FAQs

You can view our full events calendar here. Be the first to know about new shows by signing up for our email list and following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can buy day-of-show tickets at our Box Office when available. If an event is sold out, tickets will NOT be available at the door. We highly encourage purchasing tickets in advance. You can always call our Box Office at 215-222-1400 to check on a specific event.

Outside food and drink, drugs, and all weapons including concealed firearms are prohibited inside the building. We do not have any restrictions on bag size at this time, but all bags are subject to search.

The Lounge at WCL is a full-service restaurant and bar open to all for dinner and drinks, and continues to offer food service throughout evening events. The Music Hall offers a rotating menu for select events, and food service is always available for Mezzanine ticketholders. You’re always welcome to dine in The Lounge before heading down; we encourage you to arrive early and make reservations, as our kitchen often gets busy closer to show time.

We do not currently have a food and beverage minimum for shows, but in some cases where seating is limited we may make tables available for diners only so that they can have a comfortable meal.

The Music Hall has flexible seating arrangements that vary by performance. Some events are fully seated with rows up front and tables behind, some are standing room only, and some have both standing and seating options. The Mezzanine offers limited premium seating for almost every show. Take a look at the seat map on the individual event’s ticketing page, or contact us with any questions about a particular show.

The Lounge is set up as a restaurant with tables throughout the floor and seats at the bar. You must make a separate reservation in addition to your ticket purchase to guarantee table seating. Seating at the bar is first-come first-served when available.

All levels of the venue are accessible by our central elevator. If you are using a wheelchair or mobility device, we recommend entering through the lower level on 31st Street. ADA accessible seats are available for every show; if you require accessible seating and none is available online, please contact us at boxoffice@worldcafelive.org or 215-222-1400 prior to the show so we can best accommodate your needs.

Yes! We’re proud to offer ACCESS cardholders $2 tickets for up to four people to most World Cafe Live events. Tickets can be purchased online through our official ticketing partner Etix with code ACCESSWCL, or in person at the Box Office. The ACCESS discount is not valid on select special events, sold out shows, or combinable with any other offers.

Guests must show their ACCESS card along with valid photo ID to receive the tickets. We accept state-issued ACCESS or EBT cards from Pennsylvania and Delaware, as well as ACCESS cards issued directly by Art-Reach.

For more information on the ACCESS Program and eligibility, please visit Art-Reach’s website.

There is plenty of metered parking available within walking distance of the venue on Walnut, Lower Walnut, Chestnut, and 31st Streets, which is typically free after 8pm (please pay attention to posted parking signs.) There are also several flat rate public parking lots nearby; we recommend Cira Centre South Garage or Penn Park Parking Lot.

Most shows at WCL are all ages, with a few exceptions. Any age restrictions will be listed on the individual event’s ticketing page. A ticket is required for ages 3 and up. Valid ID must be present to purchase alcohol in designated areas.

Ticket purchases are non-refundable. In the event of a cancellation or postponement, refunds will be available at point of purchase and all ticket buyers will be contacted. If you wish to transfer your will call tickets to another person, please contact our Box Office.

World Cafe Live is a non-smoking venue–that includes e-cigarettes and vaping of all kinds. There are safe, well-lit areas on both levels outside the building for smokers. Re-entry is permitted with a wristband.

If you’ve left your credit card, umbrella, jacket or any personal item at the venue, promptly call our Box Office at 215-222-1400. All items must be picked up in person. Please have valid ID for credit cards.

Sure do! You can purchase gift cards in person at our Box Office, or online here. World Cafe Live merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, hoodies, and more, can be purchased online here.

We love discovering new talent at our monthly Philly Rising Open Mic nights on first Tuesdays, and at our annual Beta Hi-Fi Emerging Music Festival each summer.

Otherwise, to be considered for a gig at WCL, email booking@worldcafelive.org with the artist name, projected draw, history in Philadelphia, and a link to music (no attachments.) Physical press kits are discouraged, and no phone calls will be accepted for new bookings. Due to high volume of submissions, not all emails will receive a response–we’ll contact you if we’re interested.

We’d be honored — you bring the guests, we do the rest! Visit our Special Events + Rentals page for more information and to inquire about hosting your special event at World Cafe Live.

Although we share a building and a passion for the nurturing and preservation of great music, we’re just friends. In our unique partnership, World Cafe Live provides a physical platform for artists heard on the airwaves. We license our name from WXPN’s nationally syndicated program World Cafe, but we’re two separate organizations.

Indeed we are! To read more about our mission and vision, visit the About page. Check out the Education section to learn about our music education and community engagement efforts. You can also find ways to Support Us here.

Head over to our Employment page to find out what current full-time, part-time and internship positions we may have open.

Thanks for asking! We do not currently have a volunteer program, but stay tuned for opportunities to get involved.

For detailed information, head over to the Education section of our website or contact us at community@worldcafelive.org.