Summer is rapidly fading away, and the Philly arts and music scene it heating up to counter the cooler days that will soon be upon us.
While darkness and sweaters can feel foreboding, the bright side is fabulous entertainment is around the corner. And Halloween. Everyone loves Halloween.
Philly has three massive gay icons performing in the city before 2019 is over: Elton, Cher and Madonna. For the younger generation of queer music fans Tegan and Sara, King Princess and Todrick Hall are also bringing superstardom to Philadelphia for what are sure to be sold-out shows.
The musical award-winning, ticket-selling juggernaut that is “Hamilton” finally makes its Philly debut. We hope you landed tickets already, but if not, lots of other feel-good fare and intellectually stimulating stories are taking the stage in the city this fall.
In the latter part of 2019, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll dance and enjoy yourself. Buckle up and get your calendars out because here comes fall.
ART & LITERATURE
Ta-Nehisi Coates
The activist and author of “The Water Dancer” hosts a discussion, 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St.; 215-898-5552.
Hiker Trash
A book release and art exhibition by Sarah Kaizar, Sept. 27-Oct. 19 at Paradigm Gallery, 746 S. Fourth St.; 267-266-0073.
Debbie Harry
The Blondie singer hosts a discussion about her memoir “Fact It,” 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
Serena J. Bishop
The author of “Dreams” hosts a reading, 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; 215-923-2960.
Ulla-Stina Wikander
The Swedish artist’s exhibition coincides with CraftNOW Philadelphia, Oct. 25 at Paradigm Gallery, 746 S. Fourth St.; 267-266-0073.
Off The Wall: American Art to Wear
Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of works by mixed-media artists exploring nontraditional materials and methods to create adventurous, deeply imaginative works, Nov. 9-May 17, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway; 215-763-8100.
COMEDY
Luenell
The comedian seen in “Borat” performs Sept. 5-7 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.
Bianca Del Rio: It’s Jester Joke
The drag star and comedian performs, 8 p.m. Oct. 2 at Perelman Theater, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
Michael Ian Black
The comedian seen on “The State” performs Oct. 10-12 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; 215-496-9001.
Lewis Black
The comedian seen on “The Daily Show” performs Oct. 11-12 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
Roy Wood Jr.
The comedian seen on “The Daily Show” performs 9 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
Rocky Horror Drag Queen Show
A drag tribute to the cult classic film, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.; 215-606-6555.
Bollywood Dance Spectacular: Mystic India
The dance group performs 9 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
CLASS Women & Non-Binary Writing
Learn comedy writing and collaboration skills in a comfortable, encouraging space, Wednesday Oct. 16-Nov. 20 at Good Good Comedy Theater, 215 N. 11th St.; goodgoodcomedy.com/womennonbinary/.
Jennie Garth & Tori Spelling Live
The actresses from “90210” host a live event 9 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
DANCE
Suicide Girls: Blackheart Burlesque
The dark and alternative erotic dance group returns with its signature brand of entertainment, 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St.; 215-627-1332.
Don Quixote
The Pennsylvania Ballet performs the classic romantic piece, Oct. 10-20 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
Stars of American Ballet
The acclaimed dance company makes Philadelphia debut, Oct. 18-19 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble
Traditional West African dance and drumming take center stage, 8 p.m. Nov. 30 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
Nutcracker 1776
The Rock School for Dance Education brings a family-friendly holiday classic to life, Dec. 6-7 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
Xmas Philes
PHILADANCO performs a holiday-themed show, Dec. 12-14 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
MUSIC
Babymetal
The J-pop and metal band performs 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-309-0150.
B-52’s with Berlin and O.M.D.
The new-wave bands perform, 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave., 215-546-7900.
Adam Ant
The new-wave rock musician performs, 8 p.m. Sept. 20 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
A Night With Janis Joplin
A celebration of the music of the iconic singer, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
Flay
The pop singer and rapper performs 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at TLA, 334 South St.; 215-922-1011.
Hugh Jackman
The actor sings songs from his hit films 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Die Antwoord
The dance and rap duo performs 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at The Met, 858 N. Broad St.; [email protected].
Deep Purple
The classic rock band performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at Tower Theatre, 19 S. 69th St., Upper Darby; 610-352-2887.
The Melvins
The alternative rock band performs, 9 p.m. Oct. 12 at Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St.; 215-627-1332.
Greta Van Fleet
The retro rock band performs 8 p.m. Oct. 15-16 at The Met, 858 N. Broad St.; [email protected].
Philly POPS presents Nightmare Before Christmas
The orchestra performs the score to the stop-animated film, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25 at The Met, 858 N. Broad St.; [email protected].
Peter Hook and The Light
The New Order and Joy Division bassist performs 8:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.; 215-232-2100.
Helmet
The alternative hard rock band celebrates their 30th anniversary, 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.
Tegan and Sara
The out indie pop duo performs 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Keswick Theater, 291 N. Keswick Ave.; 215-572-7650.
Ruben Studdard Sings Luther Vandross
The R&B singer and “American Idol” alum performs 9 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa Event Center, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.; 609-317-1000.
Fleetwood Mac
The classic rock band performs 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
King Princess
The out singer performs 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-309-0150.
Brendan James
The out singer-songwriter performs 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St.; 215-222-1400.
Elton John
The iconic out singer-songwriter performs Nov. 8-9 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Todrick Hall: The Haus Party Tour
The out singer performs 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.; 215-309-0150.
Cher
The iconic singer and actress performs 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; 215-389-9543.
Madonna
The pop icon performs Dec. 7, 8 and 11 at The Met, 858 N. Broad St.; [email protected].
THEATER
Hamilton
The smash hit blockbuster musical makes its Philly debut, Aug. 27-Nov. 17 at Kimmel’s Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St. St.; 215- 923-1515.
Young Frankenstein: The Musical
Walnut Street Theatre presents the stage adaptation of Mel Brook’s classic comedy, Sept. 3-Oct. 20, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.
The Roommate
1812 Productions presents the comedy about two women in the 1950s sharing a house in Iowa and in need of a fresh start, Sept. 26-Oct. 20 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place; 215-592-9560.
Sugar Skull
A musical adventure based on the Dia de los Muerts celebration, 1 p.m. Sept. 28 at Harold Prince Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; 215-898-3900.
Matilda: The Musical
Media Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-winning musical based on the beloved character created by Roald Dahl, Oct. 2-27, 104 E. State St., Media; 610-891-0100.
Rent
The LGBT-centered musical about struggling to make it in New York during the AIDS crisis returns, Oct. 18-20 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
A Small Fire
Tony and Emmy Award winner Bebe Neuwirth stars in the play about a woman who mysteriously starts losing her senses, Oct. 18-Nov. 10 at Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St.; 215-985-0420.
Come From Away
The award-winning musical based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them, Oct. 22-Nov. 3 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
Just Call Me God: A Dictator’s Final Speech
John Malkovich stars in a one-man journey about power corrupting absolutely, 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 300 S. Broad St.; 215-893-1999.
Shrek: The Musical
Walnut Street Theatre presents the stage adaptation of the hit animated film about an ogre on a quest to rescue a princess, Nov. 5-Jan. 5, 825 Walnut St.; 215-574-3550.
Sunset Baby
Azuka Theatre presents a drama about the reunion of a former Black revolutionary and political prisoner and his estranged daughter, Nov. 6-24 at Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake, 302 S. Hicks St.; 215-563-1100.
Mean Girls
The musical based on the hit comedy film a vicious high school clique, Nov. 19-Dec. 1 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
This Is The Week That Is
1812 Productions presents the annual political satire stage show, Nov. 29-Jan. 5 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place; 215-592-9560.
The Spongebob Musical
The musical based on the popular kids show takes the audience to Bikini Bottom, Dec. 3-15 at Kimmel’s Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St. St.; 215- 923-1515.
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage
The animated classic comes to life on stage, Dec. 20-21 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
Broadway Philadelphia presents the holiday-themed circus arts show, Dec. 26-29 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; 215-790-5800.