The editor’s guide to the 2026 Philly Fringe
Check here for curated listings and mini-reviews throughout the festival
See where editor Alaina Johns is heading in this year’s Fringe and get her recommendations with mini-reviews that will be updated right here throughout the festival. Check back often!
Previews
11 minute read
It’s easier to demonize immigrants than it is to recognize we’re all in danger.
Empathy takes more than kindness. It takes courage.
Right-wing pundits talk about empathy as if it’s incompatible with justice. But justice does need empathy, and empathy takes courage that anti-immigrant “patriots” just don’t have. Alaina Johns considers.
Editorials
7 minute read
The Resident Ensemble Players present August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned
Inside the artistic journey of an American theater icon
REP opens its new season with an impressive production of August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned, exploring the great American playwright’s own journey. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Your (non-Fringe) guide to September 2026 Philly theater
Bob Dylan, Lindsay Smiling, Conor McPherson, August Wilson, and more
The September calendar teems with Fringe offerings, but there are several notable regional theater productions happening this month, including a Bob Dylan musical, another Wilma world premiere, and more. Cameron Kelsall rounds up.
Previews
4 minute read
Your guide to Classics-inspired shows in the 2026 Philly Fringe
It’s all Greek to me
Some Fringe artists bring wild new creations, and some look into the past, reinventing touchstones of the Western canon in innovative and accessible ways. Gauri Mangala highlights reimagined Classics in this year’s festival.
Previews
4 minute read
Your September 2026 guide to Philly cultural events
Discover food, photography, flowers, the First Amendment, and more this month
Our September 2026 guide spotlights non-theater cultural events throughout the city, including the Southeast Asian Market, photography happenings, free neighborhood festivals, and lots more. Gauri Mangala rounds up.
Previews
4 minute read
The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents Workshop of the World: Arts and Crafts in Philadelphia
When handmade confronted the machine age
For almost 200 years, Philly was the workshop of the world. A new exhibition at the PMA explores the response of 19th- and 20th-century artists who challenged the norms of this era. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
6 minute read
The BSR September 2026 repertory film roundup
Blue Velvet, Star Trek, A League of Their Own, and lots more
It’s time to make your September calendar, and Philly is packed with screenings, from early Star Trek to A League of Their Own, The Silence of the Lambs, Young Frankenstein, Mean Girls, and tons more.
Previews
5 minute read
Dumb Hub gatekeeper Sarah Knittel's guide to the 2026 Philly Fringe
What to see with your mom, a date, two drinks, or your own fear
Sarah Knittel (Fringe performer, curator, and producer extraordinaire) is back in the pages of BSR with her guide to the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Strap in.
Previews
7 minute read
People’s Light presents Hershey Felder’s Rachmaninoff and the Tsar
The man and his music
Playwright and pianist Hershey Felder tackles Rachmaninoff and Russian Romanticism in his latest musical drama at People’s Light. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Reviews
3 minute read
Your September 2026 guide to Philly-area classical music
Classical interludes with Mozart, Grant Youngblood, Rene Orth, and more
The 2026-27 classical music scene in Philly kicks off with events including Mozart’s first opera, appearances from baritone Grant Youngblood and violinist Eugene Drucker, and a world premiere from composer Rene Orth. Gail Obenreder rounds up.
Previews
5 minute read
Rough Cuts builds new community as Philly’s only open mic for filmmakers
Philly’s emerging film artists find feedback and fellowship
Contrary to industry advice, emerging filmmakers don’t have to try to make movies by themselves. At Rough Cuts, Philly’s open mic screening club, they can get an honest, supportive take from their peers. Elijah Fischer visits.
Features
4 minute read
BalletX dancer Ashley Simpson finds challenge and acceptance in Philadelphia
“This is the only body you will ever have.”
Florida native Ashley Simpson danced in Chicago, New York, and Memphis before joining BalletX. She sits down with Melissa Strong to talk about her path and her unique experience in Philly.
Profiles
4 minute read
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Also on BSR
Your September guide to 250th Anniversary events in the Philadelphia area
Museum highlights, walking tours, a young Ben Franklin, and lots more
Summer is ending, but Philly’s 250 celebrations are still raging, with notable Firstivals, tours, stories, discussions, museum highlights, and even a party for George Washington. Walt Maguire rounds up.
Previews
7 minute read
The month in Philly dance: Top dance picks for the 2026 Philly Fringe
A mother snail, vampires, a ballet after-party, drumming brides, and lots more in this year’s fest
This year’s Philly Fringe features 77 shows that include some element of movement or dance. Dance critic Camille Bacon-Smith is here to help with her top picks.
Previews
5 minute read
Declaration House: Reading Between the Lines of America’s Founding, edited by Anna Arabindan-Kesson, Paul M. Farber, and Yolanda Wisher
“How do we remember what powerful people have decided we should forget?”
In 2024, a video activation featuring the eyes of Monticello’s descendants took over Declaration House in Old City. Now a new book documents the project and the rediscovered histories that drove it. Pamela J. Forsythe reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Theatre in the X presents Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When The Rainbow Is Enuf
A soul-stirring production
For its annual production in Malcolm X Park, Theatre in the X mounts a soul-stirring interpretation of Ntozake Shange’s iconic choreopoem, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When The Rainbow Is Enuf. An Nichols reviews.
Reviews
4 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, August 20-26, 2026
National Treasure Weekend, Clark Park Bizarre, a Ukrainian folk fest, and lots more this week
There’s plenty happening this week in Philly for late-summer fun-seekers, including a free dance performance, an Old City ode to the movie National Treasure, Theatre in the X’s summer production in the park, and more. Walt Maguire rounds up.
Previews
6 minute read
The Philly Bookstore Crawl is back for its fourth year on August 22
Explore Philly’s thriving indie bookstore scene at this citywide event
Back for a fourth year, the Philly Bookstore Crawl continues to grow, with participating stores in every corner of the city and throughout the Philly suburbs. The 2026 crawl is on Saturday, August 22. Elijah Fischer previews.
Previews
3 minute read
Through the lens of young artists with LensBright Initiative
Education in artmaking
LensBright Initiative from UPenn grads empowers students through storytelling and professional mentorship. Dara McBride profiles.
Profiles
2 minute read
Shakespeare in Clark Park presents Hamlet, adapted by Tai Verley and Cassandra Alexander
When everyone is Hamlet
For its 21st anniversary production, Shakespeare in Clark Park tackles Hamlet for the first time in a stirring and creative adaptation that turns Hamlet into a literal everyman. Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer reviews.
Reviews
5 minute read
Your August guide to 250th Anniversary events in the Philadelphia area
Highlights for lovers of art, science, history, and a historically good time
If you thought the Philly 250 calendar would quiet down in August, you were wrong. The region is bursting with special exhibitions, events, and festivals continuing to celebrate America’s big birthday. Walt Maguire rounds up.
Previews
12 minute read
The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, August 2026
Picks for this year’s BlackStar Film Festival
BlackStar Film Festival returns with 91 films from more than 30 countries in its 15th year, in addition to conversations, performances, and community gatherings throughout the city. Kyle V. Hiller rounds up.
Previews
5 minute read