Shop Penn

University City is activated with an assortment of summertime exhibits and activities. 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.

Monarch Yoga At The Park - Schuylkill Banks and Clark Park
All Month

In anticipation of their opening in University City later this summer, Monarch Yoga will be hosting outdoor yoga classes in the district throughout the summer. For just $5, you can join Monarch for a Flow Yoga session at Schuylkill Banks and Clark Park. Check the website to see the full schedule of classes and reserve your spot.

Philadelphia Runner University City Group Run – Philadelphia Runner
Every Wednesday

Join Philadelphia Runner's welcoming weekly group run every Wednesday at 6PM in University City, where runners of all abilities come together for a supportive and energizing experience. This free community event embraces the "all paces and faces welcome" philosophy, making it perfect for both seasoned marathoners and those just starting their running journey. Whether you're new to the city, looking to meet fellow runners, or simply want to add some social motivation to your training routine, this weekly gathering offers a fantastic way to explore University City's neighborhoods while staying active during the peak summer season.

A World in the Making: The Shakers – Institute of Contemporary Art (LAST CHANCE)
Closes August 9

A World in the Making: The Shakers explores the design legacy of the Shakers, a religious group whose values of community, labor, and equality shaped their furniture, architecture, and everyday objects. Through works by contemporary artists influenced by the Shakers, alongside original Shaker-made pieces, the exhibition considers how their design principles remain relevant today. By pairing historical artifacts with newly commissioned works, the exhibition invites reflection on how Shaker ideals continue to inform conversations around inclusion, gender, and intentional living in the 21st century.

Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals – Penn Museum
August 4

Join authors Gary Nabhan and David Suro for a discussion of their 2024 James Beard Foundation Award Winning book, Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals. Nabhan and Suro share an in-depth look at the cultural, historical, and ecological dimensions of agave-based spirits; the evolution of mezcal and tequila production; the importance of traditional practices; and the broader network of people and environments that shape the agave spirits industry today.

Adventure Mode Activated: A Minecraft-Inspired Program – Penn Museum
August 5

Attention Minecrafters: Think you know your obsidian from your iron? Trade screen time for family time and discover the real-world roots of your favorite game in this hands-on adventure. Come along on a kid-friendly guided tour where you will explore the real-world artifacts and cultures behind Minecraft’s most iconic elements. Unearth ancient tools from Africa, journey through the vibrant cities of Mesoamerica, and check out the battle-ready armor worn by Greek hoplites.

The Re-AWAKENING 2026 – The Rotunda
August 7

Reclaim, recharge, and reconnect at The Re-AWAKENING! Curated by Bigga Dre, this empowering, all-ages community event fuses arts and history to spark cultural renewal, spiritual wellness, and collective self-reliance. Experience an inspiring lineup of conscious music, spoken word, film screenings, and thought-provoking guest speakers focused on community empowerment and grassroots education. Browse local Black-owned vendors, network with neighborhood organizations, and immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere built on healing, history, and togetherness!

The Philly Bookstore Crawl – Last Word Bookstore and House of Our Own Books
August 22 

The Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl is a yearly celebration of Philadelphia’s wildly vibrant and wonderful bookstore scene, at the end of every August. All day Saturday, August 23, participating bookstores around town will host unique events including giveaways, author signings, and more.

At Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic – Arthur Ross Gallery
Opens August 28

Drawing on the holdings of the University of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Winterthur Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this exhibitions features paintings, sculptures, and watercolor drawings of both notable figures, such as Benjamin Franklin, alongside depictions of daily life in Philadelphia by Gilbert Stuart, John Lewis Krimmel, members of the Peale family, and other artists active in the era of the Revolution.

To Secure These Rights: 150 Years of Women at Penn – Penn Library
Opens August 31

Discover the 150-year journey of the women who challenged stereotypes, demanded justice, and transformed the University of Pennsylvania. While women have been associated with the University of Pennsylvania from its beginnings, it is only in the last 150 years that they have been students in the classroom working towards degrees, which were first awarded to women in the 1880s. This exhibition explores what was at times a fraught relationship between women students and scholars and the faculty and administration. It highlights how women moved beyond earlier stereotypes to integrate themselves into all academic and professional disciplines, and all aspects of university life.