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. Visit Carpenters’ Hall Philadelphia
Where: Carpenters’ Hall | 320 Chestnut St
When: Open now
As tourism in Philadelphia returns to a sense of normalcy, it is the perfect time to step into history with a visit to Carpenters’ Hall. As the official birthplace of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carpenters’ Hall was a pivotal landmark in the early history of the United States and a great stop on any visit to Philadelphia. Located in the heart of Independence National Historical Park in Old City, Philadelphia, Carpenters’ Hall is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to the public, making it the perfect stop for a visit.
For more information, click here.
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2. Historic Storytelling
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
The Once Upon A Nation Storytelling program brings history to life with stories about real people and events which occurred in Philadelphia’s historic district and in Valley Forge > NationalHistorical Park. Professional storytellers share these stories, using scripts that are built on careful research to assure accuracy. They cover a variety of topics, including some which speak to issues that connect past experiences with contemporary events and interests. Once Upon A Nation is created and operated by the non-profit Historic Philadelphia, Inc. in partnership with Independence National Historical Park and Valley Forge Historical Park. The free storytelling benches will be at these three locations in the Historic District: Independence Square behind Independence Hall, Franklin Square, and Betsy Ross House sponsored by the George C. and Esther Ann McFarland Foundation.
For more information, click here.
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3. Mural Arts Philadelphia
Where: Various tours
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, Saturdays, and Sundays. The West Philly Inspired Mural Arts Walking Tour, New Bella Vistas Mural Arts Walking Tour, and Spring Into the Arts and Mural Mile Center City Walking Tours 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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4. Independence Seaport Museum
Where: Independence Seaport Museum | 212 S. Columbus Blvd
When: Various times
The Independence Seaport Museum’s Submarine Becuna, a World War II-era Balao-class submarine, is open for visitors. To ensure visitor safety, ISM is limiting access to Becuna to limited capacity, 30-45 minute guided tours. The guided tours are available during the week at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on weekends at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Becuna also brings a storied history from her 25 years in the U.S. Navy. The submarine completed five wartime patrols in the Pacific Theater of World War II and earned four combat stars for her service. Becuna became a museum in July 1976 as part of Philadelphia’s Bicentennial Celebration and became a part of ISM’s collections in 1996.
For more information, click here.
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5. Vaccine Pop-UP
Where: Various locations
When: Sunday, August 22 | starting at 11 a.m.
From South Philly to Dilworth Park to North Philly, locals and visitors will take to the streets with the high-spiritedVAX Up Philly Parade, a one-day-only, multi-location, community-minded event offering free vaccinations, live music, education, and more with Jefferson Health, Snacktime Philly, Radio Kismet, Philadelphia’s Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, Conrad Benner’s Streets Dept and others. Starting at 11 a.m. at FDR Park, continuing to Dilworth Park, and culminating at Philadelphia OIC located at 1231 North Broad Street, the Vax Up Philly Parade is designed to raise awareness and build positivity around being vaccinated.
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6. Closing Soon: New Grit: Art & Philly Now
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Runs through Sunday, August 22
The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s exhibit New Grit: Art & Philly Now features the work of twenty-five artists who all have unique perspectives about Philadelphia. The exhibit includes painting, photography, sculpture, glassworks, and more.
For more information, click here.
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7. Explore the Baby Boom at The Philadelphia Zoo
Where: Philadelphia Zoo | 3400 W. Girard Ave
When: Saturday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Friday 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The Philadelphia Zoo has seen an explosion of animal births this year, including a critically endangered Mongoose Lemur, two endangered Francois Langurs, an endangered White-handed gibbon, a Hoffman two-toed sloth and a Humboldt penguin chick, considered Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). All of the infants are doing well and are on exhibit at the Zoo.
For more information, click here.
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8. Wallflowers at The Clay Studio
Where: The Clay Studio | 139 N. 2nd St
When: Runs through Sunday, August 29
Wallflowers is a new collection by Kansas City-based sculptor and installation artist Rain Harris. Her latest work examines overconsumption, excess, and class through color, pattern, and decoration. Harris uses motifs from the history of decorative arts and combines incongruous elements to create work that highlights decorative eclecticism to the point of overindulgence.
For more information, click here.
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9. Summer Splash Wednesdays
Where: Franklin Square | 200 N. 6th St
When: Wednesdays | 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
There are dance lessons, yoga, and live music at Franklin Square every Wednesday through Saturday. You can also enjoy the beer garden, mini-golf course, carousel, and more at Summer Splash.
For more information, click here.
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10. The African American Museum in Philadelphia
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia | 701 Arch St
When: Thursday, August 19 | 12 – 1:15 p.m.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia lunchtime series on Anna Russell Jones: The Art of Design will continue this week. ArtBreak this week explores the exhibit about the first African American graduate of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women (now Moore College of Art and Design).
For more information, click here.
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11. Night Tours at Eastern State Penitentiary
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary | 2027 Fairmount Ave
When: Various times
Head over to Eastern State Penitentiary for a unique view of the historic cellblocks after the lights go out. The tour features the actual voices of former prisoners and correctional staff and access to the exhibit Prisons Today and points of interest like Al Capone’s cell. Guests will also have access to the beer garden on the penitentiary’s baseball diamond, and gift shop on the grounds.
For more information, click here.
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12. Stop by Uptown Beer Garden
Where: Various locations
When: Open daily
Center City’s largest and most celebrated beer garden has been the talk of the town. The picturesque urban oasis comes complete with stunning views, expanded menus, additional shading, lush greenery, original artwork, more dining space, and even bigger vibes. The 18,000+ square foot space offers seating for 350 guests and private event space for up to 700 guests. The menu features street food and Philadelphia favorites, including starters (smoked chicken wings, crab gravy poutine, crispy eggplant), salads (grilled peach, whole grain bowl), sandwiches (roast pork, cheesesteak, chicken cheesesteak, parm cutlet, eggplant Italian, crab cake), sides and desserts
For more information, click here.
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13. Bring Your Dog to Craft Hall’s Puppy Porch
Where: Craft Hall | 901 N. Delaware Ave.
When: Friday 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. | Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Philadelphia’s largest restaurant, Craft Hall, also has the city’s only hybrid dog park and beer garden. Unleashed Bark and Beer allows dogs to frolic off-leash, while owners sit and sip. The new dog park-beer garden will offer dog cocktails, human-themed special drinks, yappy hours, dog biscuits by the famous Lost Bread Co, contactless ordering, beverage service to the dog park itself, and a brand-new puppy porch for dinner with your pup. All of the human and dog special cocktails will be featured on the monthly “Unleashed Yappy Hour” menu, every last Friday of the month, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. FCM Hospitality will donate $1 from each of these cocktails to a rotating dog-related charity during Yappy Hour. The charity will also be on hand with adoptable pups.
For more information, click here.
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14. Longwood Gardens
Where: Longwood Gardens | 1001 Longwood Rd | Kennett Square, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, September 26
Longwood Gardens Festival of Fountains returns for the season this weekend. The marvelous and scenic garden terrain will be overflowing with water lily displays, a meadow garden, and more. Throughout the months there will be live music, crafts, family-friendly, fireworks, and other events.
For more information, click here.
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15. Stroll the Street
Where: Main St
When: Every Thursday from 5-8 p.m. through Thursday, September 30
Every Thursday through the last one of September 2021, take a stroll through Manayunk’s main street and partake in deals at boutiques and shops, live music, dining at streeteries, live art, and more. This weekly event is one that you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here.
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16. Dilworth Park
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Various times
Dilworth Park, next to City Hall, has plenty of events all week to entertain the entire family. Opera Philadelphia at Dilworth Park will be live at the Arts on Stage this Wednesday. Come hear Bizet’s Carmen and Violetta from Verdi’s La Traviata, and more. eThe Philadelphia Marketplace at Dilworth Park will also be open from Friday-Sunday will plenty of collectibles, art, jewelry, and more up for purchase.
For more information, click here.
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17. Al-Bustan Community Block Party
Where: Northeast High School | 1601 Cottman Ave
When: Saturday, August 21 | 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is excited to announce three Community Block Party events which will be held in the lower Northeast of Philadelphia (Northeast High School (8/21), Lawncrest Recreation Center (8/28), and Tarken Recreation Center (9/24). The events will include vaccination opportunities (Pfizer and J&J), live music, job and healthcare resources, voter registration opportunities, and food. In addition to the vaccine clinic and voter registration, there will be resources available for attendees to answer their questions and help navigate local school, work, immigration, and health issues. There will be arts activities and music for youth and adults. The musical performance will showcase the talented Master Percussionist Hafez Kotain as well as opportunities to play in a community drum circle.
For more information, click here.
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18. Play The Escape Game
Where: King of Prussia Mall | 160 N. Gulph Rd | King of Prussia, PA
When: Various times
The Escape Game offers several unique, adventurous, and tactile experiences. Teams work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and ultimately complete a mission to escape the room. Each game immerses teams in scenic design that rivals Hollywood movie sets and incorporates twists, turns, and jaw-dropping surprises around every corner. In Search for the Losted Toys and it’s a fully-decked-out escape room in the world of Rugrats. The exciting and limited game runs through January 2022.
For more information, click here.
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19. 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 also a Sistah Soul event. The vocal showcase will feature Black women artists and music from DJ Tee Alford.
For more information, click here.
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20. Check Out Wonderspaces New Exhibitions
Where: Philadelphia Fashion District | 9th-11th & Market Sts
When: open now
Wonderspaces, the pop-up spellbinding and artistic installation, has been wowing visitors since its reopening. The Fashion District Philadelphia will be the endeavor’s first permanent location. The space will blow you away with its creative construct, VR components, and one-of-a-kind visuals. With 24,000 square feet of space and 15 immersive and interactive exhibits, this spellbinding excursion should not be missed. Don’t miss your chance for some fun, escapism, and an entrancing way to spend some time out in the city.
For more information, click here.
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21. PHS Pop-Up
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 offerings. On Wednesday, August 18 at the Manayunk location, For $30, you can learn how to make and sustain a terrarium. They also have Horticulture Quizzo for prizes and giveaways.
For more information, click here.
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22. Get Ready for Mainline Today Restaurant Week
Where: Various locations
When: Sunday, August 23-Sunday, September 5
Main Line Today Restaurant Week is a brand-new 14-day event that runs from August 23rd to September 5th at top dining destinations on the Main Line and in the Western Suburbs. Restaurants will serve up specially priced 3-course lunch and dinner menus, offer a variety of dining situations, from indoor to outdoor, take-out to dine-in, and more.
For more information, click here.
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23. Parks On Tap
Where: Various locations
When: Open now
Waterfront, great food, cold drinks, lazy hammocks, and more await you this weekdend. 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. You can also get a brew from Two Locals Brewing Company, Philly’s first Black-owned brewery.
For more information, click here.
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24. American Swedish Historical Museum Events
Where: American Swedish Historical Museum | 1900 Pattison Ave
When: Various times
The American Swedish Historical Museum turns will be hosting Crayfish Party this Friday. The soiree includes dill-seasoned crayfish, fingerling potatoes, meatballs, Swedish cheese pie and more. This Sunday, visitors can go plogging in an effort to get some exercise and keep the park beautiful.
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. Catch a Movie Screening
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
There are plenty of movie screenings in the city this week. Catch Star Wars: The Last Jedi this Thursday at Dilworth Park, a film a PFS Drive-in at The Navy Yard, Jurassic World this Wednesday at Sunset Social, and more. Don’t miss your chance to catch these blockbuster films under the stars.
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27. Candytopia
Where: Philadelphia Fashion District | 9th-11th & Market Sts
When: Open now
Candytopia makes summer in the city a whole lot sweeter. Head to Philadelphia Fashion District to have fun at this deliciously immersive and outrageously interactive candy-wonderland. Candytopia features more than a dozen environments with larger-than-life interactive art installations and full sensory experiences inspired by pure, sugary bliss.
For more information, click here.
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28. Shofuso Japanese Culture Center
Where: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden | Lansdowne Dr. and Horticultural Dr.
When: Open now
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is open to the public new attractions. New for 2021, visitors will see the just-completed Pebble Beach alongside the central pond. Based on newly-discovered 1957 drawings made by Shofuso’s original garden designer, Tansai Sano, Shofuso brought to life a traditional Su-hama Pebble Beach on the garden’s boat-landing shoreline. Designed by mid-century modernist architect, Junzo Yoshimura in 1953, the house has stood in the open park since 1958. It’s one of the most authentic representations of Japanese architecture in the country and draws over 30,000 visitors annually.
For more information, click here.
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29. The Isley Brothers
Where: The Dell Center | 2400 Strawberry Mansion Dr
When: Thursday, August 19 | 7 p.m.
Grammy-winning and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, The Isley Brothers will be rocking the crowd at The Dell Music Center this Thursday night. Legendary R&B group Brownstone will also be singing their chart-topping hits. Come out for a night of some of the greatest old-school jams and talent.
For more information, click here.
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30. The Mann
Where: The Mann Center | 5201 Parkside Ave
When: Various times
There are plenty of amazing live shows taking over The Mann Center this week. Catch ET: Extra-Terrestrial with live music from the Mann Center Festival Orchestra this Wednesday. For King & Country and Lecrae will be playing on Thursday. Jason Mraz will also be center stage on Friday night and 3 Doors Down and Seether will be taking over the venue on Saturday.
For more information, click here.
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31. Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer
Where: Citizens Bank Park | 1 Citizens Bank Park Way
When: Friday, August 20 | 5:30 p.m.
Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer will be rocking Citizens Bank Park this Friday night for the Hell Mega Tour. You’ll hear everything from “American Idiot”, “Sugar, We’re Goin Down”, to “Island In The Sun” from these great names in alternative rock. This will be a night that you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here.
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32. Punch Line Philly Events
Where: Punch Line Philly | 33 E. Laurel St
When: Various times
Each week Punch Line Philly delivers great stand-up shows and crowd-pleasing events. This week the uber-popular Cher vs. Celine Drag Brunch at Punch Line Philly is back. Chris Distefano will also be doing a multi-night show through Saturday. This is the place to be for some laughs and some fun.
For more information, click here.
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33. Salsa in the City
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Want to learn how to dance salsa and bachata? FDR Park is hosting pay-what-you-wish lessons every 1st & 3rd Friday at the historic boathouse. Also this Sunday, Mural Arts is hosting free salsa lessons by Watson and Katy, dancing with DJ Philly Boy on 2, and painting sections of Philadelphia’s newest mural. Salsa Shines Through is an interactive mural project that celebrates salsa dancing in Philadelphia as a form of self-care during the pandemic. Oil painter, salsa instructor, and international performer Andres Giraldo designed the mural using screenshots of videos that salsa dancers sent to @salsa_shines_through on Instagram. He is collaborating with Mural Arts Philadelphia Staff Artist Nathaniel Lee to paint the mural. The paint day is free and open to the public and is fun for all ages. No formal painting skills are required. The artists and a team of assistants will be on hand to show people how to participate. All supplies will be provided. The event will take place at 1409 Howard Street (corner of Howard and Master Streets), South Kensington from 2 – 6 p.m. (free salsa dance lesson at 2 p.m.)
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34. Battleship NJ
Where: Battleship NJ | 100 Clinton St, Camden, NJ
When: Thursday, August 18 | 6-8 p.m.
Battleship NJ is hosting a Twilight Adult Tour this Thursday night. The event is 21 and older and will feature this special tour of the vessel. Come see the ship that survived World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War up close and in person at this adult-themed soiree.
For more information, click here.
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35. Union Soccer
Where: Subaru Park | 1 Stadium Dr | Chester, PA
When: Thursday, August 18 | 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 21 | 8 p.m.
Philly’s Major League Soccer club will be taking on New York FC and Montréal this week at Subaru Park. The Union currently sit at 5th in the Eastern Conference but only a few games from the second spot. Come to Suburu Park for some live soccer action under the Thursday and Saturday night lights.
For more information, click here.
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36. 3rd Fridays in Souderton
Where: The corner of Main & Chestnut Streets in Souderton.
When: Friday, August 20 | 6-9 p.m.
3rd Fridays in Souderton presented by Souderton Connects will take place on Friday, August 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. The block party features vendors, food trucks, live music, family-friendly activities, and more. Centrally located within 30 miles of Philadelphia, Allentown, and central New Jersey, Souderton is a charming and walkable town accented by public art and galleries, creative dining, and over 140 businesses. Additional dates for 3rd Fridays in Souderton are September 17 and October 15.
For more information, click here.
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27. Grab Tickets to Ou Manje Deja?
Where: 500 Centerton Rd | Moorestown NJ
When: Friday, August 27
Next week there will be a culinary celebration like no other at the Ou Manje Deja? pop-up dinner series. The menu, including Seared Sea Bass with roasted pumpkin velouté, Rosemary crusted Lamb Chop with beetroot glaze, Smoked gouda mac and cheese stuffed Cornish Hen, Traditional Ratatouille with roasted tomato sauce, and more illustrates a passion for building flavors and incorporating signature spices. You can taste these vibrant and bold dishes, featuring unique ingredients and decadent flavors, while experiencing a fabulous outdoor dinner in NJ.
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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