12 Things to Do in Philly This Month

Philly’s social calendar never sleeps—and this month is no exception.

Enjoy an evening garden stroll at Longwood Gardens, illuminated by the fountains

Through 5/29
Isaac Julien: Lina Bo Bardi – A Marvellous Entanglement
Explore the life, work and legacy of Italian Brazilian modernist architect Lina Bo Bardi across nine screens at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Through a carefully created choreography of moving images and sound, Julien presents six years of research, on-location footage across Bo Bardi buildings, voice and dance performances, and recitations of the architect’s writings. Take a moment to examine many of Bo Bardi’s most iconic projects like Brazil’s São Paulo Museum of Art and Teatro Oficina. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215.763.8100, philamuseum.org

5/4-13
Philly Tech Week
Are you ready for a weeklong celebration of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation? Philly’s own Technical.ly is back this month to host the 13th annual Philly Tech Week. With a variety of events held in person and online, beginners and seasoned technologists alike can attend seminars like The Altruistic Developer. Kick off the week with the FRSHWV Teen Music & Tech Festival at the University City Science Center, which will bring together young thinkers and the tech community. Multiple locations, 2023.phillytechweek.com

5/10
CHOP’s The Runway
Celebrate high fashion while supporting the Neuroscience Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at The 2023 Runway. Stunning designs from shops like Neiman Marcus, Joan Shepp and Americae will dazzle on the catwalk, modeled by local celebrities, patients and supporters. Plus, attendees can enjoy a little retail therapy at the trunk show boasting one-of-a-kind goods. 5201 Parkside Ave., choprunway.org

5/11
PAFA Annual Student
Exhibition Preview Party For more than 100 years, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has showcased its students’ excellence through the Annual Student Exhibition (ASE) Preview Party, hosted by the Women’s Committee of PAFA. Support student scholarships and young creators while connecting with aesthetes and rising artists. Acclaimed creators Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Barkley L. Hendricks are just two of the many successful artists who launched their careers with PAFA’s exhibition. 118-128 N. Broad St., 215.972.7600, pafa.org

5/11-14
Coppélia
Join The Philadelphia Ballet for a night of mystery, intrigue and comedic charm as they take the stage for Coppélia. Choreographer Ángel Corella leads the audience through a story of an evil doctor on a quest to turn a doll into a perfect woman, creating a rift between two lovers and devising a plan to reunite them. Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s The Sandman, the performance is sure to captivate attendees with fantasy, wit and whimsical dancing. Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., 215.893.1999, philadelphiaballet.org

5/11-9/24
Festival of Fountains
Take your next starlit passeggiata through Longwood Gardens, where blooming, bright perennials, annuals and illuminated fountains steal the show. The beloved Festival of Fountains is the most eyecatching celebration of nature, creativity and performance. After your stroll, stop by the Beer Garden, which hosts live musicians Thursdays through Saturdays. 1001 Longwood Road, 610.388.1000, longwoodgardens.org

5/12
Moore College of Art and Design Fashion Show
Calling all fashionistas—a night of striking, avant-garde designs awaits at Moore College of Art & Design’s annual Fashion Show. Hosted at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, attendees will watch in awe as the college’s fashion design seniors send their final collections down the runway. 101 S. Independence Mall E, 215.965.4000, moore.edu

5/18
Acres of Diamonds Gala
Do you ever wonder who the real superheroes are? Here’s a hint—they wear scrubs and lab coats. Celebrate the Temple Health community’s inspiring nurses, doctors and the patients they serve at The 68th annual Acres of Diamonds Gala, held at the Phillies’ home field. While donning their finest black-tie attire, members of the Temple community, regional leaders and philanthropists will raise funds to support the vital and lifesaving work across Temple Health campuses. Last year’s gala set the bar high with $1.3 million, so who knows what 2023 will bring. 1 Citizens Bank Way, 215.707.4868, tuhgala.orgThis year’s Philly Fights Cancer benefit is the hottest ticket in town, thanks to an exciting lineup of performers.

5/20
Philly Fights Cancer: Round 6, An Evening With Philadelphia Legends
The Roots, Daryl Hall, Kathy Sledge and Amos Lee all on one stage? Say less. This year’s Philly Fights Cancer Round 6 is sure to keep patrons on their feet while raising money for research and clinical trials at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. Join the fight against cancer at The Fillmore Philadelphia as the organization honors co-founder and visionary philanthropist Madlyn K. Abramson and recognizes the incredible work of Penn Medicine’s Sarcoma Program Team. 29 E. Allen St., phillyfightscancer.org

5/20-21
The Chester County Studio Tour
Explore local art while learning about the creative process from 200 artists at The Chester County Studio Tour. Art aficionados and apprentices alike are welcome to immerse themselves in the arts, discover new talent and absorb local creativity from 29 studios. Multiple locations, 610.942.9629, countystudiotour.comIndulge in delectable Italian pastries from Isgro during the South 9th Street Festival.

5/20-21
South 9th Street Festival
Philadelphia’s largest block party is back for two days of to-die-for bites from the best local Italian shops. While enjoying live entertainment and The Traditional Procession of Saints, attendees can fill empty cannoli shells, shop for fresh herbs and try delectable delicacies from fan favorites like Di Bruno Bros. and Isgros— foodies won’t want to miss this. South Ninth Street from Wharton to Fitzwater, italianmarketfestival.com
McLain Ward won the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon.

5/2-6/4
Devon Horse Show and County Fair
From humble beginnings in the 1890s, the gentlemen of the Main Line area invited friends and neighbors for a horse show at Devon. Over a century later, it’s the largest outdoor multibreed horse show in the country, attracting tens of thousands of spectators each year. Throughout the 10-day event, equestrians and horse lovers can check out the dog show, Art Gallery at Devon, world-class-level competitions and more. 23 Dorset Road, Devon, 610.964.0550, devonhorseshow.net