Shop Penn

Summer isn’t just bringing the heat, it’s bringing the live events! University City is filled with standout galleries, performance spaces, and recreational venues that are open to visitors. Discover the exciting happenings in the neighborhood this July with the latest edition of the “Shop Penn Playlist,” a snapshot of cultural and entertainment offerings around the Penn campus all month.

Novelty Candle Experience – Cork & Candles
All Month

The Cork & Candles Novelty Experiences invites you to transform wax into unique realistic candles inspired by favorite themes such as food, decadent sweets and desserts, refreshing beverages, seasonal nostalgia, and household décor. Each month, they introduce an exclusive new candle design, giving you the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and explore advanced candle-making techniques in this unique educational and playful experience. For the month of July, they offer an Ice Cream Sundaes and Floats theme, when you can create your own cool sweet treat-inspired candle where the wax will be the main  thing melting in the summer heat.  

Philadelphia Runner University City Group Run – Philadelphia Runner
Every Wednesday

Join Philadelphia Runner's welcoming weekly group run every Wednesday at 6PM in University City, where runners of all abilities come together for a supportive and energizing experience. This free community event embraces the "all paces and faces welcome" philosophy, making it perfect for both seasoned marathoners and those just starting their running journey. Whether you're new to the city, looking to meet fellow runners, or simply want to add some social motivation to your training routine, this weekly gathering offers a fantastic way to explore University City's neighborhoods while staying active during the peak summer season.

Garden Jam – Penn Museum
July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30

In July, we jam! Penn Museum’s outdoor summer concert series returns! Live music with a low-key, high-chill, al fresco scene in Stoner Courtyard at the rose-gold hour. The West Philadelphia Orchestra performs on July 9, Vertical Current performs on July 16, Los Bomberos De La Calle performs on July 23, and Malidelphia performs on July 30.

Mavis Pusey: Mobile Images – Institute of Contemporary Art
Opens July 12

This exhibition marks the first major museum survey dedicated to the work and life of Jamaican-born artist Mavis Pusey (1928-2019), featuring over 60 artworks from her prolific 50-year career. An important figure in geometric abstraction, Pusey created rich abstract paintings and works on paper that reflect her wide-ranging engagement with fashion, printmaking, and the urban environment of cities in which she lived.

University City Dining Days – Various Locations
July 17-27

University City Dining Days is UCD’s popular restaurant promotion where diners can enjoy three-course meals at fixed price points of $20, $30, or $40 from dozens of West Philadelphia restaurants. Check the most up-to-date list of participating restaurants at Universitycity.org.

Ripplewood Performing The Grateful Dead – The Rotunda
July 18

Join The Rotunda for a magical evening of acoustic Grateful Dead as Ripplewood delivers two historic sets. A complete performance of the "Anthem of the Sun" studio album and The Dead's legendary June 14, 1968 Fillmore East show. Ripplewood is a six-piece acoustic ensemble offering innovative interpretations of the Grateful Dead catalog. It features seasoned musicians from Rainbow Full of Sound, Machine Gun, and the NYC downtown scene. It captures the intimacy and expansiveness of Jerry’s universe with bass, dual drums, piano, guitar, mandolin, and harmonica.