Comic opera, Clüb 13, A ‘The Lion King’ for everyone, Paleopalooza, and more welcome March

I didn’t even know comic opera was a thing, really. But I’m here for it. I’m also here for the Mütter Museum throwing an audacious party challenging superstitions, the Academy of Natural Sciences diving deep for fossils (dinosaurs still fascinate me as an adult!), and Evil Genius gets clever with a 90s-themed birthday block party.

The Wilma is also extending the run of Renaissance, Linda Sarsour visits Uncle Bobbie’s, and an open market at the Bourse celebrates International Women’s Day.

Happy first weekend of March, Philly!

Albert Herring

The Curtis Opera Theatre presents Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring March 5 through 8 at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater. It’s a comic opera from Britten, playing with morality through the eyes of a quirky, shy shop clerk. Get your seat online.

Lion King KIDS

SALT Performing Arts presents The Lion King KIDS, part of the ENCORE weekend of performances from the joint production with Acting Antics, March 6 through 8. SALT and Acting Antics have produced a show featuring a diverse cast and crew with and without special needs, including children, teens, and adults who have difficulty with social skills or a diagnosis on the autism spectrum. Pick up tickets online.

Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale

The show at the Wilma Theater is getting its run extended through the weekend. Renaissance in the Belly of a Killer Whale tells the story of Bridget, Shayla, and Toni; three women who chronicle the gentrification of Harlem, journeying through the streets, history, landmarks, and changing the culture of their neighborhood. There’s dance, music, and spoken word fused into the theater performance, and it comes with additional performances on March 6 and 7.

Paleopalooza

The annual festival of fossils and geology returns to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University on Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8. Rare fossils from ANS and the Delaware Valley Paleontological Society, scientists from the Academy, dinosaur dissection, fossil forensics, and more come with regular museum admission for the event. See the full list of festivities online.

International Women’s Day at the Bourse

More than 20 women-owned businesses will celebrate International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 7, at the Bourse Food Hall from 11am to 4pm. Guests can shop at an array of women-run businesses popping up in the hall, with vendors ranging from art and apparel, beauty and cosmetics, pottery, and more.

See a full list of vendors online.

Evil Genius block party Beer Company 3rd Birthday for The Lab (Outdoor Block Party)
On Saturday, March 7, from noon to 10pm, Evil Genius Beer Company is throwing an outdoor block party in celebration of its third birthday. The theme? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Bringing back one of their brews, Turtle Power!, after a year-long hiatus, Evil Genius promises 90s memorabilia, local vendors, food, TMNT cutouts, face painting, and more. It all kicks off outside of the brewery’s building in Fishtown, 1727 North Front Street.

Clüb 13

In honor of Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter’s 209th birthday, the second annual Clüb 13 takes over the Mütter Museum on Saturday, March 7. With 13 superstition-themed dishes paired with 13 acts and performances in the grand ballroom, and private after-hours access to the museum, guests can see the museum in a new light. The event is inspired by a real 19th-century supper club that dined in the face of superstition. Guests are encouraged to dress for theme, from masquerade to 19th-century mourning, black tie, and edgy-fancy cocktail attire. But you don’t have to if you’re only “a little ‘stitious.”

We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders

Linda Sarsour, co-organizer of the Women’s March, comes to Philly via Uncle Bobbie’s in celebration of her new book, We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders. The Palestinian Muslim American from Brooklyn shares her experience learning about successful community organizing through decades of fighting for racial, economic, gender, and social justice. Books will be available for purchase and signing, and will be in conversation with Marc Lamont Hill. The event is happening at the First United Methodist Church in Germantown on Monday, March 9, at 7pm. Pre-order the book to secure yourself a space.