Left to right: Paul Scheb, Kendall Arrington, Minou Pourshariati, Cassandra Alexander, Dawn McCall, Brittany Onukwugha, Christina M. Segarra, Katie Frazer. (Photo by Samuel Vargas)

Shakespeare in Clark Park (SCP) is returning for its 21st season with an inventive, boundary-pushing production of Hamlet. Presented in creative partnership with Revolution Shakespeare, this free outdoor show re-envisions one of theater’s most enduring tragedies through a highly collaborative, contemporary lens.

The production will run nightly from Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, August 2 at 7 p.m. in the Bowl at Clark Park (45th and Chester). In the event of inclement weather, performances move indoors to Plays & Players Theatre (1714 Delancey St.) If skies are threatening but it is not raining after 5 p.m., call 215-764-5345 for status updates. You can also check real-time notices on the Shakespeare in Clark Park Facebook Page or their Instagram Profile.

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The West Philly-based Black theatre company, Theatre in the X, is returning to Malcolm X Park with its summer production of Fraternity, a thought-provoking drama by acclaimed playwright Jeff Stetson.

With performances running August 21 – 24, Fraternity brings together a dynamic cast featuring titans of Philadelphia stage and screen, including Brian Anthony Wilson, and rising young talent. The show examines urgent questions about power, legacy, and what it means to be a Black man in America.

“At a time when divisions seem sharper than ever, Fraternity challenges us to confront the tensions within our own communities — and to imagine what real unity might require,” said director and Theatre in the X leader Eric Carter. “Theatre in the X is proud to bring this urgent, thought-provoking work to life in the heart of West Philly, where Black stories deserve to be seen, heard, and wrestled with in public space.”
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It’s hard to believe it but Movies in Clark Park, one of the most popular summer neighborhood events, is turning 10 this year. The event debuted in 2015 and since then has welcomed thousands of neighbors who enjoyed free screenings of family favorites, cult classics, and blockbuster hits under the stars at Clark Park’s “Bowl”.

The event is returning this Friday, Aug. 1 with a special 10th anniversary program featuring popular movies released in 1985, 1995, 2005. and 2015. The event kicks off with a screening of The Goonies (1985). Here’s the full program:

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The popular local theatre company, Shakespeare in Clark Park, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and inviting West Philly residents and guests to the park’s “Bowl” July 23-27 for the world premiere of “A Bottom’s Dream,” a “bold and joyful” musical interpretation of the classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The new show is a queer pop disco adaptation of the play starring Philly drag icon Lili St. Queer. It also features a Barrymore-studded cast (see below) and a Youth Ensemble of local performers. “A Bottom Dream” features original music blending Chappell Roan, Donna Summer, and Daft Punk vibes.

The adaptation is created by Richard Rodgers Award winner Jay Eddy, a composer, writer, performer, and sound artist, and directed by Shamus. Music direction is by Beatrice Quinn and choreography is by Jessy Gruver.

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Here’s a roundup of some events scheduled to take place in West and Southwest Philadelphia as part of the annual Juneteenth celebration. The annual Juneteenth Parade, which starts in West Fairmount Park and concludes at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine), will take place on Sunday, June 22. Here are more details about this and other events where you can celebrate and commemorate this historic holiday.

Juneteenth Celebration at West Philadelphia YMCA (5120 Chestnut St)

Thursday, June 19, 5-7 p.m.

The celebration at the West Philadelphia YMCA will feature a presentation on the history of Juneteenth, arts & crafts, a family Zumba & African Dance class, spoken word performance and more. The event is free and open to the community. No registration/membership is required. Go here for more details.

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Film still from Rashaad Newsome’s Assembly, the Closing Night feature film of Under the Stars 2025. Courtesy of The Film Collaborative.

UPDATE: The opening night has been postponed to Saturday, May 24 and changed location. It will take place indoors at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (801 S. 48th St), beginning at 6:30 p.m. Follow cinéSPEAK on Instagram for updates.

The 5th annual independent film festival, Under the Stars at Clark Park, is returning to 43rd and Chester this Friday, May 23. Every Friday through June 13, cinéSPEAK will present city premieres of independent films from around the world, live music from local artists, viral food pop-ups (including Manna Bakery and Darnel’s Cakes), and more.

This year’s program includes six Philadelphia premieres and a special repertory screening of legendary Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman’s It Must Be Heaven, which makes one of its first U.S. appearances since its festival tour in 2019, and live musical performances in honor of West Philly Porchfest 2025. This year’s themes include Palestinian cultural preservation, Indigeneity and environmental stewardship, and Black and queer liberatory futures.

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