From Monday to Sunday, there’s always something going on in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is brimming with performing arts, eclectic music, off-Broadway theater productions, ethnic restaurants and more.

And through programs such as the Philadelphia Experience (PEX) Passport program, Philly Connections and Memorable Moments, Temple students can experience all that the city has to offer without putting a dent in their budget.

Available to both incoming freshmen and upperclassmen, the PEX Passport contains coupons  for free or significantly reduced entry to some of the most popular Greater Philadelphia area museums, galleries, theater companies, concert venues, dance studios, film festivals, historic homes and more.

“There’s so much available in the PEX Passport,” said public health major Najet Ibrahim. “My advice to incoming freshmen is to use as many tickets as you can — try not to miss the opportunity to really get to know the city before the tickets expire.”

To gain admission at a participating destination, students simply show their passport and their OWLcard, after which a coupon stub will be torn from the passport. Each coupon can be used only once. The 2011-12 PEX Passport is valid until Aug. 1, 2012.

Passports are available to upperclassmen in a limited number. Students who are interested in participating in the program can pick up their passports from the information desk at the Howard Gittis Student Center.
  Many of the venues included in the passport offer a wide range of events throughout the year.

“We provide artistic passage for audiences to experience something unique,” said Phil Sumpter, spokesperson for the Painted Bride Art Center, an alternative performing arts venue in Old City. “One of the Bride’s missions is to provide people with enriching experiences by presenting artists who would share unique cultural forms of expression.”

At about the same cost of a movie, venues like the Painted Bride offer an affordable Saturday night alternative.

Some of the other arts and culture outlets participating in the PEX program include The Wagner Free Institute of Science, Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe, The Philadelphia Orchestra  and the Wilma Theater.

Students can also receive discounted tickets to local exhibits and sporting events through Philly Connections, a program offered by the Office of Student Activities.
For $10, students can choose from a list of sporting events, concerts, theater shows and more.

“These events would cost our students much more without this program. We wanted to make sure they get out and enjoy the richness that Philadelphia has to offer,” said Gina D'Annunzio, director of student activities.

In addition to offering reduced prices to ticketed events, the Office of Student Activities offers Memorable Moments, a monthly off-campus trip to local ethnic restaurants for those who are interested in sampling Philadelphia’s international fare.

Selected students receive a free three-course meal followed by a brief lecture on food and culture.  Seating is limited, so students are encouraged to sign up by visiting the Student Activities Office in Suite 219M of the Howard Gittis Student Center.