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].
1. PAFA Student Exhibition
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118-128 North Broad St.
When: Friday, May 12th-Sunday, June 4th
The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) will exhibit their best and brightest students over the next few weeks. This amazing show and sale scholarship competition will feature pieces by the institution’s fourth-year undergraduates and second-year MFA students. Students will curate, install, and sell their own work each day.
For more information, click here.
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2. Dad Vail Regatta
Where: 2200 Kelly Dr.
When: Friday, May 12th-Saturday, May 13th
The Dad Vail Regatta is the largest collegiate regatta in the country. There will be over 100 colleges and universities from around the United States and Canada competing in mass this Friday and Saturday. Thousands of student athletes will be gliding down the river in search of victory and glory.
For more information, click here.
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3. Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair
Where: Rittenhouse Square, 18th and Walnut St.
When: Friday, May 12th-Sunday, May 14th
This recurring event is held bi-annually in May and October. In its fifth year, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair showcases over 140 of the PA Guild of Craftsmen artists. There will be masterful handcrafted and skilled work on full display.
For more information, click here.
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4. Chinese Lantern Festival
Where: Franklin Square, 200 6th St.
When: Runs through Sunday, June 11th, 6PM-11PM
The beauty and glory of Chinese culture will be a featured in Franklin Square for the next month. The city will be illuminated by this one-of-a-kind festival. The event has several authentic crafts, dancers, sculptures, acrobatics, and returns its 200-foot long dragon.
For more information, click here.
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5. Uptown Beer Garden
Where: Uptown Beer Garden, 1735 Market St.
When: Opens Thursday, May 11th and runs through the season, 2PM-12AM
Uptown Beer Garden makes its return as a major Center City happy hour location for the coming sunny days. This collaborative pop up beer garden offers one of the best open-air locations in the city. The establishment has two bars with a street food menu, an exclusive IPA, and several drink options. Happy hour runs to 6 p.m.
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6. Spruce Street Harbor Park
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 s. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Open Friday, May 12th and closes Sunday, October 1st
Speaking of returns, Spruce Street Harbor Park re-opens its doors this weekend. This Delaware River waterfront oasis might be the best beer garden in the city. There is plenty of outdoor seating, fun cargo container styled grab-and-go eateries, hammocks, arcade games, fountains, lily ponds, and gorgeous lighting.
For more information, click here.
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7. Lupe Fiasco
Where: Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St.
When: Friday, May 12th, 8:30 PM
Grammy nominated hip hop act Lupe Fiasco will be taking over the Electric Factory stage this Friday night. Coming a February 2017 release of his newest studio album Drogas Light, Fiasco will be looking to ignite the crowd with some of his old hits and some fresh new tracks.
For more information, click here.
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8. Future
Where: BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbor Blvd. Camden, NJ
When: Friday, May 12th, 7PM
One of the hardest working men in music will have the BB&T Pavillon in the palm of his hands this Friday night. Future will be bringing his “Nobody Safe Tour” featuring Migos, Tory Lanez, and more to the waterfront. He’s already released two albums this year and will have plenty of track to choose from to get the crowd going. For those interested in a less talented version of the rapper, Desiigner will have a show at Trocadero Theater that same night.
For more information, click here.
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9. Metallica
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way.
When: Friday, May 12th, 6PM
The second stop on these heavy metal and rock legends “World Wired Tour” is none other than the City of Brotherly Love. Metallica is one of the best-selling and successful bands of all-time . Last year they released their tenth studio album Hardwired…to Self-Destruct. Come hear their fast tempo and iconic instrumentals this Friday night.
For more information, click here.
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10. Literary and Arts Conference
Where: The African American Museum, 701 Arch St.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 10AM-3PM
As a part of The Celebration of Black Arts, the Literary & Arts Conference features some of the area’s best and most talented artists. All day there will be panel discussions, screenings, workshops, and several engaging activities. Come to The African American Museum the next day for Macy’s Family Fun Day as well.
For more information, click here.
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11. Love Your Park Week
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, May 13th-Sunday, May 21st
There will be over 40 special events going on throughout the city over the next week. Each year several of Philadelphia’s parks host clean-ups and work days. This beautification event fosters community engagements and helps maintain public spaces. There will be countless family-friendly events and recreational activities at each location.
For more information, click here.
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12. Super Adoption Day
Where: The Schmidt’s Commons, 1001 N. 2nd St.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 11AM-4PM
No-Kill Philadelphia has partnered with The Schmidt’s Commons to created Super Adoption Day. In its 8th year, this is the city’s longest running pet adoption festival. Many of the Philadelphia area rescues and vendors will be at this event to bring together several beloved animals and hopeful owners.
For more information, click here.
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13. 2017 Philadelphia Fleadh Festival
Where: Parx Casino, 2999 Street Rd. Bensalem, PA
When: Saturday, May 13th, 11AM-9PM
The 2017 Philadelphia Fleadh Festival will be held at a new location this year. Parx Casino will host this one day Irish family soiree. There will be over a dozen live musical acts from local and worldwide entertainers, dancers, artists, food, and more.
For more information, click here.
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14. Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, May 13th and Sunday, May 14th, 11AM-6PM
The 14th annual Art Star Craft Bazaar is this weekend. This retail art and craft show will have a multitude of handmade goods and collectibles. There will be over 140 art vendors selling pottery, jewelry, bath and body products, antiques, clothing, furniture, and more.
For more information, click here.
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15. Germantown Second Saturday Festival
Where: 5501 Germantown Ave.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 12PM-5PM
Historic Germantown and Germantown United Community Development Corporation have partnered to bring the Germantown Second Saturday Festival back. There will poets, creative performing artists, dancers, and live music on the main stage. Bring your family to the kids zone, stop by the craft and arts vendors, and try any of the local cuisine.
For more information, click here.
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16. Lehigh Avenue Arts Festival
Where: 2531 E. Lehigh Ave.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 12PM-5PM
Not to be outdone by Germantown Avenue, Lehigh Avenue will also be having a rocking party of its own this Saturday. There will be many food trucks lining the streets, a moon bounce, face painting, and more. Come view and purchase many local teens arts and crafts and enjoy this incredible community event.
For more information, click here.
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17. Philadelphia Taco Festival
Where: SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 12:30PM-6PM
Over 30 of the city’s greatest restaurants and eateries will be shelling out their best tacos art SugarHouse Casino this Saturday. There will be unlimited $3 tacos and several bars serving beer, tequila, margaritas, and more. The event will have a beautiful beach themed bar and live entertainment.
For more information, click here.
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18. Cavanaugh’s Summer Day Parties Kickoff
Where: Cavanaugh’s River Deck, 417 N Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 2PM-8PM
Cavanaugh’s calls its summer series of day parties “Daevibe”. Kicking off this weekend, this free event will showcase plenty of local musical talent. Whether it’s a cloudy weekend or not, Cavanaugh’s indoor bar has you covered. This will be a hotspot for great tunes all summer long.
For more information, click here.
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19. Artist Bash: Personal Stories on Public Style
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 8PM-11PM
The Barnes Foundation welcomes you to this special events centering on fashion designers, poets, dancers, musicians, and more. The institution asks, “How does what you wear share your heritage or history?” In partnership with iHeartRadio this event will have live musical act, dancers, and will allow access to exhibits.
For more information, click here.
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20. 2017 Philadelphia Onsie Pajama Crawl
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, May 13th, 6PM-1AM
This event is labeled as the country’s biggest onesie party probably because its unrivaled. That doesn’t mean is lacks when it comes to entertainment. Your first drink is only $1 and all night there will be $3 beer and vodka specials. This event asks you to put on the most comfortable party attire you will have ever wear in your life.
For more information, click here.
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21. UFC 211 at Revolutions
Where: Revolutions, 1009 Canal St.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 8PM
This Saturday is UFC 211. Revolutions at Penn Treaty will have all your pre-fight and main event watching needs covered. There will be $3 Yuengling drafts all night and half off appetizers. Come watch Miocic vs Dos Santos 2 on their massive screen at this beautiful bowling entertainment complex.
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22. Brian Mcknight
Where: Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. Glenside, PA
When: Saturday, May 13th, 8PM
R&B smooth vocalist Brian McKnight will be coming to the area this weekend. The musical act has released 14 albums in his career and has sold over twenty million albums worldwide. The “Anytime” singer has been securely cemented as one of the best and signature voices in his genre for decades.
For more information, click here.
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23. Trey Songz
Where: Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St.
When: Saturday, May 13th, 8PM
Not to be outdone by the previous seasoned predecessor on the list, R&B singer Trey Songz will be performing at the Electric Factory this Saturday night. Fresh off his 2017 release of his self-titled release, Tremaine, Songz is prepared to reveal himself to the Philadelphia crowd. This concert is sold out so now would be a good time to exhaust all options to score a ticket.
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24. Radio 104.5 10th Anniversary Concert & Afterparty
Where: 1 Harbor Blvd. Camden, NJ
When: Saturday, May 13th, 8PM
Radio 104.5 will be celebrating its 10th birthday with two massive musical festivals. The first date will be this Saturday night on the waterfront. The lineup includes Kings of Leon, Bastille, The 1975, Fitz and the Tantrums, and more. If you can’t make it to the show be sure to come to the DJ Reed Streets official after party at Vesper.
For more information, click here.
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25. Mother’s Day Philadelphia
Where: Various locations
When: Sunday, May 14th
Mother’s Day is one of the most joyous days of the year. Philadelphia is bursting with events for the special woman in your life. Restaurants like Barbuzzo, Fine Palate, Fogo de Chao, The Rittenhouse Hotel, Moushulu, R2L and more will have special brunch and food menus for the day. There will be a Mother’s Day Brunch at Franklin Square and a tea ceremony at the Shofuso Japanese House Garden. Longwood Gardens will be hosting several activities throughout the weekend and The Spirit of Philadelphia will be celebrating the day with a special Mother’s Day cruise.
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26. Ring of Honor Wrestling War of Worlds Tour
Where: 2300 Arena, 2300 Swanson St.
When: Sunday, May 14th, 6PM
Back for its fourth year, the Ring of Honor Wrestling War of the Worlds Tour offers a unique experience for your Sunday evening. The stars of Ring of Honor Wrestling will go against acts from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. There will be a special autograph session before the intensity and the insane competition in the ring takes over the arena.
For more information, click here.
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You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected]. Follow Philly Influencer on Twitter (@PHL_Influencer), Facebook and Instagram.