Shop Penn

It’s cold out there, but we have some ideas for ways to play while you stay warm this winter.  If you are looking for something to do while you wait out the chilly temps, #ShopPenn is here to help with all the best things to do and see throughout University City. Find out everything happening around the district with the latest edition of the “Shop Penn Playlist,” a snapshot of the top events being offered by institutions, organizations, and venues on and around campus all month.

Novelty Candle Experience – Cork & Candles
All Month

The Cork & Candles Novelty Experiences invites you to transform wax into unique realistic candles inspired by favorite themes such as food, decadent sweets and desserts, refreshing beverages, seasonal nostalgia, and household décor. Each month, they 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 February, they offer a Full Of Love Strawberry Cake candle, a heart-shaped pink frosted cake smells like strawberry and vanilla, and is adorned with strawberries and multicolored sprinkles.

What Fresh Hell Podcast – World Café Live
February 6

What Fresh Hell LIVE! brings their hilarious, award-winning podcast to the stage! Join Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables for an evening of side-splitting stories, commiseration, and laughter. With over 10 million lifetime downloads, What Fresh Hell is consistently one of the top Parenting podcasts on Apple Podcasts. Each episode features a parenting dilemma from Amy and Margaret’s usually-completely-opposite points of view. The ultimate night out for parents who need an evening for themselves, grab your friends and prepare for an evening of hilarious stories, unexpected tangents, and always relatable laughs.

Negro Ensemble Company: Say of Absence – Penn Live Arts
February 6-8

“Arguably the most successful Black theatre group in the world,” (American Theatre) the Negro Ensemble Company performs a new production of Douglas Turner Ward’s Day of Absence, marking the 60th anniversary of when the group premiered the work off-Broadway. Described as a reverse minstrel show, with Black actors in whiteface, the play tells the story of an average Southern town that awakes to find all its Black residents have disappeared. “Ward’s wit is scathing” (The New York Times) in this comedic and pointed commentary on systemic racism that still bears relevance today.

Up Late with the Sphinx – Penn Museum
February 8

Calling all kids and families! Have you ever wanted to explore the museum galleries after dark? Join Penn Museum during Up Late with the Sphinx for an evening filled with games and gallery activities. Drop into a hands-on workshop and make something special to take home, then finish your evening with a flashlight tour through the museum. Each ticket includes a special Penn Museum patch. This program is best suited for children ages 6-12.

Animal ACTivists of Philly Pre-Valentine's Day Flea Market – The Rotunda
February 8

Have a heart for animals this February and indulge in free vegan snacks, a visit from Scary Cupid, and all to support a good cause! Examples of new or gently used items available: vintage items, jewelry, games, collectibles, vinyl albums, cds and dvds, and many other items that will steal your heart. All funds raised will be donated to an animal sanctuary that is chosen by volunteers the day of the event.

Drunk Black History with Gordon Baker-Bone – World Café Live
February 8

Comedian Gordon Baker-Bone hosts this interactive show where prominent Black historical figures will finally get their due through drunken anecdotes from booked guests! Gordon Baker-Bone is not a stage name, it's his real name. It's also a name you won't soon want to forget. This NJ native has been performing nationwide and has featured on AXS TV's Gotham Live and voted one of Brooklyn's 50 Funniest People in 2016. He's written for MTV, and is a regular at clubs around New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. He is poised to be a top comedian of his generation.

Rubberband: Reckless Undedog – Penn Live Arts
February 14-15

With an “exciting, seemingly improbable fusion of hip hop, ballet and modern dance,” (Los Angeles Times) RUBBERBAND performs its new work, Reckless Underdog, a dazzling, three-act masterpiece. Ranging in choreographic style, scenography and music, each part establishes its own distinct universe and seeks to boldly overturn the conventions placed upon dance and theatre. Don’t miss this compelling Philadelphia premiere!

XION NETWORK MEETUP! Create N Chew – The Rotunda
February 20

This will be a special "Create N Chew" 2-hour live comic book themed event featuring food, drawing, writing, networking and workshops. Featuring a new "Open Mic" style segment where you get to pitch any ideas you're working to the audience. Open to all skill levels, but aimed towards people who want to take their craft to the next step. It's also open to anyone who might have a general interest in comics...whether you're a cosplayer, casual reader, or just want to meet some cool people, make sure you come through.

Penn Basketball – The Palestra
February 21, February 22

Penn Basketball hosts two Ivy League contests at the historic Palestra as the Quackers will take on Dartmouth on February 21 followed up with a game against the Harvard Crimson on February 22. Penn is 2-4 in Ivy League play. Ethan Roberts leads the team with 17.8 points per game while Nick Spinoso has chipped in with 12.6 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds[JR1]  per game. 

Rubix Kube: The Galaxy’s Most Excellent 80’s Tribute Band – World Café Live
February 22

For over a decade, RUBIX KUBE has taken the universe by storm as the most original ʻ80s tribute band of all time! From their NYC headquarters (now also in LA), to U.S. troops overseas, in the most prestigious venues across the globe and galaxies far, far away . . “The EIGHTIES STRIKE BACK Show” is a one-of-a-kind, ever-evolving, interactive ʻ80s extravaganza! The pro and& versatile musicians of RUBIX KUBE personify your favorite ʻ80s stars, while often being joined by the legends themselves. Out on the road you may come across many inferior ʻ80s acts, but donʼt be Fa-fa-fa-foolin! Be sure to jump in the DeLorean with us, because “where weʼre going, we donʼt need roads!” This is the most AWESOME ʻ80s experience to ever exhilarate your senses. This is RUBIX KUBE.

Philly Gumbo Mardi Gras Party – World Café Live
February 28

Philly Gumboʼs distinctive blend of New Orleans R & B, funk, reggae, blues and soul has made it a unique and popular presence on the Philadelphia music scene for more than thirty years. Over the years, the band has been a “Best Of” selection by Philadelphia Magazine in their annual “Best Of Philadelphia” issues as well as having played most of the top venues in the area such as The Kimmel Center, City Winery, The Sellersville Theater and World Cafe Live.