Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

The Calendar of Events is organized as follows:

May 2012
June 2012
July 2012
August 2012
September 2012
October 2012
November 2012
December 2012
January 2013
February 2013
March 2013
April 2013
Ongoing Activities

MAY 2012

Through May 1, 2012
THE PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUES SHOW. During this annual event, dealers from across the U.S. offer the finest examples of period furniture, folk and fine art, ceramics, porcelain, silver, jewelry and textiles at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. (610) 902-2109, philaantiques.com

Through May 6, 2012
VAN GOGH UP CLOSE. The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents some of the most daring and innovative works ever created by legendary Post-Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh, examining his experimental use of perspective and focus. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org

Through March 11, 2012
PCT @ PLAY. This second annual festival, presented by the Philadelphia Theatre Company at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, features staged readings of new plays and musicals, including premieres by the city’s freshest young playwrights. (215) 985-0420, philadelphiatheatrecompany.org

Through May 19, 2012
TITUS ANDRONICUS. The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre brings life to one of William Shakespeare’s most violent and rarely performed masterpieces, featuring light and shadow play, specially designed puppets and copious amounts of stage blood. (215) 496-8001, phillyshakespeare.org

Through May 20, 2012
TWELFTH NIGHT. The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre takes audiences on a topsy-turvy comedic ride of gender bending, disguise and romance in a presentation of Shakespeare’s classic tale. (215) 496-8001, phillyshakespeare.org

Through May 20, 2012
EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN: NEW PHOTOGRAPHS OF ACADEMY SPECIMENS BY ROSAMOND PURCELL. The Academy of Natural Sciences displays the work of Boston photographer, author and artist Rosamond Purcell, whose stunning color photographs capture some of the amazing specimens in the academy’s vast collections. (215) 299-1000, ansp.org

Through March 25, 2012
OF MICE AND MEN. People’s Light & Theatre presents John Steinbeck’s classic American drama of deep friendships and hard choices, set against the backdrop of Depression-era California. (610) 644-3500, peopleslight.org

Through May 27, 2012
CYNTHIA NORTON: FREEDOM RINGS PLACED WITHIN. At the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, artist Cynthia Norton incorporates the folk aesthetics and history of her Louisville, Kentucky surroundings into her multi-medium work. Utilizing music, video, mixed media and her country-music alter ego Ninnie, Norton develops feminist thought with vernacular, images and cultural traditions of the rural South. (215) 972-7600, pafa.org

May 1-July 1, 2012
A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING. Audiences delight in this tribute to the genius of Rodgers & Hammerstein, complete with 30 timeless songs from shows including Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music and Cinderella, at the Walnut Street Theatre. (215) 574-3500, walnutstreettheatre.org

May 3-5, 2012
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL. Musicians, dancers, actors, jugglers, puppeteers and acrobats delight young audiences at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts during this 28^th annual event. (215) 898-3900, annenbergcenter.org

May 3-6, 2012
EQUALITY FORUM. The Global LGBT Summit that celebrates the cultural and political legacy of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, includes panels, parties and special events in collaboration with regional, national and international organizations. equalityforum.com

MAY 3-13, 2012
PETER PAN. At the Academy of Music, the Pennsylvania Ballet takes audiences on an adventure with all their favorite characters and dazzles them with spectacular flying sequences, swashbuckling swordfights and costumes inspired by punk fashion. (215) 893-1955, paballet.org

May 5-6, 2012
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. Strawberries of all sorts, live entertainment and pie-eating contests are just a couple of the festivities at this free annual event at Peddler’s Village. (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.com

May 5, 2012-January 13, 2013
MAYA 2012: LORDS OF TIME. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology leads visitors on a journey through the time-ordered universe of the ancient Mayan civilization with interactive experiences, full-sized replicas of major monuments and more than 100 remarkable objects and artifacts. (215) 898-4000, penn.museum

May 6, 2012
BROAD STREET RUN. The 33^rd annual run, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, spans 10 miles from Olney to South Philadelphia. (215) 683-3594, broadstreetrun.com

May 11-12, 2012
ABERDEEN DAD VAIL REGATTA. With more than 3,000 competitors from nearly 150 colleges from across the country and Canada, the largest collegiate regatta in the world takes place on the Schuylkill River. (215) 542-1443, dadvail.org

May 12-13, 2012
WOMEN IN NATURAL SCIENCES DISCOVERY WEEKEND. The Academy of Natural Sciences celebrates Mother’s Day and highlights the important role of female scientists in the academy’s history through presentations, activities, a meet-and-greet with scientists and nature-based gifts for Mom. (215) 299-1000, ansp.org

May 12-October 14, 2012
DEAD SEA SCROLLS: LIFE AND FAITH IN BIBLICAL TIMES. Featuring one of the largest collections of priceless 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls ever displayed in North America, this exhibition at The Franklin Institute offers an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient past. Visitors view 20 scrolls, including pieces from the biblical books of Genesis, Psalms, Exodus and others. (215) 448-1200, fi.edu

May 13-June 3, 2012
ANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBITION. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the country’s oldest and largest art museum and school, previews the works of third- and fourth-year art students during this 111^th annual exhibition. (215) 972-7600, pafa.org

May 14-20, 2012
NEW HOPE CELEBRATES PRIDE. This annual New Hope, Bucks County event includes the Pride Parade, athletic events, a performance by comedian Poppy Champlin, a dance and more. (215) 431-6674, newhopecelebrates.com

May 15-July 15, 2012
BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. Audiences at the Walnut Street Theatre rock in the aisles during this joyous celebration of musical legend Buddy Holly. Classic tunes from the 1950s, including Peggy Sue and That’ll Be the Day, follow the legend from his humble country music roots to the top of the charts to his untimely death. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org

May 17-20, 2012
MOMIX. Celebrated for its ability to conjure a surrealistic world using props, light, shadow and humor, illusionist dance troupe Momix returns to the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with a wildly imaginative performance filled with wit, beauty, fantasy and stunning physicality. (215) 898-3900, annenbergcenter.org

May 17-June 10, 2012
THE ISLAND. In South Africa’s most notorious prison, political prisoners John and Winston return to their cell after grueling days of manual laboring to rehearse Sophocles’ Antigone. The Lantern Theater presents this story of friendship and resilience set in the apartheid era. (215) 829-0395, lanterntheater.org

May 18-20, 2012
ART IN THE OPEN. During this third annual event, jury-selected artists working in a range of disciplines create works outside along the banks of the Schuylkill River, while local galleries and cultural institutions add to the festival-like atmosphere with displays offering educational opportunities. artintheopenphila.org

May 19, 2012
7^TH ANNUAL TRENTON AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL. In Philadelphia’s Kensington/Fishtown neighborhood, Trenton Avenue comes alive during this annual festival featuring an incredible mix of local artists, musicians and food. In conjunction with the festival, the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby celebrates human-powered transit by pitting mobile sculptures against one another along a three-mile urban obstacle course. trentonaveartsfest.blogspot.com

May 19-20, 2012
SOUTH 9^TH STREET ITALIAN MARKET FESTIVAL. This annual festival features live entertainment, games and food, plus the Italian Market’s dazzling array of homemade sausages, delicious cannolis, imported meats and cheeses, luscious cappuccino, butcher-cut beef and poultry, specialty cookware and fresh pastas. (215) 545-4543, italianmarketfestival.com

May 23-July 1, 2012
ANGELS IN AMERICA, PART ONE: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES. In New York City in 1985, a powerful right-wing lawyer angrily denies his diagnosis of AIDS, a court clerk protégé struggles with an addict wife and an ailing yet spirited gay man hears supernatural messages. The Wilma Theater presents this American epic that melds love, hate, religion and politics. (215) 564-7824, wilmatheater.org

May 24-June 3, 2012
DEVON HORSE SHOW AND COUNTRY FAIR. The country’s oldest and largest event of its kind features hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, exhibitions and an old-fashioned fair at the Devon Show Grounds. (610) 964-0550, thedevonhorseshow.com

May 24-July 1, 2012
TULIPOMANIA. Six strangers in an Amsterdam hash bar recall a seedy story of love, sex, money and power during Holland’s tulip bulb crisis. The Arden Theatre Company presents this new musical that gets high off of financial lows. (215) 922-1122, ardentheatre.org

May 25-June 24, 2012
REASONS TO BE PRETTY. The Philadelphia Theatre Company presents this hopelessly romantic drama about the hopelessness of romance at Suzanne Roberts Theatre. It is the last installment in playwright Neil LaBute’s critically acclaimed trilogy focusing on America’s obsession with physical appearance. (215) 985-0420, philadelphiatheatrecompany.org

May 26-28, 2012
BRANDYWINE RIVER MUSEUM ANTIQUES SHOW. Outstanding furniture, glass, metalware, ceramics, folk art, quilts and other fine antiques from across the nation are featured at the Brandywine River Museum. (610) 388-2700, brandywinemuseum.org

May 26-September 3, 2012
GARDEN RAILWAY. The Morris Arboretum presents G-scale model trains running along a quarter-mile track that features seven loops and tunnels with 12 rail lines, two cable cars and nine bridges—all with the theme of “Storytime Rail.” (215) 247-5777, morrisarboretum.org

March 26-September 23, 2012
FLIRTATIOUS FEATHERS: A COLOR COLLECTION OF ACADEMY BIRD PHOTOS. Birds of a feather flock to The Academy of Natural Sciences for this stunning exhibit displaying the vibrant plumage of birds from the academy’s Visual Resources for Ornithology (VIREO), the most comprehensive bird image bank in the world. (215) 299-1000, ansp.org

MAY 31-June 3, 2012
N.Y. EXPORT: OPUS JAZZ. At the Merriam Theater, the Pennsylvania Ballet presents an energetic “ballet in sneakers” performance inspired by the city that never sleeps and the youth and vitality of the slick 1950s. (215) 893-1955, paballet.org

May 31-September 3, 2012
GARDEN RAILWAY. The Morris Arboretum and Woodmere Art Museum present a collaborative exhibit featuring 33 talented artists—ranging from painters and woodworkers to mural artists and graphic designers—who stylistically reinterpret the summer symbol of the classic Adirondack chair. Visitors can find these unique works of art throughout the gardens of the two museums. (215) 247-5777, morrisarboretum.org; (215) 247-0476, woodmereartmuseum.org

JUNE 2012

Through June 17, 2012
ROBIN HOOD. Audiences enter Sherwood Forrest with the legendary Robin Hood at the Arden Theatre. Disguises, swordfights, live music and plenty of help from the audience bring this fabled story to life. (215) 922-1122, ardentheatre.org

June-September 2012
PECO MULTICULTURAL SERIES. The PECO Multicultural Series on the RiverStage at Penn’s Landing celebrates the diverse cultures that make Philadelphia a distinct city. (215) 922-2FUN, delawareriverevents.com

June 1-10, 2012
PHILLY BEER WEEK. The fifth annual celebration of the city’s vibrant beer culture features events ranging from tastings of locally crafted brews in cozy neighborhood taprooms to educational offerings like guided tastings and lectures or prix-fixe beer-pairing dinners. phillybeerweek.org

June 2-3, 2012
THE ROOTS PICNIC. Philly’s own Grammy®-winning hip-hop band The Roots bring together artists from various genres for a day-long concert at the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing. (215) 928-8801, delawareriverevents.com

June 3, 2012
TD BANK PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIP. Cyclists compete against each other and climb the steep Manayunk “wall” during this 28^th annual event, which is the biggest single-day international cycling race in North America. For two days before the race, the Expo gives people a chance to check out the latest in sports equipment and services. procyclingtour.com

June 7-23, 2012
TRAVESTIES. At Plays and Players Theatre, audiences go on a stylistic joyride through an imagined meeting between James Joyce, Vladimir Lenin and Tristan Tzara. When Joyce casts British consular official Henry Carr in a performance of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Carr finds himself in a wacky world of Wildean wit, Joycean limericks, Leninist ideology and Tzarist anarchy. (215) 735-0630, playsandplayers.org

June 9-10, 2012
BIRD DISCOVERY WEEKEND. Visitors flock to The Academy of Natural Sciences for this fun-filled weekend all about birds, including a glimpse into VIREO, the world’s largest bird image bank. Families meet a real ornithologist, learn to identify local birds, participate in a bird migration activity and craft binoculars to use in their own backyards. (215) 299-1000, ansp.org

June 9-September 29, 2012
LIGHT INSTALLATIONS BY BRUCE MUNRO. This U.S. debut exhibition at Longwood Gardens illuminates the gardens with large-scale, site-specific light installations during summer’s blooming season. Both day and night, indoors and outdoors, this experience highlights the natural beauty of the gardens. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org

June 10, 2012
PRIDEDAY LGBT PARADE AND FESTIVAL. This year’s 23^rd annual event celebrating gay pride takes place during International Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and features live music, DJs, food, drinks and a festive parade that runs from the Gayborhood to Penn’s Landing. (215) 875-9288, phillypride.org

June 10, 2012
ODUNDE AFRICAN-AMERICAN FESTIVAL. To celebrate the Yoruba New Year, this festival begins with a spiritual procession to the Schuylkill River and ends with a lively street fair. (215) 732-8510, odundefestival.org

June 16, 2012
BLOOMSDAY. On the 20th anniversary of the holiday, the Rosenbach Museum & Library commemorates the day on which novel hero Leopold Bloom made his “odyssey” through Dublin in Ulysses with a week-long festival of programs. (215) 732-1600, rosenbach.org

June 20-September 3, 2012
GAUGUIN, CÉZANNE, MATISSE: VISIONS OF ARCADIA. The Philadelphia Museum of Art explores the idea of Arcadia, or earthly paradise, by showcasing large-scale paintings on the theme by the timeless artists Gauguin, Cézanne and Matisse. Philadelphia is the only place to see this exhibit. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org

June 22-24, 2012
PHILADELPHIA INSURACE TRIATHALON. Participants swim, bike and run through the slow-moving waters of the Schuylkill River and the trails of Fairmount Park. (610) 687-3955, phillytri.com

June 25-July 4, 2012
WAWA WELCOME AMERICA! This multi-day party celebrates the nation’s birthday with free events for all ages throughout the city—including concerts, a parade and fireworks. welcomeamerica.com

JULY 2012

July 4, 2012
LET FREEDOM RING. At this annual event at the Liberty Bell Center, direct descendants of the signers of the Declaration of Independence tap the Liberty Bell to symbolically “ring” it, setting off a nationwide bell ringing ceremony. (215) 965-2305, let-freedom-ring.org

July 12-23, 2012
PHILADELPHIA QFEST. This annual festival celebrates all genres of film that pertain to or were created by members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. (267) 765-9800, phillycinema.org

July 20-22, 2012
XPONENTIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL. WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront for the XPoNential Music Festival. (215) 898-6677, xpn.org

AUGUST 2012

Through August 10, 2012
OFFERING OF THE ANGELS: TREASURES FROM THE UFFIZI GALLERY. Incomparable works from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence travel to the James A. Michener Art Museum. The pieces, created by artists as masterful as Botticelli, Titian, Tintoretto, Parmigianino and Cristofano, all depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments and relate to the themes of angels, forgiveness and the Eucharist. (215) 340-9800, michenerartmuseum.org

August 17-19, 2012
PHILADELPHIA FOLK FESTIVAL. Philadelphia’s answer to Woodstock, this 51^st annual event attracts musicians, storytellers and craftspeople for a weekend of song and merriment at Old Pool Farm in Schwenksville. (215) 242-0150, folkfest.org

August 31-September 15, 2012
PHILADELPHIA LIVE ARTS FESTIVAL AND PHILLY FRINGE. For two weeks of artistic pleasure, avant-garde performance meets street theater throughout the city with a full roster of original dance, theater and music works. (215) 413-9006, livearts-fringe.org

SEPTEMBER 2012

Through September 3, 2012
FROM ASBURY PARK TO THE PROMISED LAND: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. The Boss headlines a rockin’ exhibition at the National Constitution Center, the only venue in the nation hosting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum show. The exhibit illustrates the singer/songwriter’s commitment to illuminating the struggles and triumphs of “We the People.” The guitar from the Born to Run cover, the iconic Born in the U.S.A. outfit, Clarence Clemons’ Jungleland saxophone, handwritten lyrics and listening stations provide a well-rounded Springsteen experience. (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org

Through September 16, 2012
IMAGINE AFRICA WITH THE PENN MUSEUM. Visitors become curators during this interactive University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology exhibit, in which more than 50 objects from the African collection frame eight topics, including beauty, power and spirituality. (215) 898-4000, penn.museum

Through September 30, 2012
RUN! SUPER-ATHLETES OF THE SIERRA MADRE. At the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, an exhibit of photographer and journalist Diana Molina’s images of the Raramuri people—some of the world’s best long-distance runners, despite the rugged terrain of their home in Chihuahua, Mexico—explores themes of strength, stamina and isolation. (215) 898-4000, penn.museum

September 3-October 28, 2012
SCARECROW COMPETITION AND DISPLAY. This annual event at Peddler’s Village features more than 150 larger-than-life scarecrow creations in six categories displayed throughout the village. Each year, Peddler’s also hosts a Scarecrow Festival weekend, September 15-16, complete with scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live entertainment and pumpkin pie-eating contests. (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.com

September 4-23, 2012
NEW JERUSALEM, THE INTERROGATION OF BARCH DE SPINOZA AT TALMUD TORAH CONGREGATION: AMSTERDAM, JULY 27, 1656. The Lantern Theater presents the off-Broadway hit based on true events in the life of one of the greatest philosophers in history. Spinoza challenged traditional political and religious thinking with conviction, passion and wit. (215) 829-0395, lanterntheater.org

September 8-November 18, 2012
AUTUMN’S COLORS. Throughout this Longwood Gardens festival, unusual gourds, a garden railway, dazzling chrysanthemums and live entertainment convert the floral sanctuary into an autumnal wonderland. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org

September 13, 2012
LIBERTY MEDAL. This award, presented by the National Constitution Center, is given to people who strive to secure liberty for people all over the world. Recipients include men, women and organizations responsible for shaping and guiding the world. (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org/libertymedal

September 21-November 3, 2012
TERROR BEHIND THE WALLS. Thrill-seekers celebrate the Halloween season at Eastern State Penitentiary by visiting this spooky haunted house inside an abandoned prison. (215) 236-3300, easternstate.org

September 2012 (TBD)
POPPED! MUSIC FESTIVAL. This outdoor concert and festival at FDR Park features local and national musicians from different genres. poppedphiladelphia.org

OCTOBER 2012

October 6, 2012
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL. More than 150 teams race fiberglass dragon boats, complete with heads and tails, on a 500-meter course on the Schuylkill River. The annual fall event draws thousands of participants and spectators. (610) 642-2333, philadragonboatfestival.com

October 6-7, 13-14, 2012
PHILADELPHIA OPEN STUDIO TOURS. During this 13^th annual event, visitors can see local artists of all mediums in their studios, found in neighborhoods throughout the city. (215) 546-7775, philaopenstudios.com

October 18-28, 2012
GISELLE. Audiences swoon during the haunting and poetic story of a peasant girl whose love for a prince ends in heartbreak. At the Academy of Music, this stunning display of classical dance features dramatic music performed by the Pennsylvania Ballet Orchestra and choreography by French master Marius Petipa. (215) 893-1999, paballet.org

October 18-28, 2012
PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL. This 21^st annual event showcases the best in independent and foreign cinema in theaters and venues throughout Philadelphia. (267) 239-2941, filmadelphia.org

October 19-21, 2012
USARTISTS: AMERICAN FINE ART SHOW. Dozens of fine art galleries gather for this annual art expo and sale benefiting the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). (215) 972-7639, usartists.org

October 2012 (TBD)
OUTFEST. Part of the National Coming Out Day Festival, this is the largest event of its kind in the world. (215) 875-9288, phillypride.org

NOVEMBER 2012

November 3-4, 2012
APPLE FESTIVAL. The 41^st annual Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village honors the classic fruit with old-fashioned country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters, caramel-dipped apples and pie-eating contests. (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.com

November 8-11, 2012
PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART CRAFT SHOW. Handmade textiles, jewelry, and housewares of the highest quality are on view and for sale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. (215) 684-7930, pmacraftshow.org

November 8-19, 2012
FIRST PERSON FESTIVAL OF MEMOIR AND DOCUMENTARY ART. Taking place at various venues throughout the city, this is the only event in the nation dedicated to art based on real-life experiences. The multidisciplinary festival features memoir readings, author discussions, film screenings, performance art, experiential tours, visual art exhibitions, competitions, storytelling and more. (267) 402-2055, firstpersonarts.org

November 20-December 30, 2012
PLAID TIDINGS. The Walnut Street Theatre welcomes the holiday spirit with festive favorites performed by the boy group Forever Plaid. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org

November 22, 2012
THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE. Channel 6abc and Dunkin Donuts sponsor Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving Day Parade down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (215) 581-4507, wpvi.com

November 22, 2012-January 6, 2013
A LONGWOOD GARDENS CHRISTMAS. Thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees and fragrant flowers transform Longwood Gardens’ indoor gardens, where concerts take place daily. Outside, 500,000 lights glitter in the trees, and fountains dance to seasonal music. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org

DECEMBER 2012

December 8-30, 2012
THE NUTCRACKER. Pennsylvania Ballet’s season at the Academy of Music features its annual performance of the holiday classic George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. (215) 893-1999, paballet.org

JANUARY 2013

January 1, 2013
MUMMERS PARADE. Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching up Broad Street in this festive day-long event that ends with the Fancy Brigade Finale at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. phillymummers.com

January 15-February 3, 2013
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS. The Walnut Street Theatre presents the limited engagement of Jules Verne’s masterpiece—a whirlwind journey filled with exciting travel, exotic locales, daring adventures, narrow escapes and great fun. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org

FEBRUARY 2013

February 7-10, 2013
BALANCHINE/WHEELDON/THARP. Audiences revel in the diverse works of three renowned choreographers at the Merriam Theater: George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon and Twyla Tharp. (215) 893-1999, paballet.org

February 19-March 10, 2013
VINCENT IN BRIXTON. The Walnut Street Theatre presents the Olivier Award-winning Best Play based on actual events of Vincent van Gogh’s life. Genius and insanity thrive together in this fascinating tale of a legendary talent and troubled mind. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org

MARCH 2013

Through March 2013
THE ACADEMY AT 200: THE NATURE OF DISCOVERY. The Academy of Natural Sciences celebrates its bicentennial with a year-long schedule of festive events, educational programs and a centerpiece exhibition that honors two centuries of its groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Visitors discover rare and amazing plants and animals and learn how scientists use these specimens to understand environmental issues, including pollution and climate change. (215) 299-1000, ansp.org

March 7-17, 2013
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. This enchanting ballet interpretation of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy follows the adventures of a group of mortals and immortals in their quest for love. Fanciful costumes, a full choir and a forest of fireflies and fairies create a production brimming with wonder for all ages at the Academy of Music. (215) 893-1999, paballet.org

March 26-April 14, 2013
THE PRESCOTT METHOD: EASY STEPS TO PERFECT BREAD BAKING, EVERY TIME. This world premiere at the Walnut Street Theatre celebrates the baking of bread and building of friendships. As two women learn to bake bread together in 1966, they discover the best ingredients for coping with their lives are friendship, conversation and trust. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org

March 2013 (TBD)
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FLOWER SHOW. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is the site of the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind. The annual gardening celebration features top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 150 vendors. This year's theme, "Brilliant!," takes inspiration from the contemporary culture, design, gardens and landscapes of England. (215) 988-8800, theflowershow.com

March 2013 (TBD)
PHILADELPHIA CINEFEST. This 11-day film festival showcases more than 135 of the best works in independent and foreign cinema in theaters throughout Philadelphia. (267) 765-9800, phillycinefest.com

March 2013 (TBD)
THE PHILADELPHIA INVITATIONAL FURNITURE SHOW. Held at the 23^rd Street Armory, this nationally acclaimed show is the finest exhibition of one-of-a-kind home furnishings that run the gamut from innovative contemporary designs to adaptations of classical stylings. (215) 387-8590, philaifs.com

APRIL 2013

April 30-June 23, 2013
DINO! AN EVENING WITH DEAN MARTIN IN THE LATIN CASINO. The Walnut Street Theatre audience travels back to 1978, when Dean Martin is scheduled to perform live on stage at Latin Casino. When his band gets stuck in a blizzard, Martin treats his fans to an intimate evening filled with personal stories and classic songs including Everybody Loves Somebody and That’s Amore. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.org

April 2013 (TBD)
THE PENN RELAYS. For the 119^th year, high school and college track stars compete at Franklin Field during the oldest collegiate meet in the nation. (215) 898-6145, thepennrelays.com

April 2013 (TBD)
THE PHILADELPHIA ANTIQUES SHOW. During this annual event, dealers from across the U.S. offer the finest examples of period furniture, folk and fine art, ceramics, porcelain, silver, jewelry and textiles at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. (610) 902-2109, philaantiques.com

April 2013 (TBD)
ART IN THE OPEN. During this fourth annual event, jury-selected artists working in a range of disciplines create works outside along the banks of the Schuylkill River, while local galleries and cultural institutions add to the festival-like atmosphere with displays offering educational opportunities. artintheopenphila.org

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

Every Friday and Saturday
SONICVISION. Shown at The Franklin Institute’s Fels Planetarium, SonicVision blends today’s popular music by artists such as Coldplay, Moby and The Flaming Lips with the visual artistry of animation and video. (215) 448-1200, fi.edu

Every Friday
ART AFTER 5. Friday evenings are something to talk about at the Philadelphia Museum of Art with this weekly series of eclectic mix of world and jazz music. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org

First Wednesday Each Month
TARGET FIRST WEDNESDAYS. Continuing its community program to stay open from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with $2 admission, Please Touch Museum® keeps open the entire gallery floor, featuring exhibitions like Roadside Attractions, Flight Fantasy, SEPTA Bus and Supermarket. (215) 581-3181, pleasetouchmuseum.org

Third Wednesday Each Month
TARGET COMMUNITY NIGHTS. The Franklin Institute welcomes visitors to enjoy free admission from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The museum provides access to fun-filled exhibitions, hands-on programs and IMAX films. (215) 448-1200, fi.edu

First Friday Each Month
FIRST FRIDAY. In Old City, dozens of the city’s premier galleries keep their doors open late and provide free refreshments. (215) 965-9200, oldcityarts.org

First Saturday Each Month
FIRST SATURDAY GALLERY TOURS. More than 50 galleries, museums, shops, theaters and hotels in Old City present exhibitions and discussions. (215) 625-9200, oldcityarts.org

First Saturday Each Month
BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF CRUISER OLYMPIA. Take a tour of the 1892 cruiser and learn about the ship docked outside of the Independence Seaport Museum. (215) 413-8658, phillyseaport.org

Second Thursday Each Month
NIGHT SKIES IN THE OBSERVATORY. Star gazers join Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts of The Franklin Institute to look into the sky to see different planets and stars each month. (215) 448-1200, fi.edu

First Friday Each Month
FRANKFORD AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY. The arts corridor along burgeoning Frankford Avenue stays open late with gallery exhibitions, boutique discounts, restaurant samples and more. (215) 427-0350, frankfordavearts.org

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to Hear Philly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

Contact(s):

• Rachel Ferguson, (215) 599-2291
• Donna Schorr, (215) 599-0782