Upcoming Events

The Damned Don't Cry Screening
Apr
25

The Damned Don't Cry Screening

Don't miss the Philadelphia-area premiere of this captivating queer drama from Morocco! Set on society's fringes, Fatima-Zahra and her son navigate survival together until a long-hidden family secret tests their bond, pushing them towards new paths. Featuring stellar performances, this film blends melodrama and neorealism, reminiscent of Fassbinder and Sirk's works. Co-presented with Bryn Mawr Film Institute, stay tuned for a remote Q&A session with director Fyzal Boulifa after the screening! Tickets

View Event →

Gate of the Sun Screening + Director Talkback
Mar
24
to Mar 25

Gate of the Sun Screening + Director Talkback

Join us for the US premiere screening of the recently restored Gate of the Sun Parts 1 and 2 in our two-day screening event, on Sunday, March 24th, and Monday, March 25th, at Lightbox Film Center (401 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147). Grab your tickets here!

Sunday, March 24th: Doors open at 1 PM, with screening of Gate of the Sun, Part 1 to start at 1:15 PM, followed by an artist talk featuring Yousry Nasrallah.

Monday, March 25th: Doors open at 7 PM, with Iftar food and drink provided at sunset, followed by screening of Gate of the Sun, Part 2 at 8 PM

View Event →
Zekkereya and Leila Abdul-Rauf Concert
Feb
10

Zekkereya and Leila Abdul-Rauf Concert

Leila Abdul-Rauf (San Francisco) and Zekkereya (Detroit) are multi-instrumentalist composers who combine brass, electronics, and other sound sources to create immersive, ambient works that bridge seen and unseen worlds. Zekkereya’s performance will weave threads of sound from across the Islamic world into a melodic sound bath, proposing a testament to muslim unity. With voice, trumpet and synthesizer, Leila will create a cinematic atmosphere for introspection, accessing what is often unconscious and obscured by the human condition. This intimate concert offers space and time for imagining, as the new year slides into place. Tickets.

View Event →
Gaza Habibti with Untold Palestine
Feb
2

Gaza Habibti with Untold Palestine

Al-Bustan is honored to open space for this vision to our community in Philadelphia, presenting Gaza Habibti, a selection of images and stories from the Untold Palestine collection. The gallery is open for view from February 2 until March 22.

View Event →
In the Shadow of Beirut Regional Premiere
Dec
17

In the Shadow of Beirut Regional Premiere

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is presenting the regional premiere of the film In the Shadow of Beirut directed by Stephen Gerard Kelly, Garry Keane at PhilaMOCA on December 17. From the makers of Gaza (Sundance 2019), comes In the Shadow of Beirut depicts a portrait of modern-day Lebanon as seen through the eyes of four families living in the impoverished Sabra and Shatila neighborhoods of the city, the scene of an infamous massacre in 1982. The Shadow of Beirut' is Ireland's entry in the Best International Feature category for the 96th Academy Awards.  Grab your tickets.

View Event →
Marwan Kamel and Julius Masri Concert
Nov
11

Marwan Kamel and Julius Masri Concert

This evening of solo and duo works by multi-instrumentalists Marwan Kamel and Julius Masri is a “first meeting” of these two artists; both of whom have a hybrid approach to traditional Arabic musical forms. Philadelphia’s own Masri is known for his improvised performances, collaborations with the dance community, and celebrated new album under the name Mephisto Halabi.  Masri plays drums, circuit modified Casio keyboards, Oud, Kamancheh, and various other instruments. Chicago/Tunis based Kamel is a dedicated researcher and performer known for his project Daily Maqam. His palette includes oud, nay, buzuq, guitar, violin, and hand-percussion. With these beautiful instruments, the duo will journey through improvisations and compositions that celebrate Arabic music while pushing into unique, personal interpretations that suggest the future of these forms. Tickets

View Event →
War and Me Reading with Faleeha Hassan
Oct
27

War and Me Reading with Faleeha Hassan

Faleeha Hassan will be reading her new book, War and Me at the Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture on October 27 at 6:30PM. An intimate memoir about coming of age in a tight-knit working-class family during Iraq’s seemingly endless series of wars, War and Me is a deeply personal account of her life, she remembers those she has loved and lost. Register here.

View Event →
Interactive Story Circle with Power Street Theatre
Oct
17

Interactive Story Circle with Power Street Theatre

Step into the world of immersive storytelling as we partner with Power Street Theatre to explore the compelling narratives of migration, displacement, and the concept of 'home.' Be among the first ten individuals to register and attend, and you'll receive a $25 gift card! Don't miss out on this experience – secure your spot now and register here!

View Event →
An Evening with Jerusalem Hakawatiyyehs
Sep
20

An Evening with Jerusalem Hakawatiyyehs

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is partnering with PalestineWrites Literature Festival for an evening of hakawatiyyeh oral storytelling on September 20 at 6PM, featuring captivating folkloric tales passed down through generations in women's spaces throughout Palestine. Register here!

View Event →
Welcoming Little Amal
Sep
14

Welcoming Little Amal

Little Amal is on her way to Philly ❤️🏙️🌎 Join us and the Office of Culture and Creative Economy to welcome WalkWithAmal to our city. The Walk will begin outside of the Rodin Museum and culminate in LOVE Park with music, art making, and more! Come join us show Little Amal how embraced she and all immigrant and refugee communities are in Philadelphia.

View Event →
Excavating Memory Exhibition
Sep
8
to Oct 27

Excavating Memory Exhibition

On View: September 8 - October 27, 2023

Join us from 6-8 PM on Friday, September 8, at Al-Bustan's Hub (3645 Lancaster Ave.) for the opening reception for Thea Abu-El-Haj's Exhibit, "Excavating Memory." The exhibit will be up at the Hub from September 8, 2023 and October 31, 2023. Register here!

View Event →
Felukah Concert
Aug
4

Felukah Concert

This summer Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is proud to host our Summer Concert at One Art Community Center in Philadelphia. Al-Bustan's Summer Concert features headliner Felukah, with Sophia Tresa opening. Grab your tickets here!

View Event →
Hikayat 3Tawla (Stories on the Table) Game Night & Reception
Jul
28

Hikayat 3Tawla (Stories on the Table) Game Night & Reception

Join us on Friday, July 28, at the Al-Bustan Hub (3645 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104) for Hikayat 3Tawleh, a playful response to The Mashrabiya Project at The Center for Art in Wood. Discover the cultural significance of Backgammon and Checkerboard games, loaned from people in Philadelphia, along with their captivating stories. Through games, we unite people from diverse backgrounds, fostering community, creativity, and emotional resilience. Let's imagine a better world through the joy of play. Bring a friend, enjoy some tea, and embrace the fun of playing together.

Grab your free tickets!

View Event →
Summer Arabic Class Placement Test
Jul
23

Summer Arabic Class Placement Test

Al-Bustan is pleased to offer several virtual 10-week Modern Standard Arabic courses for adults this summer! To enroll in our courses, signing up for our free virtual Arabic language proficiency test is required, so we can ensure you are placed in the best course for your Arabic language needs and interests.

Register for your free placement test here.

View Event →
American Fast Final Dress Rehearsal
Jun
1

American Fast Final Dress Rehearsal

Catch the regional premiere of AMERICAN FAST before anyone else! Join us on June 1 at The Proscenium Theatre At The Drake. Doors open at 6PM, and showtime at 7pm for the final dress rehearsal.

Grab your tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lunwittre/event/873016/

View Event →
The Dido Problem Screening
May
4

The Dido Problem Screening

Join us for a screening of the short film and public intervention project The Dido Problem by Huniti Goldox (Areej Huniti & Eliza Goldox). The screening starts at 6:00pm, followed by a conversation with the artists moderated by Mohannad Ghawanmeh and Deborah Thomas. Register here!

View Event →
Huniti Goldox Workshop
May
2
to May 3

Huniti Goldox Workshop

Join us for a two-day workshop facilitated by artist duo Huniti Goldox (Areej Huniti & Eliza Goldox). The workshop revolves around the intersections of ecology, water, mythology and geopolitical realities. Over the course of two days -participants will be invited into collective readings, exercises, screenings and walks. Register here!

View Event →
Dabke Workshop & Social Earthquake Relief Fundraiser
Feb
25

Dabke Workshop & Social Earthquake Relief Fundraiser

Join us for a Dabke workshop and social earthquake fundraiser led by Michele Tayoun of Meeshadance on Saturday, February 25 from 1-3PM. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) who are on the ground in Syria responding to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey on February 6, 2023. 

View Event →
Mediterranean Fever Film Screening
Feb
5

Mediterranean Fever Film Screening

Join us for the Philadelphia premiere of Mediterranean Fever a Palestinian dark comedy written and directed by Maha Haj on Sunday, February 5 at PhilaMOCA. Doors open at 5:30PM, and the screening starts at 6PM.

Tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lunwittre/event/865342/

View Event →
Reda Taleb Book Reading
Jan
28

Reda Taleb Book Reading

Reda Taleb will be reading her new book, Noura's Extraordinary Superpower! A Book For Youth With Incarcerated Loved Ones And How to Activate The Innate Superpower of Empathy Healing followed by a panel discussion at the Al-Bustan Hub on January 28 at 1PM.  

View Event →
Basic Dabke Workshop
Jan
21

Basic Dabke Workshop

Join us January 21st at 1PM for a introductory Dabke workshop! Grab your friends and some comfortable clothing to dance

Click the link to register: https://bit.ly/DabkeEvent

View Event →
Mary Tuma Exhibit
Dec
9

Mary Tuma Exhibit

Al-Bustan is hosting a reception for the Mary Tuma exhibition. The Palestinian American artist is presenting her art “Intifada Stones to Throw At Israeli Tanks As They Drive Up Your Street” 2008-present, along with foam, old party dresses, sequins, beads, pins, and non-recyclable plastics. At the reception, Mary Tuma is presenting on her work. Treats and drinks are to be served. The event is taking place at Al-Bustan's Hub | 3645 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia 19104.

View Event →
Eric Okdeh Artist Talk
Nov
4

Eric Okdeh Artist Talk

Join us on the First Friday of November at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture for an Artist Talk given by the artist on view at Al-Bustan’s gallery Eric Okdeh. Okdeh will speak about his career as a muralist who began creating public art in 1998 and the works on exhibit at Al-Bustan. Doors open at 5:30 and the talk begins at 6:00 followed by a reception. Register today!

View Event →