Each month, we share our own calendars with YOU!

Welcome back to BSR in the Wild, our monthly subscribers-only tips on where our team is headed on the Philly scene this month. Let's get into it!

BSR team members at a June coworking day at Indy Hall. (Photo by Adam Teterus.)

FIND US

Party with the Critics: 20 Years of Broad Street Review
WHEN: Thursday, January 15, 6pm-9pm
WHERE: Indy Hall Clubhouse, 709 N. 2nd St, 3rd floor
WHY: It's time to celebrate 20 years of our beloved Broad Street Review! We'll have food and drinks, a silent auction, a performance by Philly Fringe favorite Chris Davis (of One-Man Nutcracker fame), and brief remarks from BSR leaders. Plus, we're going to receive a citation from City Council!

Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Ava Immel (left) attends the announcement of the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show theme, Growing a Nation, at Wyck House Farm and Garden in Philadelphia. Credit: Commonwealth Media Services

FIND NEIL

Pennsylvania Farm Show
WHEN: January 10-17
WHERE: Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
WHY: A quick Google search leads me to believe that BSR has never covered the Farm Show. I can think of several reasons for that. That said, I wanted to give a nod this month to Pennsylvania's state fair, with agricultural meet-and-greets and food from around the state. I'm hoping to meet a Valais Blacknose sheep and drink at least one milkshake. Plus, I'm a sucker for a butter sculpture.

FIND ALAINA

we come to collect: a flirtation with capitalism
WHEN: January 22-24
WHERE: Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg
WHY: This new show from Philly luminary Jenn Kidwell is part of a brand-new Winter-Spring 2026 Season at FringeArts. This show, written, co-directed, and performed by Kidwell, also features ASL artist Brandon Kazen-Maddox. It invites you “to roll in the pigsty of American consumerism,” with an “interrogation of capitalism” and the artists’ place in it, for “an unforgettable, all-inclusive trip into the heart of darkness.” I can’t wait.

Pitch Perfect with Alaina Johns
WHEN: February 11, 12-12:45pm
WHERE: Zoom
WHY: Philadelphia Public Relations Association has me lined up for a February behind-the-scenes conversation on successful pitching. I'll be chatting with Sarah Maiellano. Join us for this online event!

Neil's nod of the month

Poor Judge runs this month from Pig Iron and the Wilma. Cameron Kelsall will be reviewing it. Notably, the companies announced this week that Dito van Reigersberg, who conceived the show and has been lead performer, has to step away due to medical concerns. The team has thoughtfully put together a workaround despite the circumstances, with an all-star company including Pax Ressler soldiering on. Beautiful to see community members supporting each other and transparently explaining decision-making. All our best go out to Dito in the coming days of recovery.

It's been a doozy of a winter, locally and beyond. What have our local leaders been doing and how did they prepare for a local presence of federal government squads of terror? I looked back at a year ago and found coverage we ran of Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and Councilmember Rue Landau speaking at a Trump Preparedness Hearing. "Chilling effect" indeed. Stay safe and support each other.