What Now: 2026 - Opening Party

OUR OPENING PARTY IS NOW SOLD OUT! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS THE EVENT OF THE SEASON!!

What Now: 2026’s Opening Party sets the tone for our five-week, citywide multidisciplinary festival — a celebration of the artists, ideas, and creative energy shaping Philadelphia right now.

ArtPhilly has partnered with The Infatuation Philly in two major ways. Alongside five Bite-Sized Guides designed to help festivalgoers find the perfect meal between shows in each festival district, they’ve also curated the menu for our opening party — bringing together some of Philly’s newest favorites and most iconic restaurants. Enjoy bites from Sang Kee Peking Duck House, Paffuto, Dance Robot, and Emmett.*

Meanwhile, Scout’s Frankie’s Summer Club will be in full swing, serving seasonal wines, beers, specialty cocktails — including their beloved espresso martini machine — and a soft-serve menu that feels like the official start of summer. General Admission comes with two drink tickets for anything on the Frankie’s beverage menu, and then treat yourself to the cash bar.

And finally, we’ve asked our artists to do something bold: take the night off and simply enjoy themselves. We invited them to share who they turn to for inspiration and entertainment, and their answers shaped the evening’s lineup. The result is a night of performances by artists’ favorite artists — spanning jazz, hip hop, soul, funk, and plenty in between.

*Emmett will be available during early entry and while supplies last.