Build-It! Club
Chestnut Hill Branch Library, 8711 Germantown Ave.
Join in for free play with Magnatiles, K'Nex, Marble Runs and other STEM-building toys. Pre-Duplo, Duplo, and big kids Legos for kids of all stages of Lego capabilities. From 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
215-685-9290
Join the Early Birds at the Philadelphia Zoo!
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Ave.
Wing your way to the zoo to visit the exhibits before the gates open to the general public. 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
215-243-1100
Speaking of Birds, Catch the Eagles' Pre-Season Game
Venetian Social Club, 8030 Germantown Ave.
They’ll be watching the Birds vs. the Browns. 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
215-247-9858
Thursday Painters Group
Center on the Hill, Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave.
Private watercolor painting group. If interested in joining this group of informal painters, please contact the center for more information. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 215-247-4654.
Qigong (Healing Movements)
Center on the Hill, Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave.
Registration required. Experience the gentle, healing movements of the ancient Chinese art of Qigong (chee - gong), the practice of moving Chi—life energy—through the body for good health and well-being. These easy movements can be done in a standing or seated position. Instructor Michael McCormack has taught the healing arts for more than 20 years. $40 per four classes; $12 walk-ins per class. 9 a.m.
Contact Mariangela at 215-247-4654 or msaavedra@chestnuthillpres.org.
Melissa Etheridge and Elle King
Parx Xcite Center, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem.
Don't miss Melissa Etheridge and Elle King, performing live at Xcite Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts at 7:30 p.m.
https://www.parxcasino.com/bensalem/xcitecenter
The All-American Rejects: Wet-Hot All-American Summer Tour
The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Fairmount Park.
With New Found Glory, The Starting Line, and The GetUp Kids. Skyline Stage. 6:30 p.m.
Scrabble—Open Play
Center on the Hill, Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave.
It’s everybody’s favorite board game, a true challenge for spellers everywhere. Try your skill at Center on the Hill. $2. Registration required. 10 a.m.-noon. Register before you make a payment by contacting Mariangela at 215-247-4654 or msaavedra@chestnuthillpres.org
ZooSnooze Campout at the Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown.
What happens at the zoo when the sun goes down? You and your kids can find out at this cool overnight campout. (You might even get to feed a giraffe!) Flashlight tour of the zoo, and a campfire. Pizza for dinner, scrambled eggs for breakfast. You’ll need a tent and sleeping bags. Rain or shine. $69.95 per member; $79.95 per non-members. This event is recommended for children ages 4 and up. 5:30 p.m.-10 a.m.
Lots more info here:
Witches of Eastwick: Outdoor Cinema at Laurel Hill
Laurel Hill East, 3822 Ridge Ave.
What happens when Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Susan Sarandon unintentionally summon the devil? Well, of course, Jack Nicholson (as the devil) shows up. It’s dark satire in a perfect place. Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs. This event is part of the Outdoor Cinema Series at Laurel Hill East, co-presented with the Philadelphia Film Society. Rain date August 19. 8:30-11 p.m.
True Hustler Comedy Show
Bacio Italian Cucina, 700 Bethlehem Pike, Erdenheim.
Live stand-up comedy from Tata. Music by DJ Ang. 8-11 p.m.
General admission $50.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/true-hustler-comedy-show-tickets-663038715647
Magic Railway Weekend
Morris Arboretum, 100 East Northwestern Ave.
Do your little ones love Thomas the Tank Engine and friends? Thomas and all the other friendly engines will be tootling along all the tracks this weekend in Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway.
Jabali Farmers Market
Avenues Café, 7201 Germantown Ave.
The Jabali Farmers Market is a village-based community market featuring a vendor marketplace, entertainment and networking. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jabali-farmers-market-tickets-643242163627
En Vogue in Concert
Parx Xcite Center, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem.
Don't miss En Vogue performing live at Xcite Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show at 8.
Dog Day of Summer
Manayunk Main Street.
Manayunk is proudly going to the dogs. BYO pups, although no canines are required. Family-friendly activities, yappy hour specials at the bars and restaurants, vendors, and more. The street isn’t closed for this event. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
American Pop at the Keswick
Keswick Theatre, 291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside.
Remember the Box Tops? The Grass Roots? The Buckinghams? Three of America’s all-time AM radio hit-makers will be on hand to fill your night with tunes.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.
Awbury Farm Market
Awbury Arboretum, 6336 Ardleigh Street.
Visit the Farm at Awbury to peruse the stands and purchase fresh local foods and produce, and shop for finely crafted artisan goods. Also, family-friendly activities, workshops, and demonstrations. Park on Ardleigh Street and enter the farm via the pedestrian entrance.
1 to 5 p.m.
Sunday Docent Tour
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
Explore Woodmere with the museum’s expert guides. Docent-led tours are offered to visitors who want in-depth information about works of art on display. Meet at the front desk. 2-3 p.m.
Magic Railway Weekend
Morris Arboretum, 100 East Northwestern Ave.
Do your little ones love Thomas the Tank Engine and friends? Thomas and all the other friendly engines will be tootling along all the tracks this weekend in Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway.
Movie Mondays at Roxborough Library
6245 Ridge Ave.
Stop in and see what they’ll be showing that evening. From 6 to 7:30 p.m.
215-685-2550
Bloomin’ Bubbles
Morris Arboretum, 100 East Northwestern Ave.
Join the arboretum’s magical bubble party in the Whimsical Woods—a perfect location for a bubble party—right next door to the Fairy Garden. Starts at 11 a.m.
Tuesday Nights at the Movies
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
On Tuesday nights, Woodmere’s main gallery is transformed into an intimate setting for screenings of rare and underseen films, as well as classics. Tuesday Nights at the Movies is presented with the Chestnut Hill Film Group and sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Local.
Freewill donations are suggested. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7.
Storytime with Ms. Dana
Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Ave.
Join Ms. Dana for stories, songs and silliness. Recommended for ages 2 and up, along with their parents and caregivers. This program will take place outside in Lovett Park, weather permitting. Otherwise, they will meet in the library’s Storytime Room. 10:30 a.m.
Shakti: 50th Anniversary Tour
Keswick Theatre, 291 North Keswick Avenue, Glenside.
Featuring British guitarist John McLaughlin and Indian tabla player Zakir Hussain, with special guest Bela Fleck. Presented by WRTI. Shakti’s cross-cultural musical conversation dissolved boundaries with uncommon passion, grace, and dexterity. Alongside McLaughlin and Hussain, today’s Shakti features vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, and percussionist Selvaganesh Vinayakram (son of original Shakti ghatam player T.H. “Vikku” Vinayakram). Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8.
Afternoon Plant Cutting Swaps
Chestnut Hill Branch Library, 8711 Germantown Ave.
Do you have some plant cuttings to share? Bring them to the library to swap with your neighbors and browse the Horticulture Collection, unique to the Chestnut Hill Library. Check website for updates. 2-4 p.m.
Trivia Night at Chestnut Hill Brewery
Chestnut Hill Brewery, 8221 Germantown Ave.
Join your friends and neighbors for trivia Wednesday night with Steve from 7 to 9 p.m. Sample their fabulous beer and pizza, or food from one of the many other vendors in the Market at the Fareway.
chestnuthillbrewingcompany.com
Member's Tour—The Woodmere Annual: 81st Juried Exhibition
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
Members will get an insider's take with Hildy Tow, The Robert L. McNeil, Jr., Curator of Education, leading a tour of The Woodmere Annual: 81st Juried Exhibition. Learn more about juror Doug Bucci's call-to-artists and the exhibition theme of connection. 6 to 7 p.m.
Emmett Drueding & Friends
Mermaid Inn, Germantown Avenue and Mermaid Lane.
Emmett Drueding is a Philadelphia-based guitarist, singer and songwriter. 7-10 p.m. Cash only.
215-247-9797
Art
The Living World: Center for Creative Works
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
A compelling display of paintings, drawings, sculpture and music at Woodmere, featuring the work of 15 artists based at The Center for Creative Works. CCW develops creative workplace potential and cultural identity for people with intellectual disabilities. Through August 27.
Shane Fero—“Spirit Vessels”
Gravers Lane Gallery, 8405 Germantown Ave.
Shane Fero has been a flame worker for 50 years and maintains a studio next to Penland School in North Carolina. He participates in international symposia and conferences by lecturing and demonstrating. Fero is also an educator and has taught at a wide variety of institutions, from The Studio of the Corning Museum of Glass to Niijima Glass Art Center in Japan. His work can be found in collections in both private and public institutions worldwide. Through August 27.
The Photo Review: Best of Show 2023
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
Focus on the work of the 15 prizewinners of the 2023 International Photography Competition, organized annually by Photo Review. Through October 29.
Just In: Recent Acquisitions
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
This exhibition celebrates acquisitions by Woodmere since 2019, showcasing important works by Philadelphia’s artists in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and photography. Also on view are examples of recently acquired jewelry. Through April 7, 2024.
https://woodmereartmuseum.org/experience/exhibitions/just-in-recent-acquisitions
The Woodmere Annual: 81st Juried Exhibition
Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave.
Fifty-four contemporary Philadelphia artists present sculptures, painting, photography, jewelry, and printmaking, addressing many subjects, including climate change, materialism, ancestry, and biology. The artists innovate with electroforming, computer-aided design, and 3-D printing. Through August 27.
The Artist’s Mother: Whistler & Philadelphia
Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
James McNeill Whistler first exhibited the now iconic portrait of his mother at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1881. Now, 142 years later, the painting is on display in the city for the first time since then. Through October 29.
215-763-8100.
William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision
Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Early in the 20th century, self-taught sculptor William Edmondson was recognized as one of the most important Black American artists of his time. Over the years, however, his work has been displayed and celebrated only sporadically. Now, the Barnes gathers more than 60 works by Edmondson, in the first major East Coast exhibition dedicated to the artist in decades. Through September 10.
Big League Fun
Please Touch Museum, Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.
It ain’t all balls and strikes. There’s math and science involved in the national pastime. Explore the exciting world of Major League Baseball in this new traveling exhibit. Pitch, swing, catch. Channel Phillies announcer Tom McCarthy and simulate your own play-by-play. Customize your own baseball card. Registration required. Through September 3. Batter up!
215-581-3181
Disney100: The Exhibition
The Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street.
Well, if we’re honest, you don’t have to be a kid—just a kid at heart, as so many of us who grew up in the shadow of the Disney empire are. This exhibition is a whole lot more than mouse ears. It comprises 10 “imaginatively themed galleries featuring moving stories, a rich musical score, and unique behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company’s most popular characters, films, shows, and attractions.” Better hurry up, though. Closes August 27.
www.fi.edu/en/exhibits-and-experiences
215-448-1200
Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia
Museum of the American Revolution, 101 South Third Street.
James Forten was a free man of African descent who fought in the Revolutionary War, then returned to Philadelphia to a successful life in business and philanthropy. He was also a staunch abolitionist. Forten’s own story is fascinating, but his family’s 100-year odyssey—from the Revolution through the lead-up to the Civil War and the women’s suffrage movement—is equally enthralling. Through Nov. 26.
Garden Highlights Tour
Morris Arboretum, 100 East Northwestern Ave.
What piques your interest at Morris Arboretum? Take a tour, guided by your interests and those of the other folks who show up. (This means every tour is different.) Through Sunday, October 1. Weekdays at 10:30 a.m.; weekends at 1 p.m. Meet at the arboretum’s Widener Visitor Center.
215-247-5777
Garden Railway
Morris Arboretum, 100 East Northwestern Ave.
If you’ve never visited the arboretum’s railway, do. And even if you have, come again. All the trains are G scale, 1/28 the size of actual locomotives and cars, and they wind around and over garden pathways, surrounded by picturesque miniature buildings. A treat for kids and kids at heart. Through Tuesday, October 10.
215-247-5777
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.
Visitors to Longwood treasure the experience for many reasons but among the most attractive features? The fabulous fountains! Fountains during the day, fountains at night, fountains set to music, fountains alight. This festival is a must-see as summer winds down. Through September 24.
Stroll the Street in Manayunk
Walk, shop, and dine your way down Main Street as Manayunk celebrates its summer series, Enjoy local vendors, live music, and fun activities. (August is Pet Month.) Select Manayunk restaurants feature happy hour specials, while retail shops offer discounts and other promotions. Every Thursday evening during the summer.
Boca
Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler.
The story of a group of retirees who, in a series of short interweaving comic scenes, learn that the key to happiness might lie within their own community. Price $37-$40.
Thursday, August 10-Sunday, August 27.
https://act2.org
(215) 654-0200
