Going to college in Philly, we’re so often bombarded—both on social media and in real life—with seemingly endless options for how to spend our free time. So, I’m delighted to announce that Street has done the hard part for you: We’ve rounded up what we think are the can’t–miss events for the month in one convenient place. If I’ve done my job right, there’ll be something in here for every one of our readers, no matter what you like to do with your free time.
—Jules Lingenfelter, Print Managing Editor
Jan. 25–March 15: Fantasy’s Spell: The Art of Enchantment at The Galleries at Moore College of Art and Design
Get ready to enter a magical world without boundaries—welcome to Fantasy’s Spell. A curation of physical–, digital–, and motion–based media, this art exhibit features fantastical landscapes, magical creatures, and themes of destiny and fate. Immerse yourself in a world of artistic enchantment and take a trip to The Galleries at Moore College.
Free, 1916 Race St.
Feb. 6–May 23: Free, As One: Black Worldmaking in the Pennsylvania Abolition Society Papers at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Hosted at the Historical Society of Philadelphia, this Black history art exhibit highlights “Black self–determination and leadership” and features historical documents from the abolitionist movement in the late 18th and 19th centuries. The exhibit works to dispel myths surrounding the abolition of slavery and focus on the Black people who fought hard against systems of oppression. The special exhibit commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Pennsylvania Abolition Society.
Free, 1300 Locust St.
Nov. 16, 2024–Aug. 31: The Ecology of Fashion at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Exploring the intersection between flora, fauna, and high fashion, this exhibit at Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences highlights how luxury brands rely on unethical labor practices and environmental degradation to market their products. After viewing different art exhibits, you can participate in various workshops that highlight new forms of sustainable fashion and learn how to remain stylish while reducing your fashion footprint.
$27, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Feb. 27–April 26: A Midsummer’s Night Dream at The Sedgwick Theater
All throughout the month, The Sedgwick Theater offers up a show filled with rebellious Athenian youths, lovelorn lovers, and ethereal fairy kingdoms. While A Midsummer Night’s Dream has a storied history of performances, no past staging is quite like this one. The Quintessence Theatre Group’s rendition of Shakespeare’s classic play will transport you into a world of whimsy, allowing you to escape the humdrum of everyday life.
$30, 7137 Germantown Ave.
Feb. 27–March 30: August Wilson’s King Hedley II at Arden Theatre Company
Situated a few minutes away from Second Street Station in Old City, the Arden Theatre Company is the perfect place to weather out the indecisiveness of March temperatures in Philly. King Hedley II, the ninth part of August Wilson’s ten–part series The Pittsburgh Cycle, is the company’s latest offering and will be performed until March 30. A dark imagining of a man trying to rebuild his life by selling refrigerators, the play depicts 1980s Pittsburgh through the direction of Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright James Ijames.
Tickets start at $32, 40 N. Second St.
Sundays, March 8–29: A Deeply Rooted Trolley Tour at Harriett’s Bookshop
An annual hop–on, hop–off trolley tour, A Deeply Rooted Trolley Tour travels through the city of Philadelphia and its rich history, all while supporting local businesses owned by Black women. Enjoy the food, music, and culture the city has to offer, both above and below ground. This year, the tour is celebrating renowned Philly poet Sonia Sanchez and visitors will receive a copy of her book Homegirls & Handgrenades.
$50, 258 E. Girard Ave.
March 9: Paint and sip at Nutmeg Bar and Market
Whether you’re an expert artist or still working you way up through the paint by numbers, you’re welcome at this night of art and sophistication at Nutmeg on East Passyunk Avenue. Sip on mocktails and graze on snack plates while you work. Stenciled canvases for those with less experience are always an option!
$30, 4 p.m., 1835 E. Passyunk Ave.
March 9 and 15: Goat hiking at Wissahickon Valley Park
Offering a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of campus, the Rose Bridge Farm and Sanctuary allows you to reconnect with nature in the presence of adorable rescue goats. Take a stroll through the Wissahickon Valley Park, spend time with your friends, and bask in the sun as you reestablish your relationship with the world around you.
$25, 9 a.m., 990 W. Northwestern Ave.
Sundays, March 15–29: Wheel workshops at Black Hound Clay Studio West
Always suspected you would have made a great potter in another life? One–day clay workshops are welcome to pottery aficionados of all levels. All materials, as well as lessons in artistry for beginners, are provided. Just bring yourself and your best clay–inspired ideas. If you can imagine it, you might just be able to make it in clay (with some help from the experts at Black Hound, of course).
$72, 715 S. 50th St.
March 16: Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Day Parade at Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with a citywide parade beginning at North 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. A Philly tradition since 1771, the parade will have a theme of blessing those dedicated to serving others and honoring Irish traditions. Skip going to the pub and instead immerse yourself in a celebration of Irish culture on March 16.
Free, 11 a.m., North 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard
March 22: Weatherday at PhilaMOCA
Sputnik, the artist behind Weatherday, is mostly an enigma—but their music speaks for itself, full of fuzz, electronic noise, and lo–fi emo vocals. Joined by Combat, The Civil War in France, and Boo Boo Spoiler, Weatherday brings their multi–instrumental talents to Philadelphia this March. Headlined by some of the hottest names in noise pop and hard rock, this show isn’t one to miss.
$20, 7:30 p.m., 531 N. 12th St.
March 23: Junk Journal Club at Brush Factory Lofts
Hosted by Let Me Know Club, this is the perfect opportunity to make good use of all the receipts and candy wrappers littering your desk. Adorn your journal with rhinestones, stickers, and more from the communal craft supply table and bond over arranging junk in artful ways. Find your community via crafting.
$20, 12 p.m., 1201 Jackson St.
March 24–April 27: Peeps in the Village at Peddler’s Village
Live out your childhood fantasy and visit Peddler’s Village’s Peeps in the Village competition in Bucks County. The contest will feature an assortment of marshmallow masterpieces including candy dioramas, wall art, and sculptures. After the competition, you and your friends can also get in some retail therapy and browse the village’s more than 70 boutiques and restaurants.
Free, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, Pa.
March 28: Sweet Revenge: Emo Pop Girlies Dance Party at World Cafe Live
Looking for your next party? Look no farther than right before the bridge to Center City. World Cafe Live is hosting Sweet Revenge: Emo Pop Girlies Dance Party. For those who are sick of Taylor Swift and cheap vodka or never seem to know a brother, skip frat row and venture just a little bit off campus. Scream your heart out to all those classic edgy songs and relive your middle school emo phase for just one night.
21+, $15 advance, $20 at the door, 3025 Walnut St.
March 30: The Love Run at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Ready, set, run! Just kidding, unless you really want to … Registration is still open for the Love Run, but if you’re one of the many people who buy $150 running shoes for style rather than function, standing on the sidelines and cheering on participants may be more your style. Make a poster, bring a friend, and cheer for someone you love or cheer for a stranger. There’s no wrong way to be a part of this race.
$149 to run, free to watch, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
