If you looking for something fun and unusual to do this weekend, we’ve got you covered. You can play games and listen to rapping comics (or comic rappers) at MTV’s Wild N’ Out live showcase, you can check out comedian Dan Soder, you can dream along to the classic R&B of Stevie Wonder. Here are the best things to do in Philly this weekend.
Things to do in Philly this weekend
COMEDY
Dan Soder
When you see his face, you’ll recognize Dan Soder from Showtime’s serious money series “Billions.” Yet, when you hear his voice and dig his act, you’ll recall him as the snarky guy from MTV2’s “Guy Code,” or as co-host of SiriusXM’s “The Bonfire” with Big Jay Oakerson, or Robert Kelly’s “You Know What Dude” podcast. Oh yeah…that Dan Soder.
Aug. 23-25, sets starting at 7:30 p.m., Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St., $17+, philadelphia.heliumcomedy.com
FOOD & DRINK
Philly’s Classic Cook-Off presented by Budweiser
This cook-off of favored, casual Philly fare – certainly cheesesteaks and Scrapple are in there – is promised to feature many culinary twists from its participating chefs at Revolution Taco, SliCE and Mad Rex.
Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m., The Piazza, 1001 N 2nd St. $40, livepiazza.com/events
Fonthill Castle Beer Fest
A castle in Doylestown (that town has more than a few) welcomes brewers and chefs from around the country to present 35+ craft beers and aptly tasty food pairings.
Aug. 25, 2 p.m., Fonthill Castle, 525 E. Court St., Doylestown, $25+, mercermuseum.org/event/fonthill-castle-beer-fest
MUSIC
Espers
Philadelphia’s long lost psychedelic folk act of the 2000s took a break in 2009, after three gauzy albums and Eps, only to return this week for their ever reunion. Glorious stuff.
Aug. 24, 8:30 p.m., Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St. $25+, utphilly.com
Nick Cannon Presents Wild N’ Out Live
The man who created the 13 year old MTV-based mix of improvisational sketch comedy, rappers and game playing with a social media twist, brings it all to the stage of the Wells Fargo.
Aug. 23, 7 p.m., Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. $31+, NickCannonWildnOutLive.com
Stevie Wonder
The legendary one-man-band of R&B – really, Prince before there was a Prince – brings a jukebox’s worth of soul smashes from the 60s to the 2000s to the shore.
Aug. 25-26, 8 p.m, The Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, $195+, TheBorgata.com
Luann de Lesseps’ #CountessAndFriends
The Real Housewives of New York’s hostess with the moistest tells stories of her wild life – past and present – while singing old songs and new, with lyrics she’s penned.
Aug. 24, 9 p.m, The Borgata, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, $55+, TheBorgata.com
Jeff Lynne’s ELO
Expect lots of violin strings, Beatles-ish pop and a large spaceship hanging over the proceedings for this electric light orchestra show.
Aug. 24, 8 p.m., Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St., WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com
FILM
“Papillon”
The beardo motorcycle guy from “Sons of Anarchy” (Charlie Hunnam) joins forces with the Freddy Mercury dude from “Mr. Robot” (Remi Malek) for a remake of a Steve McQueen/Dustin Hoffman prison escape film. Fun.
Opens Aug. 24, Ritz Five, 214 Walnut St. prices vary, landmarktheatres.com/philadelphia/ritz-five
FAMILY
Citadel Country Spirit USA in the Brandywine Valley
Country cousins such as Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Jake Owen and Alabama may appear on stage, but this new three-day festival is geared toward gathering up mom, dad and the kids and enjoying the fruits and sights of the Valley’s lush greenery.
Aug. 24-26, noon, 5 Nantmeal Road, Glenmoore, $89+, countryspiritusa.com
