This week’s Top 5 has some arts and some sports too, with events for those who enjoy creativity or athleticism or both. Whether you want to catch a film screening, enjoy some exciting music and the galleries at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or run around Philly on a massive scavenger hunt, there’s definitely something for everyone. Here’s your chance to exercise both your mind and your body!
Film Screening: 250 Miles Crossing Philadelphia
When: April 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Where: The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia Cost: FREE!
This screening will feature the premiere of the innovative navigational documentary 250 Miles Crossing Philadelphia. The film depicts the daily lives of a few select people and objects, but doesn’t do so in a traditional way. Instead of filming those subjects, the Netherlands-based artist duo, PolakVanBekkum, explore the city visually through Google Earth satellite imagery. Layered behind those distant images are the close and local sounds of humans and objects within them. The result is an inventive synthesis of art, science, and technology. After the screening, there will be a Q&A with the artists who created the film. Check out this boundary-pushing expression of art and chat with the creative minds behind it! (While the event is free, a donation of $5 is suggested)
CitySolve Urban Race Series
When: April 17-18 Where: Field House, 1150 Filbert Street, Philadelphia Cost: Varies
While you might have to spend a little more money on this event, it’s worth it (and some of the proceeds will go to the Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild). This one-of-a-kind Philly scavenger hunt combines trivia and adventure in an event that’s more than a scavenger hunt but less physical than running a 5k. Teams will solve clues on everything from pop culture to history and will partake in fun and interactive activities across the city (like bocce ball, corn hole, and more!). Rittenhouse Square, South Street, Society Hill, and other spots in between will be your playground as you and your friends navigate a The-Amazing-Race-style scavenger hunt. At the end of the race, there will be prizes for the race winners ($300 grand prize!), as well as ones for best tweet, best costume, and more. This event is a great chance to get outside and get moving in a fun and team-oriented way. So get your friends together, form your team, and get moving!
Art after 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
When: April 17, 5:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia Cost: $14
Every week the Great Stair Hall at the Philadelphia Museum of Art transforms into a space to enjoy a unique variety of entertainment. This week’s featured performers are a sextet of Philly musicians who will be playing equal parts modern jazz, jazz-funk, and Caribbean styles. Chris Aschman will lead the group, which will featured noted trombonist John Swana. In between performances, you can enjoy guided tours or explore the galleries in the main building. Starr Events will be serving fun and shareable snacks as well as light dinner options and drinks (21+). So grab a group of friends and head to the museum for a night of food, music, and art!
Philadelphia Spinners Season Opener
When: April 18, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Where: Colonial Stadium, 201 E. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting Cost: $16
If you’ve never seen a Major League Ultimate game, you’re missing out on an exciting sport and a good time. This isn’t like tossing a Frisbee with your friends in the park or being on your college’s club ultimate team; this is professional athleticism at its finest, with speed, stamina, and agility creating an action-packed event. Now’s your chance to experience ultimate—the Philadelphia Spinners will open their season this weekend at home against the Boston Whitecaps (here’s the Spinners’ awesome promo video). The Flyers aren’t making the playoffs (you already know the 76ers aren’t either) and the Phillies will be out of town, so take in a game of ultimate instead.
Art Pages, All Art is Welcomed
When: April 17, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Where: Taller Puertorriqueño, 2721 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia Cost: FREE!
Taller Puertorriqueño is an organization that seeks to preserve and promote Puerto Rican arts and culture, as well as bridge work between European, African, Caribbean, and Latino cultures. In honor of their 40-year anniversary, the organization is hosting an event focused on a radical-but-not-so-radical idea: art is for everyone. “Art Pages, All Art is Welcomed” is an exhibition that will feature artwork submitted by the community only. Rather than an emphasis on the canonical “greats” of the art world or a specific theme of art, Taller Puertorriqueño wants to promote the notion that creativity is not exclusive to any person, group, form, or aesthetic. The only guidelines for the show are the the artwork is the artist’s own and that it measures no more than 11 square inches. You can either submit a piece for the exhibition, or come out and peruse the pieces created by Philadelphians!
