Spec-Trek-cular
The Starship Enterprise is safely docked at the Franklin Institute thru Sept. 20 for Star Trek: The Exhibition, which celebrates the wildly popular ’60s sci-fi television series that morphed into no less than five TV spinoffs and 10 films. The 12,500-square-foot showcase offers the voyage of a lifetime for Trekkies and casual fans alike. Sit a spell in Captain Kirk’s original chair, and pore over authentic Star Trek costumes and props, including the Enterprise uniforms worn by Spock, Pike, Scotty, Chekov and more. You’ll also find phasers, tricorders and communicators from the latest Star Trek flick. And for a limited time, take a $6 ride on the Shuttlepod Simulator. $9.50-$23.75. Mandell Center, 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia. Call (215) 448-1200 or visit fi.edu. —Kionna Lipscomb
Â
Garden Grooves
Singer, songwriter and earth warrior Rufus Wainwright brings his achingly beautiful melodies and poetic insights on love and addiction to Longwood Gardens’ Open Air Theatre Aug. 6. Lucy Wainwright Roche opens for her critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated older brother, whose latest work is the opera Prima Donna, set in Paris and sung in French. A crusader for energy conservation and environmental protection, Wainwright chose this venue for obvious reasons. Its lush natural setting ought to make for a magical evening. $45-$55. 8 p.m. Route 1, Kennett Square. Call (215) 336-2000 or visit longwoodgardens.org. —Amanda Doyle
Â
Pedal to the Metal
Some of the finest European engineering on four wheels finds its way to Valley Forge Aug. 13-17, when Fiat-Lancia Unlimited sponsors its 26th annual Fiat Freak Out national convention. The weekend-long exhibition and club gathering features almost 200 Italian autos, old and new. Here’s your chance to get a sneak peek at the new Fiat 500, which Chrysler dealerships will begin selling next year. Convention headquarters: Park Ridge Hotel & Conference Center at Valley Forge, 480 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia. Saturday’s show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, 101 Tinker Hill Road, Phoenixville. Sunday’s show: noon-4 p.m.; Bridge Street, Phoenixville. Visit flu.org/ffo2009. —Adam Polaski
Â
