The BSR Weekly Arts and Culture Roundup, July 24-30, 2025

Wrapping up July this week are a variety of shows, screenings, and exhibitions. Relaunching Mars from Yes! And... Collaborative Arts' tells a story from a planet far away, and I Think It Could Work uses contemporary circus to ask what in our lives happens by chance or on purpose. The exhibition Inked Impressions etches the story of a revival as it comes to a close, and Opera Philadelphia continues to deconstruct the art form at the Rodin Museum.

Stay cool, Philly!

Inked Impressions
Through July 27, 2025
Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE

Inked Impressions: Etchings in the Age of Whistler, tells the story of the etching revival in France, Britain, and the US in the second half of the 19th century. Printmaking enthusiasts, it’s your last chance to check out this exhibition—it closes on July 27!

Relaunching Mars
July 23-25, 6pm
Holman Field, 21 West Washington Lane, Philadelphia

Yes! And… Collaborative Arts’ Summer Sort of Thing presents: Relaunching Mars, Same Space, New Place. Set in the year 3055, people have left the Earth and have landed in the hottest town in space: the Sandy Pit. Located in the wild western part of Mars boasts freedom, custom printing, and delicious marsburgers before everything goes awry as everything the Earthlings have worked for falls into jeopardy.

Reid Davenport's LIFE AFTER
Thursday, July 24, 7pm
Philadelphia Film Society, 400 Ranstead Street

Disabled filmmaker Reid Davenport looks into the legacy of Elizabeth Bouvia—a disabled California woman who, at 26, sought “the right to die”—in this documentary film screening in Philly this week. Through interviews and archival materials, LIFE AFTER remembers the national debate around Bouvia’s 1983 case.

I Think It Could Work
Thursday, July 24, 7pm
FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard

What in our lives happens by chance and what can we make happen on purpose? Heartbreak, mistakes, and consequences are at the heart of this contemporary circus performance, weaving together partner acrobatics, juggling, handstands, physical storytelling, and input from the audience.

Opera, Deconstructed
Friday, July 25, 6:30pm
Rodin Museum Garden Bar, 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Opera Philadelphia hosts a concert at the Rodin Garden Bar this Friday. The second in this series, each evening will delve into a distinct musical element of opera that brings it to life.

Royal Rummage Sidewalk Sale
July 25-27, 11am-6pm
8000 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue

The Royal Rummage Sidewalk Sale returns to Chestnut Hill this weekend. Over three days, storekeepers will line the sidewalks will have tables with merchandise available for purchase—with surely many deals to capitalize on. See a full list of participants here.

Franklin Square’s 19th birthday celebration
Saturday, July 26, 10am-12pm
Franklin Square, 200 North 6th Street

Come out and celebrate 19 years of Franklin Square with a free family-friendly party. Crafts, music, a scavenger hunt, storytime, temporary tattoos, and more are in tow for this year’s birthday.

Queer Comics Club
Saturday, July 26, 11am
Philadelphia City Institute, 1905 Locust Street

Swing by for an afternoon meeting of this book club exploring graphic novels and manga centering queer stories and voices. The club is open to all ages.

Megan Bridge: Widening the Circle
July 28-31, 9:30am-3:30pm
FringeArts, 140 North Columbus Boulevard

This four day intensive workshop is an invitation into movement, mindfulness, and presence, helmed by choreographer and performer Megan Bridge. Drawing on decals-long investigations into bodywork, somatics, dancing improv, and her own dancing practice, Bridge hopes students will heighten perception and use all their senses to access their own phenomenological experience. Formal dance training is not required.