKINSON’S? Barnes Create & Connect is a free workshop series for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners supporting connection through art and creative expression held select Saturdays April through June from 10am to noon. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Free; registration required. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
VIEW A NEW EXHIBIT ON THE ART AND HISTORY OF AMERICAN FURNITURE. Open through July 26 at The Museum for Art in Wood, BA Harrington’s exhibition Suite Américaine brings to life the history of American furniture making through the lens of a contemporary feminist imagination. Museum hours are Wednesdays Through Sundays from 11:30am to 5pm. Free. 141 N. 3rd Street
EXPLORE BLACK AMERICAN HISTORY AND IDENTITY. The Barnes Foundation presents Freedom Dreams, a multimedia exhibition by Black artists that deconstructs race, gender, and class in American history. On view through August 9. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, 11am to 5pm. $5-$30. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
VIEW YOUR VISIONS OF LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence is an exhibition of hundreds of posters created by Philadelphians sharing their visions of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This special exhibition at the Parkway Central Library is part of Printmaking by the People, Philadelphia’s largest 2026 public art and community engagement project inspired by the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. The exhibit is open through August 2026. Free. 1901 Vine Street
SEE 1,000 WORKS OF ICONIC AMERICAN ART. Whispered about among art aficionados for years, the Middleton family’s (yes, those Middletons, who own the Phillies) massive, dating-back-150-years collection makes it public debut at two venues, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA is open Thursdays through Sundays only). A Nation of Artists is on view from September 5. $10-$30. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 128 N. Broad Street
SEE THE WORLD PREMIERE OF A UNIQUE EXHIBIT. The Franklin Institute’s new Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition explores theme parks through the lens of Universal’s greatest attractions like Jaws, NINTENDO WORLD, Jurassic World, and more. Open through September 7, museum hours are 9:30am to 5pm daily with added evenings Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 8pm. $23-$65. 222 N. 20th Street
VIEW SELECTIONS OF JESSIE KRIMES’S WORK. Mural Arts Philadelphia and The Fabric Workshop and Museum present Jesse Krimes: Elegy Quilts, on view through November 1. Museum hours are noon to 6pm Wednesday through Friday and noon to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free, donations suggested. 1214 Arch Street
EXPLORE THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. The American Philosophical Society’s These Truths: The Declarations of Independence tells the story of America’s founding through early Declaration printings and treasured artifacts. Open through January 3, 2027. Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. Free, donations welcome. 104 S. 5th Street
LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street
TAKE A FOOD JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHWEST PHILLY. Stuff your face with Jamaican, West African, and Southern African American cuisines while walking it off on Woodland Avenue during your Africatown Food Tour, scheduled Wednesdays through Saturdays starting at 10:30am and 1:30pm. $56. 5741 Woodland Avenue
MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY
The Black Clown, photo by Maggie Hall