University City District

Afrvbz Presents Afrodance & Meditation community class
2025-05-16 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-05-09 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Calvary Church, 801 S 48th St, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19143
Afrvbz invites you to an evening of joy, movement and meditation in community. Join us as we dance to dynamic upbeat rhythms of afrobeats and amapiano followed by a group mediation and post social hang out

Pop Ups at the Trolley Portal Garden: Joshua Mitchell & Nelly Yoga Fitness
2025-05-15 17:30 - 19:30 | 40th St Trolley Portal, Trolley Portal Gardens at 40th and Baltimore, Philadelphia, 19104
This Summer, enjoy live art and music with the return of Pop Ups at the Portal! Presented by local artist Gretchen Elise, we invite all to come out every Thursday between May 8 – June 5, and enjoy 5 weeks of all age music, warm weather, and connecting with your community.

May 8: Denise King: international jazz vocalist

May 15: Joshua Mitchell: electric, soulful vibes & Nelly Yoga Fitness: Line dance party

May 22: Youbakora: 72nd generation kora player

May 29: Ants on a Long: Music for children & child like people

June 5: Gretchen Elise: Energetic live jazz party

Liquid City Blues
2025-05-11 17:00 - 22:00 | Pentridge Station, 5110-5120 Pentridge S, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19143
yo! DJ AyeV will be spinnin’ some jams with @j.m00kti and DJ HydroPhonic at @pentridgestation on May 11th from 5-11pm! NO COVER!!!

We’ll be throwin’ some eclectic jams borrowing from Reggae, DnB, Jungle, Soul and Funk!

So come on by and chill at Pentridge Staion and enjoy some Sunday vibes!

May Fair
2025-05-10 12:00 - 18:00 | Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19104
West Philadelphia’s favorite welcome to springtime, Spruce Hill May Fair, will return to Clark Park for its 67th year. This family-friendly event for all will be held on Saturday, May 10, 12:00-6:00 p.m.

Come experience all the traditional highlights of this community party! Seventy community organizations and local craft vendors will line the shady paths with helpful information and attractive goods. Live bands will perform during the fair. Children’s activities include art, games, a bouncy parlor and a petting zoo. Food vendors will ply you with lunch and snacks.

The May Fair is the chief annual fundraising activity for Spruce Hill Community Association. Learn about the many public-service projects that SHCA contributes to the community. You can contribute — and have fun doing so! — by buying tickets to win one of its splendid raffle baskets as well as a silent auction.

There will be no rain date. For more information on the May Fair, contact RichGuffanti@gmail.com

uCity Square Life Science Luncheon
2025-05-08 11:30 - 12:30 | uCity Square, 3701 Filbert St, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19104
Local scientists, entrepreneurs, and students interested in hearing from local experts and mingling with some of the leading voices in Philly’s life science fields.

Sam Woods Thomas of Life Sciences PA will be our joint host on-site for these lunches.

Once registered, you will receive an email invitation for the luncheon you have been selected for.

Participation Fee: Free

Limited slots! Reserve now, only 15 people per lunch.

Luncheon is located at uCity Square. Location will be shared in the calendar invitation.

Beginner-Friendly Yoga at Calvary - Every Wednesday
2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. 48th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This recurring series – hosted by Calvary Church twice a week (Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm, and Wednesdays, 10-11 am) – covers the basics of yoga. It’s suitable for beginners or those who want to deepen their alignment and understanding of the fundamentals. The practice is gentle and accessible, with plenty of modifications to suit each person’s needs. All levels and bodies welcome!

Bring your own mat if possible (some extras will be available). The series is free, though donations are welcome to help offset expenses.

Please use the 48th Street entrance (an accessible lift is also available upon request – see website for details).

Beginner-Friendly Yoga at Calvary - Every Monday
2025-05-05 18:30 - 19:30, 2025-04-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. 48th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Spirituality on Tap
2025-05-01 20:00 - 21:00 | Carbon Copy, 701 S 50th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143, USA, 701 S 50th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19143, United States
Join Calvary Church the first Thursday of every month (except July & August) for Spirituality on Tap, an informal gathering to discuss – not debate – questions related to spirituality, theology, religion, etc.

While SOT is not explicitly interfaith, and some discussions may be specific to a Christian context, we welcome all faith and religious/non-religious backgrounds and identities. The focus is on learning from each other.

Drinks and food optional, and on your own.

Paul Robeson Annual Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser
2025-05-01 18:30 - 21:00 | Paul Robeson House, 4951 Walnut St, PHILADELPHIA, 19139
Come out on May 1st to celebrate with the Paul Robeson Annual Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser to honor Paul Robeson’s 127th Birthday!

Paul Robeson was a renowned, multi-talented figure, known for his accomplishments as a singer, actor, scholar, athlete, and political activist. In his time taking center stage, his performances and advocacy for human rights and social justice has been recognized domestically and internationally.

The “Paul Robeson House” housed Paul Robseon, his sister Marian Forsythe and her husband, Dr. James Forsythe, from 1966 until his death in 1976. The house & museum is located at 4951 Walnut St. in West Philadelphia.

is a museum that was the home of the renowned artist, actor, and activist Paul Robeson, located at 4951 Walnut Street in West Philadelphia, where he lived with his sister Marian Forsythe and her husband, Dr. James Forsythe, from 1966 until his death in 1976.

Into the Blue Exhibit at Penn Museum - on view through spring 2026
2025-05-01 09:00 - 17:00 | Penn Museum, 3260 South St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
A new exhibition curated by undergraduate students from the University of Pennsylvania explores the deep human history associated with a popular hue that has stood the test of time—Into the Blue: The Pursuit of a Color opens Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Penn Museum.

Unlike today, blue was not easy to produce nor acquire in the ancient past. The relentless pursuit of blue for use in textiles and art has led to the development of ingenious methods in producing this rare, highly prized color that holds significant meaning for diverse cultures around the world throughout history.

Into the Blue spans 4,000 years—displaying 20 objects from across the Penn Museum’s collections, including select artifacts from the Middle East, China, Africa, ancient Egypt, and Central America.

The exhibition examines three themes: Obtaining Blue, Making Blue, and Synthesizing Blue.

Obtaining Blue highlights the mining and transportation of lapis lazuli, a semi-precious gemstone used in decorative and ceremonial objects in the Middle East—along with the trapping of kingfishers, brightly colored birds whose feathers were used to decorate articles of adornment in China.

Into the Blue will be on view through spring 2026 and is included with Penn Museum admission.

Patty Griffin at Penn Live Arts
2025-04-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Penn Live Arts, 3680 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19143
Co-presented with World Cafe Live

One of the most consequential singer-songwriters of her generation, Patty Griffin takes the Penn Live Arts stage for the first time. Over two decades, the Grammy® Award-winner has crafted a rich body of Americana, folk and gospel music that chronicles the deeply personal moments of her life: love and death, heartache and joy, connection and detachment. Always imbued with compassion, uncanny perception and ever-increasing ingenuity, Griffin’s “songs have independent lives that continue in your head when the music ends.” (The New York Times)

Runnin' on Business - Run Club
2025-04-27 14:30 - 17:30 | Plant & People, 3952 Lancaster Avenue, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19104
Philly Track Jawn is excited to return for part 2 of Runnin’ On Business, a Philly Track Jawn designed to bring free and accessible running + walking events to communities throughout Philly.

This event is great for:

✔️Getting people from and in the neighborhood moving

✔️Building bridges to create meaningful connections across communities

✔️Driving support to small businesses in historically underserved communities

Join us for our kickoff event as we get going, connect with the community, and support local businesses.

Event Details:

📍Start: Plant & People

🏃🏽Distance Options: 10K Run | 5K Jog | 2K Walk | 0K Yoga

💰Cost: FREE (RSVP required)

After the run/walk, the group will gather to support local businesses and continue building connections in the neighborhood.

How You Can Get Involved:

✅Sign up to participate, whether you’re running or walking.

✅Volunteer to help with event logistics.

RSVP now to secure your spot & bring some friends with you!

Ancient Alcohol: A Taste of Bygone Booze at Penn Museum
2025-04-27 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-04-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Penn Museum, 3260 South St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
Drinking together has been a tradition for thousands of years. Take an unconventional (and boozy) journey back in time to discover what people of the past thought about alcohol, from how they made it to its role in society.

View early drinking vessels that reveal secrets of ancient Greek drinking games and the beverage served at a feast hosted by King Midas. We’ll finish by tasting a beer with a flavor profile inspired by an ancient recipe discovered by a Penn biomolecular archaeologist.

21+. Attendees are encouraged to explore the Museum before or after the tour.

West Craft Fest
2025-04-26 11:00 - 17:00 | The Woodlands Cemetery & Mansion, 4000 Woodland Ave, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19104
The West Craft Fest features 100 local artists and makers selling their handmade wares, plus live music, food trucks, art and craft activities, and a tiny circus presented by Tangle Movement Arts. Head to The Woodlands Cemetery on Saturday, April 26th to shop, enjoy the beautiful grounds, and support local artisans. In the event of poor weather, the event will move to Sunday, April 27th.

The event is free to attend, but consider making a $1 – $5 donation to The Woodlands to support this favorite West Philadelphia community event.

Please note: there will not be parking available on site, so plan accordingly!

cinéSPEAK Spring Glow Up 2025
2025-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 4740 Baltimore Ave, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19143
Join cineSPEAK to celebrate where the organization is headed this year!

They will be announcing the lineup for our 2025 Under the Stars film festival, debuting a brand new website, and sharing other big updates for our organization.

Gather with neighbors, Team cinéSPEAK, and our partners to get excited for outdoor movie season. Enjoy complimentary beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic), snacks, and music and good vibes.

Come dressed in your flowery springy best!

Event Flow:—7 PM: Doors – with music vibes by Ishtar Sr. and live projections by Oluwafemi—8 PM: Special Remarks & Trailers—8:20 – 9PM: Mix & Mingle

**Plus! 9 PM – 2 AM @ Dahlak Paradise (4708 Baltimore Ave): Be sure to join us for the official after party with the Chester Gifted Program DJs as they raise funds for our exciting projects ahead! FREE / Suggested Solidarity Donation: $10 // 21+ cash bar & Food for purchase

Contemporary Ruin, future visions exhibit - Artist Reception
2025-04-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, 3401 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
CONTEMPORARY RUIN future visions

Exhibition Dates: April 15 – May 22, 2025

Artist Reception: Friday, April 25th from 5 – 7pm

The Pearlstein Gallery is pleased to announce CONTEMPORARY RUIN future visions as ourspring exhibition of 2025. The exhibition, curated by Philadelphia artist Nancy Agati, featureslocal artists, designers, and Drexel University students whose works examine the pervasivepresence of ruin alongside strategies for mitigation and resilience in urban contexts.

Featured Artists: Michelle Marcuse, Tim Portlock, Yannick Lowery, Mia Fabrizio, Emily Erb,Terri Saulin, Sophie C. White, Julia Way, Joseph E.B. Elliott, Jennifer Johnson, Kelsey Skaroff,Daniel Van Dyk, and Helen and Newton Harrison

There will be an Artist Reception on April 25th from 5 – 7pm.A seed bomb workshop, led by associate clinical professor Denise Wolf, will take place onFriday, May 9th from 2 – 4pm.

The Penn Relays
2025-04-24 08:00 - 2025-04-26 17:00 | Franklin Field, 235 S 33rd St, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19104
The Penn Relays is America’s oldest and largest track and field competition. Since 1895, the University of Pennsylvania has hosted this age-inclusive annual track and field event at Franklin Field, bringing thousands of fans to the neighborhood. Get involved in the fun and come out to cheer on the nearly 15,000 participants competing in categories like the 50 and older 100mm dash, and the College Women’s Hammer Throw Championship.

University City MIX Happy Hour at the uCity Square Beer Garden
2025-04-23 17:30 - 19:30 | The uCity Square Beer Garden at The Lawn, 37th and Cuthbert, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104
University City District’s networking event series University City MIX heads outdoors on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.

Join University City District at the uCity Square Beer Garden (37th and Cuthbert) for networking and pay-as-you-go drinks from Two Locals Brewing Company at the The Lawn at uCity Square.

The uCity Square Beer Garden is an outdoor venue, so this event will be fair-weather only. In the event of inclement weather, we’ll postpone until Thursday, April 24th. Registered guests will be notified via email in the event of postponement.

About the Lawn: The Lawn at uCity Square is a playful pop-up space where the neighborhood can find shade, feel the grass beneath their feet, and enjoy events like live music, movies, fitness classes, crafts, and more. The uCity Square Beer Garden is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 PM to 7 PM all season long. See their full calendar of events here.

About Two Locals: Richard and Mengistu Koiler made history when they opened Two Locals Brewing Company, the first Black-owned brewery in Philadelphia, in January of 2024 at 3675 Market Street within uCity Square. Two Locals serves a growing selection of house-brewed beers and food provided by Liberty Kitchen. See the video we produced about their journey from brewing at home to opening up their flagship store in University City.

University City District is grateful to uCity Square for hosting this installment of University City Mix.

Intro to Papermaking at Soapbox
2025-04-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Pennsylvania
In this introductory course you will learn the basics of western-style papermaking including sheet forming, and how to easily modify moulds to create different shaped sheets, as well as proper studio cleanup. A materials fee covers pre-beaten cotton/abaca pulp, as well as use of moulds, deckles, felts, and drying system. Students will need to pick up dry paper from the studio the following week.

Please note: We require all visitors to the Soapbox wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status. The instructor reserves the right to ask you to leave if you do not comply.

About the Instructor

Olivia Caro works in papermaking and book arts to focus on themes of identity and home. They are a teaching artist fellow with ArtistYear, and have assisted with and taught workshops at the Soapbox, Penland School of Crafts, Atlanta Printmakers Studio, the Dallas GA Public Library, and Grinnell College.

Cost

$40 for Current Members of the Soapbox/$45 for Non-Members

Plus a $15 materials fee that covers pre-beaten cotton/abaca pulp and use of our equipment.

Spring Skillshare at Bartram's Garden
2025-04-22 09:30 - 16:30 | Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19143
Philly growers, come down and gather energy for the upcoming season with the Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, and other local growers. The Bartram’s team is excited to work, eat, and learn together to build a stronger, more connected Philly farming and gardening community.

Schedule

9:30am: Arrival

10am–12pm: Welcome and work together on the land

12–1pm: Eat together

1–4pm: Learn together with two workshop blocks for beginner and advanced growers focused on building self and community reliance.

There’ll also be a seed swap, tool share, and community resource table!

The Skillshare is a free event for Philly-area growers, gardeners, farmers, and agriculturalists. In our small but mighty team’s efforts to build community with and hold space for our neighbors, we kindly ask that you refrain from registering for this event if you are not a Philly grower. Be sure to visit their events calendar for other upcoming gardening events at Sankofa Community Farm and Bartram’s Garden.

Plant and People Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting!
2025-04-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Plant & People, 3952 Lancaster Avenue, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19104
Celebrate with us on Saturday, April 19, 2025, as we officially open our expanded space dedicated to plants, wellness, and community. We are excited to share this new space with our community and showcase what we can create and celebrate together as it begins to blossom.

Event Highlights:

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Samplings from Nourish Café:

Free wellness samples (while supplies last)

Chari massages

Hourly raffles

The new Plant and People Shop + Café is a space for connection, creativity, and well-being. Explore a curated selection of lush plants, eco-friendly products, and wellness essentials while enjoying locally sourced, healthy food and beverages. Our space will also host weekly classes, a Pick & Pot Station, community events, and outdoor seating for the summer.

This event is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy all the activities.

Spring Fest at Bartram's Garden
2025-04-19 10:00 - 14:00 | Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19143
Join Bartram’s Garden in the Garden for their free annual celebration of spring!

Spring Fest this year will focus on the many stories held in and sustained by our connection to the land. Highlights of the day will include:

The Garden’s annual plant sale, face painting, volunteer-powered tree planting, family fun, and more!

A presentation by Dr. William Woys Weaver about his new translation of Christopher Sauer’s Herbal Cures, which was written in Philadelphia circa 1762-1778. Dr. Weaver is an internationally known food ethnographer, author, and the Director and founder of Roughwood Seeds.

Youth-led block printing activity by Ginger Arts Center from Philadelphia’s Chinatown

Hands-on natural dye activity from Ampersand Textiles

The launch of new visual accessibility tools created by poet Beth Feldman Brandt and Dr. Charmaine Parrish to welcome visitors with low vision to the Garden

Guided tour of the Garden’s 19th-century flower garden focusing on heirloom tulips and tours of the historic Bartram House

Marketplace of local heirloom seed companies featuring Truelove Seeds, Roughwood Seeds, Bartram’s Garden seeds, and a seed swap supported by the youth of Sankofa Community Farm–bring seeds to swap!

Make-and-take kite making and seed planting with Bartram’s youth education staff.

Don’t miss out!

WXPN Welcomes Lizzie No
2025-04-17 20:00 - 22:00 | World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19104
Join us before the show for dinner & drinks in The Lounge, our full-service restaurant & bar on the upstairs level which opens at 6pm. View menu & make a reservation.

With the release of her debut album, ‘Hard Won,’ in March 2017, singer-songwriter, harpist, and guitarist Lizzie No established herself as one of the most exciting new voices in indie folk music. Billboard Magazine called the album “simultaneously understated and fervent.” She followed up the album with the release of “Sundown,” a benefit track for Black Lives Matter. Building on the songwriting prowess displayed in her critically acclaimed debut album, Lizzie No is unsparing in the stories she tells on her second album, ‘Vanity,’ released August 2, 2019. The nine songs on ʻVanityʼ are epic tales of ego, featuring narrative shifts within vividly crafted characters. No embodies characters ranging from a handsome egoist in “Narcissus” (which Rolling Stone called a “crisp alt-rock gem”) to a broke songwriter waiting for her big break in “Pity Party,” to a bitter and isolated rocker on “Loyalty” who rants that the crowd has left him behind. Inventive arrangements written in collaboration with co-producer Nick Rapley elevate the record to shimmering heights, alternating between swaggering grooves and intimate clarity.

WORC Loan and Grant Conference
2025-04-17 14:00 - 17:00 | 3675 Market St, 3675 Market St, PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19104
Join WORC for the Loan and Grant Conference 2025, where we bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and financial professionals to explore strategic, intentional investing that drives meaningful change.

This year’s theme, “Investing with Intention: Influence, Impact, Inspire,” focuses on leveraging funding opportunities to create lasting economic empowerment. Attendees will gain insights into securing loans and grants, building sustainable business models, and maximizing financial resources to increase savings and expand impact.

Haraz Coffee Grand Opening Event
2025-04-17 11:00 - 20:00 | Haraz Coffee, 3421 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly’s first Yemeni specialty coffee house is almost here! 🎉 Join Haraz Coffee for the Grand Opening Celebration on April 17th at 11 AM till 8pm at 3421 Chestnut Street, University City.

Enjoy live music, delicious food & drinks, fun activities, and exclusive goodie bags for the first 50 guests! Don’t miss your chance to experience the bold flavors and cultural heritage of Yemen, right in the heart of Philly.

SWWAG Workshop: Soil with Supreme Compost
2025-04-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, 19143
Learn the six-step process that demonstrates the beginning stages of how to make compost, reveals the present condition of the city’s depleted soil, and turns recycled food waste into dark, rich soil that will grow nutritious fruits and vegetables. Led by Nefertari Muhammad (beginner-level workshop).
