Looking for some fun arts and culture events this weekend in Philly? We’ve got you covered.
Locals can celebrate handmade creativity at the 22nd annual Art Star Craft Bazaar this weekend. The award-winning, juried art and craft show is set for Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cherry Street Pier. This free, family-friendly event features more than 80 curated vendors offering everything from jewelry and clothing to pottery, prints, and home goods, along with hands-on “Make & Take” workshops led by Project Joy Studio and Second State Press.
121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., artstarphilly.com
Philadelphia’s longest-running independent film festival returns this weekend from May 8 to 10. Hosted at the Film Society Bourse, the 29th annual showcase will feature more than 40 new films from professional, emerging, and student filmmakers around the globe. The diverse lineup includes features, documentaries, shorts, animated works, and student films—many making their Philadelphia premieres—and spans genres from horror and thrillers to comedy and drama, alongside timely social topics.
Highlights include the opening night premiere of 'The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo' and the closing night premiere of 'Gimme My Money'. Beyond screenings, attendees can enjoy red carpet interviews, filmmaker Q&As, networking opportunities, after-parties, and a live awards ceremony. Festival passes start at $100, with individual screening tickets available for $20.
400 Ranstead St., firstglancefilms.com
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble is returning to the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts for its Spring Concert Series this Saturday, May 9, with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Harold Prince Theater. The program features innovative original choreography from acclaimed artists, including a world premiere by NYC-based choreographer Dre Torres, whose new work 'The Journey' is set to music by Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers.
Additional premieres include pieces by former company member Becky Mastin and Outreach Teaching Artist Gregory Williams, alongside repertory works by guest choreographers (including Lisa LaTouche and Caleb Teicher). Tickets are available for $25–$35 through Penn Live Arts.
3680 Walnut St., ladyhoofers.org
Cirque du Soleil’s Big Top is returning to the greater Philadelphia area for the first time since 2023 with 'LUZIA.' Opening this Thursday, May 7, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center near King of Prussia, the production invites audiences into “a dreamlike journey through an imagined Mexico, blending tradition and modernity with breathtaking acrobatics, vibrant storytelling, and immersive design.”
Audiences can expect aerialists soaring through rainfall, high-speed hoop diving and gravity-defying feats amongst a sea of colorful costumes and sets. Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, tickets (various prices) are available online now, and the show will run until June 7.
100 Station Ave, Oaks, cirquedusoleil.com/luzia
Festival season is officially underway in the City of Brotherly Love, and Northern Liberties will debut its own version of the fun with its Spring Fest. Set for Saturday, May 9, at 3rd and Poplar and Liberty Lands, the event will feature an array of tasty fare, entertainment and plenty of other quirky surprises from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
explorenorthernliberties.org/springfest
MORE: Food, art and fun headline Northern Liberties Spring Fest
