Candis R. McLean
Last Day of PoliticalFest
Today is the last day of this multi-venue event that spans several places in Philadelphia from museums to the Convention Center. It’s your last chance to see enhanced exhibits, speaking engagements, and appearances from various prominent figures. Tickets for the events range between $15 for adults, $5 for children up to the ages of 17 or college students, and free for military veterans. PoliticalFest begins at 10AM and concludes at 6PM. Participating venues include:
- Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall F, 12th and Arch Streets
- National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
- The Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust Street
- Philadelphia History Museum, 15 S. 7th Street
- The Heritage Center of the Union League of Philadelphia, 140 S Broad Street
- National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut Street
- Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street
Come and enjoy a final glimpse at various illustrations and displays of America’s historical political system and its progress through the years.
Councils & Caucuses
There are several open forums and legislative body meeting open to the public today at the Philadelphia Convention Center. These meetings are there to illicit discussions about various topics within the Democratic Party. Here is today’s lineup:
- Ethnic Council: 10AM-12PM
- AAPI Caucus: 10AM-12PM
- Native American Council: 10AM-12PM
- Black Caucus: 10AM-12PM
- Hispanic Caucus: 10AM-12PM
- Disability Council: 12PM-2PM
- Small Business Owners Council: 12PM-2PM
- Youth Council: 12PM-1:30PM
- Veterans and Military Families Council: 2PM-4PM
- Labor Council: 2PM-4PM
- Faith Council: 2PM-4PM
Equality Forum
The Equality Forum concludes tomorrow, July 28th. This LGBT rights summit continues in leading daily discussions over civil rights facing their community and the continued fight and journey to obtain them. The assembly brings together politicians and activists prepared to lend their voices by communicating past experiences and how they envision future progress of this human rights issue. Today’s free events include:
- Philadelphia Conference Historic Marker Dedication: Held at the Arch Street Meeting House (320 Arch Street), between 11AM-11:30AM, this event commemorates where 300 activist from around the country organized and met in February 1979. It was then that the group planned the National March on Washington for Lesbian & Gay Rights that took place on October 14, 1979. Today’s meeting recognizes that 100,000 people demonstration. Participants include: Dustin Lance Black (Screenwriter & Social Activist), Richard Burns (LGBT Organizer), Malcolm Lazin (Executive Director of Equality Forum), GoGo Morrow (Singer), Mark Squilla (Philadelphia City Councilman), Paul Steinke (Executive Director of Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia), and Nathan Townsend (Singer & LGBTQ Youth Advocate)
- Elected Officials Panel: At the National Museum of American Jewish History (101 South Independence Mall East), between the hours of 2:30PM- 4PM, a panel will be led including several U.S. politicians. The LGBT assembly will be moderated by Aisha C. Moodie-Mills, President & CEO of The Victory Fund and Institute. The panelists are: Maura Healy (Massachusetts Attorney General), Sean Patrick Maloney (U.S. Representative New York), David Richardson (State Representative Florida), and Mark Takano (U.S. Representative Florida).
Dilworth Park All-American Happy Hour
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The second day of the All-American Happy Hour continues. Located next to City Hall (1 South 15th St), this Dilworth Park event promises a good time. I runs between 5PM-8PM and offers great food, a vibrant DJ, and an eclectic backdrop. Come here to have a good time etched in the center of downtown Philadelphia.
Center City District Sips At Dilworth
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Adjacent to the All-American Happy Hour, is this weekly beloved event of summer. Presented by Two Gingers and Live Nation, Sips offers $3 beers, $4 wines, and $5 cocktails. Come enjoy the large outdoor pavilion, a DJ, and food serviced by the nearby café.
DNC Heritage Festival
This event, celebrating Philadelphia’s ethnic diversity is located at 1800 East Passyunk Ave from the hours 3PM-6PM. This is a fundraising gathering and celebration. Donating $15 or $10 if you’re a student, allows you entrance into the event. There are also VIP tickets that range from $100 for students to $250 for adults. Children 16 years or younger are allowed entrance for free.
Parks on Tap at Clark Park
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Located at Clark Park (4398 Chester Ave), this summer wandering beer garden, offers local craft beers, food, and a peaceful setting to engage with your friends. There are several spacing options at this park nestled in University City. It’s free entry and all the food and beverages are pay as you go. The event runs from 5PM-10PM
Shakespeare in the Park
Clark Park (4398 Chester Ave) will be showcasing the famed Shakespeare play The Two Gentlemen of Verona at 7PM for free. This swirling romantic comedy will showcase many of Philadelphia’s finest actors and swing dancers. Music will be provided by the Suburban Jazz Quintet. Come and bring a blanket to watch this tale of love and friendship told in a beautiful scenery. The rain location for the performance is the Main Dining Hall, University of the Sciences (600 S 43rd Street).
Schmidt’s Commons DNC Watch Party
Located at The Schmidt’s Commons at The Piazza (1001 N. 2nd Street), starting at 7PM, the DNC will be on full display on the piazza’s jumbotron. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the various food and drink specials. Many of the drinks, ranging between $8-11, are aptly named after former leaders and current politicians:
- The Hillary: Tequila, sour mix and a splash of lime served in a fishbowl topped with a can of Hell or High Watermelon beer.
- The PHILLY Donkey: Stateside vodka and Ginger Beer
- Feel the Bern: Tequila, Tabasco and s splash of Mama Walkers Maple Bacon liquor for that Vermont Flavor
- The Barack Obama: Ciroc with lemonade and a splash of Chambord
There are several food and alternative drink options for this free-to-enter event.