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].
Events Running Through the Weekend
1. Closing this Weekend: Chinese Lantern Festival
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
When: Runs through Sunday, July 8th
For the past several months, the foundations and grounds of Franklin Square have been filled with 28 all-new traditional Chinese lanterns. This attraction, highlighting these innovative lighting structures, was so popular that its Philly run got extended. This weekend will be your last chance to be dazzled and amazed.
For more information, click here.
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2. Sphnix Staycation Weekend at Penn Museum
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
When: Runs through Sunday, July 8th
This weekend Penn Museum’s legendary lower level Egypt (Sphinx) Gallery will be closing “for extensive artifact conservation.” The circa 1200 BCE structure is taking a break as the museum eventually begins its re-envisioning for the new Ancient Egypt & Nubia Galleries. This will be a “See You Later” weekend that will include portraits with the Sphinx, activities, and more.
For more information, click here.
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3. Movie Screenings
Where: Various locations
When: Through Friday, July 6th.
Beautiful summer weather and sunshine will always have the city bursting with tremendous outdoor activities. This weekend will have some fantastic movie screenings. Blade Runner 2049 will be screened at The Schmidt’s Commons this Friday. Mt. Airy eatery the Trolley Car Diner will be screening Kung Fu Panda on the same date. For those in Historic District, stop by the Betsey Ross House that night for The Giant Claw. The Justice League at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing this Thursday night for those getting a jump start on weekend entertainment.
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4. Old City First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, July 6th, starts at 5PM
Philadelphia art lovers take to the streets of Old City on the first Friday of every month to explore several local galleries. Late-night shopping and tremendous deals are also served up at many restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. There is live music, storefront demos, live arts, workshops, exhibition debuts, and more.
For more information, click here.
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5. Frankford Ave First Fridays
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, July 6th
Old City isn’t the only neighborhood celebrating the first Friday of the month. Fishtown will be brimming with art, culture, food, and more. July First Friday! will feature special Happy Hours, a pop-up fashion launch, live body painting, DJ parties, and several other activities.
For more information, click here.
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6. River Down the Street
Where: Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Linderbergh Blvd.
When: Friday, July 6th, 7PM-11PM
Bartram’s Garden always boosts spectacular views and provides a scenic getaway from the bustling of the city. The Friday night is River Down the Street 2018. The event will feature speakers, artists, and more all touching on the history of Kingsessing and Southwest Philadelphia. There will be food vendors, drinks, and more at this riverside party.
For more information, click here.
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7. Friday Nights at the Museum
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. and Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Friday, July 6th, 6PM-9PM (Barnes) and 5PM-8:45PM (Art Museum)
The Barnes Foundation continues its First Friday! series this weekend. Glen Velez and Loire Cotler will be merging the great sounds of percussion musicianship and jazz vocals for an unbelievable night of live music. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art pianist and composer, Sumi Tonooka will be showing off her tremendous skills. Both events will have cocktails and more. The two institutions also partnered up for I HeART Summer: A Philadelphia Museum of Art and Barnes Escape. Now through August 31st, you can purchase a combo ticket for access to the Barnes and the Art Museum for just $40 (a $10 savings).
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8. Jacqueline Novak
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Thursday, July 5th-Saturday, July 7th
Stand comedian act Jacqueline Novak will be performing a three-night set at Nothern Liberties laugh house Punch Line Philly. The Comedy Central, HBO, and Netflix act has performed her material for several audiences, including The Late Late Show with James Corden. For those looking for laughs or great entertainment, look no further than Punch Line Philly this weekend.
For more information, click here.
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9. Havana Nights
Where: World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.
When: Friday, July 6th, 8PM
For another event offering live music, World Cafe Live will be hosting Havana Nights this Friday evening. This is a free event full of Latin flair and music. There will be authentic food and drinks available for purchase. Come out for the amazing salsa music and tear up the dance floor.
For more information, click here.
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10. First Time’s the Charm 2018
Where: PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St.
When: Friday, July 6th-Saturday, July 7th
PhilaMOCA will be hosting First Time’s the Charm 2018 this weekend. After a two-year hiatus, this collaborative concert heralding inclusivity returns. This two-day concert will be made up of bands that exclusively include “women, people of color, queer, trans and gender non-conforming people, and those with disabilities”.
For more information, click here.
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11. WWE SummerSlam Heatwave Tour at the Wells Fargo Center
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 s. Broad St.
When: Friday, July 6th, 7:30PM
The Friday night the WWE Live brings the Summerslam Heatwave Tour to the City of Brotherly Love. WWE Superstar Ronda Rousey is set to make her Philadelphia WWE debut at this live-action wrestling event. The main events include Roman Reigns versus Jinder Mahal and a six-man tag team match with Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Elias and more.
For more information, click here.
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12. Family Tanabata Weekend
Where: Shofuso Japanese House Garden, Lansdowne Dr & Horticultural Dr.
When: Saturday, July 7th & Sunday, July 8th, 11AM-5PM
Shofuso Japanese House Garden will be hosting a Family Tanabata Weekend this Saturday and Sunday. This midsummer Japanese star festival will have several people tying wishes to the bamboo tree. Tanabata star ornaments will be swirling as you make paper cranes for good luck. There will be Japanese storytelling, calligraphy, music, origami, and more.
For more information, click here.
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13. Hispanic Fiesta at Penn’s Landing
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, July 7th- Sunday, July 8th
With over 15,000 people in attendance every day, the PECO Hispanic Fiesta is by far the most popular of the multicultural series events. This two-day festival will have live music, food, games, a beer garden, performances, and plenty of other cultural highlights.
For more information, click here.
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14. Union vs. Atlanta FC
Where: Talen Energy Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr. Chester, PA
When: Saturday, July 7th, 7PM
This Saturday evening the Philadelphia Union will be taking on Atlanta FC in this Eastern Conference showdown. Atlanta brings their number one standing into Talen Energy Stadium. The Wolrd Cup isn’t the only place to catch insane moves, high energy crowds, and some amazing soccer. Bring your cheers and enthusiasm out to Chester.
For more information, click here.
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15. Here to Stay
Where: 1101 Vine St.
When: Saturday, July 7th, 8:30PM
Chinatown Art Brigade has designed a massive visual luminary highlighting immigration rights issues. The project includes a sizeable outdoor projection in collaboration with several artists and media innovators in the community. In collaboration with Asian Americans United and Viet Lead, this nighttime exposition will be a shimmering display of activism.
For more information, click here.
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16. Rebelution
Where: Festival Pier, 601 N Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, July 7th, 6:30PM
This Grammy-winning California reggae band will be taking over the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing this Saturday. The Free Reign Summer Tour features several guests including Stephen Marley. If you’re a reggae lover in the city, don’t miss out on this show.
For more information, click here.
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17. FEUD!
Where: Good Good Comedy Theatre, 215 N 11th St.
When: Saturday, July 7th, 10PM
Good Good Comedy Theatre will be hosting FEUD! this Saturday night. The hilarious game show relies on unpopular and controversial opinions. Comedians argue over the most insane topics and the team that gets the most laughs wins it all. Hosted by Mike Rainey, this event will certainly infuse your night with fun and laughs.
For more information, click here.
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18. Foo Fighters
Where: BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Blvd. Camden, NJ
When: Saturday, July 7th, 7:30PM
The Foo Fighters are in town! The award-winning Seattle band will be electrifying the BB&T Pavilion this Saturday night. Dave Grohl and company will be performing all their hits at this scenic outdoor amphitheater. The Concrete and Gold Tour supports their ninth studio album with the same name.
For more information, click here.
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19. Living History
Where: Independence Square, 111 S. Independence Mall West
When: Sunday, July 8th, 11:45AM – 12:30PM
Come to Independence Square this Sunday for Living History: Reenactment of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence. Closing out a week-long celebration of American independence, commemorative reading shines a light on the document that made it all possible.
For more information, click here.
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You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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