By Alina Spezio, Digital Content Associate
Did you know that, as the weather warms up, some of Parks & Rec’s spaces transform into open-air theaters? Here are four opportunities to enjoy outdoor performances this summer.
Please note:
- Click on the event name for more information, if available.
- All performances are weather-permitting. Check the event links before heading out!
- All performances are free.
FDR Park: Paperback Poetry Festival
Where: FDR Park (1500 Pattinson Ave. & S. Broad St., 19145)
When: June 23, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Who: Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (part of the Performances in Public Spaces series)
Paperback Poetry Festival is a safe and welcoming space in which poets, writers, and artists from estranged communities can celebrate one another. It is also a collaborative effort between Philly’s sub-art-communities to make, if even just for a day, excellent art and literature accessible to all.
Pretzel Park: ShakesBEER in the Park
Where: Pretzel Park (4300 Silverwood St., 19127)
When: June 29, July 20, August 17 at 7 p.m.
Who: Presented by Manayunk Theatre Company
The Manayunk Theatre Company presents the 2019 ShakesBEER in the Park series, in which every time an actor flubs their lines, they musk take a drink! This year’s series, hosted by the Friends of Pretzel Park, will include Richard III on June 29, Othello on July 20, and Julius Caesar on August 17.
Clark Park: King Lear
Where: Clark Park (4300 Baltimore Ave., 19104)
When: July 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 at 8 p.m.
Who: Presented by Shakespeare in Clark Park
Shakespeare in Clark Park brings to life the classic tale of power and madness with a company of Philly’s favorite actors including Brian Anthony Wilson and Charlotte Northeast with live musical scoring in partnership with Play on, Philly!
Malcolm X Park: The Beast of Nubia
Where: Malcolm X Park (5100 Pine St., 19143)
When: August 4 & 8 at 6 p.m., August 18 at 5 p.m.
Who: Presented by Theatre in the X
In the deserts of ancient Nubia there is a magical kingdom guarded by a monstrous beast. When a merchant wrongs the beast his eldest daughter agrees to sacrifice herself in his place. What follows is a grand adventure filled with romance and excitement, as two very different people learn to cope with one another.
Stephen Girard Park: Whisper’s Gone
Where: Stephen Girard Park (2102 Shunk St., 19145)
When: June 26 at 7:30- 8:30 p.m. & June 29 at 3-4 p.m.
Who: Theatre Exile
Nine-year-old Bailey is having a really fun summer until her older sibling Whisper disappears. Camp counselors and parents are thrown into confusion but Bailey knows where Whisper went. The funny and heartwarming story of Whisper’s Gone touches on family dynamics, divorce, growing up transgender, sibling loyalty, and, of course, time-travel.
Marconi Plaza: Whisper’s Gone
Where: Marconi Plaza (Broad St. & Oregon Ave., 19145)
When: June 27 at 7-8 p.m. & June 28 at 7-8 p.m.
Who: Theatre Exile
Nine-year-old Bailey is having a really fun summer until her older sibling Whisper disappears. Camp counselors and parents are thrown into confusion but Bailey knows where Whisper went. The funny and heartwarming story of Whisper’s Gone touches on family dynamics, divorce, growing up transgender, sibling loyalty, and, of course, time-travel.
Dickinson Square: Whisper’s Gone
Where: Dickinson Square (1600 E. Moyamensing Ave., 19148)
When: June 30 at 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.
Who: Theatre Exile
Nine-year-old Bailey is having a really fun summer until her older sibling Whisper disappears. Camp counselors and parents are thrown into confusion but Bailey knows where Whisper went. The funny and heartwarming story of Whisper’s Gone touches on family dynamics, divorce, growing up transgender, sibling loyalty, and, of course, time-travel.
Stenton Park: Showtime at the Apollo
Where: Stenton Park (4600 N. 16th St., 19140)
When: Mondays from July 8 to August 12, at 6-8 p.m.
Who: 8th District Councilwoman Cindy Bass
Showtime at the Apollo is a talent show with rappers, singers, dancers, poets, jugglers, and comedians. Come perform for a chance to win, or come to watch great performances, MC Derek Lee, and surprise guests. There will be giveaways, prizes, and free food, face painting, caricature artist drawings, and a bounce house.
