
Live Music & Theater Guide in Philadelphia, United States
1. Kimmel Center for Performing Arts
A premier destination for world-class music and dance performances. Home to the Philadelphia Orchestra and various other artistic events.
- Versatile Venues: Offers multiple performance spaces, including a concert hall seating over 2,500 people.
- Community Engagement: Provides educational programs and community outreach initiatives.
- Culinary Delights: Features an on-site restaurant, Verizon Hall Cafe.
2. Wilma Theater
A professional theatre company that produces plays and musicals for adults and children. Known for its innovative productions.
- Original Works: Develops and premieres new works, many of which are later produced nationally.
- Educational Programs: Offers various education programs for students of all ages.
- Accessibility: Provides audio description, sign language interpretation, and other accessibility services.
3. Forrest Theater
Historic venue hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy performances. It's the oldest theater in Philadelphia.
- Rich History: Opened in 1922 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Broadway Shows: Serves as a stop for national Broadway tours, featuring shows like Hamilton and Wicked.
- Diverse Programming: Hosts a variety of events beyond theatre, including concerts and comedy shows.
4. Warp Tour
A music festival showcasing emerging artists in various genres, including electronic, rock, and hip-hop.
- Discovery Platform: Provides a platform for up-and-coming musicians to gain exposure.
- Genre Variety: Spans across multiple music genres, providing a diverse lineup.
- Philadelphia Focus: Many acts on the tour are local Philadelphia artists.
5. World Cafe Live
A live music venue and radio station that supports emerging artists and fosters artistic collaboration.
- Artist Development: Provides resources and opportunities for artists, including workshops and mentorship programs.
- Live Radio Broadcasts: Broadcasts live performances on its radio station.
- Food & Drink: Offers a full-service restaurant and bar.
6. TedxPhiladelphia
An independently organized TED event focused on spreading ideas worth sharing. Topics range from technology to art.
- Inspiring Ideas: Features talks by local and international thought leaders.
- Community Engagement: Encourages attendees to engage with the speakers and their ideas.
- Accessibility: Makes talks available online for a global audience.
7. Philadelphia Folk Festival
A four-day music festival celebrating folk music and dance. Features workshops, jam sessions, and performances.
- Community Spirit: Encourages audience participation in workshops and jam sessions.
- Cultural Exchange: Showcases folk music and dance from around the world.
- Family-Friendly: Provides activities and programming for all ages.
8. Philadelphia Magic Gardens
An art museum dedicated to folk artist Isaiah Zagar's mosaics and sculptures. The site is a whimsical exploration of imagination.
- Artistic Expression: Features intricate mosaics and sculptures made from found objects.
- Community Impact: Supports local artists through workshops, classes, and exhibitions.
- Historical Significance: Preserves the legacy of a significant local artist.
9. Philadelphia Fringe Festival
A city-wide celebration of contemporary performing arts. It showcases emerging artists and offers innovative productions.
- Experimentation: Provides a platform for artists to experiment and take risks in their work.
- Community Engagement: Encourages attendees to engage with the artists and their work.
- Diverse Programming: Features a variety of performances, including theatre, dance, and music.
10. Franklin Square Theatre
A historic venue offering live entertainment, including comedy shows, concerts, and family-friendly performances.
- Rich History: Built in the early 19th century as a roller rink.
- Community-Focused: Serves as a hub for community events and programming.
- Flexible Spaces: Offers multiple performance spaces, accommodating various event types.
11. Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA)
A music venue that has hosted acts such as Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan. Offers a diverse lineup of concerts and comedy shows.
- Music History: Has hosted iconic musicians since its opening in the 1900s.
- Versatile Spaces: Offers multiple spaces for performances and events.
- Local Events: Hosts local Philadelphia bands, in addition to national acts.
12. Arden Theatre Company
A professional theatre company dedicated to producing plays that engage the mind and touch the heart.
- Quality Productions: Presents high-quality productions with professional actors.
- Educational Programs: Offers education programs for students and adults.
- Community Involvement: Invites the community to participate in workshops, readings, and talkbacks.
13. The Fillmore Philadelphia
A music venue that hosts concerts from various genres. Known for its iconic art deco design.
- Iconic Design: Features an Art Deco design, which is a unique architectural style.
- Diverse Lineup: Hosts concerts from various genres, including rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.
- Historic Significance: Originally opened in the early 1900s as a movie theatre.
14. Underground Arts
A multi-arts venue that supports emerging artists and fosters artistic collaboration. Features music, comedy, and visual arts.
- Artist Development: Provides resources and opportunities for artists, including workshops and mentorship programs.
- Versatile Spaces: Offers multiple performance spaces to accommodate various event types.
- Community Engagement: Encourages attendees to engage with the artists and their work.
15. The Walnut Street Theatre
The oldest operating theatre in the United States. Known for producing classic plays and premiering new works.
- Rich History: Opened in 1809, it's the oldest continuously operating theatre in the U.S.
- Classic Plays: Presents classic plays that have stood the test of time.
- New Works Premiere: Premieres new works, many of which are later produced nationally.