Ongoing
At the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, students age 16 and up soar through the air on a flying trapeze—and that’s just the beginner’s course. Chinese acrobatics, juggling and unicycling are some of the more advanced options, but you’ll get a solid workout no matter which class you take. $50-$225. 5900A Greene St. Call (215) 849-1991 or visit phillycircus.com.
Ongoing
DeTours Urban Excursions offers heart-healthy guided tours of Philadelphia by bike or by foot at a leisurely pace, rain or shine (just ask for a poncho if the weather’s dreary). Segway tours are a tech-savvy way to explore Love Park, Independence Hall and Elfreth’s Alley. $55-$79. 22 N. Third St. Call (267) 324-5408 or visit detourstouring.com.
More Philly Happenings on page 2 …
May 21
The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival kicks off May in a posh way. More than 65,000 are expected along Walnut Street to enjoy top-notch food, shopping and entertainment from some of the city’s best vendors. If you’re going for the food (and who wouldn’t?), be prompt. Booths have been known to run out of popular dishes by mid-afternoon. Free. Walnut Street between Broad and 19th streets. Call (610) 668-0164 or visit rittenhouserow.org.
May 1
Inspired by the Dadaist movement of early-20th-century Paris, Le Dada Va Gaga Dans 2011 delivers a vibrant and complex performance as part of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Choreographer Anne-Marie Mulgrew and filmmaker Carmella Vassor-Johnson are the creative forces behind Le Dada, which reimagines the art of dance. 3:11 p.m. $10. The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., Philadelphia. Visit pifa.org.
More Philly Happenings on page 3 …
May 5-7
The name might sound blissful, but rest assured there’s nothing boring or laid-back about Aszure Barton & Artists. The Canadian troupe’s dynamic and mesmerizing repertoire delivers contemporary dance with an edge. $28-$48. Zellerbach Theatre, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St. Call (215) 898-3900 or visit annenbergcenter.org.
May 13-15
Join Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, Gloria the hippo and those crafty penguins for DreamWorks’ Madagascar Live! Buy a VIP ticket for access to the preshow Penguin Party, which includes a meet-and-greet with the show’s cast, photo opportunities, a “Move It, Move It” dance party and more. Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 260 S. Broad St., Suite 901. Call (215) 790-5800 or visit kimmelcenter.org.
More Philly Happenings on page 4 …
May 14-15
Skip dinner the night before. That way, you’ll be nice and hungry for all the delights the Italian Market Festival has to offer. After the food coma passes, step up to the plate in the single-elimination half-ball tournament. Fair warning: All pitches are allowed, and there’s no strike zone. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $100 per team. S. Ninth St. Visit italianmarketphilly.org.
May 15
Upwards of 1,000 men and women will make their way to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with yoga mats in tow for Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s 10th annual Yoga on the Steps event. A light breakfast and the Healthy Living Expo follow the morning workout. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Call (610) 645-4567 or visit yogaonthesteps.org.
More Philly Happenings on page 5 …
May 20
Finally, a reason to dig out that Hawaiian shirt from the back of your closet. The Tin Angel hosts the Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra for an evening of mellow jams and Polynesian flavor that’s perfect for a mid-spring evening out on the town. 7:30 p.m. $10. 20 S. Second St. Call (215) 928-0770 or visit tinangel.com.
May 20-June 12
Winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for drama, Ruined is a heartbreaking tale of human strength and sacrifice set against the backdrop of the Congo’s civil war. $46-$59. Philadelphia Theatre Company, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. Call (215) 985-0420 or visit philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.
More Philly Happenings on page 6 …
June 8
Is there a better way to spend a sultry summer evening than with Sade? The Nigerian chanteuse is touring behind Soldier of Love, her first studio release in about 10 years. If you and your main squeeze don’t have plans, you do now. 7:30 p.m. $52.50-$152.50. Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. Visit wellsfargocenterphilly.com or call (800) 298-4200.
June 13, July 11
We all have a story to tell, and if you’re up for sharing, swing by World Café Live for First Person StorySlam. Ten participants have five minutes each to impress the crowd with their oratorical skills. The winner advances to the annual Gland Slam, where the title of “Best Storyteller in Philadelphia” is up for grabs. 8:30 p.m. $10. 3025 Walnut St. Call (215) 222-1400 or visit worldcafelive.com.
More Philly Happenings on page 7 …
June 18
Whether you prefer cowboy boots or flip-flops, come prepared to have a good time—and a cerveza or two— at Kenny Chesney’s only summer hoedown in our area. One thing’s for sure: It’ll certainly be a more relaxed environment than usual at the Linc. The Zac Brown Band opens. $65 and up. 4:30 p.m. Lincoln Financial Field, 3501 S. Broad St. Call (866) 881-6342 or visit lincolnfinancialfield.com.
June 19
Celebrate Father’s Day with the whole family at the Gary Papa Father’s Day Prostate Run, which benefits Philly’s Prostate Health International. Opt for the 5K run/walk or the 1-mile fun walk. 8-9:30 a.m. $25-$30. Eakins Oval at the Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Call (215) 732-2300 or visit garypaparun.kintera.org.
More Philly Happenings on page 8 …
June 20
Still riding the wave of international success set off by her 2009 debut, Lungs, British songstress Florence Welch—aka Florence + the Machine—has been busy all spring working on a follow-up. Fresh out of the studio, the singer will headline Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing. Eat, Pray, Love fans can expect to hear “Dog Days Are Over,” plus some new tunes. 8 p.m. $30. 301 S. Columbus Blvd. Call (215) 928-8801 or visit delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com.
June 22-26
Get your popcorn ready. The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival invites you to experience the diversity and innovation of independent cinema. 725 N. Fourth St. Visit philadelphiaindependentfilmfestival.com or call (215) 592-1242.
More Philly Happenings on page 9 …
June 23
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir has traveled the world, performed for U.S. presidents, and won numerous awards since its inception in 1873. One of the oldest and largest choirs in the world, the group boasts 360 members. 8 p.m. $11.50-$75. Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., Fairmont Park. Call (800) 745-3000 or visit manncenter.org.
June 24-July 4
Ring in the country’s birthday with Wawa Welcome America, featuring more than a week’s worth of fun—and fireworks—for all. Don’t miss Taste of Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing June 25-27. Call (215) 683-2200 or visit welcomeamerica.com.
More Philly Happenings on page 10 …
July 26, 28
When it comes to the 2011 Phillies, you’re almost guaranteed to see baseball’s elite pitchers in action. For phans looking for something extra, get your tickets now for July 26’s Italian Heritage Night and July 28’s XFINITY Fireworks Show. 7:05 p.m. $17-$65.
Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way. Call (215) 463-1000 or visit philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com.
July 30
Head to East Fairmount Park’s SMITH – The Kids’ Play Place in the Park to celebrate the 112th birthday of this 6-acre playground complex. Kids age 10 and under can enjoy party games. This popular spot has a 40-foot-long, wooden slide, a playhouse mansion (the only one in the country), and more than 50 other fun things to do. 33rd and Oxford streets. Call (215) 765-4325 or visit smithkidsplayplace.org.
