Are you looking for something fun and unusual to do this week in the heat of August? We’ve got you covered. From hanging with cultural elite of Philadelphia’s theater crowd to watching Carson Wentz impersonators strut their stuff, this week has it all. Here are the best things to do in Philly this week.
Things to do in Philly this week
National Radio Day
Here’s one you don’t have to leave the house to do, even though you can easily slip on your ear buds and participate: just listen to the radio, especially those stations that are independent, free form, and/or host interactive audience programming. Why August 20? Probably because 8MK (now WWJ) in Detroit first broadcast over the airwaves on August 20, 1920. So, happy birthday.
August 20, every radio station you can find, nationalradioday.com
London Grill’s Eagles trivia and Carson Wentz lookalike contest
There’s a lot to unpack here. This beloved Fairmount neighborhood restaurant-bar always holds a weekly Lunch Money Quizzo. This Monday, however, there’s football-themed twist featuring the guys from the popular local sports blog, Philly Sports Jabronis, with tough questions about the Philadelphia Eagles. Plus, they’ll host a Carson Wentz lookalike contest and award prizes for the best costume. Yes, everyone drinks heavily at the London. Plus, the Quizzo coincides with the London’s Meatball Monday, so everyone’s a winner.
August 20, 8 p.m., London Grill, 2301 Fairmount Ave., free (pay as you eat and drink), londongrill.com
The Barrymore Award Nomination announcements
Maybe this is a bit inside baseball-y, but, then again, maybe not. Theatre Philadelphia, the giver of Philly theater’s version of the Tony, announces all the local actors, writers and directors up for this city’s highest entertainment honor, the date and details of the upcoming Barrymores event, and the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Hey, it’s free, and you can buy drinks for a thespian you saw on stage this year.
August 20, 4 p.m., Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S Broad St., free with RSVP, theatre-philadelphia.ticketleap.com/2018-barrymore-nominations-announcement
O.A.R. with Matt Nathanson
There’s a little hard bop jazz and a lot of lilting jam rock to this sweetly sonorous, longtime quintet from Rockville, Maryland. Nathanson has a resonating voice and a soulful presence, so get the Pier early.
August 21, 7 p.m., Festival Pier, Columbus Blvd. and Spring Garden St., $35+, ticketmaster.com
Tokusatsu Tuesday
Referring to all things “special effects driven” in Japanese media, this edition of classic Japanese superhero TV screenings is a time travel edition where flying heroes such as Ultraman and Kamen Rider rule. Alex Strang is your host. Maybe there’s subtitles. Maybe, there’s not.
August 21, 7:30 p.m., Philadelphia Mausoleum of the Arts (PhilaMOCA), 531 N. 12th St., $5, philamoca.org
