Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens just announced the lineup for its popular spring- and summer-long late-night soiree, Twilight in the Gardens. The first of the parties begins April 27.
Twilight in the Gardens takes place on the fourth Friday of every month, from April to October, giving guests a chance to experience the eclectic art space under the moonlight. The party gets going at 7pm, after all the tourist crowds shuffle out, and doesn’t stop till 10pm.
Each event features live music from area acts and a specific art workshop with a Philly-based artist. The musical lineup for Twilight in the Gardens 2018 includes Cape May singer-songwriter Avi Wisnia, Dover-based indie pop band Hoochi Coochi and Mixed People, which fuses rock and world music to create a repertoire of gritty new-age funk. Retroglyphs will supply tunes for the first Twilight in the Gardens, promising a fun mix of peppy tunes inspired by 1980s new wave.
On the workshop front: Learn how to make encaustic art—painting we heated beeswax—with Sandra Koberlein on April 27. Miranda Blas will show folks how to create found-object wind chimes in May and you can create macramé plant-holders with Zoe Ganslaw in August.
Besides all the activities, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens curators will also lead mini tours of the bedazzled art space, which include any special exhibitions. Or you could just bring a picnic, sit and enjoy the surroundings. Perhaps one of the best things about Twilight in the Gardens is its trademark BYOBBS (Bring Your Own Booze, Blanket, and Snacks) policy. Stop at a state store or bottle shop along the way, gather up some cheese and crackers and have yourself a late-night dinner under the stars. (Psst: It makes for a perfect date night.)
Photograph: Courtesy Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience in the area, keep in mind that Fabric Row in nearby Queen Village also hosts Fourth Friday events—when boutiques and galleries along the thoroughfare stay open late and host different sales and events (and dole out free drinks and snacks!). That usually gets going around 5pm, so you could easily head there before going to Twilight in the Gardens at 7.
Tickets to Twilight in the Gardens are $20, but students can get in for $16. Space is limited, so book early if you’re particularly interested in one of the evening lineups. Check out the full schedule below or go here for more info.
April 27
Performance by Retroglyphs
Encaustic Art with Sandra Koberlein
May 25
Performance by Avi Wisnia
Found-Object Wind-chimes with Miranda Blas
June 22
Performance by Hoochi Coochi
Embroidery with Emily Coleman of Butcher’s Sew Shop
July 27
Performance by Mixed People
Retro Paper-Dolls with Caroline Oddo
August 24
Performance by Noggin Hill
Macramé Plant-Holders with Zoe Ganslaw
September 28
Performance by Trip Hop Jazz Project
Printmaking with Layla Ehsan
October 26
Performance by Andrea Nardello
Jar Lanterns with Meg Bowersox
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