10 of the best things to do in Philly this weekend and next week

Our calendar is updated every Thursday with the best events for the week. You can always find it at inquirer.com/calendar. Submit an event to our calendar here.

(Theater) Outside temperatures are screaming summer but this event will have you prepping for Halloween. Acrobats, illusionists, mysterious creatures, and more come together for a performance that blends circus with theater and cabaret. This paranormal experience is unlike any other big tent show you’ve seen. ($10-$50, Aug. 11-21, 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, black.cirqueitalia.com)

(Theater) Music, dance, and body positivity are on the agenda for this showcase. Burlesque performers and drag kings and queens all take the stage to highlight body inclusivity. Hosted at Tabu Lounge in the Gayborhood, this 21+ show is perfect for every body, so make sure you get tickets in advance. ($10, Aug. 12, 10 p.m. - midnight, 254 S. 12th St., eventbrite.com)

(Community) The only thing better than the zoo after dark? The zoo after dark with wine. Say hello to your favorite animals while sampling blends from local wineries. Plus you get to check out special zookeeper talks and join a giraffe feeding. A wine sampling, zoo admission, and meet and greets with the animals are included with each ticket. ($45, Aug. 12, 6-9 p.m., 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown, elmwoodparkzoo.org)

(Music) Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, an Arab arts and education group, is bringing the music at this summer concert. The lineup will feature Alsarah and the Nubatones, Rawan, and Sami Rahman. The event is hosted at Sunflower Philly, a community-based organization that provides access to art, music, and resources in North Philly. ($15-$20, Aug. 12, 5-7 p.m., 1725 N. 5th St., universitycity.org)

(Community) New Hope’s two-day car show is back and better than ever. Day one will feature domestic cars with makes and models from different eras. Day two will highlight foreign models from around the globe. Come look, but don’t touch, at some of the finest classic and antique automobiles. Proceeds benefit New Hope Helping, which funds community organizations. ($10, Aug. 13-14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., 180 W Bridge St., New Hope, newhopeautoshow.com)

(Community) Ready to refresh your plant stash? Bring your pots, seedlings, plants, growing mediums, and any other plant-related items you’d like to trade with other green thumbs. Whether you’re the best gardener on the block or a total novice, all are welcome to attend this free event. (Free, Aug. 13, noon-2 p.m., 5501 Germantown Ave., historicgermantownpa.org)

(Outdoors) Add a bit of healing restoration to your weekend plans with this walk through Tacony Creek Park. Storyteller Irma Gardner-Hammond will share stories focused on the community and environment you’re exploring and other artists will add in music, movement, and breath work. To show gratitude to nature for a healing afternoon, participants will take part in a trash cleanup in the park. (Free, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. - noon, Tabor Avenue, Gateway at Tabor and Olney Avenues, eventbrite.com)

(Community) This midweek pick-me-up is exactly the hump-day boost you need. This happy hour runs until midnight and is backed with drink specials, games, trivia, and more. Come ready to unwind and have a good time before the Thursday scaries kick in. (Free, Aug. 17, 5 p.m. - midnight, 6059 Woodland Ave., eventbrite.com/)

(Theater) The Villains are taking the stage in this outdoor musical produced by Yes! And... Collaborative Arts. Grab a blanket or chair, pack your favorite snacks, and come ready to sing along to a fun show. This event is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. (Free, Aug. 17-19, 6-7:10 p.m., 21 W. Washington Ln., yesandcamp.org)

(Theater) The iconic 1981 musical following the story of fictional singing trio The Dreams is coming to Malcolm X Park.Prep your voice to sing along to this musical’s famous soundtrack, inspired by the very best of Motown, the Supremes, James Brown, and more. (Free, Aug. 18, 7 p.m., 5100 Pine St., theatreinthex.com)