You don't have to empty your pockets in order to have a good time in the City of Brotherly Love. The following are a few of my favorite venues for free (or pay-what-you-can donation) events in Philadelphia.
The Rotunda
One of my favorite haunts in West Philly, the Rotunda offers an eclectic array of events to suit any interest: old movies, hip hop, blue grass, throat singing, puppet shows, spoken word, dance, jazz, panels, lectures, the list goes on and on.
Studio 34
In addition to pay-what-you-can and $5 yoga classes, Studio 34 regularly has music, visual, and performance art. Feet Active is a monthly dance, (vegan) cupcake, and yoga party. I also like the annual Bike Part Art Show.
A-Space
Besides being the home of Books Thru Bars, where I volunteer on occasion, the A-Space hosts poetry slams, movies, craft fairs, lectures, and other events with an anarchist bent.
Wooden Shoe
A radical bookstore in the South Street corridor, the Wooden Shoe offers book discussions, lectures, and movie nights, among other things.
Free Library
Lectures and movies are held throughout the year at various Free Library locations. Check the calendar for more information. I've seen the Guerrilla Girls and Joyce Carol Oates speak here before.
Colleges and universities
The plethora of colleges in the Philadelphia area does not only mean annoying frat parties and no where to park. They often have free or low-cost concerts, plays, and lectures. Check UPenn, Drexel, Temple, Moore College of Art, or the University of the Arts for starters. If you feel like taking the R5 train down the Main Line, you can also check out Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and Villanova.
Theatres
Many local theatres, such as Arden, Curio, and Wilma, offer free seats to volunteer ushers who come an hour before showtime and hand out programs, and stay briefly afterwards to help pick them up. I've done this multiple times and saw some great shows!
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Get lost in the over 200 galleries of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on any given Sunday, when admission is pay-what-you-can. Now that the museum has the additional Perleman Building, there's even more to see.
Institute of Contemporary Art
After it recieved a generous grant, the Institute of Contemporary Art opened its doors to the public with free admission all of the time. I've seen some very strange exhibits here, including cartoons of starving vegans who turned to cannibalism because, apparently, they couldn't find anything else to eat.
Curtis Institute of Music
At the Curtis Institute of Music, you can sit in on weekly student recitals for free during the school year. It makes for a cheap, yet romantic date.
Bartram's Garden
Did you know that the oldest botanical garden in the U.S. is located in West Philly? Bartram's Garden is a beautiful oasis in the city, with flowering trees, meadows, and historic buildings from the 18th century.
City Parks
Besides offering the usual playgrounds, greenery, and hiking trails, many of our city's parks have concerts, craft fairs, outdoor movies, theater, and much more. Clark Park and Cedar Park are both in my neighborhood and offer free productions of Shakespeare's plays and jazz concerts every summer, among other events.
Other Recommendations
You can also sign up for Phillly FunSavers, a weekly e-mail with half-price tickets to many arts and cultural events. And scour the City Paper and Philadelphia Weekly for free stuff to do.
Do you know of any other free venues to add to the list? Do tell!
Posts
I don't have any places to add, but they all sound good. Don't forget about possible discounts, like for students or seniors.
ReplyDeleteOh, so many things to see and do! With the exception of a poetry reading at UPenn and a Sunday at the Art Museum, I have never enjoyed Philadelphia on a dime. In fact, I hardly go there, but when I do it is usually a good time. Now I know ways to have fun for less money.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I can't add to the list, but if I find anything I'll post again.
There are quite a few great authors coming to the Free Library this season! I'm glad this post prompted me to look at the schedule, because one of my favorite authors, Lorrie Moore, is not only coming out with her first new novel in over a decade, but she'll be at the library in September! Thanks Nicole!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad you included Bartram's Garden. Have you done the Schuylkill boat ride from Walnut St. to Bartram's (or vice versa)? It's a great trip and shows up on Philly Fun Guide for discount tickets.
ReplyDelete