Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Kanaval: Haitian Rhythms and the Music of New Orleans
Rescheduled from Jan. 9, Philadelphia’s first Kanaval Ball will serve up all the grandeur, pageantry and fun of a Haitian Carnival and New Orleans Mardi Gras when it takes place at The Fillmore Philadelphia on Sunday, March 20, according to a release. While there, the world-renown and New Orleans-based group Preservation Hall Jazz Band, as well as the prominent Haitian bands RAM and Boukman Eksperyans will perform. In addition, the energetic Haitian folkloric dance company Nadia Dieudonné & Feet of Rhythm will also showcase their skills. Haitan food and drink will also be on-site from local chefs, including Sylvan Senat, Executive Chef of The Pyramid Club, and decor will also be provided by Philly’s own Flygirrl. Costumes are encouraged, but not required and doors will open at 4 p.m. for the all-ages Kanaval Ball, which is free with advance registration.
29 E Allen St., xpnkanaval.org
‘A Golden Girls Mystery’ at Craft Hall
A three-course bite-sized meal with a side of mystery? That’s exactly what Without A Cue Productions puts on the menu. The murder mystery dinner features a crew of recognizable characters from the hit show, along with Adrian Monk and Jessica Fletcher. Those who head to the new production will also be treated to a three-course themed bite-sized dinner, and three distinct cocktails. It all happens during an hour and a half performance where audience members get to play detective as the Without A Cue Golden Girls mingle with the audience. Audience members can get the meals as is, or note any dietary issues. Vegetarian options are also available, and cocktails are also available in a mocktail version upon request. Tickets are on sale now and include the experience, food and three cocktails. As a tribute to Betty White, a portion of ticket sales at Craft Hall will be donated to Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society.
901 N. Delaware Ave., withoutacue.com
Bold, Brilliant, Balanchine
As part of their new season, the Philadelphia Ballet will debut a new program on March 17 featuring three of George Balanchine’s celebrated ballets, including ‘Symphony in C’, ‘Divertimento No. 15’, and the iconic ‘Stars and Stripes’—which the company will perform for the first time in three decades. The program runs five performances only (March 17-20), at the Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus, and tickets are available online.
240 S. Broad St., philadelphiaballet.org
Tribaja’s Diversitech Summit
Tribaja and founder Shannon Morales are working towards a more equal playing field in the world of tech when it comes to Black and Latinx talent. The community-based recruiting platform will be holding its virtual Diverstech Summit this week (now through March 18) to empower under-supported technologists through career transitions by providing access to essential and technical skills training to be successful. As a release states, the Summit provides participants with career exploration and development in technology through workshops and panel discussions from carefully selected career changers. Participants can expect employment opportunities and on-the-spot interviews with over 10+ employers including Lyft, DoorDash, Greenhouse, and others dedicated to diversifying their talent pool. The release also states that after a weekend of expanding knowledge in career development, Diversitech is hosting a closing reception sponsored by Tribaja. At Philadelphia’s Wet Deck Bar overlooking the cityscape and outdoor pool, guests can enjoy a two-hour open bar with their favorite Diversitech Speakers and tech companies. A ticket to the closing reception is included in the All-Access Pass Only, which is available, along with other options, online.
Museum of Illusions Philadelphia
The new 500 square foot facility now set permanently on 4th and Market streets boasts 60+ visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereograms, optical illusions, immersive rooms and special Philly installations unique to this location. One of the more popular focal points of the MOI comes through the Head on the Platter illusion, which visually makes whoever is in it look body-less or like a floating head. Another exhibit, modeled after Philly’s own Elfreth’s Alley uses a gigantic mirror installation to make visitors look as though they are hanging off the side of the building in a photo. Other photo ops include the Anti-Gravity Room, Ames Room (which boasts a similar trick to the popular Beuchet Chair on social media), Clone Table and the Infinity Well, among others. What sets the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia apart isn’t just the wow factor, but also the educational aspect. Every room you walk into, every puzzle you try to crack, and everything hanging on the wall is meant to dazzle and entertain… but it also comes with an explanation.
401 Market St., moiphilly.com
