A Moon Party, The Oval+, an accordionists' festival, and more in Philly this weekend

What is space? What is time? What is music? Well, you can find out this weekend in the Philly area. We’ve got FDR’s famous Four Freedoms Speech, a History After Hours based on historic rivalries, an exhibit celebrating the moon landing, and yes, a festival bringing together accordionists from all over. This and more make up for the kind of nerdy, quirky weekend I can really sink my teeth into.

American Accordionists’ Association

I remember, growing up, everyone in school thinking accordions were only for nerdy kids like Steve Urkel. That never made sense to me because—well, had anyone ever even seen an accordion in real life by then? Probably not, at least not at my school. I didn’t see one until college. And I thought it was awesome. Now the American Accordionists’ Association is holding its annual festival and competition right here in the Philly area, at the Valley Forge Casino and Resort, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA. Check it out July 17 through 21; find out more online.

FDR’s Four Freedoms Speech at NMAJH

Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms Speech is on museum view for the first time at the National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH). Additionally, Norman Rockwell’s iconic Four Freedoms original poster printings and the 1819 illustrated print of the Declaration of Independence will also be on display. I know plenty of history nerds that would be into this, so this one’s for you. And don’t forget, NMAJH is free all month long.

Partying on the moon

I don’t know about you, but I find flight and outer space fascinating. Just being on a plane looking down at the clouds sparks my sense of wonder. And while I’ll probably never find myself floating above the Kármán Line, there’s still a chance to commemorate the time that humans first walked on the moon. The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College has curated an exhibit, Science Fiction. And this weekend, on Saturday, July 20, they will host a community-wide Moon Party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Apollo 11 lunar landing. The event will include scavenger hunts, an outdoor screening of the films Trip to the Moon and Hugo, and more. The Moon Party is free; it begins at 11am and goes through 4pm at the museum, 601 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA.

Al-Bustan celebrates Arabic art and youth

On Friday, July 19, Al-Bustan will host its 17th annual ‘end of camp’ final performance, putting its rising kindergarteners through eighth-graders in the spotlight. A celebration of Arabic language, art, dance, and science, the event includes an hourlong performance centered on Al-Andalus: Tayaush/Convivencia/Coexistence. There’s also a potluck, food, art, music, storytelling, and more. Join in from 4pm to 6pm at St. Peter’s School, 319 Lombard Street.

The Oval+ is back at the Parkway

Starting July 19 to August 18, the Oval+, presented by PNC Bank, brings family fun to Eakins Oval and the Ben Franklin Parkway, with a pop-up basketball court, art installations, a retrofitted double-decker bus that will function as a music venue and snack stand, themed event days, and more. Check out what all is in store online.

Bros and Foes at MoAR

The Museum of the American Revolution presents Bros and Foes, an after-hours event featuring the rules of dueling, an escape room, a Rum Punch Challenge, and special gallery talks highlighting historic rivalries. Though it’s not quite on the weekend, since it takes place on Tuesday, July 23, at 5pm, you could always pretend that it’s the weekend. Check out the event, and get full access to the museum’s exhibits. Tickets for this entry in the History After Hours series are $10 and can be purchased online and at the door.