FAQs

There are three ways to purchase tickets: online, over the phone (215-222-1400), and in-person at the Box Office (3025 Walnut Street). There’s no fees when you pay with cash at the Box Office. The Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am-10pm and Saturday from 5pm-10pm (+ during any events that fall outside these times.)

Etix is our only official ticketing partner. Please be cautious of third party ticketing websites and social media scammers. We are not responsible for tickets not purchased directly through World Cafe Live/Etix.

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 you to purchase tickets in advance. You can always call our Box Office at 215-222-1400 to check on a specific event.

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 unreserved tables available for diners only so that they can have a comfortable meal.

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.

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. Please feel free to reach out ahead of time (boxoffice-phl@worldcafelive.com or 215-222-1400) with any specific needs so that we can best accommodate you.

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.

Please check here for current information.

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’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.

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.com 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.

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.

For detailed information, head over to the Education section of our website. You can also reach out to our Program Coordinator at program@liveconnections.org with inquiries.

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.