📽️ Happy 15th birthday, BlackStar | Things to do

Good news! I have somehow avoided being eaten by the polka-dotted lanternflies that have swarmed our city to deliver this week’s Things To Do Newsletter.

Here’s the best of what’s happening this week:

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

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The BlackStar Film Festival, one of the nation’s premier showcases for filmmakers of color, returns for its 15th annual celebration.

This year’s lineup includes 91 films from filmmakers from over 30 countries.

Along with showcasing the work of first-time directors and veteran storytellers, there will be wellness sessions, seminars, panel discussions, and after-hours events starting Thursday.

My colleague Elizabeth Wellington and I wrote all about it.

Check out the full schedule and grab your screening passes here.

🦹🏽‍♂️ Nerd out at Liberty Comic Con: Comic book and anime lovers, rejoice! You will have access to your favorite voice actors, artists, cosplayers, and a wide range of vendors all weekend long at Liberty Comic Con.

🪲 A bug’s life: Stop by the Academy of Natural Sciences to celebrate insect biodiversity at Bug Fest 2026. Through Sunday, guests can mingle with bug enthusiasts and researchers, and watch a real-life roach race in action.

🌻 Let your curiosity blossom: At Linvilla Orchards, bask in the beauty of the bright yellow daisy at Sunflower Festival. Guests can pick their own blooms and enjoy delicacies like peach pie, fresh cider, roasted sweet corn, and more summertime treats.

📅 My calendar picks this week: Wine Safari at Elmwood Park Zoo, Nicetown 24th Annual Giveback Community Festival, America’s 250th celebration in Newtown. Here’s our full list for the week.

Top WWE superstars will be throwing elbows, leaping from turnbuckles, and tossing tables, ladders, and chairs this Friday.

Watch top-end performers Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill, CM Punk, and Rhea Ripley at the center of the action at Xfinity Mobile Arena. This South Philly rumble might get messy. (And we hope it does).

Grab your tickets to catch these world-renowned wrestlers in action.

🍻 Need First Friday plans?: Elfreth’s Alley and 48 Record Bar are teaming up for a free garden party this Friday. The 8 Record Bar Garden Party will include a night of delicious cocktails, a pop-up vinyl market, and DJ sets.

🖼️ A spiritual quest through time: It’s your last chance to witness “A World in the Making: The Shakers,” an exhibition centered on the legacy of Rebecca Cox Jackson, the founder of the only Black-led Shaker community. The exhibition is on view at West Philly’s Institute of Contemporary Art through Sunday.

🍴 A deal you can’t refuse: Center City District is offering new summertime lunch specials ranging from $10-20. Participating restaurants include Pruenlla, Darling Jack’s Tavern, Dolce Italian, Hard Rock Cafe, and other dining spots.

🏮 Celebrate the Year of the Horse: There are less than two weeks left to enjoy the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an illuminated Franklin Square, which wraps for the year on Aug. 16.

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

🎤 Thursday: The Isley Brothers, led by soul and R&B maestro Ronald Isley, now 85, will take the stage at Dell Music Center. Stephanie Mills and Breakwater open.

🎸 Friday: Billy Idol, a forthcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, I might add, is teaming up with Devo to perform at the Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton on Friday night.

🕺🏼 Sunday: Former Disney Channel Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff is on tour for her first album in 11 years. She’s joined by Jade LeMac and La Roux for her “Lucky Me” tour stop at TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann.

Check out Dan’s full concert list here.

Before filmmaker Maori Karmael Holmes founded BlackStar Film Festival, what other festival did she help develop in Philly?

A) Black Orchid Film Festival

B) Black Lily Film & Music Festival

C) Black Rose Film & Music Fest

D) None of the above

Here’s the answer to last week’s question: With LeBron James’ arrival, NBA Championship hopes are now abound. Most Sixers fans know the last time the team captured a chip, but what year was the first? Answer: 1967

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

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

Philly, you’re in for a cinematic weekend. Grab a bucket of popcorn and catch a screening at BlackStar. You won’t want to miss the action.

– Earl Hopkins

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