April 23
Mandolinist and Songwriter Chris Thile – The Philadelphia Orchestra will welcome Chris Thile for a one-night-only performance of ATTENTION! A narrative song cycle for extroverted mandolinist and orchestra at 7:30 p.m. in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Thile’s biographical composition utilizes his expertise in mandolin performance paired with a full symphonic orchestra to illuminate personal stories from his life and career. Tickets available at philorch.org.
April 24
Dining For Life – Philadelphia’s oldest and largest restaurant tradition returns – and celebrates a major milestone. Action Wellness announces the 35th Annual Dining Out for Life at 40+ restaurants. Participating restaurants agree to donate a portion of their proceeds to support local individuals living with HIV. For 2025, this year’s restaurant lineup includes names such as Barclay Prime, Bistro Romano, Buddakan, Butcher and Singer, DaVinci & Yu, El Vez, Frankford Hall, Gilda, Giorgio on Pine, Good Dog Bar, LMNO, The Love, Mamajuana Cafe, Morimoto, P’unk Burger, P.J. Clarke’s, Parc, Positano Coast by Aldo Lamberti, Sophie’s BBQ, Stina, Talula’s Garden, Taqueria Amor, The Continental Midtown, The Dandelion, Villa Di Roma and Wilder. Hours vary by restaurant. Reservations are encouraged in advance. For a full list of restaurants or to make an advance donation, visit diningoutforlife.com/Philadelphia.
April 24
Jazz Sanctuary Free Concert – at 7:30 p.m. at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Episcopal Church (8 Christian St.). Another “Jazz & Joe” evening featuring The Jazz Sanctuary Quintet. This two-hour concert is also free and open to all. For more information or to support its mission, visit www.thejazzsanctuary.com.
April 25-26
Honky Tonk Benefit for Ukraine – At 8 p.m. on each day at Ulana’s, 205 Bainbridge St. Features REV Theatre Company, a live band performing classic retro country hits and lasso-twirling rodeo tricks. A complimentary cocktail and sweet treats, Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rev-theatre-company-109246190481 for tickets (from $40).
April 26
Monster Jam – At Lincoln Financial Field, enjoy big-time family fun at Monster Jam, where the world’s best drivers and their 12,000-pound monster trucks tear up the dirt in wide-open competitions of speed and skill. Tickets at https://www.lincolnfinancialfield.com/events/monster-jam/.
April 26
Third Annual Parent and Youth Resource Fair – At the Pennsylvania Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will connect families with educational resources, summer programming information, employment opportunities and essential support services. Representatives from various city agencies and community organizations will be available to answer questions and help families access available resources.
April 26
The Sandy Sprint 5K Walk/Run – The 21st annual event at the Navy Yard Marine Parade Grounds, 4747 S. Broad St. featuring the Fralinger String Band, Eagles Pep Band, Positive Movement Drumline and a Rocky lookalike. The national anthem will be performed by Vanya Sax, followed by musical performances from the La Salle College High School Band and Ashli Rice. SROCF’s celebrity ambassador, William Devry, will also be in attendance. The opening ceremony will begin at 7:40 a.m., and the 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. To register and for more information, visit https://www.sandyovarian.org/.
April 27
Manayunk StrEAT Festival – From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street with more than 70 food trucks and food vendors lining the main strip of the historic neighborhood. The most award-winning food trucks from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and beyond will be firing up everything from Instagram-worthy food trends to classics to regional favorites – with everything from pizza, tacos, lobster, burgers, ravioli, dumplings, pickles, pound cake, corn on a stick, bacon on a stick, grilled cheese, wok bowls and more.
April 30
Kitten Foster Orientation – at 6 p.m. at PAWS’ Grays Ferry Spay/Neuter & Welness Clinic, 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Learn about PAWS’ foster program and meet some furry friends.
May 2
Luann de Lesseps – Join the star of the The Real Housewives of New York City, Countess Luann de Lesseps, as she returns to the Live! Event Center for an intimate evening of cabaret. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $44.99 and are available at Philadelphia.LiveCasinoHotel.com, AXS.com and at Shop Live! in the hotel lobby.
May 2
CCA Night with the Phillies – The Catholic Charities Appeal of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is partnering with the Philadelphia Phillies for its 12th annual event at Citizens Bank Park. The game is at 6:45 p.m. vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. Seating sections and ticket prices vary. A portion of the proceeds from all tickets sold through this dedicated link will directly benefit CCA beneficiary programs that provide support to ministries across the Church of Philadelphia including special education; social services; evangelization; mission parishes; and retired and infirm priests. Purchase tickets at https://www.mlb.com/phillies/tickets/specials/catholic-charities.
May 3
Kentucky Derby at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia – To celebrate the annual Kentucky Derby, guests are encouraged to wear their most flamboyant hats while enjoying Woodford Reserve specialty cocktails at Sports & Social and Center Bar inside Live! Casino & hotel. Plus, there will be a Copper Cup giveaway at Sports & Social.
May 3
Jacob Banks – Singer-songwriter Jacob Banks announces his Yonder Tour 2025 across North America this spring including a stop at the Theatre of Living Arts on South Street. Banks is a Nigerian-born, British singer, songwriter, musician and producer known for his blend of soul, R&B, alternative and electronic music. Tickets at mrjacobbanks.com.
May 3
Kristin Chenoweth – The Philadelphia Orchestra will welcome Broadway, TV and film actress Kristin Chenoweth for a one-night-only performance at 7 p.m. in Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The performance will mark her second collaboration with the Orchestra following her 2016 debut with the ensemble. Together with the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Mary-Mitchell Campbell, she will perform popular hits from Broadway and the American songbook. For tickets, visit philorch.org.
May 4
Dirty Sock Funtime Band – At 3:30 p.m. at the Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. The Dirty Sock Funtime Band makes its Penn Live Arts debut in a wild musical comedy show where anything can happen. Join the adventures of rock n’ roll best buds Mike and Stephen, their band, The Dirty Socks, and a pink-haired sidekick, as they take on kid-sized challenges with big-sized imaginations. Seen on Nick Jr. and PBS, the DSFB is celebrating 20 years of entertaining families with live-action comedy, animated videos, puppetry and singalongs. Tickets are free. Visit PennLivearts.org for full Children’s Festival schedule.
May 5
Kendrick Lamar and SZA – At Lincoln Financial Field as part of a 19-stadium tour across North America. Tickets at grandnationaltour.com.
May 9
Wall Ball — At 8:30 p.m., Mural Arts Philadelphia’s annual fundraiser at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia. The event will feature an exclusive VIP seated dinner, a program highlighting Mural Arts’ impact, a video presentation and awards. The evening will continue with an afterparty. The evening will be emceed by poet Nina “Lyrispect” Ball with appearances by the Eagles cheerleading squad, the Eagles drumline and Swoop. Eagles DJ Diamond Kuts will play music. There will also be the sounds of the Philadelphia String Quartet and food by Catering by Design. There will be live painting activations by local artists. Tickets ($125) at muralarts.org/events/wallball2025/. $300 for the VIP entry, which starts at 6:30 p.m. and includes a sit-down dinner and the program portion of the evening.
May 10
Minecraft at Penn Museum – the museum is offering a kid-friendly guided tour that explains the real-life artifacts and cultures behind Minecraft’s most iconic elements. Participants ages 6-12 discover the real-world roots of their favorite game in this hands-on adventure that explores the vibrant cities of Mesoamerica, ancient tools from Africa and battle-ready armor worn by Greek warriors — all through the lens of Minecraft. At the end of the tour, kids get creative using the original “pixel art” that goes back thousands of years — a mosaic with colorful paper “tiles.” Space is limited and advance registration is required. Tickets are $20 and includes all-day access to the Penn Museum’s galleries and exhibitions. www.penn.museum
May 11
Mother’s Day Brunch – at The Prime Rib inside Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an indulgent brunch, featuring a build-your-own omelet station, French toast, fresh seafood, specialty cocktails and more. Plus, complimentary pink cupcakes and Fleu De Mer rosé wine flights will be available! Reservations will be available soon.
May 11
All-Day Brunch on Mother’s Day – at Rex at the Royal, 1524 South St., an all-day brunch, featuring specials like pain perdu French toast with peach jam. They’ll also offer a special Mother’s Day menu with inventive seasonal appetizers, entrees and dessert specials. Reservations are available on Resy.
May 15
Rauw Alejandro – Latin Grammy award-winning and 4-time Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican singer and songwriter at the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets at LiveNation.com.
May 16-18
FAN EXPO Philadelphia – At the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the biggest and best in pop culture: movies, TV, music, artists, writers, exhibitors and cosplay, with three full days of themed programming to satisfy every fandom. Celebrity guests from ‘Superman & Lois,’ ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Twilight’ plus icons William Shatner, Dolph Lundgren, Anthony Daniels, Priscilla Presley, Heather Graham and more. Adult, Youth and Child Single-Day Tickets, Three-Day Passes, Family passes and Ultimate and VIP Packages are available at www.fanexpophiladelphia.com.
May 17
Plazapalooza – The annual neighborhood festival from 1-7 p.m. at Triangle Park, 23rd and South streets. Rain date is May 18. There will be live music all day, face painting and balloon animals, food trucks and a surprise ride. The shops on Grays Ferry will be open for business. This event is 100 percent sponsor donated and volunteer run.
May 17
GirlzDay – Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania will host its GirlzDay: Our World, Our Way at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event is an all-day fun-filled experience for girls in grades K-12, offering them the chance to discover their potential, dream big and immerse themselves in a day full of energy, creativity and sisterhood. GirlzDay not only represents the culmination of GSEP’s pilot program, Calling All Girl Bosses, designed to empower Philadelphia girls in grades 6-12 to effect real change in their neighborhoods, but acelebrates girls throughout GSEP’s nine-county footprint. The event invites girls and their families to hear from inspiring women leaders, try new things in the Hall of Experiences, dance the day away at a glow dance party and more. For more information, and how to register or become a sponsor, visit https://www.gsep.org/en/discover/girlzday.html.
May 17-18
S. 9th Street Italian Festival – For seven city blocks, the 2025 Festival will be a celebration of culture, gastronomy, art and music. Featuring over 100 area vendors showcasing a range of cuisine and beverages. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample and purchase culinary delights. In addition to the food, the Festival will feature a range of music, services, souvenirs, jewelry, artists and crafters.
May 18
SPHS Hall of Fame Banquet – From 1-4:30 p.m. at the IASTE Ballroom, Anthony’s Caterers, 2401 S Swanson St. Tickets are $60 (children under 12 are $20). For tickets, contact Contact Liz Olivieri at 267-278-2837 or online purchase at www.sphsalumni.com. Food choices are Chicken Parmagiana, Crab Cakes or Pasta Primavera. To place an ad ($25-100), email SPHSadbook@gmail.com.
May 22
Old Crow Medicine Show – At 7:30 p.m. at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Old Crow Medicine Show makes its Penn Live Arts debut with a mix of traditional country, old-time string music, bluegrass and folk. The six-piece band was discovered by bluegrass legend Doc Watson and since then has earned two Grammy Awards, been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and won legions of fans with hits like “Wagon Wheel,” “Down Home Girl” and “Take ‘Em Away.” For tickets and information visit PennLiveArts.org.
May 25
Post Malone – At Citizens Bank Park, nine-time diamond-certified Grammy Award-nominated global superstar Post Malone is set to embark on his biggest headlining tour to date with Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour. Tickets at LiveNation.com.
May 31-June 1
Roots Picnic – The two-day festival returns to its longtime home of The Mann in Fairmount Park. R&B singer D’Angelo will headline the festival alongside The Roots, marking the Black Messiah musician’s return to Roots Picnic. Lenny Kravitz will take the stage to perform hits as well as his latest studio album Blue Electric Light. Meek Mill will also make his first appearance on the Roots Picnic stage. Roots Picnic will also welcome GloRilla, Tems, Latto, Kaytranada, Jeezy, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Musiq Soulchild, Kur, Elmiene, Jagged Edge, Backyard Band featuring CeeLo Green, Crystal Waters, Lay Banks and Laila. Tickets at https://therootspicnic.com/.
June 4
The Dogist – Social media sensation Elias Weiss Friedman will bring special guests and their four-legged best friends, as well as inspiring stories from local Dogist fans whose dogs have changed their lives. At The Theatre of Living Arts. $1 from each ticket sold will benefit Best Friends Animal Society. Tickets at livenation.com.
June 8
Odunde Festival – covering 16 city blocks and with 2 stages of live entertainment, Odunde will be celebrating its 50th year in the traditional South Philadelphia location near 23rd and South Street.
June 8
David Bisbal – At the Theatre of Living Arts, Spanish musician David Bisbal is making his return to the U.S. with his first tour stateside since 2021 with the Back in the USA 2025 Tour. This new run features a refreshed repertoire that includes his greatest hits as well as the latest songs from his discography. Tickets at LiveNation.com.
June 16
Billy Corgan – At the Theater of Living Arts on South Street, Billy Corgan and The Machines of God will commemorate the anniversaries of the albums with sets drawn from Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness and the double album Machina/The Machines of God & Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music, as well as the 2024 release, Aghori Mhori Mei, with a national U.S. tour set to kick off this summer. Tickets at Ticketmaster.com.
June 19
Lil Baby – At the Wells Fargo Center, rap star Lil Baby and the WHAM World Tour. Special guests include BigXthaPlug, NLE Choppa and Loe Shimmy. Tickets at whamtour.com.
August 1
Philadelphia Folk Festival Preview Concert – At 7 p.m. at Bryn Mawr Twilight Concert Series, 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Bryn Mawr. An evening featuring performances from Larry Ahearn, Lili Añel, Cloudbelly and Max Davey. It is a free event. All four performers are scheduled to play at this year’s Philadelphia Folk Festival. The event will offer a sneak peek of what to expect on the Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township this summer.
August 14
Jonas Brothers – At Citizens Bank Park, “JONAS20: LIVING THE DREAM” tour – a full-circle celebration of their 20-year journey from performing in malls to headlining the biggest stadiums in the world. Tickets at Ticketmaster.com.
October 14
Mumford & Sons – At the Wells Fargo Center, support acts include Japanese Breakfast, Gregory Alan Isakov, Michael Kiwanuka, Sierra Ferrell, Gigi Perez, Margo Price, Lucius, Madison Cunningham, Good Neighbours and Divorce. Mumford & Sons has partnered with PLUS1 to support War Child. $1 from every ticket sold will help War Child to protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children affected by war. Tickets at www.mumfordandsons.com
October 25
SPHS Class of ’68 Celebrates Turning 75 – South Philadelphia High School’s Class of 1968 will have a luncheon at noon on Oct. 25 at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. The event is open to all classes and formal invites will be emailed in March. Call Arleen Liberi 609-922-2419, Maria Leati 856-287-3734 or Stephen Michielli 267-252-2740.
