This week’s Top 5 is full of some unusual events–and that’s meant in a good way, because sometimes we need something different or new. A science carnival, a wine night at a wedding-themed movie screening, and a theater slam competition are probably not your typical activities. So get out this week, enjoy something you might have never seen or heard, and maybe learn something along the way!
Philadelphia Film Society: Father of the Bride Screening
When: April 29, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Where: PFS Theater at the Roxy, 2023 Sansom Street, Philadelphia Cost: $10
The Philadelphia Film Society’s series “Wedding Season” is “a cinematic toast to saying yes to the dress” and “celebrating [their] favorite on-screen moments of matrimony.” The series began with the still-hilarious-every-time-you-watch-it Bridesmaids, and the next film is another favorite. Father of the Bride is a 1991 remake of the 1950s classic of the same name, and it tells the story of a father and mother whose daughter has gotten engaged. The father, played by Steve Martin, is reluctant to let his daughter go; the mother, played Diane Keaton, helps him to cope with this change. This series is part of BYO Wine Night at the Roxy, so the 21+ crowd can bring a bottle to the show.
PSF: Science Carnival on the Parkway
When: May 2, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia Cost: FREE!
The PSF week-long celebration of science won’t end with a fizzle: a carnival of nerdy fun will take over Benjamin Franklin Parkway to celebrate the festival’s conclusion. No, there won’t be a ferris wheel or typical carnival games–this is a science carnival! More than 150 exhibitors will offer experiments, games, and live entertainment for carnival-goers. You’ll be able to explore the science of sports, play with robots, conduct chemistry experiments, or even meet some zoo animals. Grab a bite to eat at some food trucks, and enjoy displays and other entertainment! This is a great way to get outside, hang out with friends, and enjoy a day of science on the parkway!
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
When: May 2, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Where: Walnut Street (between Broad and 19th streets), Philadelphia Cost: Pay as you go
While this event isn’t necessarily quirky, it’s not an everyday occurrence! The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival is one of Philly’s most popular spring festivals, and for good reason–food, live music, free wine tastings (21+), and a fashion show are some of the highlights of this awesome afternoon. Some of the restaurants that will be providing samples are The Dandelion, El Rey, Termini Bros. Bakery, and Parc. There will also be food trucks on-site, including The Tot Cart, The Cow and The Curd, and more. When you’ve had your fill of food and drinks, check out the latest spring trends at booths featuring local shops. This day of fashion, food, and entertainment is sure to be a good time, so get off campus and head to Rittenhouse Square!
philly (SLAM)
When: May 3, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Where: Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place, Philadelphia Cost: $5
You’ve heard of poetry slams and open mics where artists showcase their creative talent. But have you ever heard of a theater slam? SLAM is a live theatre game where playwrights face off in a battle-of-the-plays (sounds like something that would make Shakespeare swoon). The playwrights present a 5-minute-long unpublished work (a scene or part of a scene), are assigned actors, and are judged by both industry professionals and the audience. Up to 10 plays compete, and actors can place their names in a hat to be cast at random to perform. The judges and audience will provide their feedback after each play–this means you can attend the slam to showcase your work, to act, to be in dialogue with a playwright, or just to watch. This night will be unlike anything you’ve ever seen, so check out some of the contemporary voices in theatre or get on stage!
Film Lab: Soylent Green Screening
When: May 5, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Where: PFS Theater at the Roxy, 2023 Sansom Street, Philadelphia Cost: $12
Film Lab is a monthly exploration of science through cinema, showcasing specialists that offer engaging discussions on topics in the films. Soylent Green is a 1973 dystopian sci-fi (and police procedural) film set in 2022; it depicts a world where the results of the greenhouse effect and overpopulation have come to fruition–the planet is ruined, suffering from pollution, overpopulation, poverty, and few resources. The film follows an NYPD detective who investigates the murder of the CEO of Soylent Corporation, a supplier that produces most of the world’s food supply. Following the screening, a panel discussion on equity in the food system will take place. The topic, as tackled by the film, includes questions of how inequality in food distribution is perpetuated by society, sustainable urban farming and local food distribution, and the engineering of food. So come out and enjoy a night of film and discussion on topics you might not normally consider!
