Things to Do: BlackStar Film Fest, 5 Seconds of Summer in concert and Pierogi Fest are among event highlights

BlackStar Film Festival opens the weekend, marking its 15th anniversary with a wide-ranging slate of documentaries, narratives and experimental works from filmmakers of color. In Wilmington, the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival wraps up with performances by Ledisi, Sheila E., Marcus Miller and Anthony Tidd. The Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival follows with a two-week showcase centered on new productions by women and nonbinary artists.

Now in its 69th year, the New Hope Automobile Show on Saturday offers car enthusiasts the chance to choose their favorites from the lineup of antique and classic cars. At the same time, Andrew McMahon’s “Three Pianos” tour comes to The Mann, combining multiple eras of his decadeslong career. Also on Saturday, the Port Richmond Pierogi Fest leans into neighborhood culture with a celebration rooted in Polish American food culture.

Delaware

Clifford Brown Jazz Festival

• Where: Rodney Square, 1000 Market St., Wilmington, Del.
• When: Through Saturday, Aug. 8, Shows start at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday.
• How much: Free

In his short but impactful life, trumpeter Clifford Brown made an impression that resonates years after his untimely death. The jazz festival named after him has become a signature event on the Wilmington arts calendar. This year’s fest is set to include performances by Ledisi, Sheila E. and Philly transplant Anthony Tidd, among others.

New Jersey

5 Seconds of Summer: Everyone’s A Star World Tour!

• Where: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 8 p.m.
• How much: $36 and up

Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer bring their Everyone’s A Star! World Tour to Camden as part of a massive global run in support of their sixth studio album. The tour spans multiple continents and nearly 90 dates, building on the group’s evolution from opening act to headliner. The latest album features singles like “Not OK,” “Boyband” and “Telephone Busy,” while recent collaborations with producers including Galantis and David Guetta signal their crossover appeal.

Special events

BlackStar Film Festival

• Where: Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St.
• When: Thursday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9
• How much: $35 to $375, individual screening passes available in-person or virtual

Fifteen years ago, filmmaker Maori Holmes had a vision to create a festival honoring the work of filmmakers of color. She called it the BlackStar Film Festival, honoring the legacy of Marcus Garvey, who believed in Black self-empowerment. Over time it evolved from an intimate fest held at International House to the large gathering it is today, spread over several venues on Avenue of the Arts. This year’s program includes 91 films representing more than 30 countries. Read more about the festival here.

The Danny Rumph Classic Basketball Tournament

• Where: Drexel University Recreation Center, 3301 Market St.
• When: Thursday, Aug. 6 – Monday, Aug. 10
• How much: Price not available, tickets sold at the door only

The 21st annual Danny Rumph Classic brings together some of the best of Philadelphia basketball in a pro-am tournament honoring his life and legacy. The Parkway High School standout and Western Kentucky University point guard died in 2005 at age 21 after collapsing on the court after a pickup game. Not only does the event honor his passion, but the Daniel E. Rumph II Foundation raises awareness about heart health, provides screenings and promotes information to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

48 Record Bar Garden Party

• Where: Elfreth’s Alley Museum, 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley
• When: Friday, Aug. 7, 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• How much: Free

48 Record Bar embraces nostalgia as the bar was created to showcase vinyl and the music it’s most closely associated with. Given that sensibility, it seems like a no-brainer to co-host a garden party with Elfreth’s Alley. We’re sure some of its residents may have enjoyed music on a Victrola, the precursor to modern record players. The free event turns the museum’s backyard into a contemporary soirée spot with DJs spinning curated sets, a pop-up vinyl market featuring records from around the world and artisanal cocktails.

2026 New Hope Automobile Show

• Where: New Hope Solebury High School, 180 W. Bridge St., New Hope, Pa.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8, Sunday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• How much: $10, children under 12, free

One of the oldest judged car exhibitions in the country, the New Hope Automobile Show, now in its 69th year, draws car collectors and casual fans to Bucks County to view and judge more than 250 antique and classic vehicles. On Saturday, the show’s focus is on domestic vehicles all the way back to the Brass Era, while on Sunday, foreign cars are on display, including Porsche, Volkswagen, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. Organized by the nonprofit New Hope Helping, the event doubles as a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting local charities and community initiatives.

BugFest 2026

• Where: Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8, Sunday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• How much: Included with museum admission, $16 – $20

Bugs give most of us the ick, but without scientists willing to study them, we’d lack the necessary information to explain their importance in the global ecosystem. The festival turns the museum into an immersive introduction to entomology, with activities like live insect encounters, bug walks on the Parkway and the ever-popular roach races.

Ardmore Rock N’ Ride

• Where: Downtown Ardmore, Pa.
• When: Sunday, Aug. 9, First race starts at 10:15 a.m., first concert starts at noon
• How much: Ride registration (closes Saturday at noon) $0 for kids races, $35 – $45 for adults. Concert is free, afterparty is $30 and up

Rock or ride? You can do one or the other, or both, at the hybrid street festival that combines a concert, competitive cycling and community fundraising. There’s a USA Cycling-sanctioned criterium race, featuring multiple divisions with a multistage concert lineup including Too Many Zooz, Young Gun Silver Fox and Oh He Dead. And there are family-friendly activities, vendors and other festival attractions. All of the event’s net proceeds will benefit Narberth Ambulance.

Arts and culture

Barnes First Friday: Justin Hicks & BlackStar Film Festival

• Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
• When: Friday, Aug. 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• How much: $35

The Barnes is partnering with the Black Star Film Festival for a First Friday performance featuring Justin Hicks, a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist whose work draws from folk, blues, and spiritual traditions. The Bronx, New York native has performed for audiences at leading cultural institutions, including Lincoln Center, Performance Space New York, the Public Theater, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the Kennedy Center. He’s worked with numerous artists and musicians, including Abigail DeVille, Kaneza Schaal, Meshell Ndegeocello and Cauleen Smith.

Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival

• Where: Theatre Exile, 1340-48 S. 13th St. 
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8 – Sunday, Aug. 16
• How much: $15 – $85

The 11th annual festival offers two weeks of staged readings, performances and programming that places the spotlight on women and nonbinary voices in Philly’s theater community. Built as a platform for local playwrights, directors and performers, the 2026 lineup includes productions like “Tell Me a Love Story,” and a slate of short plays and monologues tied to this year’s “period pieces” theme. There are also panel discussions and an industry mixer designed to connect artists and audiences.

Newtown Celebrates America’s 250th

• Where: Multiple venues
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• How much: Free

July Fourth has come and gone, but celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary are ongoing. Newtown has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War, so it’s transforming into a living history experience this weekend as part of the semiquincentennial festivities. There are reenactments, including the Battle at the Bird-In-Hand, along with colonial encampments, military demonstrations and historic tours. Visitors can “meet” historical figures like Harriet Tubman, explore landmarks, enjoy family activities and learn about Newtown’s connections to the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, Quaker history and the community’s African American heritage.

14th Annual Classic Hearse Show

• Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery East, 3822 Ridge Ave.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• How much: $5 suggested donation

We all have a last ride to take. At Laurel Hill’s annual Classic Hearse Show, you can see in what style people have headed to their final resting place. Presented by the Mohnton Professional Car Club, the show features a collection of historic hearses and professional vehicles from the past and present, giving attendees the chance to see the craftsmanship and design behind the necessary vehicles that no one looks forward to riding in. The day also includes live music, mini-tours of the cemetery and a casket raffle finale.

‘Becoming Vegan’

• Where: SideQuest Theater at the Adrienne,  2030 Sansom St. 
• When: Sunday, Aug. 9, 16 and 23, 7 p.m.
• How much: Free to $25

Imagine falling in love with someone whom you feel connected to on several levels. But there’s just one big problem. One woman is vegan, and the other is not. That’s the premise of the new musical comedy centered on a couple who have food incompatibilities and what happens when the carnivorous half isn’t honest about her love for meat and dairy. Philly-based writer, performer and improv artist Sarah Clemency takes on the writing and composing, but co-directs with Eibhleann Clyne.

Sports

WWE SmackDown

• Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly Wells Fargo Arena), 3601 S. Broad St. 
• When: Friday, Aug. 7, 7:30 p.m.
• How much: $49.35 and up

The WWE comes to Philadelphia amid shifting alliances in a battle for power. SmackDown arrives following a major showdown between two of WWE’s biggest names: CM Punk and dedicated bottle blonde Cody Rhodes, one-time friends now in a heated battle for the championship. The lineup also includes Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Gunther and Trick Williams. Cargill has been building momentum for the women’s title, while Gunther’s aggressive pursuit of power has put him at odds with WWE officials and top contenders. Who’ll end up on top? You’ll have to be there to find out.

Food and drink

Wine Safari

• Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, Pa.
• When: Friday, Aug. 7, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• How much: $60

The area’s zoos are opening up to the after-hours crowd by providing a reason to head there once the sun sets. Or maybe, if we’re being honest, a few dozen reasons, culled from the region’s vineyards. The 21-and-over fundraiser features dozens of wines, seasonal reds, whites and rosés sections, along with opportunities to meet some of the zoo’s residents while supporting its conservation and education efforts.

Pierogi Fest

• Where: Campbell Square, 2535 E. Allegheny Ave. 
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8, noon – 5 p.m.
• How much: Free

While several cultures can lay claim to savory dumplings, the pierogi is known among Polish Americans as a modest but filling food they brought from their home country when emigrating to America. The festival includes vendors serving traditional pierogi varieties like potato and cheese, sauerkraut, and meat, alongside updated versions, with local desserts and drinks. Performances by live bands, DJs and traditional dance groups are part of the event, with designated areas for family activities. Organizers say the number of vendors this year will make the annual festival the biggest one yet.

Comedy

Margaret Cho: ‘Choligarchy’

• Where: Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.
• When: Thursday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9
• How much: $38.99 – $104.99

When a stand-up performance has a disclaimer saying that it’s “not for the faint of heart,” then you can’t say you weren’t warned. Veteran comedian Margaret Cho is going to tell it like it is, just like she’s been doing for decades. Cho first broke through in the ’90s and became a comedy star through TV, film and as an author, penning a 2001 memoir, “I’m The One That I Want,” and a book of essays, “I Have Chosen To Stay And Fight,” in 2005. This latest Philadelphia appearance on the “Choligarchy” tour arrives amid her recent role on “Will Trent,” as she continues to be in demand on the screen and the stand-up stage.

Music

The Isley Brothers with Stephanie Mills & Breakwater

• Where: Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive. 
• When: Thursday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m.
• How much: $79.50

The Isley Brothers, Stephanie Mills and Philly’s own Breakwater come together for a multigenerational night of Black music. The Isleys’ five decades of influential music earned them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Mills initiated the role of Dorothy in the long-running Broadway musical “The Wiz,” and is known for her classic R&B hits, including “I’ve Learned to Respect The Power Of Love.” As for Breakwater, they enjoy cult-classic status among funk heads. They’re all at the Dell tonight.

Three Pianos: An Evening With Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin & Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness

• Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave.
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 7:30 p.m.
• How much: $50 and up

Singer-songwriter and pianist Andrew McMahon couldn’t fit his career into one neat box or genre, so instead he formed three distinct musical personalities. He was the frontman for Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin, and, as a solo artist, he created Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Named after McMahon’s memoir, his show, which heads to Philly this week, traces his evolution from early 2000s pop-punk and emo to his later work as a solo artist. Expect fan favorites from all his projects, including Something Corporate’s “Leaving Through the Window,” Jack’s Mannequin’s “Everything in Transit” and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness projects.

Sixth Annual Hip Hop In The Park

• Where: Eakins Oval
• When: Saturday, Aug. 8, noon – 9 p.m.
• How much: Free with RSVP

Christian “TAMEARTZ” Rodriguez has been in the hip-hop music scene for decades. His mission to share the five essential elements of the genre with everyone, especially young people, led to a concert/festival now in its sixth year. The free community celebration returns to the Oval summer series, featuring live performances, DJ sets, breaking, graffiti art, vendors, food and activities for all ages. The event will feature live graffiti activations, street dance showcases, a 3-point basketball competition, a marketplace and a mix of hip-hop and house music reflecting Philadelphia’s musical diversity. DJ Aktive headlines; Ursula Rucker hosts.