Are you craving a night out but tired of the usual spots? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Whether you're looking to catch some live music in an unexpected place, explore local art, or just dive into the city’s vibrant culture, we’ve handpicked some unforgettable experiences that we, as locals, swear by.
Photos L to R | Instagram @bok_bar, @fishtown.choir, @twistedtailphl
Rachel Shaw: Get into a new comfort zone
Boot Scoot at Bok Bar | 800 Mifflin Street
Fishtown Choir | Various locations around town
If you love singing, head out to Fishtown Choir. It’s tons of fun and takes place in various bars around the city. Expect a large group of singers. You’ll be handed the lyrics and loosely assigned parts. Then you start singing! They’re forever captured on video for you to relive your 15 mins of fame over and over again. Another fun group activity is line dancing on the roof of the Bok Bar! I will admit that the first time I was overwhelmed by the moves, but I practiced (thanks to YouTube) and the next time we went I didn’t sit down for three hours! It’s free to get in and there is a bar for when you get thirsty from all that boot scooting.
Lisette Tarragano: The person and the music you love
Twisted Tail | 509 South 2nd St
One of our favorite date nights is heading out to the Twisted Tail on foot. We walk over, grab a table, enjoy great food, and listen to the blues. They have tons of talent weekly, from more folk-based musicians to full-on blues bands.
Photos L to R | Instagram @ayianaviviana and @imperfectgallery, @theroyalglenside, website @https://www.oldcitydistrict.org/first-friday
Jordon Hafetz: Enjoying culture with friends
First Fridays in Old City | Various galleries in Old City
My boyfriend and I are regulars at First Fridays in Old City. We gallery hop, meet up with friends and make new ones around a glass of wine in a beautiful space filled with art. It’s a great way to get out of the house and it’s free too!
Sara Smith: A night out in nearby Glenside
The Royal in Glenside | 1 South Easton Rd
Imperfect Gallery | 5539 Germantown Ave
My husband and I like to visit The Royal. They have weekly open mike, comedy, and live music performances. Another stop when we want to get out of the house is Imperfect Gallery. They host local artists' shows and have a full moon concert series that's not to be missed. They’re big in the community so you’re bound to run into a friend and it’s always a fun time.
Photos L to R | Instagram @launderette.records, @the_rotunda_philly, @sawubonacreativity, @the_trestle_inn
Kate McCann: Hit the dance floor
Trestle Inn | 339 N 11th St
Give me a Boulevardier and the dance floor at Trestle Inn and you have a happy Kate. The go-go dancers bring the vibes and the DJs are spinning soul and disco. You can’t go wrong with a night out here.
Rita Greiman: Shake up the regular routine
The Rotunda | 4014 Walnut Street
The Rotunda packs their calendar with a variety of events put on by all different groups. Whether it’s an evening of short plays, a dance competition, a Colombian music performance, or a screening of a made-for-TV movie from the 70s, there’s always something that will grab your interest.
Bonnie Wisnowski: Get back to your teenage roots
Launderette Records | 3142 Richmond St
When I was a teen, I loved a good punk rock show. Years later that energy is still alive and well in Philly. Launderette Records is around the corner from us in Port Richmond and they host all sorts of pretty, noisy, captivating live music and art shows that take place in the middle of a tiny record store.
Leslie Knepp: All about laughing out loud
Sawubona Creativity Project | 1935 E Passyunk Ave
I LOVE the Sawubona Creativity Project for improv and other performance stuff. They have a regular Improv performance every Friday night but don’t miss out on the other events on the calendar. They also have great classes and programming for kids.
We love that our city offers so many options from cultural happenings to crazy loud, fun nights. We’re always up for sharing tips about enjoying the best of Philly and surrounding areas. When you’re out touring homes with your Philly Home Girls agent, make sure to ask about their go-to favorites. We will see you out there!
Saving money for a downpayment and closing costs is the # 1 reason people are holding off on purchasing a home. PHG agent Rachel Shaw came up with a trusty list of some of her favorite homebuyer assistance grants and loan programs. With a little help, your dream of owning a home may not be as far off as you thought!