Candis R. McLean
It’s the official last day of the Democratic National Convention. Before the bustling streets of Philadelphia are calmed by the departure of delegates, journalist, and activists, there’s still time to partake in the joys of this historic event. Here are the open events for Thursday, July 28th.
Council and Caucuses
It’s your chance to get a free glimpse at open discussions and policy makers at this national scale. The Pennsylvania Convention Center (1101 Arch St) hosts several legislation forums and exchanges on prominent issues facing the current Democratic Party.
Here is today’s lineup:
- Women’s Caucus: 10AM-12PM
- LGBT Caucus: 12PM-2PM
- Senior Council: 12PM-2PM
- Rural Council: 2PM-4PM
Eakin’s Oval
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Whether you want to stop by before leaving the great city of Philadelphia, or are a resident looking for something to do with a free Thursday afternoon, Eakin’s Oval (2601 Ben Franklin Parkway) is a can’t miss excursion. Eakin’s Oval offers inflatable art installations and structures, plenty of food and drink options (including a row of revolutionary themed beers), and a colorful view the Ben Franklin Parkway. Today’s food truck lineup is: Sum Pig, The Tot Cart, The Daily Press’d, The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory, and The Chilly Banana.
Events For today include:
- Library Storytelling: 11AM
- Art Class Presented By Fleisher Color Wheel: 11AM
- Yappy Hours: 5PM ($1 drinks at the beer garden if you bring your dog).
- Hip Hop Fundamentals Demonstration: 11AM
- Bow Wow Treats: 5PM (home-made jerky and ice cream for dogs)
- Mural Arts Program Exhibition: 6PM
- Beer 101 with Tom Kehoe: 6PM (Discussion with founder of Yards Brewing Company)
Equality Forum
For the entire week, several politicians, activists, artists and more have joined together at this LBGT forum to express the concerns and the realities of the community. Today is the last day of these engaging events at the Democratic National Convention.
Here are today’s concluding talks:
- Future of the Movement: Today at 2:30 PM , at The National Museum of American Jewish History (101 S Independence Mall East), Kevin Naff (Editor of Washington Blade) will moderate a panel discussion on the prospects and the further work ahead for the LGBT community. The panel participants are: Jay Brown (Communications Director of the Human Rights Campaign), Melissa Harris-Payne (Executive Director of Pro Humanite Institute), Kevin Jennings (Executive Director of Arcus Foundation), and Evan Wolfson (Former President of Freedom to Marry). The event is free and all are welcome to attend.
- LGBT Champion Awards: Sponsored by Comcast, this event held at the National Museum of American Jewish History, gives out two awards to individuals who made the issues of the LGBT community a sincere concern to them and exhibited activism to reinforce those concerns.
- The International Role Model Award will be presented by Jim Obergfell (Plaintiff in Marriage Equality Supreme Court Case) and awarded to House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
- The Frank Kameny Award will be presented by Malcolm Lazin (Executive Director of Equality Forum) and award to Ed Rendell (Former Governor of PA, Philadelphia Host Committee of Democratic National Convention 2016)
- The International Role Model Award will be presented by Jim Obergfell (Plaintiff in Marriage Equality Supreme Court Case) and awarded to House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
The event costs $100 and begins at 4:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased here.
Movie Night: Free Screening of Big Hero 6
Presented by CXS, this picnic friendly movie screening series is a great way to watch classic films and new favorites. Located at Schuylkill Banks by the Walnut Street Bridge, this free event is viewer’s choice and begins usually at dusk. Today Big Hero 6 will air between the hours of 8:20PM-10:20M. The screening will have food, raffle prizes for free movie passes, and beverages.
The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons DNC Viewing Party
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The final day of the Democratic National Convention can be viewed on the massive jumbotron at The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons (1001 N. 2nd St). The festivities kick-off at 7:30PM. There will be several food and drink options in the vicinity thanks to adjacent eateries Crabby’s Café, Grunners Run and Wahlburgers Food Truck, and Bar Ferdinand. Come sample the various dishes, take in the sights and sounds of the convention’s last night, and try the drink specials, craftily named after politicians.
Parks on Tap at Clark Park
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This week Parks on Tap is positioned at Clark Park (4398 Chester Ave) from Wednesday through Sunday. The traveling beer garden is always highlighted by great food vendors and a picturesque setting. Today’s hours are 5-10PM.
Shakespeare in Clark Park
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Neighboring Parks on Tap, today is the second day of the production of Shakespeare’s comedy Two Gentlemen of Verona. The play has disguises, tests loyalties, and puts a comedic twist on the strains of true friendship. It’s free to enter and begins at 7PM. Come see the terrific work of local actors, musicians, and dancers.