Things To Do

South Street Easter Promenade, ‘The Sound of Music’, SneakerCon and more in this week’s ‘Things to Do’

April 2-5: Art Battle in Delaware, Open Streets in Philly and Marlon Wayans and Deon Cole in South Jersey are among weekend event highlights.

Rabbits invaded the South Street Easter Promenade and provided attendees with chocolate eggs and bunny ears

Rabbits invaded the South Street Easter Promenade and provided attendees with chocolate eggs and bunny ears. (Cory Sharber/WHYY)

Things to do this weekend start strong Friday, with live art and big-name comedy. Also on Friday, music fans can catch jazz/soul band Moonchild at Ardmore Music Hall, joined by Chicago rapper Brittney Carter, while in Atlantic City, Marlon Wayans takes the stage at Caesars on his high-energy Wild Child Tour.

Saturday keeps the momentum going with kid-friendly Play-a-Palooza at Smith Playground at East Fairmount Park, followed by Sneaker Con at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. That same night, Robert Plant brings his Saving Grace tour to The Met Philadelphia. In Wilmington, Art Battle Wilmington lands at The Grand Opera House, while comedian Whitney Cummings brings her “Big Baby” tour to the Miller Theater.

Sunday rounds things out with the 93rd Annual Easter Promenade starting at Fifth and South streets at noon, a beloved annual tradition filled with costumes, contests and community.

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Delaware | New Jersey | Special Events | Arts & Culture | Kids | Comedy | Food & Drink | Music

Delaware

Art Battle Wilmington

In an effort to make art more accessible, some clever folks thought up an event where artists create live works, and then the audience judges who moves on to the final round, ultimately crowning a champion.  It happens all in real time. The greatest part of the battle, aside from artists getting live feedback for their creativity, is that all the art also goes up for sale. This year’s battle heads to Wilmington for another round.

New Jersey

Marlon Wayans in Atlantic City

Marlon Wayans speaks during the nominations announcement for the 83rd Golden Globes
Marlon Wayans speaks during the nominations announcement for the 83rd Golden Globes on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

If you love comedy, make it a weekend in Atlantic City to see two funny men at the top of their games. First up on Friday is Marlon Wayans, who brings his Wild Child Tour to Atlantic City, sharing sharp, personal stories about family life as part of the legendary Wayans clan.

Deon Cole in Atlantic City

On Saturday, comedian and actor Deon Cole, fresh off his 2024 Netflix special “Deon Cole: Ok, Mister,” leans into grown-man territory — dating, aging and everyday awkwardness — at his latest stand-up tour stop at Borgata in Atlantic City.

Special Events

Philly Jazz Month 2026

  • Where: Multiple venues
  • When: Through Thursday, April 30
  • How much: Various prices

The second annual Philly Jazz Month, co-presented by Creative Philadelphia, Mid-Atlantic Arts, Jazz Philadelphia and WRTI, returns with a stacked lineup of performers and events all around the city. Orrin Evans, The Gloria Galante Jazz Quartet, Nazir Ebo, The West Philadelphia Orchestra, Gerald Veasley and Terrell Stafford are all on the schedule. Events unfold everywhere from smaller clubs like Chris’ Jazz Cafe, The Black Squirrel Club and Solar Myth to community spaces like Dilworth Park, Bok Bar, Harriet’s Bookshop and more, blending concerts, educational programs and neighborhood activations to showcase the richness of the local jazz scene.

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Sneaker Con

Spectators wears Nike Air Jordan shoes while sitting in court side seats during the second half of an NBA basketball game
Spectators wears Nike Air Jordan shoes while sitting in court side seats during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
  • Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. 
  • When: Saturday, April 4, noon – 7 p.m.
  • How much: $32.64

Michael Jordan is known for his prowess as a Hall of Fame basketball player. But he’s not given as much credit for being the driver of the multimillion-dollar sneakerhead culture with his signature Air Jordan line. That culture is on display at SneakerCon, which brings 250 vendors with over 100,000 pairs of sneakers to shoe enthusiasts, collectors and fans. This year, the conference expands to include the lucrative trading card market via Trading Card Alley. Allen Iverson will be there to introduce a new limited edition trading card in partnership with Leaf.

Furry Friends of Frankford Pet Festival

  • Where: Philadelphia Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Ave. 
  • When: Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • How much: Free, pay as you go

Combining beers with animals might seem like a strange pairing, but at this event, the idea is to loosen people up to the idea of adopting an animal in need of a forever home. Beers will be on tap, and adoptable animals will be on hand at an event sponsored by Philadelphia Brewing Company. To make things even more congenial, there will also be live music and food. Adoptions are only available between noon and 3 p.m., so get there early so you have ample time to make a furry friend.

93rd Annual Easter Promenade

  • Where: Starts at Fifth and South
  • When: Sunday, April 5, noon – 3 p.m.
  • How much: Free

It’s Easter weekend, and for the 93rd time, there’ll be a promenade down South Street. One of the highlights of the celebration is the Costume Contest, which has nine categories this year. For the first, and likely the only time, there’s a 250th birthday category where attendees can compete for the most patriotic look. Prizes will also be handed out for best-dressed family and in several best-dressed kids groupings. Yes, the Easter Bunny will be there, and free bunny ears will be handed out.

Open Streets: West Walnut

  • Where: Walnut Street, Broad to 19th streets, and 18th Street, Locust to Chestnut streets
  • When: Sunday, April 5 – Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • How much: Free pay-as-you-go

Philadelphia’s founding fathers didn’t have a crystal ball, so they could never have imagined that small, cobblestoned streets would ever have vehicular traffic. Alas, Henry Ford made those new “horseless carriages” easier for the average man to own, and the rest is automobile history. But cars come with emissions, reckless drivers and an inability to safely share the streets. This annual initiative provides a respite to car dominance, allowing restaurants and businesses to expand onto the streets, providing pedestrian corridors of music, pop-up performances and sidewalk sales that feel like an impromptu block party. Easter Sunday events include an Easter Treat Trail and other holiday activations.

Arts & culture

‘The Sound of Music’

Created by legendary collaborators Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, this classic tale of the real-life von Trapp family first premiered on Broadway in 1959 and won multiple Tony Awards. Then came the blockbuster 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews as the family matriarch. Songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things” and the title track became part of the musical theater canon. This latest touring production taps into the production’s continuing popularity while bringing fresh staging for a contemporary upgrade.

Confluence Film Festival

Now in its third year, the Confluence Film Festival was created in collaboration with partners including BlackStar Projects, cinéSPEAK the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival and the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival, to spark conversation about climate justice and inspire audiences to develop a more sustainable future. This year’s theme, “Seeding the Future,” anchors a lineup that includes films like “MUNDURUKUYÜ – The Forest of the Fish Women,” “Seeds” by Brittany Shyne and “Nocturnes ” by Anupama Srinivasan, with screenings and post-film conversations featuring filmmakers, scientists and community advocates.

BA Harrington: ‘Suite Américaine’

  • Where: Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. Third St. 
  • When: Friday, April 3 – Sunday, July 26 (Museum is open Wednesday – Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.)
  • How much: Free

Opening this week, a new exhibition by artist and material culture scholar B.A. Harrington explores the artistic possibilities of wood as both material and message. The daughter and granddaughter of carpenters, Harrington reimagines early American furniture forms, including dowry chests and writing desks that were traditionally built by men for women. The exhibition reflects the museum’s focus on pushing woodworking beyond function into storytelling and cultural critique. This is part of the Radical Americana series of exhibitions organized by a group of Philadelphia’s arts and cultural venues. The “Suite Americaine” exhibit’s opening reception is Friday, April 3, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

  • Where: Keswick Theater, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, Pa.
  • When: Friday, April 3, 8 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 3 p.m., 8 p.m., Sunday, April 5, 3 p.m.
  • How much: $48 – $81

Created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, “Jesus Christ Superstar” began as a 1970 concept album. Debuting as a stage play in 1971, the once-controversial rock opera dramatizes the final days of Jesus Christ through the perspective of Judas Iscariot, blending biblical narrative with rock, gospel and soul. A contemporary reimaging by Concord Theatricals updates the more than 50-year-old musical for a new generation. It comes through the Keswick Theater for four shows starting Friday.

ICYMI: Plays Closing This Weekend

Kids

Easter Egg Hunt

The Philadelphia Zoo hosts its annual Easter Egg Hunt for children 2-12. The hunt takes place on the zoo’s south side, near the train. Bring a basket to exchange for chocolates, and if your child is the lucky one who finds the golden Easter egg, they’ll get a prize. Happy hunting!

Play-A-Palooza

With spring comes outdoor activities, and one of the most highly anticipated ones on the Philly kids’ social calendar is this annual event. It’s a party on the playground with live music, and a Philly Sensory Theater performance of “Light Years Away” alongside activity stations hosted by community orgs including Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, KiDazzle Literacy, Philadelphia Dance Academy and The Clay Studio. Food trucks and giveaways round out the day, with Herr’s providing the free snacks.

‘Peppa Pig: My First Concert’

A scene in the show Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig (Photo: Business Wire)

Part of Ensemble Arts Philly’s Family Discovery Series, this interactive production is designed to introduce young audiences to orchestral music, blending characters from the globally popular Peppa Pig with a live orchestra. On stage, Peppa, George and their family guide audiences through the sounds of different instruments, mixing familiar songs from the show with well-known classical pieces from composers like Mozart and Beethoven.

Kid’s Day Off Camps

Philly kids may be out for Spring Break, but circus camp is in session for kids in kindergarten through 10th grade. These one-day “Kid’s Day Off” circus camps are designed for kiddos in 5-15 and align with Philadelphia School District days off. Participants are grouped by age for activities.

PECO First Sunday Family Day 

  • Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, Pa.
  • When: Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • How much: Free

April is Philly Jazz Month. To celebrate, The Barnes is turning the spotlight on the next generation of artists with performances by Equinox, an instrumental quartet of standout students from the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts.

Comedy

Whitney Cummings: ‘Big Baby’

Whitney Cummings poses for a picture
Whitney Cummings arrives at An Unforgettable Evening on Monday, April 28, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

The Emmy-nominated comedian and University of Pennsylvania graduate is best known as the creator and star of the NBC sitcom “Whitney” and co-creator of the Emmy-nominated hit “2 Broke Girls.” She’s also the host of the popular podcast “Good For You” and recently released her sixth stand-up special, “Mouthy.” Now making a Philly stop on her long-running “Big Baby” tour, topics include first-time motherhood at 40, gender dynamics, mean girls and what it’s like to grow up in a dysfunctional family.

Food & Drink

Dine Latino

  • Where: Multiple venues
  • When: Sunday, April 5 – Saturday, April 11
  • How much: Various prices

With the array of Latino-owned and focused restaurants in the region, Dine Latino Restaurant Week seems inevitable. That must be why it’s now in its ninth year with a spring and fall version. More than 35 participating restaurants across the Latin diaspora in Philly and the ‘burbs offer a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two dinner entrées at select eateries, or an exclusive, restaurant-week-only menu.

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Music

Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band

Louisville, Kentucky has brought us many celebs of note, from sportsmen Muhammad Ali to actress Jennifer Lawrence, author Sue Grafton and media personality Diane Sawyer. Singer/songwriter Ryan Davis & his Roadhouse Band are on their way to being the next sensations from Derby City. The band is currently touring behind “New Threats from the Soul,” their critically acclaimed 2025 sophomore album and follow-up to 2023’s “Dancing on the Edge.” They return to Philly in a larger venue after playing at a sold-out show at Johnny Brenda’s in December.

Moonchild with Brittney Carter

Los Angeles-based band Moonchild is on the road supporting its 2026 release. Led by Amber Navran, the band is celebrating its move from predominantly instrumental albums to putting Navran up front. So far, they’ve collaborated with jazz and soul luminaries like Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Rapsody, Tank & The Bangas and Lalah Hathaway. Opening the show is Chicago rapper Brittney Carter, who is known for her introspective style; her recent releases, including singles like “Lose Sight” and “Shut Up, Sit Down,” continue to build on her reputation. The Moonchild Waves tour flows through the Ardmore Music Hall this Friday.

Robert Plant with Saving Grace and Suzi Dian

Robert Plant performs at the 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Robert Plant performs at the 2023 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)

Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant continues his late-career renaissance with Saving Grace, a band he formed in 2019 that incorporates folk, blues, gospel and Americana. Their current Spring Fever 2026 tour follows the release of the band’s self-titled first official album together. The lead single is a reimagining of Low’s “Everybody’s Song,” with vocalist Suzi Dian, a fellow British singer who often shares leads with Plant. The tour, which is focused on theaters and other intimate venues, heads to the Met on Saturday.

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