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. Chestnut Hill Restaurant Week
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Chestnut Hill Restaurant Week will continue to serve up amazing dishes this week through Sunday. This weekend will be your last chance to get prix-fixe meals for between $15 and $45 per person at several restaurants in the area. Head to El Poquito, Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe, and several other hotpots serving up amazing dishes.
For more information, click here.
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2. The Oval
Where: The Oval | 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: Runs through Sunday, August 18
This Sunday is the closing day for The Oval. The ending loop of the parkway will say goodbye to all the food trucks, light structures, movie screenings, radio game shows, workshops, DJ dance parties, and more. Take a look at this weekend’s final events to avoid missing out. There’s basketball courts, tetherball, a beer garden, and more.
For more information, click here.
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3. Phillies Weekend
Where: Citizens Bank Park |1 Citizens Bank Way
When: Runs through Sunday, August 18
The Phillies are in third place in the NL East and could surge into second with a good series this weekend. This weekend they will be hosting the San Diego Padres in a three-game showdown. Come out to Citizens Bank Park this weekend to see the team live and in action. Don’t forget to pray for the Braves’, Mets’, and Nationals’ downfalls.
For more information, click here.
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4. Bead Fest
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center | 100 Station Ave | Oaks, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, August 18
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center will be hosting Bead Fest through Sunday. The exciting exhibition and vendor mercantile will be displaying gorgeous beads from various jewelers and shops across the globe. Artists will be on location doing workshops and sparking your imagination.
For more information, click here.
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5. Hidden Lives Illuminated at Eastern State Penitentiary
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary | 2027 Fairmount Ave
When: Runs through Sunday, September 12
Eastern State Penitentiary will be opening its new exhibition this week, Hidden Lives Illuminated. The new endeavor will feature films by currently incarcerated artists. The images and projects will be projected onto the walls of the famed institution.
For more information, click here.
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6. The African American Museum Weekend
Where: The African American Museum | 701 Arch St
When: Runs through Sunday, August 18
For a weekend primer, The African American Museum will be hosting a free ArtBreak, poetry, and open mic night. On Sunday, there will be performances by Lela Aisha Jones | FlyGround diving into African culture, spiritual roots, and more.
For more information, click here.
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7. Philadelphia Folk Festival
Where: 1323 Salford Station Rd | Harleysville, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, August 18
The Philadelphia Folksong Society presents the 57th Philadelphia Folk Festival. Throughout the weekend, folk fans in the area can partake in this amazing open-air musical event. There will be dozens of performers at this live music festival that will have crafts, kids activities, vendors, and of course exciting musical shows.
For more information, click here.
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8. Little Giants
Where: The Oval | 2451 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, August 16 | 9PM
Come to the closing weekend of The Oval and watch one of the best sports movies of all time. Litte Giants will be projected on the big screen for free. Come hear great lines like “The Ice Box is gonna defrost you” and plenty others.
For more information, click here.
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9. Crazy Rich Asians
Where: Clark Park | 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave
When: Friday, August 16 | 8PM
Clark Park continues its summer movie screening series this Friday night with Crazy Rich Asians. Watching the charming hit film navigating the ups and downs of dating someone in a higher tax bracket will be the perfect way to spend a Friday night. It stars Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, plus Ken Jeong and Awkwafina. The event is free and BYOB (bring-your-own-blanket).
For more information, click here.
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10. Alice Cooper & Halestorm
Where: BB&T Pavillion | 1 Harbour Blvd | Camden, NJ
When: Friday, August 16 | 9PM
Come to the Camden Waterfront this Friday night to hear Alice Cooper & Halestorm and several other acts. Cooper is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and is tabbed as “The Father of Shock Rock”. He’ll have the amphitheater jumping and electrified all night long.
For more information, click here.
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11. Common
Where: The Fillmore Philadelphia | 29 E. Allen St.
When: Friday, August 16 | 8PM
Continuing the music theme, rapper, actor, writer, and philanthropist Common will be performing at The Fillmore Philadelphia this Friday night. The Academy Award, Grammy, and Emmy winner will be releasing a new project this year titled Let Love.
For more information, click here.
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12. Punch Line Philly Weekend
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Runs through Sunday, August 18
Punch Line Philly is always the place to be for great entertainment and plenty of laughs. Comedian extraordinaire Rachel Feinstein will be performing at the comedy house through Saturday. There will be a Drag Diva Brunch this Saturday and a Comedians on the Loose showcase on Sunday.
For more information, click here.
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13. Beer Gardens
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
If you’re looking for cool and fun places to get some beer, wine, cocktails, and small plates, there are several options in the city. Independence Beer Garden, Collins Wine Garden, PHS Pop-Up, and several other places in the city have you covered for a kickback with some friends. Parks On Tap is at Burholme Park in Northeast Philadelphia this week. There will be free yoga this Thursday, happy hours with brews and food, hammocks, sitting areas, and more. Festivities at this soiree include a charitable happy hour to benefit the park.
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14. Uhuru Flea Market
Where: Clark Park| 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue
When: Saturday, August 17 | 9AM – 5PM
Clark Park pops up on this list for a second time with an ultimate shopping event. The Uhuru Flea Market is this Saturday. Several regional artisans and community members are coming out to peddle African-themed candles, paintings, jewelry, shirts, collectibles, ceramics, and other unique goods.
For more information, click here.
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15. Taste of Philly Food Tour
Where: Reading Terminal Market | 51 N 12th St
When: Saturday, August 17 | 10AM
Head to Reading Terminal Market this Saturday for its Taste of Market tours. This food-writer-led excursion lasts 75 minutes and gives you insight into all the food that makes Philadelphia unique. Come learn the history behind the cheesesteaks, pretzels, hoagies, and other favorites.
For more information, click here.
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16. Indonesian Village
Where: Cherry Street Pier| 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, August 17 | 2PM-8PM
Cherry Street Pier will be celebrating Indonesian Independence Day with an Indonesian Village spectacular. Come sample tremendous food from Hardena, hear live music, watch the traditional dances, and take in all the sights and sounds.
For more information, click here.
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17. Festival of India
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing|101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, August 17 | 12PM – 7PM
The PECO Multicultural series continues this Saturday with the annual Festival of India event. Come to the Delaware Waterfront for this wonderful festival that celebrates a culture rich with beauty and splendid heritage. There will be authentic Indian dance, ethnic cuisine, vendors, live music, performers, and more at this free event.
For more information, click here.
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18. Beech Jazz on the Ave
Where: Cecil B. Moore Avenue from Broad Street to 17th Street
When: Saturday, August 17 | 12PM – 9PM
Beech Community Services presents the 12th Annual Jazz on the Ave Music Festival. The Soul Rebels, from New Orleans, will headline the festival this year which is full of an amazing lineup of talented artists. Along with music, there will be face painting, sculpting, food, craft vendors, wellness areas, and several other activities. This is a free event that enriches the community each year.
For more information, click here.
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19. 40th Street Summer Series
Where: Walnut St. and 40th St.
When: Saturday, August 17 | 6PM
University City District rotating outdoor music festival is popping up this weekend. Gwendolyn Bye Dancefusion will be performing a modern dance piece. Magdaliz and Her Latin Ensemble CRISOL will also captivate the audience with its folk sound and traditional music from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. Come out to this free event that will have food and more.
For more information, click here.
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20. Neighborhood Showcase
Where: Asian Arts Initiative | 1219 Vine Street
When: Saturday, August 17 | 5PM-8PM
The Asian Arts Initiative wowed us last week with its Philly Asian Histories program. This weekend will be no different. The AAI will be hosting a free arts showcase that will include local artists and end with a community meal. The event is free but registration is encouraged.
For more information, click here.
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21. Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse
Where: Franklin Square | 200 N 6th St
When: Friday, August 16 | 8:30PM
If you’re in the mood to watch the best film of 2018, stop by Franklin Square this Saturday night. There will be a free screening of Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse. Bring your friends and family out for a night of thrilling imagery, great storytelling, and wonderful animated feature.
For more information, click here.
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22. Nipsey Hussle Tribute Exhibit
Where: Philly Art Collective | 253 N. 3rd St
When: Saturday, August 17 | 2PM-9PM
Rapper and philanthropist Nipsey Hussle will be celebrated this Saturday at the Philly Art Collective. Fans and art lovers will come out in droves to celebrate this great man’s legacy. This pop-up show will have free wine and live music. The event is pay-what-you-with along with registration.
For more information, click here.
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23. Backstreet Boys
Where: Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Saturday, August 17 | 8PM
90’s babies and 2000s undergrads this Saturday night is for you! The Backstreet Boys will be playing at the Wells Fargo Center this Saturday night. The chart-topping phenomes will be playing some of the hits that kept them atop the charts for years.
For more information, click here.
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24. Dierks Bentley
Where: BB&T Pavillion | 1 Harbour Blvd | Camden, NJ
When: Saturday, August 17 | 7PM
speaking of chart-topping success, Dierks Bentley will be playing at the BB&T Pavillion this Saturday night. The Grammy nominee and CMA winner will be filling open-air concert venue with blazing tracks like “What Was I Thinkin'”, “Home”, “Come A Little Closer”, and many others.
For more information, click here.
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25. Rick Ross Album Release Party
Where: NOTO Philadelphia | 1209 Vine St
When: Saturday, August 17 | 10PM
The event of the month is days away! Miami rapper Rick Ross will be in town on Saturday tearing up the city with his music. Port of Miami 2 has been out for a week and NOTO Philadelphia is ready to celebrate. Come hear tracks like “BIG TYME”, “Bogus Charms”, “Gold Roses” and more from the blazing release.
For more information, click here.
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26. Caribbean Festival
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
When: Sunday, August 18 | 12PM – 8PM
The 33rd Annual Caribbean Festival is this Sunday. Sponsored by PECO, The Delaware Waterfront, and others this event serves to celebrate and display the beauty and wonders of island culture. There will be live music, art, dance performances, vendors selling unique crafts and fashions, and more. Come see the skits, pageantry, and amazing sights coming from the stage.
For more information, click here.
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27. Jonas Brothers
Where:Wells Fargo Center | 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Sunday, August 18 | 7:30PM
The list is capped off with the Jonas Brothers this Sunday night. The Wells Fargo Center will be packed with fans waiting to get a glimpse of Kevin, Joe, and Nick. The trio’s fifth studio album Happiness Begins was released on June 7, 2019.
For more information, click here.
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Map of Events
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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