Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Stratus Rooftop Lounge’s Spring Awakening
To truly ring in this season in with some style, Stratus Rooftop Lounge will once again throw its fan-favorite event, the Spring Awakening. Set for this Friday, April 26, the soiree will feature a VIP portion from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.. General admission will then be in full swing from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
This year’s theme is titled “Cirque du Stratus,” and will feature energetic decor and performances from local favorites along with creative cocktails and hors d’oeuvres inspired by traditional carnival and circus mainstays. Plus attendees can be on the lookout for aerialists, magicians, stilt walkers, caricaturists, contortionists, and so on making their way around the venue.
Cocktail-wise, think cotton candy garnished sippers, liquid nitrogen-infused libations, boozy ice cream, snow cones, and much more. Bites-wise, Philadelphians can indulge in carnival-inspired treats such as wagyu corn dogs, funnel cake, savory churros, and more. Tickets ($20-$100) are available online.
433 Chestnut St., stratuslounge.com
The Philadelphia Show
Now in its 62nd year, The Philadelphia Show will be in full swing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this month, from April 25 to the 28. Originally founded in 1962 as the University Hospital Antiques Show, the showcase — which was organized by Penn Medicine until 2018 — summons a crowd every year to peruse through some of the most outstanding exhibitors in the country.
This year, the event will feature more than 40 exhibitors in the U.S., including six new exhibitors, specializing in fine art, collectible design, antiques, Americana, folk art, ceramics, porcelain, silver, jewelry, textiles, and decorative arts. As a news release notes, there will also be several programs in advance of the show and a panel discussion during the fair featuring several of the show exhibitors who have also appeared on “Antiques Roadshow” as specialists in their fields, along with the show’s senior producer, Sam Farrell. More information can be found online.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, thephiladelphiashow.com
Hope for Hallie Color Run/Walk
This Sunday, April 28, Philadelphians can join in on the annual Hope for Hallie Color Run/Walk in support of mental health awareness and in loving memory of Hallie Jackson.
The event will be in full swing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature three different opportunities to participate: A 1-mile run/walk, a 100-meter dash, and a relay race. Registration will cover entry to all three events, and registrants are welcome to participate in any or all of the races by running, walking, or jogging, a news release notes.
The run/walk will feature color stations where participants will be doused in shades of the rainbow, and the event will also feature music, food, and entertainment for the whole family. Adult registration is $30 and student registration is $20; walk-ups are also welcome. Proceeds from the event will go to support mental health awareness and provide scholarships for therapy services.
401 Rutgers Ave., Swarthmore, runsignup.com
Franklin Square Official Opening Day
Franklin Square’s spring season official opening day (April 27) marks the start of most of the venue’s activities kicking into high gear (including SquareBurger, home of the Original Cake Shake made with Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpets), and some new additions (like greenery around the park) will be added.
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors will be able to join in on free rides aboard the Parx Liberty Carousel and see the debut Fountain Show at noon. The 186-year-old historic Rendell Family Fountain will feature choreographed lights and fountain jets dancing alongside this year’s soundtrack, and shows will run every 30 minutes from noon to closing time.
200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
The Museum for Art in Wood
The Museum for Art in Wood‘s collaboration with acclaimed poet and multi-platform artist founder LindoYes will be unveiled this weekend — and it’ll be distributing art-filled gumballs to those who stop by. The new Gumball Machine sculpture will be on display and free to view at the venue from April 27 to Dec. 31 of this year, and it was created by local artist Jesse Rinyu.
The sculpture dispenses unique walnut shell capsules made by artist Jennifer Eckenrode, and each walnut can be opened to reveal a two-sided slip of paper with an original poem composed by LindoYes and information for free local social services and mental health hotline numbers.
The sculpture’s unveiling event on April 27 will feature performances by LindoYes, Philadelphia-based folk/R&B duo Dani & Joe, R&B singer/songwriter Matthew Edwards, Philadelphia-based dream laborer and performance poet Marshall James Kavanaugh, poet, speaker, and mental health advocate Josh Smith, and author and poet Patricia Wood. Doors to the museum open at 6 p.m., with performances starting at 6:30 p.m.
141 N. 3rd St.,museumforartinwood.org
