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The Gardens After Dark, Bowie, and Diá de Reyes
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, January 4-10, 2024
Kyle V. Hiller
Merry New Year, everyone! The first week of January seems like it’s always a sleepy start, but here are a few things to get the new year rolling for you. The Gardens After Dark hosts its final glowing Friday, and Studio Ghibli’s latest film screens a few more times before leaving theaters. Celebrate Diá de Reyes at the Kimmel, and spend your week celebrating the magic of David Bowie all week long.
The Gardens After Dark
January 5, 2024, 5:30-8:30pm
Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street, Philadelphia
This Friday is your last chance to check out the Gardens After Dark, where Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens comes to new life under the glow of hundreds of colorful lights. You can check out the rarely seen mosaicked basement, too.
The Boy and the Heron
Thursday, January 4, 4pm and 7:15pm
PFS East, 125 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
If you’re like me, you got too busy this past month or so and missed your chance to catch Studio Ghibli’s latest film. Its final day playing at PFS East is tomorrow—yes, it’s playing at the Fashion District and at University City for a while, but there’s something magical about catching a movie in Old City, especially considering how we almost lost all of those theaters a few years ago. The film tells the story of a young boy yearning for his mother as he ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. The film serves as a semi-autobiographical fantasy from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. The English version’s cast features Christian Bale, Robert Pattinson, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, and Dave Bautista.
Philly Loves Bowie Week
January 5-13, 2024
Various locations
Philly Loves Bowie Week is back, and this year’s festivities kick off with a free kickoff concert featuring Candy Volcano at World Cafe Live. Then, check out the Bowie Bash Amplified at the National Liberty Museum, the sixth annual Bowie Masquerade at Johnny Brenda’s, and more—including karaoke, quizzo, tribute concerts, and the (usually quickly sold out) Night of Stardust closing event. Check out the full schedule online.
Diá de Reyes
Saturday, January 6, 3pm
Kimmel Cultural Campus, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Diá de Reyes (or Three Kings Day or even sometimes called the Epiphany) is coming to the Kimmel this weekend for an afternoon of free, family-friendly celebration. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and treats, including Rosca de Reyes and Mexican hot chocolate. The little ones can break piñatas, too. Be sure to register in advance.
At top: Bowie Week kicks off the new year in Philly. (Photo by Rogers & Cowan Inc., via Wikimedia Commons.)
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