Things to do in Philadelphia Labor Day weekend — Usher, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, James Taylor, more
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- This weekend the Philadelphia area will have you singing! A-list musicians from hip-hop to country will grace stages in Philadelphia and New Jersey. This weekend is also a camper's delight with the 52nd annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival in New Jersey. Comedic stars will hit the stage in PA and NJ with fan favorites, Gabriel Iglesias and Rudy Francisco. Plus, the Phils go head-to-head against the Nationals at Citizens Bank Park.
Read about all those events and more as we break down what's going on around the area from Friday to Sunday.
Usher at Wells Fargo Center
R&B icon Usher is lighting up the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia with two shows on Friday and Saturday. Both performances kick off at 8 p.m. sharp, with doors opening at 7 o'clock on the dot.
Tickets to see the 8-time GRAMMY Winner are sold out, much like most of his shows, but fans can join the waitlist now in hopes of grabbing a last minute seat.
The R&B heartthrob is currently on his "Past Present Future" World Tour, treating fans to an unforgettable mix of his latest tracks from the new album "Coming Home" along with all the timeless hits.
Braves vs. Phillies at Citizens Bank Park
The Philadelphia Phillies host a 4 game series against the Atlanta Braves this weekend and with one game down, the Phillies have extended their lead to 6 games over the Braves in the division. After Thursday's heroics, it's clear this series is shaping up to be a dog fight. One that feels like an early glimpse of what a Red October could look like.
Friday night's game starts at 6:40 p.m. with Ranger Suárez scheduled to take the mound.
First pitch is at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, with the Phillies ace pitcher Zack Wheeler scheduled to start.
And Aaron Nola will get the start for the Phillies for Sunday's 7 p.m. game.
Tickets start at $39. #GoPhils.
Les Misérables at the Academy of Music
Les Misérables has been seen by more than 130 million people in 53 countries and now it's available right here in Philadelphia at the Academy of Music. The show's resident director, Brendan Stackhouse is a Bucks County native. Stackhouse and Preston Truman, who plays Javert, spoke to CBS News Philadelphia earlier this week.
This Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon is playing in Philadelphia from now through Sunday, Sept. 8.
Multiple showings will be held this weekend beginning Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to see Les Misérables Friday evening start at $26.
Jason Aldean's Highway Desperado Tour in Camden
Jason Aldean is making his way back to Freedom Mortgage Pavillion for another summer show. The "Dirt Road Anthem" singer is bringing his Highway Desperado Tour featuring Dee Jay Silver and Elvie Shane to Camden, NJ, this Saturday.
Prepare for a night of boot-stompin' country music because this singer is just "Gettin' Warmed Up."
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to see Jason Aldean in Camden start at $54.60.
Miranda Lambert at the Hard Rock in Atlantic City
Another signature country star will be in the Garden State this weekend. Miranda Lambert is bringing her "Little Red Wagon" to South Jersey to perform at Atlantic City's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to perform at Etess Arena on Saturday night.
Get those cowboy boots out because you'll be on your feet all night jamming to Lambert's long list of toe-tapping hits.
The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets to see Miranda Lambert in Atlantic City start at $80.
Gabriel Iglesias in Atlantic City
Miranda Lambert will be in good company this weekend because Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias is bringing his comedic schtick to AC this Saturday. This comedic powerhouse is sure to bring a night of laughs, gusto and energy to your weekend. Tickets to see Gabriel Iglesias' "Don't Worry Be Fluffy" tour start at $79.
James Taylor at The Mann
Grammy Award-winning singer and guitarist James Taylor will perform his 22nd concert at The Mann in West Philadelphia since the venue's inaugural season in 1976.
Taylor's reflective lyrics, warm voice and unique guitar-playing skills make him a timeless artist made for any generation. Taylor's show starts at 8 p.m. and doors to The Mann open at 6 p.m. Tickets to see this musical legend start at $38.95.
Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
The 52nd annual Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival kicks off Friday at the Salem County Fairgrounds in Woodstown, NJ. The three-day festival will feature 15 musical acts, clogging workshops, songwriting workshops and jam classes for bluegrass beginners.
Fans of bluegrass interested in purchasing full weekend tickets can rough it in the campgrounds at no additional cost. There's room for both tent campers and those who travel with an RV.
Experience this annual bluegrass delight in rural South Jersey. Tickets can be bought at the festival gates and range from $70-$160 for adults, $65-$145 for seniors ages 62 and older and $65 to $145 for students that are 18 and older with a valid ID.
Rudy Francisco at Petite Rose Venue
The talented poet Rudy Francisco will be in the City of Brotherly Love for one night only. Hailed as one of the most recognizable names in Spoken Word Poetry, Francisco has shared stages with prominent artists such as the great Gladys Knight, Musiq Soul Child, and Jill Scott.
The "Excuse Me As I Kiss the Sky" author is set to take the stage at 7:30 p.m. and then hold a book signing afterward.
General admission tickets are $39.
Patty Jackson's Party In The Park at The Dell Music Center
Philadelphia's Dell Music Center continues its tradition of hosting legendary performers like The Isley Brothers, Frankie Beverly & Maze, and Chaka Khan, and is now ready to host another.
Beloved radio host Pattie Jackson will be hosting a Party in the Park this Sunday night, featuring R&B sensations Joe, El DeBarge, and Kenny Lattimore. The party kicks off at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are priced between $55 and $105, and the show will go on rain or shine.
On Saturday at 7 p.m., Jodeci takes the stage at The Dell for a night of nostalgic hits.
U+ME+RNB
If you know where Usher is at 7 o'clock, this event is for you. Step into the ultimate R&B experience at The Fillmore Philadelphia for U+ME+RNB, on Saturday at 9 p.m.
Strictly R&B all night long, designed to let you sing at the top of your lungs alongside fellow devoted R&B listeners. Attendees can expect to hear all the hits from Quiet Storm classics to modern-day bops.
In previous renditions of this 21+ event, there have been notable guest hosts such as Ashanti, Ne-Yo and Maya, just to name a few.
Grab your tickets and get ready for an unparalleled R&B experience, perfect for both hardcore fans and those simply looking to enjoy a night of great music and good vibes. Tickets start at $38.