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Elton John’s final Philadelphia show and four of the coolest things to do in Philadelphia in September

Whether you're celebrating the start of the theater and orchestra seasons or you'd rather opt for a night at a comedy club, we've got you covered.

English pop singer Elton John in a flamboyant stage outfit of white suit with feather trim and rhinestone encrusted glasses, circa 1973.
English pop singer Elton John in a flamboyant stage outfit of white suit with feather trim and rhinestone encrusted glasses, circa 1973.Read moreTerry O'Neill / Iconic Images
    by Zoe Bean
    Published 

Summer may be ending but Philadelphia's arts scene is as vibrant as ever. Whether you're celebrating the start of the theater and orchestra seasons or you'd rather opt for a night at a comedy club, we've got you covered. Start fall right with the five coolest things to do in Philly in September.

2018 NFL Kickoff Featuring Shawn Mendes

Thought you were done celebrating the Eagles' Super Bowl victory? Think again. The NFL will host its 2018 season kickoff event at Penn's Landing this year, in honor of last (and maybe this?) season's winners. And yes, you will also have a chance to see Shawn Mendes perform a free show. Stay to see the Vince Lombardi trophy up close and rewatch last year's Super Bowl victory, if you aren't over the win just yet.

10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 6, Penn's Landing. Free. nfl.com/kickoff.

Elton John

Sir Elton is playing his final shows in Philadelphia — Reginald Kenneth Dwight is retiring from the touring biz. Philadelphia is the second stop on his tour, after the kickoff in Allentown a few nights before.

8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, and Thursday, Sept. 13, Wells Fargo Center, 3600 S. Broad St., Sold out, ticketmaster.com

Drake

The rapper responsible for the arguable song of the summer "In My Feelings" is joined by rap trio Migos for a two-night stay at the Wells Fargo Center. Drake is one of many big names hitting the Wells Fargo, aside from Elton John, including Childish Gambino (Sept. 18) and Bruno Mars and Philly guys Boyz II Men (Sept. 19 and 20).

7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, & Sunday, Sept. 16, Wells Fargo Center, 3600 S. Broad St., Sold out Saturday; $49.50-$179.50 Sunday, wellsfargocenterphilly.com

O18

Opera Philadelphia's landmark festival returns for its second year. As always, look out for cutting-edge opera at venues around the city, including nontraditional opera spaces like the Barnes Foundation and the TLA. But for those looking to dip their toes into the fest, try the Opera on the Mall's free performance of last year's O17 entry We Shall Not Be Moved, about the MOVE bombing, on Sept. 29.

Sept. 20-30, various venues, 215-732-8400 operaphila.org 

 Chris D’Elia

This provocative comedian is well known for his 2017 Netflix special, Man on Fire, and now stars in NBC's Undateable.  His propensity for sarcastic, dark humor landed him the opportunity to roast Justin Bieber on Comedy Central, and now you can witness it live at the SugarHouse Casino.

10 p.m., Sept. 29, SugarHouse Casino. $39-49. (877) 477-3715, chrisdelia.com/#tour.