Candis R. McLean
Each weekend, we will post some of the most unique social and culture places to visit in addition to exciting events in and around the Philly area. We call it Philly Influencer’s Weekend Picks. If you attend any of these places or events, let us know how it went! Tweet us or email us at [email protected].
Weekday events running through the weekend:
1. Constitution Day at the Constitution Center
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.
When: Friday, September 16th, 8:30AM-6PM
The United States Constitution was created on September 17th, 1787. To commemorate this achievement, the National Constitution Center will be observing the occasion this Friday. There will be a preamble challenge, a flag raising ceremony, awards, games and activities, arts and crafts, and other workshops. The celebration runs into the afternoon and wraps up with various discussions and challenges. Entry to the establishment is free but be sure to register as spots fill up quickly. Call 215-409-6800 to make a reservation.
Event info here.
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2. Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show
Where: Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut Street.
When: Friday, September 16th-Sunday through September 18th, various times
In its 89th year, this fine arts showcase spans three days. It’s the longest-running outdoor artwork show in the country. Presented by the Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Association, this assembly will highlight an assortment of artistic mediums, subjects, techniques, materials, and more. There will be over 100 artists from across the country displaying their work, including students.
Info available here.
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3. Fall Fest at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S Columbus Blvd.
When: Friday, September 16th-Sunday, September 18th, 11AM-11PM
To get everyone in the fall spirit, Spruce Street Harbor Park will be having a Fall Fest that begins Friday, September 16th and runs through Sunday, September 18th. There will be pumpkin carving, seasonal beers, arts and crafts, and a wide selection of pumpkin themed and flavored food. There will several brewery companies in attendance all three days and live musical performances.
Event info here.
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4. Parks On Tap at Mount Pleasant Park & Mansion
Where: Mt. Pleasant Mansion, 3800 Mt Pleasant Dr.
When: Friday, September & Saturday, September 17th at 1PM-11PM; Sunday, September 18th at 12PM-10PM
Between September 16th and September 18th, Parks On Tap comes to Mount Pleasant Park. This location jumping beer garden and gathering services attendees with craft beers, food from Mitch Prensky of Global Dish Caterers and Scratch Biscuits, live music, and yoga classes on Saturday. Indego Bike Share provides several locations to coordinate friendly rides with your crew.
Activities can be found here.
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5. BlackStar at the Barnes
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
When: Friday, September 16th, 6 PM – 10 PM
BlackStar joins with The Barnes Foundation this Friday evening to lead a two-part program celebrating music, art, film, and culture. Tickets are $40 and for members $20. Starting at 6PM, Jamyla and Pieree Bennu, will helm a panel discussion moderated by the founder of BlackStar, Maori Holmes. There will also be an after-party including a live urban folk performance by Kyp Malone and DJ Ultraviolet will also spin the latest in hip-hop music.
Tickets and info available here.
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6. Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary Opening Weekend
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave.
When: Beginning Friday, September 16th, 7PM-11PM
The kickoff date for this yearly horror takeover of the historic Eastern State Penitentiary is this Friday. The fear-filled haunted prison setup sends chills and panic through the bones of all who attend. The old reformatory institution is packed with sinister costume wearing actors, tremendous graphic props and sound effects, and more. Ticket prices range between $19 and $45, dependent on the time and date you decide to risk it all and attend.
Info and tickets available here.
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7. Drink Beer, Save Cats
Where: Yards Brewing Company, 901 N Delaware Ave.
When: Friday, September 16th, 7:30PM-10:30PM
Yards Brewing Company sponsors this City Kitties centered fundraiser. A single tickets gets you access to the event and all the Yards Beer you want. There will food trucks, outdoor seating, raffle prizes, and a massive selection of drinks. City Kitties is a nonprofit organization seeking to enhance the lives of stray cats within the city. Tickets are sold out, but more may become available before the event, so check here.
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8. Must Love Beards
Where: Theater of Living Arts, 334 South St.
When: Friday, September 16th, 9PM
The Kickback Series, sponsored by Miller Light takes over The Theater of Living Arts this Friday. This travelling nationwide party graces the streets of Philadelphia for the first time. The TLA is one of the city’s well-known concert venues. This complimentary party, fronted by Miller Light, will be great and fun way to spend your Friday night. Conveniently located on South St, there will be plenty of options after the blowout as well.
Free registration here.
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9. 15th Annual Recovery Walks!
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, September 17th, 9AM
Last year over 25,000 supporters walked in the Pro-Act Recovery Walk. Starting at Penn’s Landing, this event promotes awareness and acceptance in the community. Wanting to wash away the stigma surrounding drug and alcohol addiction, this gathering fully embraces and appreciates the laboring steps each individual in recovery takes. The celebration of communal unity has been a social pillar in the city for years.
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10. Frankford Hall Oktoberfest
Where: 1210 Frankford Ave.
When: Saturday, September 17th, 12PM-10PM
Fette Sau and Frankford Hall collaborate this Saturday to bring Oktoberfest 2016 to Fishtown. There will be frankfurters, bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, and more German food. The ethnic beer centered festival will have dancers, a great lineup of beers, DJs, live music, games, prizes, and more. Local pours including Grapefruit Hefeweizen, Paulaner Oktoberfest, Hofbrau Dunkel Lager, and several others will be available for all who attend.
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11. Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 S Street.
When: Saturday, September 17th, 12PM-8PM
This event takes place in front of Brauhaus Schmitz; the 8th annual Oktoberfest is one of the main welcoming events of the fall. There will be a Bavarian buffet, face painting, festive dancers, many drink options, and other fun activities. Live cultural music will provide the soundtrack to this outdoor, entertaining, and exciting beer celebration. Brauhaus Oktoberfest also has several other scheduled events to populate your day with this weekend.
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12. Jason Aldean Six String Circus Tour
Where: BB&T Pavillion, 1 Harbour Blvd. Camden, NJ
When: Saturday, September 17th, 7:30PM
Not just followed by Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie quarterback Carson Wentz, Jason Aldean is mega and massive country music star. This Saturday, he brings his “Six String Circus Tour” to the Camden waterfront. The tour supports his 2016 album release They Don’t Know, an album which, lead single “Lights Come On” reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Paired with “T-Shirt” singer Thomas Rhett as his opening act, Aldean’s show will bring lots of excitement to the Delaware River bank this weekend.
Tickets can be found here.
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13. Films with AAMP: They Are We
Where: The African-American Museum, 701 Arch St.
When: Sunday, September 18th, 2PM-5:30PM
The African-American Museum in Philadelphia will be screening this film festival lauded project, They Are We. The celebrated documentary tells the story of a central Afro-Cuban village’s journey of reunion, reclamation of identity and culture, and perseverance over a century of strife. Torn apart by war and trade, the heritage of the small group still remained within the collective of these proud souls and people. Tickets are $7 and $5 of AAMP members.
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14. Best Buddies Day at the Ballpark
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
When: Sunday, September 18th, 1:30PM
Best Buddies PA (BBPA) has joined forces with the Philadelphia Phillies to host a Best Buddies Day when the Phillies take on the Marlins this Sunday. With a portion of your $17 ticket going to BBPA, the event promotes integrated employment, development, friendship, and global volunteering with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Attendees will receive a free Best Buddies T-Shirt and will be welcomed at a McFadden’s event after the game with food and drink specials.
Tickets can be found here.
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15. Mexican Independence Day Festival
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Plaza, 101 S Columbus Blvd.
When: Sunday, September 18th, 2PM-8PM
September 18th is Mexican Independence Day. To recognize and celebrate the holiday, PECO Multicultural Series will be hosting a Mexican Independence Day Festival at Penn’s Landing. There will be authentic cuisine, dancing, live music and bands, games, and more. The event will also has an assortment of crafts, giveaways, and face painting. Come and celebrate at this culturally eclectic and popular event.
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16. Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival
Where: Main Street, Manayunk
When: Sunday, September 18th, 11AM-5PM
Over 50 of Philadelphia’s best food trucks with be assembled in Manayunk for this can’t-miss and highly anticipated food festival. Participating vendors with be selling bright spots off their menus, homemade essentials, and plump produce. The highlighting ingredient for the vendors’ dishes will be apples. On top of the massive amount of food available to you, local merchants along Main Street will also be open for business.
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17. Catch Em Crawl at City Tap
Where: City Tap House, 3925 Walnut St.
When: Sunday, September 18th, 3PM-8PM
City Tap House in University City, will be hosting a Pokémon bar crawl this Sunday, September 18th. Transportation from bar to bar will be provided by a trolley. Participating bars include Landmark Americana, Distro, Han Dynasty, Cozara, Baby Blues, Smokey Joe’s, Wahoo’s, and of course City Tap House. Tickets are only $5 and there will be signature cocktails for this exciting crawl.
Tickets available here.
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18. Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party
Where: Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, 601 N Colunbus Blvd.
When: Sunday, September 18th, 2PM
The last installment in the Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party five-part series concludes this Sunday. During the summer, this free concert extravaganza has drawn thousands to the Festival Pier to hear many of their favorite bands. This Sunday’s lineup includes Chvrches, Miike Snow, Iration, The Griswolds, and Andorra. There will be drink distributors and plenty food options at this outdoor musical jamboree.