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Walk Around Philadelphia, get in touch with nature, and see a COMET
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, August 24-30, 2023
Kyle V. Hiller
This week in Philly, you’ve got chances to really get in touch with the wonder of nature and how the arts interact with the magic the world makes around us. Walk Around Philadelphia returns to close out the summer with excursions along the outreaches of the city (and some virtual events and in-person hangouts, too), the Schuylkill Center exhibits Nature’s Alchemy with a family-friendly festival, and performances at FDR Park and Dilworth Park have us undulating under sunsets in public spaces. Finally, take a trip through space courtesy of a magical phone call with Ang Bey’s COMET.
Stay natural, Philly!
Walk Around Philadelphia
August 23-September 23, 2023
Various locations and streaming online
Walk Around Philadelphia returns with a dozen days of walks around the city, virtual and in-person events, and a panoramic installation exhibit as we ease into the fall. Walk Around Philadelphia has turned into a community event going beyond just the walks. Those interested in taking on the treks can spot the lineup of walks and dates online—with walks including Baltimore Avenue to the airport, Cherry Street Pier to Bridesburg, and Somerton to Fox Chase; or you can see what this year’s edition has to offer virtually.
Opera concert at Dilworth Park
Thursday, August 24, 6pm
Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street, Philadelphia
Opera Philadelphia teams up with the East Passyunk Opera Project for a free concert, kicking off Festival O23. The free outdoor concert is open to the public, but seating is limited—come early and bring your own blanket or chair.
COMET
August 25-September 3, 2023
Painted Bride, 5212 Market Street, Philadelphia
Painted Bride presents a new art installation and one-person play from multi-disciplinary artist Ang Bey. The play, written by Bey, tells the story of agoraphobic painter Sarah when she’s thrust into space by an inevitable phone call. Now, she must find a way back to Earth or be lost forever.
Nature’s Alchemy Festival
Saturday, August 26, 12-2:30pm
Exhibit is open through September 16, 2023
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia
Swing by the Schuylkill Center for an afternoon of an environmental arts festival that features the Nature’s Alchemy exhibition. Food and music tie in a chance to engage and interact with collaborative artistic processes, including cyanotype, light painting, and pigment and ink-making from artists featured in the exhibit. The event is free and open to the public, especially for the family—but be sure to register ahead of time.
Naturalist’s Trance
Tuesday, August 29, 7pm
FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue
Sit on the dock by the boathouse at FDR Park for a one-night-only performance of instrumental improvised music intended to embody the natural cadence and flow of the surrounding environment during the sunset by the lake. Fire Museum, World Askew, and Neighborhood Arts invite you to come for the “bubbling, cyclical rhythm and drone on the water, stay for the hypnotic breath and drum weave setting the aural scene for your evening picnic.”
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