Week of May 1-6 | Week of May 7-13 | Week of May 14-20 | Week of May 21-27 | Week of May 28-31
Week of May 1-6
Legally Blonde
Thru May 5, Berwyn
For its latest production, the highly adaptable troupe from Berwyn’s Footlighters Theater tackles the unlikely law school travails of one Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, the stage version of the hit 2001 movie.
The Way Back: The Paintings of George A. Weymouth
Thru June 3, Chadds Ford
Beloved whip, conservationist and artist, Frolic Weymouth, combined his passions in many ways, including founding the Brandywine Conservancy and Brandywine River Museum of Art. The institution celebrates his legacy with a display of his best works, which range across mediums, subjects and styles.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Presents The Runway
May 1, Philadelphia
Get a look at some of the hottest seasonal fashions at this lunchtime fashion and trunk show at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. Local boutiques and national designers, including Delsette, Kirna Zabete, Nicole Miller and Skirt, will present the latest looks, all to benefit CHOP and children with sickle cell disease.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
May 1-June 30, Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square, bringing with it larger-than-life light sculptures, acrobatic acts, cultural performances and more.
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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will visit Philadelphia May 2 for College Signing Day. - Advertisement -
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College Signing Day
May 2, Philadelphia
Former First Lady Michelle Obama pioneered College Signing Day as part of her Reach Higher initiative, encouraging America’s high school students to pursue higher education. This year, she’ll celebrate in Philadelphia at the Liacouras Center. Joining Mrs. Obama will be Bradley Cooper, Rebel Wilson, Robert De Niro, Kelly Rowland, Nick Cannon and Zendaya.
Dining Under the Stars
May 2, Media
Dining Under the Stars returns to Media this month, kicking off its Wednesday night tradition, which runs through September. Shoppers and diners can wander State Street and enjoy al fresco dining.
Jean L. Blumberg at the Lawrence Gallery
May 3-28, Bryn Mawr
Rosemont College’s Lawrence Gallery features the works of Philadelphia artist Jean L. Blumberg. There will be an opening reception on May 5 from 3-5 p.m.
A Timeless Keepsake and The Bathroom Book Launch
May 4, Paoli
Main Line author Charisse Marei has just launched her books, The Bathroom and A Timeless Keepsake. The books are part sketchbook, part story. In the pages, she shares eco-friendly inspiration for transforming your home, one room at a time. To celebrate, there will be a launch party at the Van Cleve Pavilion in Paoli from 4-8 p.m.
Barns & BBQ 2018
May 5, Various locations
Barns are as much a part of the region’s landscape as are the rolling hills. Take a peek inside some of the area’s best barns and wrap up the day with tasty cuisine at Barns & BBQ 2018, benefiting Willistown Conservation Trust. Visit wctrust.org
Phoenixville Food Festival
May 5, Phoenixville
Food trucks, live music and food and craft vendors are all headed to downtown Phoenixville for the borough’s biennial food festival.
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The Barnes Arboretum holds its plant sale on May 5. Photo by Rob Cardillo. |
Barnes Arboretum Plant Sale
May 5, Merion Station
Love exploring the Barnes Arboretum? Take home inspiration and some plants at this sale, which features trees, shrub, perennials and tropical plants, many of which can also be found in the arboretum’s landscapes.
Spring Fever Craft Market at Main Line Art Center
May 5, Haverford
This curated market features handmade goods, food trucks, live music and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Kentucky Derby Watch Parties
May 5, Various locations
The Main Line may be hundreds of miles from Churchill Downs, but that doesn’t mean the spirit of Louisville, Ky. isn’t alive and well in Pennsylvania. Watch the race in style at Wayne’s Paramour, which is hosting its 7th Annual Kentucky Derby Party. Its al fresco party is complete with hors d’oeuvres, mint juleps and best-dressed prizes. Proceeds benefit Surrey Services. Or, head to West Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Bow Ties, Big Hats and Bourbon: A Kentucky Derby Party. It features food and drinks, live entertainment, and a raffle. Dress your best to win one of the fashion contests. Proceeds benefit Gateway HorseWorks.
12th Annual Wayne Art Center Plein Air Festival
May 6 – June 30, Wayne
Juried by painter John Cosby, this 12th annual festival features over 30 artists from across the nation. Keep an eye out for artists painting outdoors within a 25-mile radius of Wayne from May 6-12. On May 13, the exhibition at Wayne Art Center will open to the public.
40th Annual Point-to-Point at Winterthur
May 6, Wilmington, Del.
Delaware’s premiere steeplechase event returns this May, celebrating its ruby anniversary. Among the festivities are tailgating, children’s activities, fashion, and, of course, steeplechase.
Renoir: Father and Son/Painting and Cinema
May 6 – Sept. 3, Philadelphia
The Barnes Foundation’s Renoir: Father and Son/Painting and Cinema, focuses on the paintings, drawings, films, costumes, photos and ceramics of Jean Renoir, who made over 40 movies, including the 1930s classics La Grande Illusion and The Rules of the Game. The exhibition also includes more than 180 works by his inimitable father, Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Week of May 7-13
Garrison Keillor at the Keswick Theatre
May 7, Glenside
Renowned author and radio personality Garrison Keillor will bring his acclaimed storytelling to the Keswick Theatre. Keillor is perhaps best known for his public radio show A Prairie Home Companion.
Festival of Fountains
May 7 – Sept. 30, Kennett Square
After being meticulously restored over a two-year period, Longwood’s Main Fountain Garden reopened last year. Its Festival of Fountains will make its seasonal debut this month, running through the summer.
Soul Restoration
May 9-12, Malvern
Meg Veno turned her Malvern property, Willowbrook Farm, into the seasonal “it” spot for one-of-a-kind shopping. From May 9-12, she’s partnered with Melody Ross of Brave Girls Club and Kristen Hansen, a certified Soul Restoration instructor, for this rejuvenating retreat.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Preview Party
May 10, Philadelphia
Sample some of Rittenhouse Row’s best cuisine, sip cocktails, shop boutiques and enjoy spring at this preview party at the Bellevue Hotel. Participating restaurants include a.kitchen, Continental Midtown, Di Bruno Bros., Parc, XIX and more.
Swift Technique at the King of Prussia Town Center
May 10, King of Prussia
Enjoy an evening of late spring bliss at the King of Prussia Town Center. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many area restaurants and then head outside for a free performance by local funk band, Swift Technique.
Cabin Dogs at 118 North
May 11, Wayne
After releasing their fifth album earlier this year, Cabin Dogs will perform at Wayne’s newest live music venue, 118 North. The twin brothers, Rich and Rob Kwait, who live in Narberth and Gladwyne, respectively, aren’t your every day musicians—in fact, they’re both lawyers.
National Public Gardens Day Tour
May 11, Swarthmore
In celebration of National Public Gardens Day, Scott Arboretum will host a free tour of its grounds, geared towards gardeners of all levels.
Phoenixville Beer and Wine Festival
May 12, Phoenixville
Following a sold-out first year, the Phoenixville Beer and Wine Festival returns to the Kimberton Fairgrounds with more than 150 beers, wines, meads, ciders and spirits.
Related: 6 Farmers Markets and Food Festivals to Check Out this May
26th Anniversary Running of the Willowdale Steeplechase
May 13, Kennett Square
A longtime favorite among families and equestrians alike, Willowdale Steeplechase is not to be missed. Now in its 26th year, the event features tailgating, racing, antique cars and more.
Beatles for Kids
May 13, Ardmore
It’s never too early to gain an appreciation for the masters. The New York-based Rock and Roll Playhouse brings family-friendly British invasion fun to Ardmore Music Hall with its Beatles for Kids.
Week of May 14-20
44th Annual Shipley Secret Gardens Tour
May 16, Various locations
Get an inside look at eight of the Main Line’s most captivating gardens during the self-guided Shipley School’s 44th annual Secret Gardens Tour.
Outdoor Movie Night at the King of Prussia Town Center
May 17, 31, King of Prussia
Summer is alive and well already at the King of Prussia Town Center. Free family-friendly events return this month, kicking off on May 17 with a screening of the 2017 Disney Pixar fantasy Coco. On May 31, Wonder, with its star-studded cast including Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson, will take center stage.
Wildflower Bash
May 18, Malvern
Can’t wait for the 88th Radnor Hunt Races? Celebrate on-site the night before at the inaugural Wildflower Bash, complete with cocktails, dinner, dancing and a raffle. Music will be performed by the Ward Marston Orchestra and raffle prizes include a 2019 tailgate spot.
Art in the Open 2018
May 18-20, Philadelphia
A juried-selection of artists takes up residence along the Schuylkill River for the weekend during Art in the Open, allowing visitors to watch magnificent works of art come to life in real-time.
75th Annual Dogwood Parade
May 19, Phoenixville
Celebrate Armed Forces Day by saluting our local veterans and active service members at the Phoenixville Jaycees’ 75th annual Dogwood Parade, which features floats, classic cars, marching bands and other local groups.
88th Radnor Hunt Races
May 19, Malvern
Complete the trifecta of local steeplechase events at the 88th Radnor Hunt Races. The event features tailgating, fashion competitions, and plenty of racing. Proceeds benefit the Brandywine Conservancy.
Chester County Studio Tour
May 19-20, Various locations
Explore the works of artists in Chester County, a number of which are concentrated in West Chester and Phoenixville. The free self-guided tour gives aficionados and novices alike the chance to meet artists in-person and explore their work.
An Evening with Jay Leno
May 19, Philadelphia
Acclaimed late-night TV show host, Jay Leno, will bring his unique brand of humor to the Academy of Music.
Mt. Joy at the Fillmore
May 19, Philadelphia
Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper, both Conestoga High School graduates, return to their hometown, touring in support of their band, Mt. Joy’s, self-titled debut album.
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Chestnut Hill’s 22nd Annual Home and Garden Festival takes place May 20. |
22nd Annual Home and Garden Festival
May 20, Chestnut Hill
America’s Garden Capital will celebrate its name at the Home and Garden Festival in Chestnut Hill. The event features over 150 vendors, demonstrations, live entertainment and more. Elsewhere there will be activities for kids, including amusement rides, face painting and a rock climbing wall.
Antique Car Show and Flea Market
May 20, Media
Head to Linvilla for a day of fun. The show will feature over 250 antique, classic and muscle cars. The best maintained will be recognized at the end of the day.
Week of May 21-27
An Intimate Conversation with Dr. Jill Biden
May 21, King of Prussia
Former Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, will join fashion icon Naeem Khan for a fashion show, champagne reception, raffle and luncheon at Neiman Marcus at the King of Prussia Mall. Proceeds benefit Philly Fights Cancer.
Valley Forge Invitational
May 21-26, Pottstown
Some of the LPGA’s biggest up and comers will be in town for the Valley Forge Invitational. The golf tournament will be held at Raven’s Claw Golf Club in Pottstown and will benefit local charities. Wanted to get in on the action? Take part in the pro-am on May 23.
Devon Horse Show
May 24 – June 3, Devon
Get a dose of family-fun and world-class eventing at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. It is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed event in the country. Be sure to check out special events like the dog show (May 24), a tribute to he military (May 28) and Ladies Day (May 30).
HoagieNation Festival 2018
May 26, Philadelphia
Pennsylvania native, Daryl Hall, and his cohort, John Oates, bring their tongue-in-cheek festival, HoagieNation, back to the Festival Pier. This year’s line up also includes Train, Fitz and the Tantrums, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers.
Week of May 28-31
Pop-Up Biergarten at Historic Sugartown
May 31, Malvern
Soak up the sun during Historic Sugartown’s pop-up biergarten, featuring craft beer and wine from Locust Lane Craft Brewery and Chaddsford Winery, plus food from Nick’s Roast Beef.
PIFA Gala
May 31, Philadelphia
Before the acclaimed Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts kicks off, attend the PIFA Gala, complete with a cocktail reception, dinner and concert at the Kimmel Center.
Looking for more local events? Check out our full calendar here. Have an event that you would like to submit? You can do so here.
