The Aspen Tree Pop-In at SHIFT
market
The Aspen Tree takes over a corner of the Narberth refill shop for the first two weeks of September. Browse during shop hours, Tuesday to Sunday. The store is closed on Mondays.
What's happening in Ardmore
11 things on this weekend, 167 on the calendar, plus 1 running now.
On the calendar
-
This weekend
- Sep 1–13 The Aspen Tree Pop-In at SHIFT
- Fri Sep 4 Controla Friday at Pivot Ballroom
- Fri Sep 4 Jug Carver, Jonny Alba, Ben D Straw and Steven Singer
- Fri Sep 4 Elsewhere, the Mountain Opening Talk and Reception
- Fri Sep 4 First Friday at Mavey Books
- Fri Sep 4 Damn the Torpedoes: A Tribute To Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
- Sat Sep 5 Resolver, Chiseled Lilies, Palinoia and Opossom
- Sat Sep 5 Los Besos Milonguita
- Sat Sep 5 Unplug and Play
- Sun Sep 6 We Are Skeletons
- Sun Sep 6 Philly Tribute to the Clash: London Calling
-
More coming up
- Mon Sep 7 Skarlette Roxx, Snow White and Manticore
- Mon Sep 7 Monday Samba and Foxtrot at Pivot Ballroom
- Tue Sep 8 Coffee & Conversation at Char & Stave
- Tue Sep 8 Arboretum Volunteer Session
- Wed Sep 9 Music Playgroup
- Wed Sep 9 VCAMbient
- Wed Sep 9 Seven Stars Sharpening Pop-Up at SHIFT
- Wed Sep 9 Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Wed Sep 9 Nadia's Book Club: Communion
- Wed Sep 9 Houseplant Care Basics at Plant 4 Good
- Wed Sep 9 Wednesday Argentine Tango at Pivot Ballroom
- Thu Sep 10 The Forest Room
- Thu Sep 10 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Sep 10 Artists Equity: The Big Works Show Opening Reception
- Thu Sep 10 Glass on Glass Mosaic Butterfly Workshop
- Thu Sep 10 DeVotchKa performs Little Miss Sunshine
- Fri Sep 11 Ballroom Dance Party at Pivot
- Fri Sep 11 Revolution of '87
- Fri Sep 11 Sensory Fun: Playdoh Monsters
- Fri Sep 11 John Craigie
- Sat Sep 12 Cold Pheet, Bars, Kick Stand Dismount and Lonesome Crow
- Sat Sep 12 West Coast Swing Social
- Sat Sep 12 Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival
- Sun Sep 13 Melodramatic, Nylon Ghost and Micro Girl
- Sun Sep 13 Jason Douglas Griffin reads Be The Acorn
- Sun Sep 13 Beginner Stained Glass at Plant 4 Good
- Mon Sep 14 Distinguished Visitors Talk: Mariano Garcia-Blanco
- Mon Sep 14 BVTLive! Wedding Band Showcase
- Mon Sep 14 Monday Samba and Foxtrot at Pivot Ballroom
- Sep 15 – Oct 4 Stephanie's Sewn Goods at SHIFT
- Tue Sep 15 One Book, One Lower Merion with Harlan Coben
- Tue Sep 15 Main Line Networking: Mix at Six Live
- Tue Sep 15 Fantasy Book Club: Assassin's Apprentice
- Tue Sep 15 Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote
- Wed Sep 16 Music Playgroup
- Wed Sep 16 VCAMbient at Haverford College
- Wed Sep 16 Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Wed Sep 16 Jervis Campbell
- Thu Sep 17 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Sep 17 Distinguished Visitors Talk: Zachary Levenson
- Thu Sep 17 Introduction to Houseplant Propagation
- Thu Sep 17 M. Gessen on the Politics of the Past and Politics of the Future
- Thu Sep 17 Philly Loves Wilco: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 25th Anniversary
- Fri Sep 18 Controla Friday at Pivot Ballroom
- Fri Sep 18 Shambolic, KMX Band, Smellco, The Wrong Band and Effusion 35
- Fri Sep 18 Whitney
- Sat Sep 19 Caesarean, Distant Dominion, Chopped Up, Slice and Spectral Spectrum
- Sat Sep 19 Divertida Milonga
- Sat Sep 19 Fall Building Fun
- Sat Sep 19 English Village at 100: A Centennial Walking Tour
- Sat Sep 19 Tophouse
- Sun Sep 20 Damien Jurado
- Tue Sep 22 Arboretum Volunteer Session
- Tue Sep 22 Pokey LaFarge
- Wed Sep 23 Music Playgroup
- Wed Sep 23 Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Wed Sep 23 Paul Cauthen
- Thu Sep 24 Open Jam with The Basement Apes and Mike Chevalier
- Thu Sep 24 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Sep 24 Fiction Book Club: Contrapposto
- Thu Sep 24 The Milk Carton Kids
- Sat Sep 26 Deep Dive Diva Radio Show and Live Bands
- Sat Sep 26 Cooking Class: Ayurveda and Eating with the Seasons
- Sat Sep 26 David Uosikkinen's In The Pocket
- Sun Sep 27 Katie Pruitt
- Tue Sep 29 Fastball and Spacehog
- Wed Sep 30 Music Playgroup
- Wed Sep 30 Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Wed Sep 30 Cozy Craft Night
- Wed Sep 30 Matchbox 30: Yourself or Someone Like You 30th Anniversary
- Thu Oct 1 Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
- Fri Oct 2 Instinct
- Fri Oct 2 Watercolor in the Garden
- Fri Oct 2 Karina Rykman
- Sat Oct 3 Mid Rats
- Sat Oct 3 Lower Merion Clean Up Weekend
- Sat Oct 3 Unplug and Play
- Sun Oct 4 Lower Merion Clean Up Weekend
- Sun Oct 4 The Little Mermen and The Princess Pals: Disney Tribute Band
- Tue Oct 6 Arboretum Volunteer Session
- Tue Oct 6 White Denim
- Wed Oct 7 First Wednesday Book Club
- Wed Oct 7 Rock The Pink: Members of Moe., Disco Biscuits, Goose and String Cheese Incident
- Thu Oct 8 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Oct 8 KRS-One
- Fri Oct 9 Superunknown: Chris Cornell Tribute
- Sat Oct 10 Anything with a Plug: Electronics Recycling Day
- Sat Oct 10 Splintered Sunlight: Grateful Dead Tribute
- Sun Oct 11 Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
- Sun Oct 11 The Frightfully Fun Fundraiser
- Mon Oct 12 Philly Music Fest 2026, Night One
- Tue Oct 13 Coffee & Conversation at Char & Stave
- Tue Oct 13 Philly Music Fest 2026, Night Two
- Wed Oct 14 Mark Winters
- Wed Oct 14 Nadia's Pick: The Things We Never Say
- Wed Oct 14 BALTHVS
- Thu Oct 15 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Oct 15 Jerry's Middle Finger: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia Band
- Fri Oct 16 Tree Canopy Conference
- Fri Oct 16 BoomBox
- Sat Oct 17 Ardmore Day
- Sat Oct 17 Drag Brunch HalloKween
- Sat Oct 17 Stephen Day
- Sun Oct 18 Undefeated
- Tue Oct 20 Arboretum Volunteer Session
- Tue Oct 20 Fantasy Book Club: Dungeon Crawler Carl
- Wed Oct 21 Jen Howard
- Wed Oct 21 The Brothers Comatose
- Thu Oct 22 Seeing Snakes and Troublebound
- Thu Oct 22 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Oct 22 Mike Dawes
- Thu Oct 22 Fiction Book Club: The Renovation
- Fri Oct 23 Perlin Noise
- Fri Oct 23 Sensory Fun: Real Mini Pumpkin Candle and Craft
- Fri Oct 23 The Legwarmers: The Ultimate 80s Tribute Band
- Sun Oct 25 Ashes Reign, Out of Darkness and AS-33
- Sun Oct 25 Skeleton Crewe Quintet
- Mon Oct 26 Midnight Release Party: A Court of Thorns and Roses 6
- Tue Oct 27 Daylight Release Party: A Court of Thorns and Roses 6
- Wed Oct 28 Cozy Craft Night
- Thu Oct 29 Halloween Open Jam with Charlyanne
- Thu Oct 29 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Fri Oct 30 Have Fun Don't Die
- Fri Oct 30 Built To Spill, Night One
- Sat Oct 31 Built To Spill, Night Two
- Sun Nov 1 Willi Carlisle and East Nash Grass
- Wed Nov 4 First Wednesday Book Club
- Wed Nov 4 Nadia's Book Club: Sophie, Standing There
- Wed Nov 4 Hiss Golden Messenger
- Thu Nov 5 Revolution of '87, The Moshfits and Whiplash Smile
- Thu Nov 5 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Nov 5 Donna The Buffalo and Assembly of Dust
- Fri Nov 6 Eggy, Night One
- Sat Nov 7 Mr. Unloved
- Sat Nov 7 Matinee Show with Meraki
- Sat Nov 7 Eggy, Night Two
- Sun Nov 8 Cyan Xavier, Lash Out, Micor Girl and Emo Spacebird
- Sun Nov 8 Artisan Holiday Market
- Tue Nov 10 Coffee & Conversation at Char & Stave
- Tue Nov 10 Daniel Lanois Trio
- Thu Nov 12 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Nov 12 Joy Oladokun
- Fri Nov 13 Smarty Pants and Dukes of Overbrook
- Fri Nov 13 Sensory Fun: Fall Leaves and Tissue Paper Candle Jar
- Fri Nov 13 John Scofield's Electrospective
- Sat Nov 14 23rd Annual Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition Opening Reception
- Sun Nov 15 John Scofield's Electrospective, Second Night
- Wed Nov 18 The Breaks: Eddie Roberts, Robert Walter and Stanton Moore
- Thu Nov 19 Open Jam with The Center City Pickers
- Thu Nov 19 Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Thu Nov 19 Empty Bowls Fundraiser
- Fri Nov 20 Paula Cole
- Sat Nov 21 Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers
- Wed Nov 25 Cozy Craft Night
- Sat Nov 28 Boat House Row: Yacht Rock Experience
- Sun Nov 29 Buko Boys
Controla Friday at Pivot Ballroom
arts
Controla takes the floor on the first and third Fridays of the month at the Lancaster Avenue studio. Latin social dancing on a proper ballroom floor rather than a cleared corner of a bar.
Jug Carver, Jonny Alba, Ben D Straw and Steven Singer
live music
Four acts on the Haverford Road stage, Jug Carver through Steven Singer. The Nail has booked original bands on Friday and Saturday nights for seventy-odd years and shows no sign of stopping.
Elsewhere, the Mountain Opening Talk and Reception
arts
Curator Lauren McCardel and painter Hee Sook Kim talk through her rework of Cezanne's mountain in Korean symbols and beadwork, then the reception opens the show. Listed as open to the general public.
First Friday at Mavey Books
community
Two hours of browsing on the first Friday of the month at the Cricket Avenue shop, and any purchase over $45 comes with a free reader galley. One per customer, so choose well.
Damn the Torpedoes: A Tribute To Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
live music
Tom Petty songs played straight by a long running tribute band. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. The room is on East Lancaster Avenue, a short walk from the Ardmore train station.
Resolver, Chiseled Lilies, Palinoia and Opossom
live music
Four band Saturday at the Nail, all original material. A small stage on Haverford Road with a long habit of booking bands nobody else will.
Los Besos Milonguita
arts
The first-Saturday tango night at Pivot, one of three milongas on the studio's September calendar. Argentine tango classes run Wednesdays here, so the floor knows what it is doing.
Unplug and Play
kids
Two hours of hands on, screen free activities for kids in the bookshop. No sign up, just turn up. The shop is on Haverford Station Road, a few minutes from downtown Ardmore.
We Are Skeletons
live music
We Are Skeletons take the Sunday slot at the Nail, the Haverford Road room that calls its Sunday night just chillin' and still puts a band on the stage.
Philly Tribute to the Clash: London Calling
live music
Four Philly bands split up the Clash catalogue for one early Sunday show. Doors 5:45, music at 6, 21 and over.
Skarlette Roxx, Snow White and Manticore
live music
Three bands on Labor Day night. Mondays are usually dark at the Nail, so a holiday bill of Skarlette Roxx, Snow White and Manticore is the rare reason to point the car at Haverford Road.
Monday Samba and Foxtrot at Pivot Ballroom
arts
Drop-in ballroom on Monday nights through September, samba at 7:45 and foxtrot at 8:30. No partner needed and no sign-up, twenty dollars at the door or a card of ten for $150.
Coffee & Conversation at Char & Stave
community
The Ardmore Business Association takes over Char and Stave on the second Tuesday morning of the month. Coffee, breakfast and an hour of talking shop with other owners.
Arboretum Volunteer Session
community
Every other Tuesday the arboretum runs a volunteer workday, planting, weeding, mulching or clearing invasives somewhere on campus. Registration is required, and the season runs April through October.
Music Playgroup
kids
Wednesday morning songs and instruments for babies and toddlers, held in the meeting room at the processing center rather than the main library. September only.
VCAMbient
live music
An hour of ambient music over lunch in the VCAM lounge and kitchen on the Haverford campus. The college lists it for the general public as well as students and staff.
Seven Stars Sharpening Pop-Up at SHIFT
community
Knife sharpening set up for four hours inside the zero-waste refill shop on Haverford Avenue in Narberth, about a seven minute drive from downtown Ardmore. Drop off, shop, pick up.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
kids
A running campaign for ages thirteen and up in the library program room, played with DnDBeyond. No experience needed, ten seats, and you register for each week you want.
Nadia's Book Club: Communion
community
Discussion of bell hooks on love and self. Buy the pick at the shop and RSVP online. Mavey is the Cricket Avenue shop that opened as Ardmore's first independent bookstore.
Houseplant Care Basics at Plant 4 Good
community
Ninety minutes on light, water and repotting for anyone whose pothos keeps dying. Held downstairs at the Cricket Avenue plant shop, reachable only by stairs. Seating is limited so register ahead.
Wednesday Argentine Tango at Pivot Ballroom
arts
Beginner Argentine tango at 7:45 on Wednesdays through September, fundamentals for the further-along at 8:30. Walk in without a partner, twenty dollars a class or $150 for a card of ten.
The Forest Room
live music
The Forest Room on a Thursday at the Haverford Road nightclub. Cheap, loud and late, the sort of room where five bands on a bill is normal.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Artists Equity: The Big Works Show Opening Reception
arts
Large-scale work from Artists Equity members goes up on the walls, with refreshments and live music on opening night. Two hours on a Thursday at the art center off Panmure Road.
Glass on Glass Mosaic Butterfly Workshop
arts
Two hours cutting and arranging coloured glass into a butterfly panel with Annemarie from Glass Hen. Downstairs at the plant shop on Cricket Avenue. Space is limited, so register ahead.
DeVotchKa performs Little Miss Sunshine
live music
DeVotchKa plays the Little Miss Sunshine score twenty years after the film. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Ballroom Dance Party at Pivot
arts
The studio's own ballroom social, second Friday of the month at 49 East Lancaster. Standard and Latin on a full ballroom floor, a few doors up from the Ardmore train station.
Revolution of '87
live music
Revolution of '87 on a Friday night. Kitchen until 1am, drink specials end at 11. The Nail sits at 2580 Haverford Road and has been booking original music for seventy odd years.
Sensory Fun: Playdoh Monsters
kids
Playdoh monsters in the program room for preschoolers and younger. Registration opens three weeks ahead and fills. Free and run by the library, on Ardmore Avenue near the Suburban Square lot.
John Craigie
live music
Folk songwriter who talks nearly as much as he plays, with Humbird opening. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Cold Pheet, Bars, Kick Stand Dismount and Lonesome Crow
live music
Four bands on a Saturday at the Nail. Food is served until 1am and drink specials stop at 11, which sets the shape of the night.
West Coast Swing Social
arts
West coast swing on the second Saturday of the month. The studio teaches beginner and intermediate west coast on Thursday nights, so this is where the week's work gets used.
Aki Matsuri Japanese Fall Festival
festival
Japanese harvest festival on Schauffele Plaza with taiko drumming, Minyo dancing, a cosplay fashion show, karaoke and origami you take home. Ten dollars in, kids twelve and under free.
Melodramatic, Nylon Ghost and Micro Girl
live music
Three acts fill a Sunday at the Nail. The room keeps loose hours and says so on its own schedule, so ring 610-649-6245 first if you are driving any distance.
Jason Douglas Griffin reads Be The Acorn
kids
The Caldecott honoree reads his first picture book, about the smallest squirrel in the family and the largest acorn he has ever seen. Ages four to eight, one SEPTA stop from Ardmore.
Beginner Stained Glass at Plant 4 Good
arts
Three Sunday afternoon hours on the foundations of stained glass, no experience assumed. Held in the workshop space below the Cricket Avenue plant shop, which is reached by a set of stairs.
Distinguished Visitors Talk: Mariano Garcia-Blanco
community
Mariano Garcia-Blanco, who chairs microbiology, immunology and cancer biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, speaks in Sharpless Auditorium. Part of Haverford College's Distinguished Visitors series.
BVTLive! Wedding Band Showcase
live music
Wedding bands playing full sets on a real club stage, which is a lot more useful than a demo reel if you are booking one. Doors at seven, 21 and over.
Monday Samba and Foxtrot at Pivot Ballroom
arts
Drop-in ballroom on Monday nights through September, samba at 7:45 and foxtrot at 8:30. No partner needed and no sign-up, twenty dollars at the door or a card of ten for $150.
Stephanie's Sewn Goods at SHIFT
market
Handmade sewn goods take over a corner of the Narberth refill shop for three weeks. Browse during store hours, Tuesday to Saturday ten to six and Sunday eleven to four. Closed Mondays.
One Book, One Lower Merion with Harlan Coben
community
The library system's town-wide read puts Harlan Coben in conversation with novelist Alan Drew about Plot Twist, then a Q and A and a signing. Forty dollars covers a seat and a pre-signed copy.
Main Line Networking: Mix at Six Live
community
Three hours of business mingling across Lola's indoor and outdoor rooms at Suburban Square. Tickets run $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and table sponsorships are still open.
Fantasy Book Club: Assassin's Apprentice
community
The fantasy group starts Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy. Buy the pick at Mavey and RSVP online. Space is tight, so RSVP rather than turning up cold.
Nai Palm of Hiatus Kaiyote
live music
The Hiatus Kaiyote singer and guitarist out on her own. Doors 6:45, music at 7:30, 21 and over. General admission on the floor, booths and a balcony above it.
Music Playgroup
kids
Wednesday morning songs and instruments for babies and toddlers, held in the meeting room at the processing center rather than the main library. September only.
VCAMbient at Haverford College
live music
Ambient sets over the lunch hour in the VCAM presentation lounge, Wednesdays at noon through the end of September. An hour of music, then back to whatever you were doing.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
kids
A running campaign for ages thirteen and up in the library program room, played with DnDBeyond. No experience needed, ten seats, and you register for each week you want.
Jervis Campbell
live music
Good Grief tour stop from the soul songwriter. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over, a short walk from the Ardmore train station.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Distinguished Visitors Talk: Zachary Levenson
community
A sociologist from Florida International University speaks in the Gest Center late on a Thursday afternoon, part of Haverford College's Distinguished Visitors series. Ninety minutes, a mile and a half from Ardmore.
Introduction to Houseplant Propagation
community
Learn to take cuttings and root them so one plant turns into several. Ninety minutes on a Thursday evening downstairs at the Cricket Avenue plant shop. Register ahead, seats are limited.
M. Gessen on the Politics of the Past and Politics of the Future
community
The New York Times writer on how autocrats sell an imagined past, and what a politics of the future would sound like. Registration is required, doors open at 6:15 and shut at 6:55.
Philly Loves Wilco: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 25th Anniversary
live music
More than a dozen Philadelphia musicians take a song each from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, twenty five years on. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
Controla Friday at Pivot Ballroom
arts
The third-Friday Controla night, second of the two the studio runs each month. Latin social dancing on the Lancaster Avenue floor, a short walk from the Ardmore station.
Shambolic, KMX Band, Smellco, The Wrong Band and Effusion 35
live music
Five band Friday, the sort of bill that runs late. The schedule prints no start time, so call 610-649-NAIL before you drive over.
Whitney
live music
Chicago duo on the Small Talk tour, with Emma Ogier opening. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. Buy at the box office and there is no ticket fee, Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Caesarean, Distant Dominion, Chopped Up, Slice and Spectral Spectrum
live music
Five heavy bands on a Saturday at the Haverford Road room. A small stage on Haverford Road with a long habit of booking bands nobody else will.
Divertida Milonga
arts
Tango social back on the calendar after an August break. Argentine tango on the Ardmore studio floor, hosted on the third Saturday.
Fall Building Fun
kids
LEGOs, K'NEX and blocks out on the tables all day in the program room. No registration, no age limit, walk in and build something.
English Village at 100: A Centennial Walking Tour
history
English Village turns a hundred, and the Lower Merion Conservancy walks you through the Tudor Revival courtyards off Loves Lane. Twenty-five dollars, meeting at Loves Lane and Wister Road.
Tophouse
live music
Montana folk band with fiddle and mandolin up front, plus GoldenOak. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. The room is on East Lancaster Avenue, a short walk from the Ardmore train station.
Damien Jurado
live music
All Hits and No Misses tour from the Seattle songwriter, with St. Yuma. Doors 6:15, music at 7, 21 and over.
Arboretum Volunteer Session
community
Every other Tuesday the arboretum runs a volunteer workday, planting, weeding, mulching or clearing invasives somewhere on campus. Registration is required, and the season runs April through October.
Pokey LaFarge
live music
Old time swing and country blues with a full band, plus Cicada Rhythm. Doors 6:45, music at 7:30, 21 and over.
Music Playgroup
kids
Wednesday morning songs and instruments for babies and toddlers, held in the meeting room at the processing center rather than the main library. September only.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
kids
A running campaign for ages thirteen and up in the library program room, played with DnDBeyond. No experience needed, ten seats, and you register for each week you want.
Paul Cauthen
live music
Book Of Paul tour, big voiced Texas country, with Ben Chapman opening. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Open Jam with The Basement Apes and Mike Chevalier
live music
Thursday open jam with The Basement Apes sitting in and comedian Mike Chevalier on the bill. Musicians are welcome on stage. Loud and late, the sort of room where five bands on a bill is normal.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Fiction Book Club: Contrapposto
community
Fiction group on the new Dave Eggers novel. Buy the pick at the shop and RSVP online. Mavey is the Cricket Avenue shop that opened as Ardmore's first independent bookstore.
The Milk Carton Kids
live music
Two guitars, two voices, close harmony, with Paper Wings opening. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. General admission on the floor, booths and a balcony above it.
Deep Dive Diva Radio Show and Live Bands
live music
A radio show recorded in the room with live bands around it, on a Saturday night. The Nail sits at 2580 Haverford Road and has been booking original music for seventy odd years.
Cooking Class: Ayurveda and Eating with the Seasons
food & drink
A slideshow on Ayurveda, then groups cook fall-spiced red dal with kabocha squash, beet and carrot palya, and apples sauteed in ghee with cinnamon. Registration required.
David Uosikkinen's In The Pocket
live music
A night for Pierre Robert with members of The Hooters, The A's and Tommy Conwell's band. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Katie Pruitt
live music
Nashville songwriter on the Fools for the Fleeting tour. Doors 6:15, music at 7, 21 and over. Buy at the box office and there is no ticket fee, Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Fastball and Spacehog
live music
Two nineties radio bands on one bill, billed as Spaceball. Doors 6:45, music at 7, 21 and over. The room is on East Lancaster Avenue, a short walk from the Ardmore train station.
Music Playgroup
kids
Wednesday morning songs and instruments for babies and toddlers, held in the meeting room at the processing center rather than the main library. September only.
Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
kids
A running campaign for ages thirteen and up in the library program room, played with DnDBeyond. No experience needed, ten seats, and you register for each week you want.
Cozy Craft Night
community
The last Wednesday of the month, 6 to 8 in the shop. Bring your own knitting, cross stitch or doodling. Email the store ahead and they will save you a chair.
Matchbox 30: Yourself or Someone Like You 30th Anniversary
live music
The Tim Williams Band plays the first Matchbox Twenty record front to back, thirty years on. Doors 6:45, music at 7:30.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
live music
Punk leaning songwriter and his band, with Labrador opening. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. General admission on the floor, booths and a balcony above it.
Instinct
live music
Instinct on a Friday at the Nail. Food is served until 1am and drink specials stop at 11, which sets the shape of the night.
Watercolor in the Garden
arts
Three hours of painting at the Skate House on the Haverford College campus, eleven to two. The arboretum wraps the whole campus, a couple of miles from downtown Ardmore.
Karina Rykman
live music
Bass player and bandleader on the Late Checkout tour. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. Buy at the box office and there is no ticket fee, Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Mid Rats
live music
Mid Rats on a Saturday night on Haverford Road. The schedule prints no start time, so call 610-649-NAIL before you drive over.
Lower Merion Clean Up Weekend
community
Two days to clear out the garage at the township public works yard in Penn Valley. Nine to four, and new this year, twenty dollars per vehicle collected at the gate.
Unplug and Play
kids
Screen free games and making for kids, two hours on a Saturday morning. No registration needed. The shop is on Haverford Station Road, a few minutes from downtown Ardmore.
Lower Merion Clean Up Weekend
community
Day two of the township clean-up drop-off in Penn Valley. Nine to four, and twenty dollars per vehicle collected at the gate.
The Little Mermen and The Princess Pals: Disney Tribute Band
kids
A Rock and Roll Playhouse matinee where Disney songs get the full band treatment and kids are meant to move around. Doors 11, music at noon, all ages.
Arboretum Volunteer Session
community
Every other Tuesday the arboretum runs a volunteer workday, planting, weeding, mulching or clearing invasives somewhere on campus. Registration is required, and the season runs April through October.
White Denim
live music
Austin rock band with Arc Iris opening. Doors 6:45, music at 7:30, 21 and over. The room is on East Lancaster Avenue, a short walk from the Ardmore train station.
First Wednesday Book Club
community
A long running adult book group that meets in the library program room. September is 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin, October is The Book Club for Troublesome Women, November is Kindred.
Rock The Pink: Members of Moe., Disco Biscuits, Goose and String Cheese Incident
live music
Players from Moe., the Disco Biscuits, Goose and String Cheese Incident put together a band for one night, benefiting the American Cancer Society. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
KRS-One
live music
The Boogie Down Productions MC on a Main Line stage. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. General admission on the floor, booths and a balcony above it.
Superunknown: Chris Cornell Tribute
live music
Soundgarden, Audioslave and Temple of the Dog songs in one set, radio hits and deep cuts. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
Anything with a Plug: Electronics Recycling Day
community
Laptops, printers, microwaves, cell phones and anything else with a cord, taken at the township public works yard in Penn Valley. Pre-register first, and screens carry a per-item fee.
Splintered Sunlight: Grateful Dead Tribute
live music
The long running local Dead band, a fixture on this stage for years. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Montgomery County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
community
The county hazardous waste drop-off lands at the Lower Merion transfer station in Penn Valley. Motor oil, paint thinner, pesticides and pool chemicals, none of which belong in the trash. Register first.
The Frightfully Fun Fundraiser
arts
The art center's Halloween fundraiser runs three to six on a Sunday afternoon in Haverford, a few minutes west of downtown Ardmore.
Philly Music Fest 2026, Night One
live music
First of two Philly Music Fest nights on the Main Line, with Caiola and a headliner the festival has not named yet. The festival runs as a non profit and puts its take toward musicians and kids. Music at 8.
Coffee & Conversation at Char & Stave
community
The Ardmore Business Association takes over Char and Stave on the second Tuesday morning of the month. Coffee, breakfast and an hour of talking shop with other owners.
Philly Music Fest 2026, Night Two
live music
Second Philly Music Fest night here, with Madi Diaz and a headliner still under wraps. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Mark Winters
live music
Mark Winters on a Wednesday, a night the Nail is usually closed. A small stage on Haverford Road with a long habit of booking bands nobody else will.
Nadia's Pick: The Things We Never Say
community
Elizabeth Strout's new one, discussed at the Cricket Avenue shop. Buy the pick and RSVP online. Space is tight, so RSVP rather than turning up cold.
BALTHVS
live music
Colombian psychedelic trio on the Manifest tour, with Free Whatever. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. Buy at the box office and there is no ticket fee, Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Jerry's Middle Finger: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia Band
live music
The Jerry Garcia Band songbook rather than the Grateful Dead one, which is a different and looser thing. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
Tree Canopy Conference
community
A full day on tree canopy in Stokes Auditorium at Haverford College, nine to four thirty, open to the general public. Run by the college arboretum, a couple of miles from Ardmore.
BoomBox
live music
Electronic blues duo with Future Joy opening. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. The room is on East Lancaster Avenue, a short walk from the Ardmore train station.
Ardmore Day
street fair
Downtown Ardmore's fall street day, in the business association's 75th year: the Ardbark dog parade and contest, a family fun zone in Schauffele Plaza, and a first vintage car show. Eleven to four.
Drag Brunch HalloKween
food & drink
Costume themed drag brunch with Cupid Bowe, Demi Gawdess and Buttakup. Doors at noon, show at 1, 21 and over.
Stephen Day
live music
Soul leaning songwriter on the self titled tour, later the same day as the drag brunch. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
Undefeated
live music
Undefeated on a Sunday at the Haverford Road nightclub. Loud and late, the sort of room where five bands on a bill is normal.
Arboretum Volunteer Session
community
Every other Tuesday the arboretum runs a volunteer workday, planting, weeding, mulching or clearing invasives somewhere on campus. Registration is required, and the season runs April through October.
Fantasy Book Club: Dungeon Crawler Carl
community
The science fiction and fantasy group on Dungeon Crawler Carl. Buy the pick at Mavey and RSVP online. Mavey is the Cricket Avenue shop that opened as Ardmore's first independent bookstore.
Jen Howard
live music
Jen Howard on a Wednesday night at the Nail. The Nail sits at 2580 Haverford Road and has been booking original music for seventy odd years.
The Brothers Comatose
live music
California string band with The Dirty Grass Players. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. General admission on the floor, booths and a balcony above it.
Seeing Snakes and Troublebound
live music
Two bands on a Thursday at the Nail. Food is served until 1am and drink specials stop at 11, which sets the shape of the night.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Mike Dawes
live music
Solo acoustic guitar, the kind where one player covers bass, melody and percussion at once. Doors 6:15, music at 7, 21 and over.
Fiction Book Club: The Renovation
community
Fiction group on The Renovation. Buy the pick at the shop and RSVP online. Space is tight, so RSVP rather than turning up cold.
Perlin Noise
live music
Perlin Noise on a Friday night at the Haverford Road room. The schedule prints no start time, so call 610-649-NAIL before you drive over.
Sensory Fun: Real Mini Pumpkin Candle and Craft
kids
Hollow out a baby pumpkin, drop in a wick and fill it with warm wax, then make a pumpkin craft. Built for toddlers, with older kids welcome for this one.
The Legwarmers: The Ultimate 80s Tribute Band
live music
Eighties covers with the wardrobe to match. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. Buy at the box office and there is no ticket fee, Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Ashes Reign, Out of Darkness and AS-33
live music
Three heavy bands on a Sunday. A small stage on Haverford Road with a long habit of booking bands nobody else will.
Skeleton Crewe Quintet
live music
Rob Barraco, Barry Sless, Stephen Inglis, Pete Sears and Jay Lane, players from the wider Grateful Dead family. Doors 6:15, music at 7.
Midnight Release Party: A Court of Thorns and Roses 6
community
Doors at 10:30 for the midnight drop of the sixth ACOTAR book, with a fae costume contest, courtly games and cake. Ticket includes the book.
Daylight Release Party: A Court of Thorns and Roses 6
community
The same ACOTAR party at a civilised hour for anyone who skipped midnight. Costume contest, games, sweets, ticket includes the book.
Cozy Craft Night
community
October craft night in the shop, 6 to 8. Bring your own project, needlepoint, cross stitch, watercolor, whatever it is. Email the store ahead and they will save you a chair.
Halloween Open Jam with Charlyanne
live music
The last-Thursday open jam with a Halloween show attached, two nights before the day itself. Anyone who plays can get on stage. Loud and late, the sort of room where five bands on a bill is normal.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Have Fun Don't Die
live music
Have Fun Don't Die on the Friday before Halloween. The Nail sits at 2580 Haverford Road and has been booking original music for seventy odd years.
Built To Spill, Night One
live music
First of two nights from the Boise band, with Quasi and Mel Redford. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Built To Spill, Night Two
live music
Halloween night, second of the two Built To Spill shows, with Quasi and Mel Redford. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
Willi Carlisle and East Nash Grass
live music
Ozarks songwriter and a Nashville bluegrass band sharing a bill on the Universal Bubba tour. Doors 6:15, music at 7.
First Wednesday Book Club
community
A long running adult book group that meets in the library program room. September is 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin, October is The Book Club for Troublesome Women, November is Kindred.
Nadia's Book Club: Sophie, Standing There
community
Book club on Sophie, Standing There. Buy the pick at Mavey and RSVP online. Mavey is the Cricket Avenue shop that opened as Ardmore's first independent bookstore.
Hiss Golden Messenger
live music
North Carolina band on the I'm People tour, with Sam Amidon opening. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Revolution of '87, The Moshfits and Whiplash Smile
live music
Three bands on a Thursday at the Nail. Food is served until 1am and drink specials stop at 11, which sets the shape of the night.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Donna The Buffalo and Assembly of Dust
live music
Two jam circuit mainstays on one bill. Doors 6:45, music at 7:30, 21 and over. The room is on East Lancaster Avenue, a short walk from the Ardmore train station.
Eggy, Night One
live music
First of two nights from the Connecticut jam band, billed as their final tour of 2026. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
Mr. Unloved
live music
Mr. Unloved on a Saturday night on Haverford Road. The schedule prints no start time, so call 610-649-NAIL before you drive over.
Matinee Show with Meraki
live music
An afternoon show rather than a late one, Meraki playing from 2 until 6. Rare daylight music at the Nail.
Eggy, Night Two
live music
Second of two Eggy nights, billed as the Connecticut jam band's final tour of 2026. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. General admission on the floor, booths and a balcony above it.
Cyan Xavier, Lash Out, Micor Girl and Emo Spacebird
live music
Four bands on a Sunday at the Haverford Road room. A small stage on Haverford Road with a long habit of booking bands nobody else will.
Artisan Holiday Market
market
Handmade work from regional artists fills the art center for one Sunday, eleven to four, in Haverford a few minutes from downtown Ardmore.
Coffee & Conversation at Char & Stave
community
The Ardmore Business Association takes over Char and Stave on the second Tuesday morning of the month. Coffee, breakfast and an hour of talking shop with other owners.
Daniel Lanois Trio
live music
The producer behind records for Dylan, U2 and Emmylou Harris, playing his own music with Jermaine Holmes and Jim Wilson. Doors 6:45, music at 7:30.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Joy Oladokun
live music
Nashville songwriter on the Heavy Things tour. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. Buy at the box office and there is no ticket fee, Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Smarty Pants and Dukes of Overbrook
live music
Two bands on a Friday, one of them named for the neighborhood down the road. Cheap, loud and late, the sort of room where five bands on a bill is normal.
Sensory Fun: Fall Leaves and Tissue Paper Candle Jar
kids
Fall leaves and tissue paper on a candle jar, an hour for preschoolers and younger. Register each child, registration opens October 23.
John Scofield's Electrospective
live music
The jazz guitarist with Adam Deitch, Oteil Burbridge and Larry Goldings. This first night is sold out and the venue is running a waitlist. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
23rd Annual Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition Opening Reception
arts
Opening night for the twenty-third Betsy Meyer Memorial Exhibition, six to eight, with the artists in the room. The show then hangs through December 18.
John Scofield's Electrospective, Second Night
live music
Second night added after Friday sold out, same band: Adam Deitch, Oteil Burbridge and Larry Goldings. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
The Breaks: Eddie Roberts, Robert Walter and Stanton Moore
live music
Players from New Mastersounds, Greyboy Allstars and Galactic in one band, with Gordon Sterling and the People. Doors 7:15, music at 8.
Open Jam with The Center City Pickers
live music
Thursday open jam with the Center City Pickers sitting in. Bring an instrument or just sit and listen. Note the venue moved it off Thanksgiving week, so this is the November one.
Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
kids
Half an hour of books and songs for preschoolers and younger with Ms. Dawnita. Registration is recommended, and a note goes out each week with what is planned.
Empty Bowls Fundraiser
arts
Pick a handmade bowl, fill it with soup, keep the bowl. The art center's hunger fundraiser runs six to eight on a Thursday in Haverford, minutes from Ardmore.
Paula Cole
live music
This Fire played thirty years on, with Rett Madison opening. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over. The room is on East Lancaster Avenue, a short walk from the Ardmore train station.
Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers
live music
Philadelphia bar band royalty back on a Main Line stage, with Andorra. Doors 7:15, music at 8, 21 and over.
Cozy Craft Night
community
The night before Thanksgiving, two hours of quiet crafting in the bookshop. Bring whatever you are working on and email the store ahead so they can save you a chair.
Boat House Row: Yacht Rock Experience
live music
Smooth seventies radio songs played by a local crew, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Doors 7:15, music at 8. General admission on the floor, booths and a balcony above it.
Buko Boys
live music
Buko Boys on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. Food is served until 1am and drink specials stop at 11, which sets the shape of the night.
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Show everythingSeptember 2026
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Tuesday, September 1
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Wednesday, September 2
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Thursday, September 3
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Friday, September 4
- The Aspen Tree Pop-In at SHIFT
- Controla Friday at Pivot Ballroom
- Jug Carver, Jonny Alba, Ben D Straw and Steven Singer
- Elsewhere, the Mountain: Hee Sook Kim and Landscapes of Belonging
- Elsewhere, the Mountain Opening Talk and Reception
- First Friday at Mavey Books
- Damn the Torpedoes: A Tribute To Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers
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Saturday, September 5
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Sunday, September 6
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Monday, September 7
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Tuesday, September 8
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Wednesday, September 9
- The Aspen Tree Pop-In at SHIFT
- Elsewhere, the Mountain: Hee Sook Kim and Landscapes of Belonging
- Music Playgroup
- VCAMbient
- Seven Stars Sharpening Pop-Up at SHIFT
- Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club
- Nadia's Book Club: Communion
- Houseplant Care Basics at Plant 4 Good
- Wednesday Argentine Tango at Pivot Ballroom
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Thursday, September 10
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Friday, September 11
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Saturday, September 12
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Sunday, September 13
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Monday, September 14
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Tuesday, September 15
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Wednesday, September 16
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Thursday, September 17
- Elsewhere, the Mountain: Hee Sook Kim and Landscapes of Belonging
- Stephanie's Sewn Goods at SHIFT
- Ms. Dawnita's Story Time
- Distinguished Visitors Talk: Zachary Levenson
- Introduction to Houseplant Propagation
- M. Gessen on the Politics of the Past and Politics of the Future
- Philly Loves Wilco: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 25th Anniversary
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