⚽ Post-World Cup blues? Fill that soccer-shaped void | Things to do

I’m not going to lie, I’m still recovering from Argentina’s loss and the end of the FIFA World Cup.

I watched Spain shutout the Lionel Messi-led team on the world stage, right next to five Spain fans at Old City Beer Garden. Their La Roja jerseys flew into the air, as they leaped from their seats like a weight-absorbed spring.

In the days that have seemed empty since, I’ve barely mustered up the energy to go looking for events and attractions happening in the region this weekend.

But like Spain’s late-game rally, I fought through the heart ache and delivered anyway. (I can at least get a point for that, right?). Let me know how you’re coping with your World Cup blues.

Read below to see what’s happening in the region.

Also in this week’s edition:

— Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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Jilly from Philly is coming home! After a brief but riveting performance at the One Philly Unity Concert for America stage on Independence Day, Jill Scott is coming home to North Philly.

In support of her new album, To Whom This May Concern, the iconic singer will headline four shows at the Met Philadelphia.

Her run begins Friday night, followed by a show on Saturday, July 27, and July 29.

Learn more from about her upcoming performances here.

🎵 The orchestra strikes a chord: Watch the classic, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, but with the Philadelphia Orchestra playing the soundtrack to the space epic at the Highmark Mann Center.

🎭 A love story across time: Experience the best-selling novel, turned beloved romance flick, on the theater stage. The Notebook is playing at the Academy of Music through Aug. 2.

👣 Do like the Romans: Walk the streets of South Philly before you dine. The Passyunk Passeggiata, inspired by the Roman tradition, invites folks to an evening stroll before they enjoy speciality food and drink deals.

🦈 Sip with the sharks: Head to the other side of the Delaware River for an undersea exploration, with a cocktail in hand. Adventure Aquarium’s Sunset with the Sharks offers views of the Philly skyline and the ocean’s apex predator.

📅 My calendar picks this week: Jazzing on Ridge Festival, Liberty Flea Market, and Arte en Las Calles. Here’s our full list for the week.

Former Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin’s two-night fundraising concert, Make The World Better Concert Weekend, launches at Dell Music Center on Friday.

The annual festival’s lineup includes acts such as Pavement and Ratboys on Friday, and Kurt Vile and the Violators on Saturday.

The proceeds will go toward Barwin’s Make the World Better Foundation, dedicated to improving local parks, rec centers, and playgrounds.

Learn more about MTWB Concert Weekend here.

🧵 A thread of history: Franklin Thread, a new 375-foot-long art installation, explores Benjamin Franklin’s foray into early agriculture. The flax-based thread was developed by Temple University professor Jeff Richards. It’s on view beginning this Thursday at Maya Park.

🎨 Colored Girls Museum is transformed: Renowned artist vanessa german’s new art show, “The House, The Oracle and the Table,” adorns the Colored Girls Museum’s first floor. It’s a three-piece exhibit in honor of the museum’s 10th birthday.

📚 From ‘micro bookshop’ to storefront: Little Yenta Books started as a pop-up shop at South Philly bars, but its new, expanded storefront boasts triple the number of titles – which means all the more fun for us book nerds.

🍲 South Philly bites: Feast on specialty bites and dining deals at 20 restaurants during Queen Village Restaurant Week. If you miss this week’s opening, don’t fret. The South Philly celebration lasts until Aug. 9.

Here’s pop music critic Dan Deluca’s list of the best concerts this weekend.

🪕 Thursday: Country star Tim McGraw, fresh off performing at Taylor Swift’s wedding (or so we think), will perform his timeless classics and recent singles at Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

🎸 Friday: Hannah Cohen, who released 2025’s Earthstar Mountain, is bringing her dreamy, pastoral collection to Wayne’s 118 North on Friday.

💃 Saturday: The Colombian superstar Shakira, who performed her global hit “Dai Dai” at the FIFA World Cup final, is dropping into the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday.

🎤 Saturday and Sunday: Electro-jam band Disco Biscuits is set to perform at King of Prussia’s Heuser Park Saturday and Sunday.

Check out the full concert list here.

North Philly’s Jill Scott says her favorite cheesesteak is at Ishkabibbles. How does she take it? (Here’s a hint: Fried onions is a must, and the rest is a delicious mess.)

A) Fried onions, whiz, mayo, hot sauce

B) Fried onions, provolone, relish

C) Fried onions, marinera, mozzarella, mustard and mayo

d) Fried onions, hot sauce, hot peppers, mayo

Here’s the answer to last week’s question: DJ and record producer Diplo largely grew up in Miami, but what local university did he graduate from? Answer: Temple University

Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

I got you. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

That’s all for this week’s edition, folks. Enjoy another weekend of theater, music festivals, restaurant specials, and interesting art installations.

– Earl Hopkins

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