The Philadelphia Museum of Art's 'Art after Five' on Friday Nights 5:00 to 8:45 p.m. "Friday evenings take on a whole new groove with Art After 5, a unique blend of entertainment from 5:00–8:45 p.m.** in the Great Stair Hall. With an eclectic mix of international music on the first Friday of each month, and recognized and emerging jazz artists performing all other Fridays, it’s a stylish way to start your weekend..." **Art After 5 programs are subject to change. The performances are scheduled for 5:45–6:45 p.m. and 7:15–8:15 p.m. Guided gallery tours are offered throughout the evening. There is no additional charge for performances or guided tours after Museum admission. Select galleries are open Friday evenings.

Cheap Philly Date Tip: Admission to the Museum is "Pay What You Want" on the First Friday of Every Month ... and the Museum is a great place for a Sunday Breakfast.

Wednesday Nite or Lunch Special: A Meal for Two and The Movies in Center City... for less than $25.00 !
Wednesday Nights at the Ritz Theatre with Dinner at Penang.  Last time we looked, tickets at the Ritz (there are three of them within walking distance of one another in Old Towne... all featuring best in new indies, foreign films, documentaries and restored classics...) were around $6 bucks apiece on Wednesdays and Matinees... and for dinner we highly recommend Penang on 10th Street in Chinatown (between Arch and Race)... get there early between 6 and 7 at before the crowd lines up on the sidewalk.  You'll find rice and noodle dishes and hearty Malaysian soups galore in the $6 to $8.00 range. We like the chicken with ginger scallions on rice and the Pearl Noodles. Whether you eat before or after the movie is up to you as Penang is open until 1 a.m. After an early dinner you could take a stroll north on 10th street and turn right on Race.  Across the street is a pastry shop with little petit four like cakes for 80 cents each. 

For more suggestions on Where to Eat in Philadelphia, take a look at Philadelphia YELP

Browsing Bookstores... and Author Readings and Signing

Borders Bookstore There are over a dozen Borders Bookstores in the Greater Philly area. Many have regularly scheduled author readings and signings. And you can always amuse yourself for hours with browsing their extensive book and magazine offerings... while sipping a latte or cup of tea.

Philadelphia Concerts and Musical Events

Philly Jazz Calendar

Y100 Concert Calendar

Chaddesford Winery's "Summer Nights under the Stars" and other events, tastings, etc.

Philly Radio and TV

WMMR  Contest and Request line: (215) 263-WMMR.  Enter to have WMMR broadcast live from your office.

WRTI: Temple Public Radio  Listen and win concert tickets and CD's!

Sightseeing on the Cheap

7 Walking Tours of Philadelphia

Japanese Teahouse and Garden  If you can't go there in person, try a virtual tour.

Valley Forge National Historical Park

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet people with common interests

Delaware Museum of Natural History

Japanese Teahouse and Garden

Philadelphia Museum of Art ... see also Museum Guides and Park House Guides

Philadelphia Opera Guild

Valley Forge National Historical Park

The Schuylkill Center.  There are opportunities during weekdays, in the evenings and on weekends.... teaching, restoring trails, or working "behind the scenes... The Schuylkill Center recognizes the service of its volunteer staff in a variety of ways:

- Annual Volunteer Picnic
- Annual Volunteer Trip
- Membership Benefits
- Bookstore and Programs Discounts
- "Volunteer of the Year" Award

Hershey Park  Season passes $84.95 to $94.95

Longwood Gardens Frequent Visitor Pass  "Visit for free 365 days a year... attend most of 400 performing arts events, from chamber music and organ recitals to theatre shows, big band concerts, dance and folk performances, and a myriad of other diversions (including most fountain displays)...." plus other perks.  A bargain at $50/yr to $130 for 3 years. Less for youngsters.

Regional Performing Arts Center "Rising Stars"  $35 gives you the "inside track" to many events. "

• Special Rising Stars Event Packages will be offered to members and will include pre or post-concert receptions at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Rising Stars Exclusives will give you the opportunity to get to know fellow members and share great evenings of music and dance.
• Free admission to select Rising Stars Programs
• Listing in Rising Stars Membership Directory
• "Partner" Relationships with Other Young Friends Groups... and more!

Interesting Employment Opps

Walnut Street Theatre: "We are seeking articulate, motivated arts lovers to sell subscription packages and raise funds for our annual Angels Campaign over the phone. Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 1:00pm to 4:30pm; 6:00pm to 9:30pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Earnings average $15 per hour. For more information, please call 215-574-3550, ext. 598 and follow the instructions."

Arden Theatre  See also Play Submissions and Arden Theatre Apprentice Program

Chaddsford Winery ".... Already a wine geek or have you always been interested in learning more about wine? Either way if you love wine and love working around people come join us and work in a dynamic and social atmosphere. Whether you are interested in working in one of our wine shop locations or working our many off-site events, parties or conducting tours and tastings at the winery contact us to see what is currently available...."

Longwood Gardens

Philadelphia Orchestra also has internship opportunities

Theatre Alliance Production Jobs and Internships

Wilma Theatre Jobs, Fellowships and Internships

The Mutter's Museum 

" According to a Roadside America article, The Mütter Museum at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia promises — and delivers — an afternoon of esoteric and incredible sights. The sophisticated, high-ceilinged gallery that houses this collection of medical monstrosities helps us rationalize our interest in it. Designed for perusal by present and future members of a dignified overpaid profession, the museum is two floors of dark wood-trimmed display cases and a library-like stateliness. Shouts of "Will ya look at this MONSTER BABY?" are entirely inappropriate."   Here are just a few highlights:

• Soap Woman: the body of a woman who died of Yellow Fever sometime in the 19th century and was buried in soil with certain chemical properties that turned her into soap!

• a plaster cast of Chang and Eng AND their actual attached livers

• Chevalier Jackson Collection of objects swallowed and removed

• Brains of murderers and epileptics

• The "Secret Tumor of Grover Cleveland

• The "Thorax of John Wilkes Booth

• A giant colon

• Large collection of baby deformities.

• Skeletons of a giant and a midget

• "Brain Of A Murderer" - John Wilson hanged in Norristown, PA

• Longitudinal slices of the head, showing brain, etc.

• Skull Collections, including the Muniz collection of trephinated (holes cut in them)"

Mütter Museum: Philadelphia College of Physicians, 19 South 22nd Street, between Chestnut and Market Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm. $8 regular, student discounted rates available)  The official Mutter Museum Site  See also How I spent my Christmas aka Look at the Giant Colon

Museums

Franklin Institute Science Museum

Philadelphia Museum of Art

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

The Academy of Natural Sciences

Philly Parks and Recreation Areas

Marsh Creek State Park (Chester County)

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education  offers a variety of outdoor and indoor natural history and environmental science programs for all ages. Nature- oriented programs for families are offered on weekends as well as birthday parties, seasonal festivals and public education programs.  Hiking trails. Wildlife rehabilitation program. (See volunteer opportunities)

Interesting Clubs and Organizations

Philadelphia Ghost Hunters Alliance  Occasionally sponsors seminars and weekends.  Check website for details. Also read article in City Paper

Philadelphia Dumpster Divers and CARP (Creative Artists Reclamation Project)  See also Dumpster Diving for Profit and Passion.

Many clinical trials provide state of the art medication, tests, exams, etc.  Some also provide monetary compensation and/or reimbursement for expenses. Clinical Trials at the University of Pennsylvania

GlaxoSmithKline PhillyTrials.com 
"I have been a clinical trial volunteer as GSK since the summer of 1998. We have a real need for more women to come and join up. The money is very good and volunteering is an excellent way to supplement your income. There really is nothing to fear"-Diane T

Cheap Places to Shop in Philly

You'd hardly classify Anthropologie as cheap... but some of their sale items are worth a trek to either their Wayne store or their Rittenhouse Square store in Center City.  Best of all, you can check their sale items and prices out FIRST here.

TheLivingWeb.net eBay Auctions iPod Auctions iPhone Auctions HDTV Auctions Laptop Computer Auctions Digital Camera Auctions Toyota Prius Auctions Luxury Watch Auctions Gold Bullion Auctions Golf Equipment Auctions Home and Condo Auctions Wii Game Console

Highlights of What to See and Do in Philadelphia

Frommer's Highlights of Philadelphia Here are some Frommer-recommended Phily freebies ".... Gallery Hopping on First Friday: On the first Friday of every month, the galleries, stores, and studios of Old City -- just north of Independence National Historical Park -- remain open with refreshments and artists on hand until 9pm. Wander along the cobblestone streets, popping in where you fancy, before a night out in this happening part of town....Strolling Around Rittenhouse Square at Night: When the rest of Philadelphia's city squares grow quiet at night, this one twinkles with activity. Patrons toast each other at bistro sidewalk tables. Couples cross the park, hand-in-hand. On a summer night, you're likely to come upon a free musical performance in the square's center. In winter, you'll be dazzled by the bright balls of lights in the treetops...." CLICK HERE for more Frommer recommendations

WhereTraveler.com's Philadelphia Discover what to do, where to shop and eat.

Some theatrical and musical events will exchange a ticket for your ushering services.  Call the theatre and find out.

Arden Theatre  "....Ushers are needed to take tickets, seat patrons, distribute show programs, and provide excellent customer service to patrons at Arden Theatre Company performances. In exchange for your service, you are able to see the show for free! This is a great way to get involved in the arts and have fun while supporting your community. Dress code is casual business attire (no jeans, t-shirts, ripped or cropped clothing). Ushers must be at least 16 years of age. ..."

Delaware Theatre Company  Volunteer Opportunities

Painted Bride Art Center "... Volunteering is a great way to help out the Painted Bride and get to watch a show for free!  Volunteers typically help at shows with duties varying from folding programs to ushering in the theater, and in exchange, they get to watch part of the show...."

Philly Luminaries

David Jacobs PhD  Temple University history professor.  UFO and abductee researcher. author and director of the International Center for Abduction Research ... an organization devoted to the dissemination of trustworthy information about UFO abductions.  Dr. Jacobs latest book, The Threat was published by Simon & Schuster in January, 1998. "The book addresses important questions about abductions, and clarifies issues that have been the subject of much speculation for the past fifty years."

Cheap Philly Getaways and Day Trips.

American Visionary Art Museum (Baltimore)  "....Not only is the museum the national repository for the artworks created by self-taught artists, the building's architecture is an artistic creation unto itself -winning many international and national awards for its design and beauty. Our venue is easily accessible by foot (a 15 minute walk from the Convention Center) or by water transport (Water Taxi or Harbor Shuttle) and convenient to all of Baltimore's downtown attractions...."

Cape May and the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC) "...Formed in 1970 to save the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate from the wrecking ball, MAC now operates the 18-room restored mansion as Cape May's only Victorian house museum. MAC also restored and operates the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse where visitors can climb the 199 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. MAC's latest restoration project is the World War II Lookout Tower, now open to the public.      Year-round, MAC offers a full schedule of tours and events, including trolley, boat, walking, and ghost tours, food and wine events, summertime family activities, Spring Festival in April and May, the Cape May Music Festival in May and June, Victorian Week in early October, Halloween activities in late October and six weeks of Christmas tours and events...."

Cape May Chamber of Commerce

Cape May - Lewes Ferry ".... Enjoy historic lighthouses, picturesque harbors, oceangoing vessels, unique seabirds and, just maybe, your very own dolphin escort!..."

New Hope, PA  Charming town for weekend antiquing, Sunday brunching.

Brandywine Valley Attractions  Lists 4 area wineries... including the Chaddsford Winery and the Stargazer's Winery (Coatesville)... plus things to do, places to stay, where to eat, events, etc.

New York on $49 a Day

The New York Daily News says: "Your key to New York City for $49 a day". Admission to 40 of New York City's best attractions: New York Pass
 

Free Philly Thrills

Send a Virtual Postcard from Philadelphia 

Philadelphia Mural Arts Program "...has been involved in more than 2,400 indoor and outdoor mural projects-making Philadelphia home to the largest collection of public murals in the country. Established in 1984 as part of a citywide anti-graffiti initiative, MAP initially worked with young, adjudicated graffiti writers, redirecting their artistic energies into making art that would enhance, rather than undermine their communities. Since then, the program has grown steadily, reaching out to an ever-widening sphere of young people and producing increasingly more accomplished works of public art..." Self-guided tour with map

St. Katharine Drexel Shrine Philadelphia's first woman to be canonized. "... Each year, thousands of people arrive at the Mission Center and Shrine. Some come to pray, others to see this historic place and learn about the life of an extraordinary American woman, Saint Katharine Drexel...." Free. Open daily except for major holidays.

Herr's Snack Factory Tour "...It's a free, fun-filled morning or afternoon of educational tid-bits, technological wizardry, and tasty little morsels your family will savor for years to come.... a first hand learning experience that includes visual methods that's sure to impress children and adults alike. You'll never forget the little-known facts, like how a pretzel gets its brown color, or what makes a great chipping potato, and how tortilla chips get their seasoning..."

Brandywine Battlefield in the Chaddsford area has many free events throughout the year.

TimeOut:Philadelphia  Philadelphia Living Guide

Philadelphia: The Essential Guide

Official Philadelphia Website

Philadelphia Gay News

Philadelphia City Paper

Philadelphia Magazine

Philadelphia Radio Stations

Philadelphia Vacation and Planning Guide

Where to Dine in Philly

Philadelphia City Paper Picks

PhillyMag.com's Fabulous Fifty  "....Some are houses of considerable posturing; others have Formica tables. Some are outrageously expensive; others are amazingly cheap...."  Some Recommendations: 
Dmitri's at 2227 Pine "....The Mediterranean Meze combination, a $12 bonanza of hummus, tarama salada, tzatziki, baba ghanoush, skordalia and beets, is a meal all by its lonesome..."  See also Best of Philly database

Philadelphia: Essential Guide Picks

Foodline: Philadelphia  Also check their food and wine related events.

Philadelphia Restaurants and Dining Guide with $18 and under picks

The Best Philly Cheesesteaks  Includes a "do it yourself" authentic recipe.

Where to buy it CHEAP! 

Produce Junction is a GOD SEND!  Some recent prices (subject to change): A huge bunch of fresh basil: $1.25. 2 avocados: $1.00. A large bag of fresh ginger: $1.00.  10 big lemons: $1.00. A large bag of garlic: $1.00.  Half a pound of spring mix: $2.00.  4 lbs of yams $1.00.  3 bunches cilantro: $1.00., etc., etc.  We've bought beautiful phaleonopsis orchids for $11.00 and awesome bromeliads for $8!  You'll find PJ's scattered all over Philly and S. Jersey... Glenside on Easton Ave., Oak Lane near Chester Pike, MacDade Boulevard where it connects with Chester Pike, Phoenixville by the bridge on Rt. 29, downtown Hatboro, etc. Well worth a weekly trip to stock up!

Opera Company of Philadelphia audition opportunities

Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia Audition Notices

Greater Philadelphia Theatres Online

Act II Playhouse

Allens Lane Theater

Arden Theatre Company

Bristol Riverside Theatre

Bryn Athyn Community Theatre

Bucks Country Playhouse

Delaware Theatre Company
Volunteer Opportunities

InterAct Theatre Company

Montgomery Theatre Project: Souderton

Mum PuppetTheatre

Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival

Philadelphia Theatre Company

Prince Music Theater

Venture Theatre

Walnut Street Theatre

The Wilma Theatre

American Theater Web

Broadway.com

Playbill Online

Theatre.com

TheatreMania.com

Wanna Be in the Next "Sixth Sense?"

MikeLemonCasting is a Philadelphia's premier casting company.  It's a full-service company, casting principals and extras, union and non-union, for feature and independent films, commercials, industrials, voice overs, theatre, live industrials, etc. throughout the mid-Atlantic and nationally via this web site.  Offers a wide variety of casting options: on-camera, voice over, and access to 30,000 talent files.

Greater Philadelphia Film Office Casting Hotline  

Philadelphia Forums

Philadelphia Production Forum  for performing arts in Delaware Valley

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PA Lottery Results

Philly Headlines