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. Pride Month Events
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
It’s Pride Month and there are plenty of pop-ups, restaurant and bar pride-themed menus, panel discussions, art shows, drag brunches and shows, and other events taking place all over the city. Don’t miss your chance to take part in all of the festivities before it’s too late.
For more information, click here.
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2. Vaccine Pop-UP
Where: 167 W. Laurel St
When: Saturday, June 26 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA), together with Garces Foundation, Jefferson Health, Penn Medicine, Puentes de Salud, and Temple Health, has launched an aggressive 100% vaccine initiative for hospitality employees, their families, and community members with pop-ups across Philadelphia. The first pop-up clinic is this Saturday in Northern Liberties. Health services will be provided by Jefferson Health. Participants will also receive a $20 gift card.
For more information, click here.
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3. Free Parking Saturdays
Where: Autopark at Independence Mall | 41 N. 6th St
When: Every Saturday through Saturday, July 3
The summer can bring you down to Old City for several reasons. With museums, shops, bars, restaurants, galleries, and more in the same vicinity, there are several stops to choose from. With a purchase of an attraction ticket from the Independence Visitor Center, you can get free parking at the Autopark at Independence Mall. The promotion lasts through Saturday, July 3.
For more information, click here.
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4. The “Big House at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum
Where: Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum | 1237 State Rd| Andalusia, PA
When: Open now
Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum reopened the Biddle family’s early 19th-century Greek Revival home to guided tours last week. The “Big House” has been closed since the spring of last year due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors will be able to purchase tickets for small, guided tours of the “Big House” that will begin at designated times. They will also have self-guided access to the 65-acre estate’s stunning native woodlands and spectacular formal gardens before and after their tour of the National Historic Landmark. This Bucks County riverfront estate, located just 13 miles from Philadelphia, is an ideal day trip for those looking to spend time outdoors with plenty of space for social distancing.
For more information, click here.
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5. A New View Camden
Where: Various locations
When: Open now
A New View—Camden is an innovative, six-month-long exhibition featuring six, one-of-a-kind, and family-friendly public art projects. The six sites for the temporary public art are adjacent to major transportation corridors in the Camden neighborhoods of North Camden, Cramer Hill, Gateway, Whitman Park, and East Camden, along the PATCO Speedline, NJ Transit’s River Line, and Camden GreenWay. It features a massive feline designed from repurposed automobiles, a 15-foot-tall steel creature doubling as a trash receptacle, a machine that utilizes mealworms to eat Styrofoam packaging from e-waste, and more.
For more information, click here.
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6. Manayunk Arts Festival
Where: Along Main Street between Shurs Lane and Green Lane
When: Saturday, June 26 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 27 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Hundreds of local and nationally known artisans and crafters will descend upon Main Street Manayunk this weekend. The 32nd Annual Manayunk Arts Festival will feature jewelry, ceramics, handcrafted pieces, glassworks, and more. This bustling shopping excursion is one of the highlights in Manayunk each year.
For more information, click here.
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7. Philadelphia Zoo Dino Bites
Where: Philadelphia Zoo | 3400 W. Girard Ave
When: Friday nights
Philadelphia Zoo launched a special Friday night extended hours program last month. Along with prehistoric-themed foods, newly enhanced eateries, a special dino-mite burger, and a beer menu, it has everything you need for a fun time out. The evening adventure will include amazing animals, life-size animatronic dinosaurs, and special new menus, that complement the amazing exhibit, BIG TIME: Life in an Endangerous Zone experience. BIG TIME, an immersive multi-sensory experience featuring 24-animatronic prehistoric beasts, transports guests back to when these giants roamed the Earth and enjoy the outdoors at the Zoo. A truly unique adventure, Big Time highlights the history of these impressive beasts, taking visitors through evocative landscapes and providing ways to help enact change. This dynamic experience stimulates the senses and enables guests to walk among dinosaurs like the mighty T-rex, puts them face-to-face with an enormous Woolly Mammoth, and side-by-side with a life-sized polar bear, elephant, Sumatran rhino, and more.
For more information, click here.
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8. The Philadelphia Orchestra
Where: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing | 101 S. Columbus Blvd.
When: Friday, June 25 | 7 p.m.
Musicians of The Philadelphia Orchestra return to Penn’s Landing for “Let Freedom Ring,” a Free Neighborhood Concert at the Great Plaza this Friday. The performance is part of the 2021 Wawa Welcome America festivities and will showcase patriotic and uplifting works that celebrate the diversity and majesty of America. Featuring Philadelphia Orchestra musicians, host Charlotte Blake Alston, vocalist Laurin Talese, and students from the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, the program includes favorites such as Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Sousa’s “Liberty Bell” March and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” March, and more.
For more information, click here.
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9. The Clay Studio
Where: The Clay Studio | 139 N. 2nd St
When: Runs through Sunday, June 27
The Bonovitz Gallery at The Clay Studio will feature “Sprinkles and Confetti,” a collection of confectionery-inspired cups and mugs created by South Carolina ceramic artist Tiffany Thomas through this Sunday. The collection, celebrating the joy in the world, will bring an immediate smile to your face. Exhibitions at The Clay Studio are free to the public and artwork is available for purchase. The Clay Studio gallery hours are Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information, click here.
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10. HERspace Women’s Art Experience
Where: Philly Art Collective | 253 N. 3rd St
When: Friday, June 25-Sunday, June 27
The Philly Art Collective will be hosting the HERspace Women’s Art Festival this weekend. Powerful and talented artists from various mediums will be on display. Come see this wonderful, artistic, and cultural celebration by viewing and purchasing some of the great work on display.
For more information, click here.
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11. Liberty Celebrations at the AAMP
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia | 701 Arch St
When: Saturday, June 26 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Wawa and AAMP collaborative freedom events continue this weekend. Head over to The African American Museum in Philadelphia and Wawa Welcome America for a creative display that starts at Franklin Square and ends at the museum. The workshop amplifies the museum’s new Anna Russell exhibition. There will be historical reenactors, speeches, and more at this creative workshop.
For more information, click here.
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12. Griot Tales at Franklin Square
Where: Franklin Square | 200 N. 6th St
When: Saturday, June 26 | 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Join Keepers of the Culture (KOTC) for this free Griot Tale Saturday exploring the connections between freedom and liberty, to commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth and Independence Day. Keepers of the Culture, Inc. of Philadelphia is an educational, cultural art organization that seeks to perpetuate the African and African American oral tradition.
For more information, click here.
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13. Free Museum Days
Where: Various locations
When: Various locations
During the Wawa Freedom-Liberty celebrations, several museums and institutions in the city have been free to visit. This weekend head over to West Philly’s Paul Robeson House to catch the new exhibit Paul Robeson: His Movies. His Music. His Message. and more (registration required). Also on Sunday, Penn Museum will be showcasing everything from ancient Egypt, Asia, and beyond (registration required). Head on over for a free day at one of the best museums in the country.
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14. Pirates at Adventure Aquarium
Where: Adventure Aquarium | 1 Riverside Dr | Camden, NJ
When: Runs through Friday, July 9
If you’re looking for a wild excursion your entire family can enjoy, head across the bridge to Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Pirates features tons of fun and interactive games, treasure hunts, craft, and so much more.
For more information, click here.
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15. Academy of Natural Sciences Events
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Open now
The Academy Book Circle meets weekly on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m., June 23 through Aug. 25, to discuss each section in a welcoming and supportive environment. Attend one session or all 10. Free, registration is required. Together, you can read All We Can Save, an anthology of essays, poetry and art by 60 women of diverse backgrounds, curated by climate leaders Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, PhD, and Katherine Wilkinson, PhD. Also, send your kids to their Academy Science Camp. Your kids can spend the summer at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University with fun educators, cool exhibits, and wild science. Sign up for one week or all weeks; each week has a different theme and each day features hands-on activities, creative crafts, and untold secrets of the museum. The camp is for ages 6-10.
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16. We Are the Seeds
Where: Cherry Street Pier | 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, June 26 | 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
The Market at Cherry Street Pier will be buzzing with amplified voices and traditions of Indigenous people this weekend. We Are the Seeds of CultureTrust is an Indigenous women-led nonprofit committed to the arts. At this second annual event, there will be live music, entertainment, crafts, dance performances, and more. The culture of the Narragansett, Choctaw, Otoe-Missouria and Taino will be showcased.
For more information, click here.
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17. Head over to Some New Restaurants
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
La Chinesca (located at 1036 Spring Garden Street, on the corner of N. 11th Street) is open for business. The newest restaurant from owners Michael and Jeniphur Pasquarello of 13th Street Kitchens (Kensington Quarters, Prohibition Taproom, Cafe Lift), the spot borrows inspiration from the city of Mexicali in Mexico, but more specifically the Chinatown neighborhood commonly called La Chinesca for which the restaurant’s name pays respect. Sor Ynéz, the newest concept from Sojourn Philly, is open and bringing amazing food to West Kensington. The new restaurant from Jill Weber and team (Jet Wine Bar, REX 1516, Cafe Ynéz), celebrates indigenous Mexican fare and ingredients, with a focus on a modern and sustainable future.
For more information, click here.
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18. PHS Pop-Up Gardens
Where: Various locations
When: Open now
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) invites people to visit the PHS Pop Up Garden at South Street and Manayunk to celebrate the arrival of warm weather. Guests can enjoy a gorgeous, floral setting with delicious food and drinks that serve as the perfect backdrop for a festive celebration of family and culture. Guests of all ages as well as pets are encouraged to visit and enjoy an oasis of horticulture in a tranquil garden atmosphere featuring delicious food and drink offering
For more information, click here.
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19. Parks On Tap
Where: Various locations
When: Open now
Waterfront, great food, cold drinks, lazy hammocks, and more await you this weekend. Make it a day or weekend with Parks on Tap, and head down the waterfront to Water Works with Parks on Tap popping up for the summer behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Trails End. The roaming beer garden and oasis is never a disappointment with fantastic brews, cocktails, and small bites.
For more information, click here.
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20. Take a Mural Arts Tour
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Mural Arts Philadelphia has a great summer lineup for you. These four safely-distanced walking tours including three brand new neighborhood tours take place on Thursdays (Spring Arts), Saturdays, and Sundays. The West Philly Inspired Mural Arts Walking Tour, New Bella Vistas Mural Arts Walking Tour, and Spring Into the Arts Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour will help you see why Philadelphia has been called the “mural capital of the world”. Come see the amazing street art that the city has to offer.
For more information, click here.
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21. Scavenger Hunts
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
It’s the Year of the Ox and it’s time to celebrate! Have fun exploring Chinatown in Philadelphia during this amazing and free scavenger hunt. Take a journey from landmarks in Chinatown with the help of Ollie the Ox, the hunt’s mascot. Each landmark has a QR code and once you complete one step, you’ll get hints for the next location. Designed by the Painted Bride Art Center and Philly Black History Maven Kalea Williams, you can try your hand at the Run Away with the Bride scavenger hunt. The FDR Park scavenger hunt is also still going through Monday, August 16.
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22. Nerd Street Gamers’ Virtual Tournament
Where: Digital event
When: Friday, June 25-Sunday, June 27
This weekend, Nerd Street Gamers will be hosting a free three-day virtual tournament for the game Rocket League. Courtesy of the U.S. Army, The winning crew gets $1,500 and an invitation to compete in the Rocket League Summer Championship this year.
For more information, click here.
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23. Dilworth Park and The Rothman Rink
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Open now
The Rothman Orthopedic Rink is open for business. The new retro-inspired checkerboard rink offers up fun times for you and for your friends. Admission is $8 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults; roller skate rental is $5. Guests with their own skates will receive a $5 discount. Matinee Skate will offer $5 off of admission to guests of all ages on Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Also nearby, stop by the Broad + Market: A Festival Experience with live entertainment, giveaways, and more.
For more information, click here.
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24. Spruce Street Harbor Park
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park | 301 S. Columbus Blvd
When: Open now
Sustained by UNIVEST, Spruce Street Harbor Park opens this week. The beautiful summer gathering hotspot has hammocks, floating gardens, stellar and colorful lights, craft beer stands, and plenty of food from the area’s top restaurants. This weekend, they’ll be hosting a Makers Market. You can buy special handmade crafts and much more.
For more information, click here.
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25. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Open now
The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is a place you can’t miss this week. The exciting entertainment area offers roller skating, the return of the carnival game area The Midway, mini-golf, Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabshack, the Franklin Fountain Cabin, and so much more. Come out for the drinks, the waterfront splendor, and a fun time out.
For more information, click here.
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26. CeneSpeak Movie of the Week
Where: Clark Park | 4300 Baltimore Ave
When: Friday, June 25 | 8:30 p.m.
CineSpeak‘s screening this week is the Philly premiere of Poly Strene: I Am A Cliche. Head over to Clark Park to watch this amazing documentary on X-Ray Spex frontwoman Poly Styrene. There will be a live DJ and entertainment before the movie, food trucks, and more.
For more information, click here.
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27. A Movie at The Bourse
Where: The Bourse Philadelphia | 111 S. Independence Mall
When: Friday, June 25 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Bourse, Philadelphia’s modern artisanal food hall on Independence Mall, will be celebrating Pride Month this Friday. The safe and socially distanced outdoor movie screening can seat up to four guests at a table. Catch a screening of The Birdcage. Proceeds from the ticket purchase will benefit the William Way LGBT Community Center.
For more information, click here.
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28. BalletX
Where: The Mann Center | 5201 Parkside Ave
When: Runs through Saturday, June 26
Philadelphia’s top contemporary ballet will be doing three performances (all world premieres) through the weekend. The Summer Series 2021 will have innovative dance performances, showcase tremendous talent, and have immensely detailed choreography. Come see these skilled individuals display their amazing work at The Mann Center.
For more information, click here.
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29. Chill Moody Experience
Where: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing | 101 S. Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, June 26 | 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Philly native hip-hop star Chill Moody and Rotation Records will be hosting the Chill Moody Experience this Saturday night. Head over to Penn’s Landing to see some amazing musical talent and phenomenal live performances.
For more information, click here.
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30. Punchline Philly
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St
When: Runs through Saturday, June 26
If you’re looking for laughs this weekend, head over to Punchline Philly. Liza Treyger from The King of Staten Island and Horace and Pete will be doing multiple performances through Saturday. Come to one of the best laugh houses in the city to see one of comedy’s rising stars.
For more information, click here.
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31. NOTO Reopening Celebrations Continue
Where: NOTO Philadelphia | 1209 Vine St
When: Reopening parties run through Sunday, June 26
NOTO Philadelphia finally reopened its doors last weekend. In celebration, they’re hosting another blowout event this weekend. Catch Andrew Rayel, DJ Stevie J, DJ Spade, and more this weekend. If you’re looking for a place to party, this upscale, trendy, and bi-level entertainment venue has you covered.
For more information, click here.
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32. Liberty Flea
Where: Cherry Street Pier | 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Sunday, June 27 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This Sunday, Cherry Street Pier launches the summer cycle of Liberty Flea. Running through Sunday, August 29, this is the place to be for antiques, collectibles, handmade crafts, furniture, soaps, vintage clothing, candles, and more. There where be food and drink vendors at this wonderful mercantile pop-up.
For more information, click here.
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33. Midsommarfest
Where: American Swedish Historical Museum | 1900 Pattison Ave.
When: Saturday, June 26 | 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The American Swedish Museum will be hosting Midsommarfest this Saturday afternoon. There will be live performances, traditional dancing, full access to the museum, and more. Bring your friends and family down for live music and fun at this fundraising event.
For more information, click here.
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34. Wine Beneift for PHILADANCO!
Where: Wine Garden West | 5019 Baltimore Ave
When: Sunday, June 27 | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
This Sunday, make your way to West Philadelphia to support PHILADANCO! The fantastic dance company, which celebrates Black dance styles, will also hold a virtual auction on the same night. The launch party at Wine Garden West will be transformed into an outdoor art gallery and performance space. The artwork will be available for auction beginning that night and you can bid for them online. Proceeds will go to PHILADANCO!
For more information, click here.
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35. Gospel at Independence Mall
Where: Independence Mall | Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Sts
When: Sunday, June 27 | 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Gospel music will be the main event this Sunday at Independence Mall. Hosted by WDAS’ Patty Jackson, there will be several performers singing uplifting music. The concert also pays tribute to gospel heroes from the region. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Don’t miss your chance to see these talented vocalists.
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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