William Cowper said, “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” In the spirit of that notion, this week’s Top 5 Events are varied and distinctly entertaining. From discounted tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show and 76ers games to making books and enjoying slam poetry, these events all offer something different. Whether you’re into sports, dance, poetry, or all of these things, there’s something for everyone!
Open Arts College Night: Philadelphia Flower Show
When: March 5, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia Cost: $20 (Open Arts members)
The Philadelphia Flower Show is the world’s longest-running and largest indoor Flower Show. Floral displays of epic proportions and artistry put on by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society sprawl across the convention center. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Movies” and features arrangements inspired by Disney and Disney-Pixar films, such as Cars, Frozen, Maleficent, and more. The flower displays are as unforgettable as the films they mirror, and you’ll definitely be impressed at this annual Philly tradition. Campus Philly’s Open Arts College Night will feature a night of show tips, giveaways, and special guests in the Pop Up Garden. This is an inexpensive way to meet up with some friends and hang out at one of the most beautiful events you’ll see all year!
First Friday: Book Arts
When: March 6, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Where: Chemical Heritage Foundation, 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia Cost: FREE!
Take a journey to the past at this lecture and workshop about making books. The Books of Secrets exhibit showcases the many hours that alchemists spent reading and writing in manuscripts. Chemical Heritage Foundation Fellow Stefano Gattei will present a talk about the art of books at 5:30 and 6:45, and activities that highlight the craft of making books will follow each session. After learning about the art of books, such as frontispieces and production, you can get creative and make some art of your own. You can copy old script at a calligraphy station, create your own marbled page, or even try the delicate art of hand-stitching a book. In an age of Kindles and smart phones, this event is a great way to get in touch with the physicality of books that makes them so artful. Admission to the museum is FREE, so be sure to check out the other fascinating exhibits on display!
The Philly Pigeon: Philadelphia Poetry Slam
When: March 6, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Where: PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia Cost: $15 – $20
Do you love words? The Philly Pigeon provides poets a chance to practice their voice and improve their performing skills. On the first Friday of every month from October to May, there is a three-round elimination poetry slam that is open to anyone interested in performing a three-minute piece. The slam also features a local artist and an out-of-town poet. This month’s featured guest is Elizabeth Acevedo, an accomplished artist who is the Women of the World Poetry Slam representative for Washington D.C. Before the show, writing workshops offer poets a chance to sharpen their poems and focus their writing. The workshops are from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. on the night of the slam, are free with admission, and are taught by the evening’s featured poet. So come out and work on your skills, or just enjoy a night out listening to local artists!
76ers Student Rush Games
When: March 6 & 7, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia Cost: $15 – $25
Friday and Saturday nights at Wells Fargo Center are all about college students. Sixers home games through the remainder of the regular season will be discounted for students, making it the perfect time to catch a game with some friends. Lower level seats will be just $25 and upper level seats only $15. The March 6 game will feature the Utah Jazz, and March 7 the Eastern-Conference-leading Atlanta Hawks will be in town. Be sure to have your student ID in order to claim your tickets! Since you’re not shelling out money for tickets, you can have dinner in Center City and then catch the Broad Street Line directly down to the stadium (AT&T stop), or grab a bite to eat and hang out at nearby Xfinity Live! before the game.
Philadelphia Youth Dance Fest
When: March 8, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Where: University of the Arts, Arts Bank, 601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia Cost: $22
This pre-professional dance festival is designed to celebrate the intense dance training of many artists. Over 200 talented and aspiring dancers between the ages of 13 and 18 come together and are offered a venue to share their art. This includes dancers from over sixteen different companies, such as the Babylon School of Dance, Philadelphia Dance Theatre, Dance Elite, and more. A variety of genres will be showcased at the festival, featuring everything from ballet and contemporary to jazz and hip hop. If you appreciate dance and its many forms, this show is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the art form. If you aren’t familiar with dance genres or have never been to a dance show before, this event is a great way to become exposed to various forms.
