Candis R. McLean
Each weekend, we will post some of the most unique social and cultural 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].
Here’s a list of the best Sips & Eats this week!
Events Running Through the Weekend
1. Closing This Week: Crocs at Academy of Natural Sciences
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Runs through Sunday, May 6th
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will be closing this intense exhibit in a few days. Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World features live species on display, an alligator nest, skeletons, lessons on crocodile language, strength tests, 3-D animations, and so much more. Don’t miss your chance to catch all of the action before it’s too late.
For more information, click here.
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2. Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
When: Runs through Saturday, June 30th
Prepare to be dazzled and amazed. The foundations and grounds of Franklin Square will be filled with 28 all-new traditional Chinese lanterns. Philadelphians will have until the conclusion of next month to come out and take in all the splendor of these innovative lighting structures. There will be “Chinese acrobatics, handicrafts by Chinese folk artists, a Beer Garden”, and so much more.
For more information, click here.
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3. Old City First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, May 4th
The First Friday of the month always brings the best artistic endeavors of Old City front-and-center. Several galleries and studios will be featuring new and immersing pieces. Come check out Connie Mississippi: Circle of Time, Sound and Vision: Exploring Music Through Glass Art, shop at The Clay Studio’s Spring Pottery Sale, and more.
For more information, click here.
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4. First Fridays at The Curtis
Where: The Curtis, 601 Walnut St.
When: Friday, May 4th, 5PM-8PM
Washington Square will be getting a new and creative artist series each Friday of the month. Philadelphia-based creatives Elyce Abrams, Benjamin F. Weaver, Thomas Paul Raggio and Scott Albrecht, and others will have their pieces to displayed every four to six months in the 12-story atrium of the famed building. Ten percent of any sales donated doing the exhibits at the commercial space will go to Philabundance for the month of May.
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5. Asian Arts Initiative’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, May 6th
The Asian Arts Initiative’s 25th Anniversary Celebration runs from Thursday through this Sunday. The institution has been campaigning for racial equality and providing a true understanding of Asian American experience for decades. This weekend will include bus tours, artistic showcases, receptions, spoken word, dances, and other performances.
For more information, click here.
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6. Eastern State Penitentiary Reception
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave.
When: Friday, May 4th, 5:30PM-7:30PM
This free event takes place at one of the most popularized structures in the city. This after-hours gathering will introduce new artists and installations for the 2018 season. There will be a creatives meet-and-greet, light refreshments, and previews of their work.
For more information, click here.
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7. Union vs. Toronto FC
Where: Talen Energy Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr. Chester, PA
When: Friday, May 4th, 8PM
This Friday night the Philadelphia Union will be taking on Toronto FC at Talen Energy Stadium this Friday night. The local club has won seven games this year while only surrendered two losses. Come out to this massive outdoor arena to see this high energy and thrilling live sporting event.
For more information, click here.
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8. Ralph Harris
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Thursday, May 3rd-Saturday, May 5th
Comedian Ralph Harris will be headlining the Punch Line Philly stage this weekend. The act has been featured in films like Dreamgirls, Evan Almighty, and more. Come see the jokes that made Harris shine on series such as In Livin Color, Seinfeld, Livin Single, and other classics.
For more information, click here.
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9. Bartram’s Gardens Weekend
Where: Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.
When: Saturday, May 5th & Sunday, May 6th
Bartram’s Garden is always a great location to take in scenic views and see the splendor that the city has to offer. This weekend they will be having a Saturday Free Boating event, Sunrise Bird Walk, artist workshops, and a black-owned local business vendor mercantile.
For more information, click here.
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10. Cino de Mayo
Where: Various location
When: Saturday, May 5th
This Saturday is the celebration of the Battle of Puebla knowns as Cinco de Mayo. Below is a link to all the bars crawls, drink and food specials, live music, block parties, and more. Also, come to International House for informative and cultural discussion framing the holiday. There will be educational activities and games sponsored by the Mexican Cultural Center.
For more information, click here.
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11. Fishtown Flea
Where: Evil Genius Beer Company, 1727 N. Front St.
When: Saturday, May 5th, 10AM-4PM
This Saturday the Fishtown Flea will one of the busiest areas. This is the place to be for antiques, collectibles, handmade crafts, furniture, soaps, vintage clothing, candles, and more. There where be live music and food and drink vendors.
For more information, click here.
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12. South Street Spring Festival
Where: 2nd and South St.
When: Saturday, May 5th, 11AM-8PM
Come to South Street this Saturday or the South Street Spring Festival. There will be dozens of vendors, live music stages, food and drink vendors. The German-themed festival Brauhaus Schmitz Maifest will be a part of all the amazing activity lineup.
For more information, click here.
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13. 76ers vs. Celtics
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Saturday, May 5th, 5PM
The Philadelphia 76ers will be bringing the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the Wells Fargo Center this Saturday night. The storied rivalry with the Boston Celtics has been reignited with the infusion of tremendous young NBA talent. Bring your entire family out to cheer on the surging Sixers. For those striking out on StubHub be sure to check out Vivid Seats for ticket deals too.
For more information, click here.
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14. THE BOOM 103.9 CLASS OF 2018
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.
When: Saturday, May 5th, 6PM
Jhene Aiko, Ella Mai, Megan Ryte, Casanova Devvon, Terrell Kur, Hood Celebrityy, and more will be serenading their Philadelphia fans and livening up The Fillmore Philadelphia stage. THE BOOM 103.9 CLASS Of 2018 features some of the best acts in music and several up-and-coming artists on the scene.
For more information, click here.
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15. Monster Jam
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Saturday, May 5th, 7PM
Lincoln Financial Field will be getting a monster truck makeover this weekend. Saturday night is Monster Jam, the world’s largest and infamous monster truck tour. World-class drivers compete on this rigorous track for glory and more each night. Come watch then engines get revved up and the crowd roar.
For more information, click here.
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16. Monroe Martin & Derek Gaines: No Need For Apologies
Where: Good Good Comedy Theatre, 215 N. 11th St.
When: Saturday, May 5th, 8:30PM
The Saturday night, the laughs and storytelling will be at the Good Good Comedy Theatre. The Monroe Martin & Derek Gaines: No Need For Apologies features these fresh faces in comedy. Monroe Martin was as a finalist on season 8 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing. Derek Gaines currently stars in the new TBS series The Last OG with Tracy Morgan.
For more information, click here.
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17. Tom Misch
Where: Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St.
When: Saturday, May 5th, 9PM
Alternative R&B singer and instrumentalist Tom Misch will be performing at Union Transfer this Saturday night. The South Londoner released his newest project Geography in April. Misch effortlessly merges jazz, hip-hop, electronica, and other elements with his vocals.
For more information, click here.
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18. Broad Street Run
Where: Starts at Broad Street and W. Fisher Ave.
When: Sunday, May 6th, 8AM
Thousands of Philadelphians will be navigating through the bustling streets of the city to take part in the annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run. Spectators can come out to cheer on the locals as they endure the citywide trail. There will be refreshments and merchandise up for sale.
For more information, click here.
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19. Museum Sundays
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. and Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Sunday, March 6th
The Sunday come to The Barnes Foundation for Free First Sunday Family Day. Guests will have access to the new “Renoir: Father and Son/Painting and Cinema” exhibit. There will be art-making and crafts, storytime, a film screening, bike tours with Indego, dance performances, and more. It’s also pay-what-you-wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
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20. Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival
Where: 8000 t0 8600 Blocks of Germantown Ave.
When: Sunday, May 6th, 11AM-5PM
Over 150 home & garden vendors will be lining the streets of historic Germantown Avenue this Sunday. There will be terrariums, vegetable plants, hand-made furniture, jewelry, garden sculptures, and more up for sale. There will be countless food and drink vendors on the premises as well. Bring your kids out for amusement rides, live music, crafts, a rock climbing wall, and more.
*Update: Due to inclement weather this event has been moved to Sunday, May 20th *
For more information, click here.
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21. Nicole Byer
Where: Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.
When: Sunday, May 6th, 7:30PM
Actress, comedian, writer, and host of Netflix’s baking show Nailed It, Nicole Byer will be under the lights of Helium Comedy Club this Sunday night. Byer currently has a Facebook streaming series titled Loosely Exactly Nicole and has previously done stints on MTV’s Girl Code. If you’re looking or some good standup, this is the place for you.
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.