SPRING SOIREES
Flower Power Happy Hour
April 27, 6-8 p.m.
Chestnut Hill
Along Germantown Avenue
Pay as you go
chestnuthillpa.com
To celebrate Chestnut Hill’s 20th year as Philadelphia’s Garden District, eight businesses along Germantown Avenue open their doors for a special Flower Power Happy Hour. Stop by participating establishments—among them Iron Hill Brewery, El Poquito and Chestnut Grill & Sidewalk Cafe—to taste a variety of floral-themed dishes and cocktail creations, like the Bourbon Blossom, a hibiscus margarita and The Tipsy Wallflower.
Twilight in the Gardens
April 28, 7-10 p.m.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South St.
$18
phillymagicgardens.org
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens’ popular Twilight in the Gardens series returns this Friday night. The kickoff celebration offers the chance to swig booze as you meander through the fascinating museum, then take in a little live music and art-making in the venue’s courtyard. Taking place every month now through October, the soiree is always BYOBBS (bring your own booze, blanket and snacks), so come prepared!
Flavors on the Avenue
April 30, noon-5 p.m.
East Passyunk Avenue
Pay as you go
visiteastpassyunk.com
On Sunday, treat yo’self to samplings from up to 27 South Philly bars and restaurants at the Flavors on the Avenue festival along East Passyunk Avenue. The five-hour bash comprises five blocks along the popular dining corridor, where you can take in live music, shop sidewalk sales from area boutiques and taste food and drink from hotspots like Noord, Bing Bing Dim Sum and Laurel. Plates will set you back $3 to $6, while craft beer and wine goes for $5 and $7, respectively.
MUSIC
ART the Band
April 27 and 29
Various locations
arttheband.bandcamp.com
Toronto five-piece ART the Band play two shows in Philadelphia this weekend—on April 27 at The Barbary and April 29 at Tasker House. ART the Band’s sound is a blend of contemporary jazz and neo-soul with a little hip-hop and math rock thrown in the mix. They’ll be joined at both stops by Philly psychedelic rock outfit Moon Jellies.
PERFORMING ARTS
BalletX Spring Series
Through May 7
The Wilma Theater
265 S. Broad St.
$50
balletx.org
Lovers of cutting-edge dance shouldn’t miss the trio of inventive offerings in BalletX’s Spring Series, happening now through early May. The program features two premieres—the first U.S. performance of Barcelona artist Cayetano Soto’s “Schachmatt,” and the worldwide debut of “In Between the Passing,” which was created by PHILADANCO! alum Tommie-Waheed Evans. Thrown in the mix is the return of 2010’s “The Last Glass,” a striking work by Matthew Neenan that is danced entirely to the music of indie band Beirut.
“Swallow”
April 28-May 13
The Drake,
302 S. Hicks St.
$25-$35
inisnuatheatre.org
Inis Nua Theatre Company closes its season with a provocative new work by Scottish playwright Stef Smith. The play concerns three individuals facing different but life-altering crossroads in their lives. Through the storyline, Smith examines heavy life experiences like living with mental illness, breakups and even gender identity.
“Marriage of Figaro”
April 28-May 7
Academy of Music
240 S. Broad St.
$19-$249
operaphila.org
Opera Philadelphia closes the curtain on its current season with what is regarded as one of the greatest and most accessible operas ever written. Mozart’s delightful “Marriage of Figaro” goes behind the scenes during the wedding day of matchmaker Figaro and his fiancée Susanna. A tune fork is thrown in the proceedings when it’s revealed that Figaro’s master, Count Almaviva, has a little crush on the bride-to-be.
SHOPPING
Passyunk Square Art Auction
April 28, 7-10 p.m.
St. Maron’s Hall
1013 Ellsworth St.
$10-$15
passyunksquare.ticketleap.com
Snag some unique, locally made artwork for your walls at Passyunk Square Civic Association’s sixth annual art auction that raises funds for community upkeep. The auction and concurring art sale feature works made by 30 South Philly artists—everything from sculpture and jewelry to photography and paintings. Your ticket grants you free snacks and wine and beer,
Ardmore Antique & Vintage Market
April 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Ardmore
Rittenhouse Place at Lancaster Avenue
Pay as you go
destinationardmore.com
You’ve done your spring cleaning, now it’s time to fill all that extra space you have in your house. If you’re thinking of going the vintage route, take a day trip to charming downtown Ardmore Sunday for an antique and vintage market that features more than two dozen vendors from the tri-state area. There’s no end to the treasures you’ll find, anything from home furnishings and lighting to pottery and fancy estate jewelry.
MOVIES
Cinedelphia Film Festival
Through April 29
PhilaMOCA
531 N. 12th St.
Various prices
cinedelphiafilmfestival.com
You have one more weekend to catch some of the locally shot flicks comprising the fifth annual Cinedelphia Film Festival. Among this weekend’s offerings are the U.S. premiere of “Never Turn Your Back on Sparks,” which follows obsessive fans of ’70s cult rock group Sparks; and a documentary that searches for the elusive lead singer of Sly and the Family Stone.
