Philly Naked Bike Ride, ‘National Treasure’ weekend and a citywide indie bookstore crawl in this week’s ‘Things to Do’

The weekend opens up with a three-day homage to “National Treasure,” the 2004 movie starring Nicholas Cage with multiple Philly-related plot points. The event includes screenings and more. Theatre in the X mounts a community production of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is Enuf” at West Philly’s Malcolm X Park.

Plus, it’s the 17th year of Philly’s Naked Bike Ride and the fourth for the Philly Bookstore Crawl, a self-guided tour of the area’s indie bookstores. Rush checks in for two shows at Xfinity Mobile Arena, while Gregory Alan Isakov comes to The Mann stage with the Philly Pops. The Urban Art Fest 52 and Art Under the Stars IV center local artists. The weekend concludes with the annual hip-hop and classic R&B concert hosted by Lady B. at The Dell.

Delaware

Almost Queen: A Tribute to Queen

• Where: Freeman Arts Pavilion, 31806 Lake View Drive, Selbyville, Del.
• When: Friday, Aug. 21
• How much: $39.44- $ 45.24; children 12 and under, free

The British band Queen, built around its charismatic frontman Freddie Mercury, had a hit-making run from 1970 to 1991 with albums like “A Night at the Opera” and “News of the World,” producing hits “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions.” Almost Queen picks up the mantle of the original group’s electric live performances. Led by Joseph Russo as a stand-in for Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard on guitar, John Cappadona on drums and Randy Gregg on bass, expect a recreation of the stadium-friendly sound that made Queen one of rock’s most popular live bands. They’re in Delaware on Friday night.

New Jersey

Women’s Equality Day Festival

• Where: Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice, 128 Hooton Road, Mt. Laurel, N.J.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• How much: Free

As chronicled in the hit Broadway musical “Suffs,” South Jersey native Alice Paul was a true revolutionary. She spent her entire life unapologetically fighting for women’s rights, from helping women to get the vote to drafting the Equal Rights Amendment. At a time when women were expected to be submissive to men, Paul endured arrests and imprisonment after picketing the White House as part of the “Silent Sentinels” campaign. Paul’s work helped ratify the 19th Amendment in 1920, securing women’s right to vote in the U.S. This festival honors her legacy through a free, public gathering that reflects her pioneering leadership and the ongoing battle for women’s rights.

Special events

National Treasure Weekend

• Where: Multiple venues
• When: Thursday, Aug. 20, Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22
• How much: Movie screenings free, live podcast, $5, Heist Night, $50

Philly is full of history, which made it a perfect launchpad for the “National Treasure” film franchise. National Treasure Weekend is a three-day citywide experience centered on Philly’s role in the movies. The original 2004 film starring Nicolas Cage as treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates references Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and other Philly landmarks in a fictional hunt for hidden national secrets. The weekend includes outdoor screenings of “National Treasure” and “National Treasure: Book of Secrets,” immersive Heist Nights created by the National Treasure Hunt team, and a live podcast recording with director Jon Turteltaub. Unfortunately, the guided tour of the movie’s locations is sold out, but it repeats in September.

The Philly Bookstore Crawl

• Where: Multiple locations
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22
• How much: Free, pay as you go

Think of this as a cerebral crawl — as opposed to one awash in beer or cocktails. The citywide, self-guided celebration of Philadelphia’s independent bookstores is now in its fourth year, encompassing stores in Center City, Fishtown, Germantown, Chestnut Hill and even the near ‘burbs. The idea is to highlight booksellers throughout the region, and to that end, the stores are offering special promotions, guests and activations. Organizers say there are over 50 participating bookstores in Philly and in 18 neighboring communities.

Philly Naked Bike Ride

• Where: Start location TBA
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22
• How much: Free; location and start time will be announced on the website 24 hours before the race

Part of the global World Naked Bike Ride movement, a series of clothing-optional cycling events created to promote cycling advocacy and body positivity, the Philadelphia ride is now in its 17th year. Yes, it raises eyebrows among those unfamiliar with the event, but it draws thousands of participants every year who ride through the city with a route kept secret until shortly before the event. Anyone can ride, and the full monty is optional. This year’s theme: Shameless naked bicycle joy!

Delco Chalk Fest

• Where: 12 Reaney St., Chester, Pa. – next door to Subaru Park
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, noon – 6 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 23
• How much: Free

The Delco Chalk Fest turns a suburban street into an artist’s canvas, where more than a dozen professional chalk artists create large-scale pieces in real-time over two days. But it’s not just for professionals; anyone can grab chalk and participate to the tune of live entertainment and with pay-as-you-go food and drink options. Given its proximity to Subaru Park, it’s no surprise that the Philadelphia Union’s mascot, Phang, is expected to appear.

Ukrainian Folk Festival 2026

• Where: Tryzub Ukrainian American Sports Center, 1 Lower State Road, North Wales, Pa.
• When: Sunday, Aug. 23, noon – 8 p.m.
• How much: $20; kids 14 and under, free; tickets sold at the door only

Despite the ongoing conflict, the annual Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival is happening as usual. It’s a full-day cultural event built around music, dance and culture, marking Ukraine’s independence with an outdoor concert program, traditional folk performances and a mix of live bands, singers and dance ensembles. Additional programming includes historical exhibits, cultural demonstrations and tributes to those who have supported or defended Ukraine. Each paid admission will add $2 to the war relief effort.

Tour de Love City Bike Ride

• Where: From Love City Brewing in Philadelphia to Love City Brewing in Manayunk
• When: Sunday, Aug. 23, noon – 3 p.m.
• How much: $29.20

It’s a ride, not a race, from one Love City Brewing location to another. Intended as a preview of the upcoming Philly Cycling Classic, it’s an 8-mile bike ride done at your own pace. Once you get to Manyunk, your reward is a medal, a free beer or beverage of your choice, and automatic entry into a raffle featuring Love City Brewing merch and other prizes. The afterparty goes until 8 p.m., and all proceeds go to Neighborhood Bike Works. 

Arts and culture

‘For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When The Rainbow is Enuf’

• Where: Theater in the X, Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine St. 
• When: Aug. 20th, Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Aug. 22, Aug. 23, 5 p.m.
• How much: Pay what you wish

Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking 1975 choreopoem is one of the most influential works in American theater. A 2010 film adaptation by Tyler Perry starring Whoopi Goldberg and Thandiwe Newton and a 2022 Broadway revival reintroduced the production to new audiences. Shange would have likely appreciated the efforts of Theater in the X, which mounts plays in a community park to make the arts accessible to nontraditional audiences. This production is directed by Cheyenne Barboza, who has shaped some of the company’s previous stagings, including “The Wiz.”

Association of African American Museums Conference Events

• Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. 
• When: Through Friday, Aug. 21
• How much: $75, free

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is hosting the 48th annual Association of African American Museums conference, and while that’s limited to museum professionals, its celebrations are open to the public. On Thursday, the Barnes Foundation opens its doors to the ticketed AAMP After Dark: Celebrating the Sounds of Freedom event, hosted by Dyana Williams. On Friday, Marsha Ambrosius performs at the free Jubilee event, commemorating AAMP’s 50th anniversary.

Urban Art Fest 52

• Where: 200 Block of S. 52nd St. 
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, noon – 6 p.m.
• How much: Free, pay as you go

Urban Art Gallery has already staked its place as a contemporary art gallery in West Philadelphia. For the third year, they are digging in on their goal to bring art to the masses at their neighborhood arts festival centered on a stretch of South 52nd Street. It features more than 50 local artists, live music and performances, plus local food and apparel vendors. Hip-hop legends Big Daddy Kane, Chubb Rock and local jazz musician Hiruy Tirfe will perform.

Art Under the Stars IV: Philly Summer Fantasy

• Where: The Sculpture Courtyard, 1714 N. Mascher St. 
• When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• How much: $33.85

Consider it an art salon in South Kensington. At this nighttime outdoor art and music gathering, attendees will experience live visual art, music and community in a garden-style setting where the audience moves freely between experiences rather than sitting through a formal stage show. More than 20 artists are expected. Pay-as-you-go food and drink will be provided by local eateries including Mr. D’s Homestyle Cooking, Cloud Cups Gelato and more. Philly artist and “artpreneur” J. Taylor hosts.

Kids

Highmark Mann Milestone Mashup

• Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• How much: Free with registration

The Mann Center celebrates four different milestones that were held in Philly: Independence in 1776, the Centennial Exposition in 1876, the Bicentennial in 1976 when the venue originally opened and this year’s 50th anniversary season — with a free, family-friendly daylong event. There will be live performances on multiple stages, a dedicated kids’ zone, a community singalong, interactive demonstrations, food and other vendors.  You can bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages, so pack up the kids, the cooler, lawn chairs and a blanket and head on over.

Food and drink

Fonthill Castle Beer Fest

• Where: Fonthill Castle, 525 E. Court St., Doylestown, Pa.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• How much: $25 – $500

Beer fests are automatically elevated when they’re in an upscale atmosphere. Fonthill Castle fits the bill with its historic past as the residence of multihyphenate scholar and artist Henry Chapman Mercer. The fest features local and regional breweries offering curated samples, along with live music, food vendors and a timed-entry format that includes general admission and a VIP tier. Participating breweries include Broad Street Brewing, Aristaeus Brewing, Prime Station Brewing and Vault Brewing. Proceeds benefit the castle’s upkeep and community programming.

Summer Ale Festival

• Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave. 
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• How much: $45 – $99

Lions and tigers and beers, oh my! This is the rescheduled Summer Ale Festival that flips the usual daytime zoo experience into an after-hours social with craft beverages, live music and food trucks. Expect more than 100 options, including beer, cider, seltzer and spirits, plus performances by Nik Greeley and the Operators, Echo Kid and Moonroof. You can sip and stroll while passing big cats and primates. They likely won’t judge you. The event doubles as a fundraiser supporting the zoo’s conservation and education work.

Sports

Ennoble Care Philly Open

• Where: Hamlin Tennis Center, 3701 Walnut St. #23
• When: Sunday, Aug. 23 – Saturday, Aug. 29
• How much: $21 and up

Everyone watches women’s sports, and this time they can do so from closer to home as a pro tennis tourney comes to Philly for the first time in two decades. A Women’s Tennis Association 125-level event, it brings ranked international players to the city for a week of competition just ahead of the U.S. Open. The 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens is the biggest name announced so far, but other competitors include Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who reached the Round of 16 at Wimbledon last summer; Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, a Wimbledon quarterfinalist; Germany’s Eva Lys, who reached the round of 16 at the 2025 Australian Open; and American Ashlyn Krueger, who is currently the No. 56 ranked women’s tennis player in the world.

Comedy

Godfrey

• Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.  
• When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 21, Saturday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m., 9:15 p.m.
• How much: $45 – $95

The Chicago-born, New York–based comedian, actor and podcaster Godfrey built his reputation on sharp cultural commentary and spot-on impressions. Beyond stand-up, he stays constantly active in digital media through his podcasts,  “In Godfrey We Trust” and “One 54,” co-hosted with TV personality Akbar Gbajabiamila, which center African voices across all 54 African countries. He’ll clock in to Punchline Philly for five shows from Thursday through Saturday.

Music

Rush: Fifty Something Tour

• Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly Wells Fargo Arena), 3601 S. Broad St.
• When: Friday, Aug. 21, Sunday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.
• How much: $205 and up

Formed in Toronto in 1968, the classic lineup of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart, who passed in 2020, combined hard rock and sonic experimentation, with albums like “2112,” “Moving Pictures” and “Permanent Waves” cementing their status as rock stalwarts. Songs like “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight” and “The Spirit of Radio” developed a hardcore fanbase that followed them through decades and lineup changes. Their current tour, Fifty Something, brings them back down the road with a new live configuration, featuring female drummer Anika Nilles. They’re in Philly for two shows on Friday and Sunday.

Gregory Alan Isakov with The Philly Pops

• Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave.
• When: Friday, August 21, 8 p.m.
• How much: $62.15 and up

Gregory Alan Isakov has released six studio albums, including “This Empty Northern Hemisphere,” “The Weatherman” and “Evening Machines,” which received a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. His most recent release, “Appaloosa Bones,” came out in 2023. Since then, he’s collaborated on singles like 2026’s “Fade Into You” with Sylvan Esso, and with artists including Brandi Carlile, Iron & Wine, The Lumineers and Kacey Musgraves. He’s on a multicity orchestral tour featuring different symphonies and guest ensembles, including this Philadelphia stop where he performs with The Philly Pops.

Christopher Williams

• Where: City Winery, 990 Filbert St.
• When: Friday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m.
• How much: $54 and up (limited tickets left)

Christopher Williams comes through City Winery Philly with the swag that led to his signature hit “I’m Dreamin’” from the “New Jack City” soundtrack. The single topped the Billboard R&B chart in 1991. His catalog also includes R&B hits like “Every Little Thing U Do,” “Talk to Myself” and “Promises, Promises.” Since then, he’s kept up a steady touring schedule, also appearing in over 30 church and “urban” stage musicals, including “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” and “New Jack City Live.”

Chance The Rapper Coloring Book 10-year Anniversary Tour

• Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.
• How much: $92 and up

It’s been 10 years since “Coloring Book” established Chance the Rapper as a promising new talent out of the rich soil of Chicago’s hip-hop scene. He’ll be heading out on tour from August through October, performing “Coloring Book” in full along with material from his 2025 studio album, “Star Line,” his most recent full-length release. The three-time Grammy winner made history when “Coloring Book” became the first streaming-only project to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album. His Philly tour stop is on Saturday night.

Summer Music Festival

• Where: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave. & S. Broad Street. 
• When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• How much: Free, with registration

The Friends of FDR Park Summer Music Festival returns for its second year with Jason Jefferies and the TaLLtrEEs, The Jazz Crew Big Band, Batala Philly, STREET BEANS and Gapura Philadelphia on stage. Alongside the music, there are pop-up vendors representing African American, Latino and Southeast Asian communities, plus a food and drink lineup that includes Taqueria Morales, Beverly Shakur Catering, Pucker Up Lemonade and Kendrick’s Wraps.

Lady B’s Annual Basement Party

• Where: Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive. 
• When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m.
• How much: $79.50

Radio personality Lady B was the first woman to record a rap single with 1979’s “To the Beat, Y’all” and was one of the earliest female radio personalities in the genre. Her annual Basement Party is a concert, family reunion and cultural time capsule. This year’s show includes foundational hip-hop artists like Sweet Tee, Kwame, Tuff Crew, Large Professor and Kool Moe Dee, along with R&B performers The Force MD’s and Silk.