Philadelphia Ballet Presents The Merry Widow at the Academy of Music
When: March 5-15
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
For 11 days beginning this week, the Academy of Music transforms into Belle Époque Paris as the lavishly outfitted dancers at the Philadelphia Ballet present the classic romantic comedy The Merry Widow. Choreographed by the esteemed Ronald Hynd and set to Franz Lehár’s score arranged by John Lanchbery, the story centers on the escapades of wealthy widow Hanna, as she pirouettes her way through glamorous balls on a mission to find a new husband amidst lost love and political shenanigans.

A World in the Making: The Shakers at the Institute of Contemporary Art
When: Through Sunday, August 9, 2026
Where: Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th Street, Philadelphia, PA
You can tell a lot about a person from their home. For the Shakers — a religious community that originated in 18th-century England and flourished in the United States — their strong beliefs around community, labor and equality extended to every facet of life, including their furniture, architecture and everyday goods.
Pairing historical Shaker-made artifacts straight out of the Testament of Ann Lee with contemporary artworks inspired by the community, this new exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art explores how the group developed a distinctive visual language marked by simplicity, innovation and purpose.

Penn Live Arts: Alarm Will Sound–American Stories
When: March 13, 7:30pm
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
Alarm Will Sound performs American Stories, a collection of contemporary works that reflect the vast, evolving landscape of American identity. The performance, part of America 250 at Penn programming and joined by composer and interdisciplinary artist Bora Yoon, explores themes of heritage, memory, struggle, and transformation, embracing how America is an unfinished story, constantly being rewritten. Students can receive a discount with Penn ID.

Penn Live Arts: The Peking Acrobats 
When: March 15, 3 pm
Where: Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St.
The Peking Acrobats push the limits of human ability, wowing audiences with spellbinding trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. With a three-decade legacy of elite talent, this world-record-setting troupe takes ancient Chinese traditions to new heights, pairing artful athleticism with live music and festive pageantry. Students can receive a discount with Penn ID.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Academy of Music
When: Through Sunday, February 22, 2026
Where:  Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
You know the story: Girl meets beast. Girl falls in love with beast. Beast undergoes a life-changing transformation. Girl and beast live happily ever after. It’s a tale as old as time brought to life — not unlike the residents of a certain enchanted castle — by a cast of wacky and lovable characters and a classic score in Beauty and the Beast.

Don’t miss your last chance to see the classic Disney story before it has its curtain call at the Academy of Music this Sunday.

Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets at the Barnes Foundation
When: Through Sunday, February 22, 2026
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
​​With 18 pieces by Henri Rousseau in its galleries, the Barnes Foundation is home to the world’s largest collection of works by the artist.

Explore Rousseau’s genius for one final week during the Barnes’ latest exhibition — a collaboration between the Benjamin Franklin Parkway museum and the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris. The showcase brings together paintings from the Barnes’ permanent collection and pieces from around the world.

Bella Village Restaurant Week
When: ​February 20 – March 1, 2026 (excluding Saturdays)
​Take a fork to two of Philly’s most delicious neighborhoods with the return of Bella Vista Restaurant Week.

Offered at over 25 eateries across both Queen Village and Bella Vista, the meal deal promises limited-edition prix-fixe menus for $25 (or less), $40 or $60. Take your pick from tasty bar fare at Tattooed Mom, rich Italian pastas at Cry Baby, Jewish deli classics at Famous 4th Street, scrumptious street food at Puyero Venezuelan Flavor and more.