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].
1. Closing Soon: Funkadelic Awakening: A Futuristic Resistance
Where: The Clay Studio, 137-139 N. 2nd St.
When: Runs through Sunday, June 30
The Clay Studio’s exhibit Funkadelic Awakening: A Futuristic Resistance will be coming to a close this weekend. The free display features artists highlighting different themes of resistance. Each artist in the showcase, “offers a fresh perspective on a pertinent but timeless conversation about eternal resistance and how that force can inspire radical ways of redefining oneself.”
For more information, click here.
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2. Closing Soon: Whisper’s Gone
Where: Stephen Girard Park, 2101 W Shunk St.
When: Runs through Sunday, June 30
Family dynamics, divorce, growing up transgender, sibling loyalty, and time-travel are all front-and-center in Whisper’s Gone. You can bring your blanket, picnic basket, and more to this free lively performance. There will be three shows through the weekend.
For more information, click here.
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3. Closing Soon: Cats
Where: Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.
When: Runs through Sunday, June 30
This weekend will be the last chance to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal work Cats. Forrest Theatre has been housing the tremendous work for over a week. The seven-time Tony Award-winning hit should not be missed.
For more information, click here.
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4. Closing Soon: Cirque Du Soleil Crystal
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Runs through Sunday, June 30
Another triumph closing this week is Cirque Du Soleil Crystal. This spectacular displays of aerobatics, athleticism, and movement will run its course on Sunday. Don’t miss your chance to see these soaring performers on the ice and beyond.
For more information, click here.
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5. Dinos After Dark
Where: Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, June 28, 4PM-8PM
Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences is open late this Friday with pay-as-you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden, and with food in Dinosaur Hall. This will be a great prelude to their new exhibit, Dinosaurs Around the World, which opens on Sunday, June 30. There will be tons of fun and hands-on activities.
For more information, click here.
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6. Chinese Lantern Festival
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N 6th St.
When: Runs through Sunday, July 14
The Chinese Lantern Festival has been extended to Sunday, July 14th. There are 29 larger-than-life and traditional Chinese lanterns on display. This attraction, highlighting these innovative lighting structures, is a major highlight to the city. There are stage performances, shop for artisan crafts created on-site by Chinese folk artists, taste Asian cuisine and sip on drinks in the Dragon Beer Garden.
For more information, click here.
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7. YAP Annual Portfolio
Where: Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N. 5th Street
When: Runs through Saturday, August 17
Come to Taller Puertorriqueño through the next month for the YAP Annual Portfolio exhibition. This collection is solely curated by art students, There will be photography pieces, video creations, digital works, prints, and more. Award and prizes will also be given away throughout the exhibition.
For more information, click here.
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8. Twilight in the Gardens
Where: Philadelphia Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
When: Friday, June 28, 7PM-10PM
The beautifully structured Philadelphia Magic Gardens will be continuing its Twilight in the Gardens party series this Friday. There will be live music and plenty of arts and crafts making at this event. It’s BYOB and will feature performers and teaching artists on location.
For more information, click here.
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9. Wawa Welcome to America Festival
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Thursday, July 4
The Wawa Welcome to America Festival kicks off this weekend. The celebration of the nation’s birthday will feature a free concert at the Great Plaza and Penn’s Landing this Friday, fireworks, and more. You can catch a viewing of the movie Rocky at the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Sunday as well. There are countless screenings, festivities, and celebrations over the next week.
For more information, click here.
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10. Philly Ice Cream Scoop
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th St.
When: Saturday, June 29, 11AM-5PM
Bring your friends and family out to the Reading Terminal Market this Saturday. Countless cream brands and manufacturers will be on the premises making all of your ice cream dreams come true. There will be prizes, an ice cream eating contest, shuffleboard, photo booths, and more at this delicious event.
For more information, click here.
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11. Free Museum Weekend
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, June 29 & Sunday, June 30
Several museums and institutions will be offering free or pay-what-you-wish admissions this weekend. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, One Liberty Observation Deck, the Rodin Museum, The Rosenbach, and several other cultural hubs will be opening their doors for wallet-friendly rates. There will also be free museum access during next week at several locations.
For more information, click here.
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12. Clark Park Music and Arts Festival
Where: Clark Park, 4300 Baltimore Ave.
When: Saturday, June 29, 11AM-7PM
Each year, West Philly brings the noise at this annual music festival. Local musicians and artists get a chance to show off their talent in front of an amazing crowd. There will be a great live music lineup, plenty of food trucks, and activities at the festival.
For more information, click here.
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13. Albany Empire vs Soul
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Saturday, June 29, 3:30PM
You don’t have to wait until the Eagles training camp in a few weeks to get your football fix. You can see live hard-hitting athleticism at the Wells Fargo Center this Saturday when the Philadelphia Soul rival against the Albany Fire. The arena will be jumping with this high-octane sport.
For more information, click here.
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14. Taco Festival
Where: Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Ave.
When: Saturday, June 29, 12PM-8PM
Xfinity Live! will be hosting the Philadelphia Taco Festival this Saturday from 12 pm- 8 pm, Over 75 varieties of tacos will be up for grabs. You’ll be able to sample an ample amount of tequila and your first drink comes with your ticket purchase. There will be a live mariachi band, a DJ, an eating contest, and so much more.
For more information, click here.
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15. Wawa Welcome to America Concert & Fireworks
Where: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, June 29, 8PM-10PM
This Saturday night on the Delaware Waterfront, the skies will light up with thousands of shimmering lights. Valerie Knight from 106.1 The Breeze will host the event that will feature The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. There will be a free concert and fireworks will cap off the night.
For more information, click here.
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16. WDAS Summer Block Party
Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave.
When: Saturday, June 29, 6PM
There’s only one place to see Philly natives Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Jazmine Sullivan, and others this weekend. The WDAS Summer Block Party will feature these great acts in music and more. These multiple Grammy-winning artists will be providing some phenomenal signature vocals at this famed amphitheater.
For more information, click here.
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17. Rich The Kid
Where: Theatre of the Living Arts, 334 South St.
When: Saturday, June 29, 8PM
Atlanta Rapper Rich The Kid will be performing at the Theatre of the Living Arts this Saturday night. The “New Freezer” act released his second studio album The World Is Yours 2 in March of this year. If you’re looking for a good rap show with tons of energy, look no further.
For more information, click here.
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18. Cherry Street Pier Artisan Market
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.
When: Sunday, June 30, 11AM-5PM
Take a trip back the Delaware Waterfront this Sunday morning. The Cherry Street Pier Artisan Market features tons of handmade works, paintings, prints, jewelry, antiques, and other collectibles. Here you’ll find signature and one-of-a-kind gems for any occasion from talented crafters.
For more information, click here.
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19. Philadelphia Historic District Block Party
Where: 5th & 6th Sts between Market and Chestnut Sts.
When: Sunday, June 30, 12PM-7PM
This Philadelphia celebration is a seven-hour long blowout at Independence Mall. The Historic Philadelphia Block Party will feature live music, food, beer gardens, prizes, lawn games, and more. This is a free event and its family-friendly.
For more information, click here.
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20. The Gold Cup at the Linc
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Sunday, June 30, 5:30PM & 8:30PM
Watching the World Cup at a local bar isn’t the only place to enjoy soccer this weekend. There’s tremendous competition on the big stage in your very backyard. The CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinals will have you screaming from your seats as you see these emerging national teams duel it out to advance to the semifinals.
For more information, click here.
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21. Big3 Basketball
Where: Liacouras Center, 1776 Broad St.
When: Sunday, June 30, 5PM-8PM
The BIG3, Ice Cube’s professional 3×3 basketball league, is coming back in the city this weekend. Come and watch Julius “Dr. J” Erving coach former NBA greats like Nate Robinson, Jermaine O’Neal, Amar’e Stoudemire, and others. Countless other stars will be out during the three games Sunday night. This will be the best action on the hardwood in the city!
For more information, click here.
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22. Philly’s Phunniest
Where: Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.
When: Sunday, June 30, 7PM & 9:30PM
The preliminary rounds will be continuing this week for the 2019Philly’s Phunniest contest. This comedic competition will crown the funniest comedian to grace the streets of Philadelphia this year. If you’re looking for a night of laughs, stop by Helium Comedy Club.
For more information, click here.
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23. Hugh Jackman
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Sunday, June 30, 7PM
Grammy, Gold Globe, Tony, and Emmy-winning actor and singer Hugh Jackman will be at the Wells Fargo Center this Sunday night. He’ll be performing hits from the famed productions during his career such as Les Miserables, The Greatest Showman, and more. Come see this great talent take over the WFC.
For more information, click here.
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24. Love Me Some Comedy
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Sunday, June 30th, 8:30PM
Punch Line Philly will be hosting a special comedy event this Sunday night. Skeet Carter and more will be featured at Love Me Some Comedy. You’ll have a gut-busting and fun time enjoying all the stand-up acts in the venue.
For more information, click here.
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Map of Events
Follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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