Student and Group Performance Venues in Philadelphia
Date
May 15, 2024
Let Philadelphia set the stage for your student group’s next unforgettable performance.
From the streets the nation’s Founders walked to historic halls of discovery, unique venues for groups in Philadelphia offer an unforgettable journey through time, blending the city’s rich heritage with a contemporary pulse. Below are just a few of the performance venue options available around the city.
Independence National Historical Park
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 1 N. Independence Mall
Perform with one America’s most important historical sites as the backdrop. School bands, orchestras, choruses, and other groups can perform for park visitors at Independence National Historical Park. Groups can perform outside of Independence Hall and the President’s House by obtaining a special event permit directly from the park. The permit holder can be either the commercial tour company or the leader of the music group. There’s even a convenient loading area on 5th Street for buses, and electricity is available for hassle-free setups and breakdowns.
Independence National Historical Park includes the President’s House, the Liberty Bell Pavilion and Independence Hall. People’s Plaza, on left side of Independence Mall, is available for performances. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Betsy Ross House
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 239 Arch St
The Betsy Ross House is the home of Philadelphia’s famous flag-maker, located in the heart of historic Old City. Adjacent to the historic house is a beautiful brick and stone courtyard perfect for intimate performances. Groups can perform in the shaded north side of the courtyard to an audience of Betsy Ross House visitors. There is a performance fee of $75, with a 50-person maximum. Equipment available includes a stage, 35 chairs, a sound system with microphone, and a screen (equipment rental fees may apply). To schedule a performance, interested parties can contact group sales at the Betsy Ross House.
Photo by M. Kennedy for Historic Philadelphia.
Franklin Square Park
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 200 N 6th St
Designated as one of William Penn’s original squares, Franklin Square is now a family-friendly park located just steps away from the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center. The park’s open lawn space features picturesque backdrop views of the vintage marble fountain, Parx Liberty Carousel, and Philly Mini Golf. There is a performance fee of $75, with a 125-person maximum. Rentable equipment available includes 80 chairs, a sound system with a microphone, projector, and a screen. Contact their group sales department to make Franklin Square the backdrop of your Philadelphia performance.
Photo by J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia.
The Franklin Institute
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Address: 222 N 20th St
The Franklin Institute welcomes performance requests from both bands and choirs. Performances can be scheduled for most weekdays, with space for up to 75 performers in the beautiful Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Hall. The hall features a 20-foot, 30-ton statue of the Founder beneath a gorgeous 1600-ton domed ceiling modeled after Rome’s Pantheon. Chairs and electricity are available for performing groups.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)
Neighborhood: Convention Center District
Address: 118-128 N Broad St
The first art school and museum in the country, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) offers the John and Richanda Rhoden Arts Center for performing groups. This 15,000-square-foot facility is located on the lower level of PAFA’s Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building. The Arts Center comprises a 265-seat auditorium equipped with professional-grade technology for lighting, sound, and projection. The rentable space can accommodate music and dance performances, as well as lectures, film screenings, and other events. Throughout your event, a professional theater manager is on-site to manage the experience.
Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA).
Shops at Liberty Place
Neighborhood: Convention Center District
Address: 1625 Chestnut St
At the base of the neo-Deco One Liberty Place lies the grand Rotunda at the Shops at Liberty Place. This distinguished dome is available for rentals and public performances. The Rotunda has hosted various performances, from traditional orchestras to a chin-up contest for the Army-Navy Game. Groups who are interested in performing in the Rotunda can complete an application form online.
The Army-Navy Game Pep Rally at the Shops at Liberty Place Rotunda. Photo by A. Sinagoga for PHLCVB.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave
Once the most famous prison in the world, today Eastern State Penitentiary looks at the legacy of criminal justice reform. Performances are booked at the discretion of Eastern State Penitentiary, are based on availability, and can only be hosted outside. The opportunity to perform is available only to groups that are scheduled to visit for group tours. While at the historic site, groups can take the music tour that explores how music plays a role in prisons past and present.
Photo courtesy of Eastern State Penitentiary.
Visit our group tour page to find more resources for planning your group’s trip to Philadelphia. For more options and for other group travel assistance, contact the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
