Taj Mahal performs during the first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris\/Invision\/AP)<\/p>\n
Blues legend Taj Mahal, <\/a>now in his 80s, has combined Caribbean and African rhythms, folk and jazz in a way few artists ever have. Over the course of his career, he\u2019s earned five Grammy Awards, 16 nominations, an induction into the Blues Hall of Fame and a 2025 Recording Academy lifetime achievement distinction. He recently released new music, including his rendition of the Son House classic \u201cDeath Letter Blues\u201d and the album \u201cTime.\u201d<\/a> Backed by his longtime collaborators the Phantom Blues Band, Taj Mahal heads to Wilmington\u2019s Grand Opera House<\/a> this weekend.\n<\/p>\n Two powerhouse voices in folk\/Americana come together for an intimate night of songwriting and storytelling<\/a> at the Scottish Rite Auditorium. Two-time Grammy Award\u2013winning singer-songwriter Patty Griffin<\/a>\u2019s career spans more than two decades, including her most recent release, \u201cCrown of Roses.\u201d<\/a> Sharing the stage is Canadian-born alt-country musician Kathleen Edwards,<\/a> whose latest album \u201cBillionaire\u201d<\/a> came out last year.\n<\/p>\n It\u2019s a celebration of all things Latin that feels more like a three-day block party<\/a>. More than 80 food vendors are serving everything from tacos and arepas, while the entertainment lineup includes live DJs, samba parades, dance workshops and the ever-popular lucha libre wrestling. The 2026 edition includes performances by Elijah Delgado,<\/a> Henao <\/a>and Lower East Salsa.<\/a> Interactive activities like a Bad Bunny look-alike contest and a hot pepper eating challenge are also offered along with family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo and a dog show. \u00a1Arriba!\n<\/p>\n The annual free festival<\/a> celebrates 20 years with performances by saxophonist and vocalist Camille Thurman,<\/a> performing with the Darrell Green Quartet, and regional talent including Justin Bowden, <\/a>Glenn Bryan & Friends<\/a> and Black Tie Entertainment Group: Equinox.<\/a> Beyond the music, the community festival includes local vendors, artisans and family-friendly programming, which also includes a tribute to jazz legend John Coltrane.\n <\/p>\n Now in its ninth year, the annual event <\/a>has grown into one of the city\u2019s top independent music and arts festivals, drawing crowds for a full day of DJs and live performances by a diverse group of local and regional artists. This year\u2019s DJs include Killsing,<\/a> Sibby Liv,<\/a> DJ Jayhood<\/a>, <\/a>\u00a0DJ Illmatiq,<\/a> Foxy Nora,<\/a> Play Cousins<\/a> and Wavelength<\/a>. Performers include Neptune XXI,<\/a> The Rhythm Section w\/ TreWay <\/a>and Leighdy Morris<\/a>. The official afterparty<\/a> goes down at Liberty Point.\n<\/p>\n Grammy-winning DJ and super-producer Diplo <\/a>built his career in Philadelphia, graduating from Temple University as he developed a following. He\u2019s also a fitness buff<\/a> who conceived the run as a way to share his passion with others. The event<\/a> blends a community 5K with a post-race party, bringing people together to hit the pavement and then celebrate afterward. The Philly edition features sets from legendary hip-hop producer DJ Premier<\/a> and Diplo himself.\n<\/p>\n If your idea of a good time is sipping on local wine while seeing all the beautifully restored automobiles your community has to offer, well, you\u2019ve found your weekend destination. Penns Woods Winery\u2019s Wheels & Wine Car Show<\/a> showcases an impressive collection of vintage, classic, antique and luxury sports cars from owners in the area. Wine is available by the glass or bottle along with locally sourced beer and cider, artisan vendors, food trucks and live music from Greg Jones. <\/a>You can also vote for your favorite cars in the people\u2019s choice, most unique, best custom\/modified car and kid\u2019s pick categories.\n<\/p>\n Personal stylist Tia Jones browses the racks of Goodwill to find secondhand clothes for her clients. (Zoe Read\/WHYY)<\/p>\n Billed as Philadelphia\u2019s biggest vintage clothing event,<\/a> the market brings together a curated group of sellers offering everything from retro streetwear and designer finds to rare accessories, collectible denim and one-of-a-kind pieces spanning decades. Whether you\u2019re hunting for a \u201970s statement piece, a \u201990s throwback or historic streetwear brands, the high of making an unexpected discovery is the best part.\n<\/p>\n Originally produced in Philadelphia in 2019, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa<\/a>\u2019s version of \u201cThe Little Prince,\u201d a full-length work inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exup\u00e9ry\u2019s classic tale, was a win for critics and audiences, highlighted by its original score by composer Peter Salem performed live. It returns for a weeklong limited run<\/a> as part of Ballet X\u2019s Summer Series.\n<\/p>\n Get a literal glimpse behind the curtain at this gathering <\/a>of playwrights, actors, directors and theater creators for a celebration of new works and the creative process behind bringing stories to the stage. The 2026 conference, themed \u201cDemocracy in Action,\u201d explores the role of storytelling through readings, workshops, artist exchanges and community events. There are conversations with acclaimed playwrights, including Pulitzer Prize winner Eboni Booth,<\/a> solo performances, writing workshops and opportunities to engage directly with the artists shaping the future of theater.\n<\/p>\n This new exhibition<\/a>, organized by curator Su Wu,<\/a> gives a centuries-old art form a present-day showcase with contemporary artists who are redefining tapestry through unique materials, techniques and storytelling. The exhibition features works by 25 artists, including Diedrick Brackens,<\/a> Melissa Cody<\/a>, Kiki Smith<\/a> and Ed Ruscha,<\/a> who expand weaving beyond the traditional presentation into sculpture, design and fine art.\n<\/p>\n Philly\u2019s summer has been overflowing with one of the city\u2019s busiest schedules. Here\u2019s a roundup of some weekend events that defy easy categorization.\n<\/p>\n Harry Potter fans of all ages obviously appreciate magic. Inspired by the blockbuster films, the immersive experience<\/a> features 1,200 synchronized drones creating aerial images of significant characters, symbols and moments from the series. A live electric violinist plays along, recreating the soundtracks. And if you know anything about the Potter universe, you know the show comes with the opportunity to purchase themed merch, including hats, scarves and even a branded beer.\n<\/p>\n University City doesn\u2019t get mentioned as much as it should among Philly\u2019s culinary destinations, and that\u2019s a shame. The neighborhood has its fair share of eateries in various cuisines that offer tasty food and cozy ambience. The annual dining promotion<\/a> allows for exploration of some of the area\u2019s most popular restaurants without having to dig too deep into your wallet. The \u201c3 Courses, 3 Prices\u201d promotion features specially created prix fixe three-course lunch and dinner menus at $20, $30 and $40 price points, so now\u2019s the time to make reservations.\n<\/p>\n For some people, gluten-free food is not just an option, it\u2019s a necessity. Celiac disease is a disorder that makes gluten not just indigestible but dangerous. Let\u2019s face it, taste is often sacrificed for health. But that\u2019s not the case at this expo<\/a>, which features more than 100 booths showcasing gluten-free bakeries, brands, restaurants and specialty food makers offering everything from cookies, breads, pasta, pizza crusts and desserts. It\u2019s also a safe space for the gluten-free community, with opportunities to learn more about celiac-friendly products and the small businesses that develop them.\n<\/p>\n (Big Stock)<\/p>\n A special celebration<\/a> honoring America\u2019s 250th anniversary, the outdoor festival features more than 100 food vendors, food trucks and local food and drink purveyors alongside a beer garden, a vendor market including antiques and more. The entertainment lineup features two stages of live performances, including regional favorites, party bands and live DJs. There\u2019s also a car show, and despite the location, it\u2019s a family-friendly event with activities for kids. Oh, and there\u2019s fireworks.\n<\/p>\n A chilled beer mug on cafe table. (photosvit\/bigstock)<\/p>\n Set across the Philadelphia Zoo\u2019s 42-acre campus, the festival features <\/a>more than 100 beers, ciders, seltzers, mead, spirits and nonalcoholic options from breweries and beverage makers throughout the region, along with local food trucks to complement the beverage offerings. The night\u2019s soundtrack comes from Philly-based performers Nik Greeley and the Operators<\/a>, Echo Kid,<\/a> and Moonroof. <\/a>The venue comes with a bonus:\u00a0 the chance to experience the zoo\u2019s nocturnal animal population and check out what they do, or don\u2019t do, in the evening hours. One of them is Mommy, the Galapagos tortoise who\u2019s been living at the zoo since 1932. Oh, the stories she could tell, if she could talk.\n<\/p>\n R&B reigns at the Dell Music Center, and this summer\u2019s no different. Grammy-nominated singer and Detroit native Kem <\/a>is known for sultry hits like \u201cLove Calls\u201d and \u201cI Can\u2019t Stop Loving You,\u201d while Tamia <\/a>has built a three-decade career highlighted anchored by power ballads like \u201cYou Put a Move on My Heart\u201d and \u201cStranger In My House.\u201d The two artists share a Detroit connection. Tamia met her husband, former NBA player and Detroit Pistons star Grant Hill, when Anita Baker set them up on a blind date. Baker\u2019s matchmaking skills must be stellar as the couple celebrates their 27th anniversary this month. They join forces tonight<\/a> at the Dell.\n<\/p>\n Lionel Richie performs during the concert at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Sunday, May 7, 2023, celebrating the coronation of King Charles III. It is one of several events over a three-day weekend of celebrations. (Yui Mok\/Pool Photo via AP)<\/p>\n This is not just a concert,<\/a> it\u2019s a chance to experience living history. Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and four-time Grammy Award winner, Lionel Richie<\/a> first rose to global fame as the frontman and main songwriter for Commodores before launching a solo career in the \u201880s, generating massive hits including \u201cAll Night Long,\u201d \u201cHello\u201d and \u201cEndless Love.\u201d Nine-time Grammy winners Earth, Wind & Fire<\/a> are members of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Their hits, including \u201cSeptember,\u201d \u201cShining Star\u201d and \u201cLet\u2019s Groove,\u201d inspired generations of artists from Prince and Beyonc\u00e9 to Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. Questlove directed an HBO documentary<\/a> on the group that debuted in June.\n<\/p>\n Trombone Shorty<\/a> and Orleans Avenue bring the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans to the Philly stage.<\/a> A Grammy-winning artist, he has earned acclaim for a unique combination of traditional jazz and contemporary grooves. With his longtime band Orleans Avenue, Shorty has collaborated with artists including Lenny Kravitz, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His latest album, \u201cLifted,\u201d <\/a>came out in 2022.\n<\/p>\n Nick Harmer, left, and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie perform at the All In Music & Arts Festival at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, in Indianapolis. (Photo by Amy Harris\/Invision\/AP)<\/p>\n One of the most influential alternative bands of the past two decades comes to Philly for its first show in four years.<\/a> Formed in Washington state in the late \u201890s and led by singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard, the band helped define the sound of 2000s indie rock with critically acclaimed albums like \u201cTransatlanticism\u201d and \u201cPlans.\u201d Songs like \u201cI Will Follow You Into the Dark,\u201d \u201cSoul Meets Body\u201d and \u201cThe Sound of Settling\u201d have influenced everyone from indie newcomers to mainstream alternative acts. The band is touring in support of its latest release, \u201cI Built You a Tower,\u201d<\/a> its first with indie ANTI-Records after more than two decades with Atlantic. Joining the tour is Philadelphia\u2019s own Grammy-nominated indie rock artist Japanese Breakfast.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n Created by Beyond the Bars,<\/a> a nonprofit dedicated to using music as a tool for youth development, the annual festival<\/a> features more than 150 young performers representing diverse neighborhoods and musical styles. The celebration includes multiple stages of live performances, interactive music and arts workshops, community resources, and family-friendly activities designed to give aspiring artists a platform while connecting audiences with organizations that support Philadelphia\u2019s youth.\n<\/p>\n Created as a benefit concert for The Welcome Project,<\/a> an organization providing legal aid and support services to immigrants in Philadelphia and the surrounding region, this concert brings<\/a> over a dozen Philadelphia artists together. Confirmed performers include Dan May,<\/a> Laura Mann,<\/a> Cliff Hillis,<\/a> Liz Miller,<\/a> Michael Spear Duo,<\/a> Honey Spot Boulevard,<\/a> Scotti Mann<\/a>, Gene Smith Band <\/a>and others.\n <\/p>\nNew Jersey<\/h2>\n
An evening with Patty Griffin and Kathleen Edwards<\/h3>\n
Special Events<\/h2>\n
Rico Rico Fiesta<\/h3>\n
Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival<\/h3>\n
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All Love Block Party<\/h3>\n
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Diplo\u2019s Run Club<\/h3>\n
Wheels & Wine Car Show<\/h3>\n
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The Philly Vintage Flea<\/h3>\n
Arts and culture<\/h2>\n
Summer Festival 2016: \u2018The Little Prince\u2019<\/h3>\n
PlayPenn\u2019s 2026 New Play Development Conference<\/h3>\n
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\u2018You Stretched Diagonally Across It: Contemporary Tapestry\u2019<\/h3>\n
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Miscellaneous roundup<\/h2>\n
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Kids<\/h2>\n
Harry Potter Drone Art Show<\/h3>\n
Food and drink<\/h2>\n
University City Dining Days<\/h3>\n
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Wicked Gluten-Free Expo<\/h3>\n
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Philly Foodie and Fireworks Festival<\/h3>\n
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Summer Ale Festival<\/h3>\n
Music<\/h2>\n
Kem & Tamia<\/h3>\n
Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire<\/h3>\n
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue: Let\u2019s Go Get \u2018Em Tour<\/h3>\n
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Death Cab For Cutie: I Built You A Tower World Tour<\/h3>\n
Third Annual Philly Youth Music Fest<\/h3>\n
Songs of Welcome: Concert for Immigrant Aid<\/h3>\n