Shop Penn

Spring is the perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy everything that the City of Brotherly (& Sisterly!) Love has to offer. There is something for everyone including history, dance, music, and outdoor festivals. #ShopPenn is here for you with all the best exhibits, events, and shows to check out throughout the month of May. Find out everything happening with the latest edition of the “Shop Penn Playlist,” a snapshot of the top events being offered around the Penn campus all month.

Philadelphia Children’s Festival – Penn Live Arts
May 5-7

The annual Philadelphia Children's Festival features seven exciting events, including two free outdoor shows and interactive workshops with the dancer-gymnasts of Pilobolus. With zany acrobats invading a museum, the history of Cinco de Mayo told through folkloric dance, some seriously silly hocus pocus, a powerful book brought to life onstage and so much more, the Children's Festival is packed with fun for the whole family. Plus, enjoy the outdoor PLAYground with hands-on activities and entertainment by Alex & the Kaleidoscope and the Give & Take Jugglers. The Children's Festival is rain or shine.

The Illuminated Body: A Community Celebration of Creativity – Arthur Ross Gallery
May 11

The Illuminated Body: A Community Celebration of Creativity is a one day event inspired by Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body, a solo exhibition of work by artist Barbara Earl Thomas. In her works, Thomas celebrates creativity and uses portraiture to uplift the people who are a part of her artistic community. A Community Celebration of Creativity will similarly look towards local artists and performers and will provide a space for families and creatives to connect with each other. Visitors will witness an outdoor percussive procession, marvel at the Children’s Ballet Stilt Walkers, engage in family-friendly craft making activities and party with DJ Oluwafemi.

The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble – Penn Live Arts
May 11

Philadelphia’s own all-women tap company, The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble, “is a powerhouse of technique, joy, and passion” (ThINKingDance). The 2024 Spring Concert Series features innovative choreography by Caleb Teicher and Lisa La Touche, audience favorites by Katie Budris and Kat Echevarría Richter, and a world premiere by Sarah Cook Flynn. From reimagined jazz standards to contemporary favorites, “The Lady Hoofers not only can spark the floor, they take tap in unexpected directions” (The Dance Journal).

Punk Prom – The Rotunda
May 12

Grab your sweetie and your dancing shoes cause Punk Prom is here! This magical night is filled with your favorite cover bands, a photo booth to remember the night forever, DIY Friendship bracelets, and so much more! So dress up, book your limos, and start planning your Promposals! Proceeds from PUNK PROM will go towards 3 organizations - Savage Sisters and Project SAFE are local organizations in Philly doing on the ground harm reduction work and Friends of Congo is an international organization work in partnership with Congolese to bring about peaceful and lasting change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Ruth Moody of the Wailin’ Jennys – World Café Live
May 22

Ruth has built a dedicated fanbase, touring both as a solo artist and as a founding and current member of the folk trio The Wailinʼ Jennys. She has garnered two Juno Awards, countless nominations and accolades, topped Billboard charts, and performed to rapt audiences in sold-out venues around the globe. Ruthʼs solo albums "The Garden" and “These Wilder Things” received glowing reception from fans and critics alike. Her collaborations with the legendary Mark Knopfler on "These Wilder Things" and his albums “Privateering” and “Tracker” brought her voice to millions of music lovers world-wide, and saw her performing in Europe and the UK in dream venues such as The Royal Albert Hall.

Maggie Rose: No One Gets Out Alive Tour – World Café Live
May 29

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Maggie Rose has shared her empowering new single, “Underestimate Me.” The galvanizing anthem, delivered with an assured confidence, is the launching pad for an exciting new chapter in Maggieʼs musical journey, and her first release with her new label partner, independent powerhouse Big Loud. Maggie has been hailed for her passionate individualism and influences spanning rock, soul, Americana, folk and funk. Her previous lauded studio albums were embraced by the likes of Rolling Stone who declared sheʼs a “star” and NPR Music who called her a “multi-genre powerhouse,” among others.