SHOP PENN Playlist for August
University City is activated with an assortment of summertime exhibits and live shows. There is something for everyone on the west side of the Schuylkill this August. The “Shop Penn Playlist” is a snapshot of the top events being offered by institutions, organizations, and venues throughout the district this month.
Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard – Institute of Contemporary Art
Ongoing
This exhibition celebrates the foundational role of yards in shaping contemporary art in America. Building upon existing scholarship on Yard Art, artwork created to exist in the transitional space between the home and wider world, artist and art historian Josh T Franco examines the lineage of this robust American art form which has historically existed outside of museum and gallery spaces.
Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies – Institute of Contemporary Art
Ongoing
This presentation marks the first U.S. solo museum exhibition dedicated to Joanna Piotrowska (b. 1985), a Polish artist based in London whose work examines the human condition through performative acts, photography, and film. Self-defense manuals and psychotherapeutic methods are used as reference points as Piotrowska explores the complex roles that play out in everyday life.
Novelty Candle Experience – Cork & Candles
All Month
The Cork & Candles Novelty Experiences invites you to transform wax into unique realistic candles inspired by our favorite themes—food, decadent sweets and desserts, refreshing beverages, seasonal nostalgia, and household décor. Each month, we introduce an exclusive new candle design, giving you the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and explore advanced candle-making techniques in this unique educational and playful experience. For the month of August, they offer a the Freshly Sweet Banana Split candle, a traditional Neapolitan banana split with a realistic assortment of ice cream toppings.
The String Queens – World Café Live
August 8
Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens (TSQ) is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to todayʼs Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that take listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres. Based in Washington, D.C., TSQ has been featured in performances at renowned concert halls and venues across America, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the nationʼs capital.
University City Summer Series: Lady Alma – The Lawn at UCity Square
August 15
Presented by the University City and World Café Live, the University City Summer Series is bringing a FREE concert by house music mainstay Lady Alma and Vertical Current at The Lawn at uCity Square at 37th and Filbert on Thursday, August 15th! The Philly songstress has made a worldwide name for herself with her eclectic and uplifting musical repertoire. Lady Alma is known for a range of uniquely inspirational jams, and her fans recognize not only the magic of her skillful vocal arches, but also her amazing songs and motivating messages. DJ AfrVbz will kick things off at 5 PM, and Lady Alma and Vertical Current will take the stage at 6:30!
Laur Elle – World Café Live
August 21
If sheʼs not on your playlists already, be prepared to be obsessed with Laur Elle — as a singer-songwriter who has always been enamored by the power of words, the indie pop artist is a true, multi-talented self-starter through and through. After time as an internationally competitive gymnast representing her country abroad, and now splitting time between her hometown in Canada and Los Angeles, CA, Laur Elle immersed herself in the creative community and has quickly proven that while poetry was her artistic starting point, music is truly her calling.
Queer Cult Classics Pop-Up Film Series – The Rotunda
August 23-25
A pop up film series and safe space for LGBTQ folks who enjoy 80s / 90s classic film nostalgia. Bring a date or come single looking for a fellow film geek like yourself! There will be a nostalgic discussion panel, trivia, music, movie snacks and lots of fun! Enjoy Poetic Justice on Aug. 23, The Cell on Aug. 24 and Labyrinth on Aug. 25.
The Philly Bookstore Crawl - Various Locations (See website for list)
August 24
The Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl is a yearly celebration of Philadelphia’s wildly vibrant and wonderful bookstore scene, at the end of every August. On Saturday 8/24, participating bookstores around town are hosting unique events including giveaways, author signings, and more. Check out the website to see participating locations and make a plan.
20th Annual World Café Live Beer Fest – World Café Live
August 24
As one of Phillyʼs original craft beer festivals, The World Café Live Beer Fest is like no other, bringing you the full WCL Experience with an eventful afternoon of drinks, food, and music. This event is for the craft connoisseurs – and not just beer. Keep an eye out for old favorites and discover exciting new offerings with seasonals, staples, and rarities from over 30 local, national, and international breweries throughout all three levels of the venue. WCL is celebrating 20 years of Beer Fest with a new interactive experience for 2024. The event will be hosted by Raheem Manning, Phillyʼs Director of Night Time Economy. Youʼll get to hear directly from the brewers about what youʼre tasting, as well as vote for your top fan favorites from the day. Your ticket also includes a variety of delicious small plates by WCL Executive Chef Rob Cottman while resident rhythmist Oluwafemi provides the music.
Room Raiders Back to School Sale – Center for Creative Works
August 31
A housewares-themed exhibition to get ready for the new school year. Shop for pillows, mirrors, lamps, clocks, dishcloths, bags & backpacks, framed posters, and more! Anyone with a student ID gets 15% at checkout. Also featuring some work by artists from Studio Route 29 in Frenchtown, NJ.