Top Entertainment in Philadelphia

Kimmel Center

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the new home of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Accommodated within the center is Verizon Hall for orchestral presentations, the Perelman Theater for chamber music concerts, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center. A variety of Philadelphia's performing arts groups serve as resident companies, presenting their artistry each season along with performances by visiting guest artists and ensembles.

Dave and Busters

There are a slew of games for adults and kids alike from virtual golf, racing simulations, classic arcade games, slot machines (that pay off in tickets), shuffleboard to pocket billiards. Youngsters can enjoy a bevy of video games, pinball, interactive simulations and virtual reality rides. Dave and Buster sells 'debit cards' that activate most of the games that pay off in tickets redeemable for prizes. Check out their burgers, fries, chicken and fish platters too. You can't miss the spectacular view of the Delaware River waterfront. There's a parking garage under the building.

Chris' Jazz Café

This finger-snapping hip café is nestled just around the corner from the Bellevue Hotel and just a few blocks walk from the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau in Center City. It is a perfect stop for relaxing and enjoying live jazz six nights a week. Winner of two 'Best of Philly' awards, this is a serious jazz club featuring serious talent—the place jazz musicians go to hear jazz. It also serves an outstanding dinner menu which includes crab cakes and grilled ahi tuna.

Tuttleman IMAX Theater at the Franklin Institute

Located at the Franklin Institute Science Museum (The), an Omnimax is the "wraparound" version of an IMAX film. Patrons feel a part of the heart-racing action as nature adventures such as the "Tropical Rainforest" and "Sharks" are projected onto a four-story, domed screen. Fifty speakers broadcast bone-shattering sound to enhance the experience. See their website for features and event times.

Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale

One of Philadelphia's best kept musical secrets is the 80-member ensemble of the Boys Choir. Now in its 30th year, the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale has earned international acclaim as one of the finest boys choirs. During the Christmas season the group is always in high demand for holiday festivals and celebrations. The group performs their cherubic repertoire in 40 concerts throughout the year across the region.

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts

Sit on the sloping lawn or in the reserved boxes under the high shed awning. Pick up a drink or some food from the stalls by the back fence—everything from hot dogs to a full-course salmon dinner served by waiters. This outdoor stage is the summer home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, plus a schedule of jazz, rock, big band, the Philly Pops, opera, theatre, and dance. The acoustics can be unreliable and Philadelphia's erratic weather can be a problem, but you can sit in Fairmount Park, hear a good show, and look at the soft night lights of the downtown skyline.

Woodmere Art Museum

This six-acre museum is in a beautiful 19th century stone Victorian mansion in the Chestnut Hill. It opened in 1940 and its permanent collection includes more than 2500 works of art. The collection also includes over 300 paintings and sculpture works by Daniel Garber, Thomas Pollock Anshutz, Edward Moran, Violet Oakley, Benjamin West, Robert Riggs, Jessie Willcox Smith and Herbert Pullinger. The museum also conducts art lecture series, excursions, music concerts and campaigns with the help of its members.

Robin Hood Dell East

The story goes that in the 1920s Philadelphia's free concerts attracted a large audience; so large that they would spill out onto the grassy knolls situated around Fairmount Park. This fact and the searing heat in the city finally saw the construction of the Robin Hood Dell East Amphitheatre, an institution in the city. Robin Hood is sheathed in artistic talent, showcasing jazz, R&B, gospel and comedy. So for a joyful and heart-moving time, come on down to the Dell. You may have the opportunity to catch a show by Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughn, Bill Cosby, Ashford & Simpson or Natalie Cole. Or catch an act that's part of the 32nd annual Essence of Entertainment Concert Series.

Connie's Ric Rac

Started off as a store, Connie's has been on the Philadelphia live music arena for quite a while. Locals love the place for what it is, and drop in all the time to check out different bands. A stage and sound equipments are available, while the seating area can hold an audience of up to 125. Although no food or beer is served, patrons are allowed to get their own drinks to keep them company throughout the show. Connie's Ric Rac is also available for plays, karaoke, art shows and any other kind of event. Check the website for details.

Urban Education Theater

As part of the Urban Education Center, the Urban Educational Theater attracts an artsy community. The theater features regular acts and plays put up by various productions both large and small scale. This educational theater is a favorite among family and youth.