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: Main Line Today Restaurant Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, September 5
Main Line Today Restaurant Week’s 14-day event running through September 5th is about to come to an end. Come choose from the top dining destinations on the Main Line and in the Western Suburbs this weekend. Restaurants have been serving 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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2. Closing Soon: Leda and The Swan Pop-Up Cocktail Garden
Where: 1033 N. 2nd St
When: Runs through Sunday, September 5
This pop-up concept features more than half of a dozen cocktail creations inspired by stories from mythology. Guests can enjoy vodka club specialty drinks, a menu of Old Fashioned varieties, twenty-two wines by the glass, and eight beers on draft, plus beers, and seltzers and ciders by the can and bottle. The food menu features a tight selection of lite bites, apps, and charcuterie boards. The Leda and The Swan Popup Cocktail Garden also blend together the modern, industrial, and floral elements of the original Leda space in Center City, and tie-in design elements with the existing covered bar and nearby street art. Back in Center City, Leda and The Swan’s original location is now also fully reopened at 1224 Chestnut Street, in Midtown Village. It features signature cocktails, a new happy hour service, a new brunch service, live music, and dazzling nightlife.
For more information, click here.
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3. Closing Soon: Flags & Founding Documents, 1776 – Today
Where: Museum of American Revolution | 101 S. 3rd St
When: Runs through Monday, September 6
Flags & Founding Documents, 1776 – Today ends its run at the Museum of the American Revolution this weekend. The exhibit features several unique American flags. It also displays early state constitutions and the first printing of the proposed U.S. Constitution of 1787. This weekend there will also be family-friendly craft events and more.
For more information, click here.
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4. Closing Soon: Taking Space: Contemporary Women Artists and the Politics of Scale
Where: PAFA | 118-128 N. Broad St
When: Runs through Sunday, September 19
Taking Space: Contemporary Women Artists and the Politics of Scale explores how women artists approach their work from aspects of medium, content, through the lens of history, and more. Featuring artists include Mequitta Ahuja, Polly Apfelbaum, Jennifer Bartlett, Maria Berrío, Chakaia Booker, Emily Brown, Joan Brown, Tammy Rae Carland, Squeak Carnwath, and several others, it’s one of the many PAFA exhibitions that celebrate women creatives in honor of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
For more information, click here.
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5. Closing Soon: Andrea Walls: Memes of Consciousness: Where Beauty Intervenes
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary | 2027 Fairmount Ave
When: Runs through Saturday, September 4
Head to the Eastern State Penitentiary for Andrea Walls: Memes of Consciousness: Where Beauty Intervenes. In partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, Eastern State commissioned this digital art installation that’s projected onto the exterior of the building. Shining a light on social justice and change, it’s a showcase you don’t want to miss.
For more information, click here.
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6. Labor Day Weekend
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
This Labor Day Weekend there will be plenty of options to entertain all your friends and family. The National Constitution Center is hosting several special events this weekend, the Historic District’s Once Upon a Nation storytelling bench series continues to dazzle, and more.
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7. Friday Night at The Barnes
Where: Barnes Foundation | 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
When: Friday, September 3 | 6 pm-9 pm
The Barnes Foundation continues its Friday night tradition of a celebration of art, music, and culture. This week catch tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna. He’ll be performing twice as guests can roam the art museum enjoying the live music, cocktails, small bites, and more.
For more information, click here.
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8. POOL: A Social History of Segregation
Where: Fairmount Water Works | 640 Waterworks Dr
When: Opens Friday, September 3
POOL: A Social History of Segregation explores the history, perspectives, and details of the segregation of pools in America. Opening in the historic Kelly Pool, the multi-medium exhibit shines a light on racial discrimination, its implications, and the link between water, the fight for social justice, and equality in public health.
For more information, click here.
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9. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Where: Tower Theater | S. 69th St and Ludlow St
When: Opens Friday, September 3
You can view 300 of Van Gogh’s greatest works through a 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling digital projection in one of the most iconic concert and live show venues in the country. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, brought to life by entertainment producer Exhibition Hub and Fever, will highlight one of history’s greatest artists in a COVID-safe, family-friendly storytelling experience.
For more information, click here.
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10. Brazilian Day Philadelphia
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Sunday, September 5 | 1 pm-5 pm
This Sunday is Brazilian Day Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing. As part of the PECO Multicultural Series, there live capoeira, samba, and batucada performances. The open-air area will be filled with food, instructionals, traditional performers, and plenty of energy that will fill the waterfront.
For more information, click here.
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11. Parks On Tap
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
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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12. Spruce Street Harbor Park
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park | 301 S. Columbus Blvd
When: Open now
Sustained by UNIVEST, Spruce Street Harbor Park is a 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. Come out for a day or night of fun in the sun, cocktails, paddle boating, and relaxation by the water.
For more information, click here.
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13. Stroll the Street
Where: Main St
When: Thursday, September 2
This is the last Thursday to 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. From a discount drink at the local pub to finding your perfect fall outfit, the deals are everywhere.
For more information, click here.
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14. PHS Pop-Up
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) invites people to visit the PHS Pop Up Garden at South Street and Manayunk to celebrate the last days of summer. 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.
For more information, click here.
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15. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest | 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Open now
The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest kicks will be closing its doors this Monday. The entertainment rink that had roller skating, the carnival game area The Midway, mini-golf, a Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabshack, and a Franklin Fountain Cabin will be going away. Come out for the drinks, the waterfront splendor, and before it’s too late.
For more information, click here.
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16. Festival of the Fountains
Where: Longwood Gardens | 1001 Longwood Rd | Kennett Square, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, September 26
Longwood Gardens will be having exciting and tremendous fireworks this holiday weekend. There will be an amazing fountain show accompanied by music. The Festival of Fountains is also going on. 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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17. The Lion King at Dilworth Park
Where: Dilworth Park | 1 S. 15th St
When: Thursday, September 2 | 8:15 pm-11 pm
As the Summer winds down, don’t miss your opportunity to catch many of the outdoor screenings in the city each week. This week, the Disney classic, The Lion King will be screened. Guests are invited to bring their own blankets and participate in the weekly trivia presented by Verizon.
For more information, click here.
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18. Brian Sanders’ JUNK Presents DragonButter
Where: 200 Spring Garden St
When: Opens Thursday, September 2
Dragonbutter is the latest creation from the creative genius behind Philadelphia-based Brian Sanders’ JUNK. After a sold-out run in July, Dragonbutter is back through early October. The performance features three local performers, a guest appearance by Brian Sanders, and is a thrilling, heart-racing, immersive hour-long experience that transports participants into the middle of a science-fiction video game adventure. The multi-sensory experience is an ambitious project set in an 8,000-square-foot warehouse located at 200 Spring Garden Street. Dragonbutter is spread out through multiple themed rooms featuring a stunning light and sound arrangement. Each room challenges players with mini-riddles, and dramatic physical performances, leading up to the finale, a final fight against the “Boss.”
For more information, click here.
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19. 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. Godfrey will also be doing a multi-night show through Sunday and the will be a School of House Rock drag brunch this Saturday a well. This is the place to be for some laughs and some fun.
For more information, click here.
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20. Patty Jackson’s Party in the Park
Where: The Dell Music Center | 2400 Strawberry Mansion Dr
When: Sunday, September 5 | 7 pm
Head over to The Dell Music Center this Monday night for Patty Jackson’s Party in the Park. The beloved amphitheater will be filled with the sounds of After 7, Stephanie Mills, The Whispers. Thousands of their fans will be flooding the outdoor event center.
For more information, click here.
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21. Maroon 5
Where: BB&T Pavillion | 1 Harbour Blvd | Camden, NJ
When: Saturday, September 4 | 7 pm
“Memories”, “Nothing Last Forever”, and “This Love” hitmakers Maroon 5 will be taking over the BB&T Pavilion this Saturday. The Grammy award-winning group will have the fans out in mass to hear all of their favorite songs. Pop act Meghan Trainor will be the opening act.
For more information, click here.
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22. Sad Summer Festival
Where: The Mann Center | 5201 Parkside Ave
When: Sunday, September 5 | 4 pm
ALT 104.5 presents the Sad Summer Festival featuring All Time Low, The Story So Far, The Maine, Movements, Grayscale, and Destroy Boys at The Mann Center. This Sunday the amphitheater will be buzzing with “Once In A Lifetime”, tracks from Proper Dose, and more.
For more information, click here.
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23. Volksfest
Where: Cannstatter Volkfest-Verein | 9130 Academy Rd
When: Saturday, September 4-Monday, September 6
This weekend come out to Volksfest at Canstatter-Verein. This German social club hosts this Labor Day Weekend blowout every year. There will be German beer, music, performances, wines, music, and more. Bring your entire family out to be amused by the rides, eat some bratwurst and frankfurters, and have a fun-filled day.
For more information, click here.
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24. Farmers’ Markets
Where: Various locations
When: Various times
Each weekend in the city, several areas in the city are filled with produce and handmade crafts. Head over to Clark Park Farmers’ Market, Headhouse District Farmers’ Market, Rittenhouse Square Farmers’ Market, Market at the Fareway in Chestnut Hill, or Fairmount Farmers Market for all your needs. For those in collegiate domains, there’s a weekly University City Farmers’ Market and Cecil B. Moore Farmers’ Market.
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25. All Black Everything Pop-Up Shop
Where: The Link | 213 Arch St
When: Friday, September | 6 pm-11 pm
The All Black Everything Pop-Up Shop at The Link in Old City will take place this Friday. The pop-up showcase will feature a curated lineup by fashion stylist Meeka Johnson. There will be Black artisans and musicians with their talent on display. Come support Black-owned businesses and more.
For more information, click here.
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26. Artisan Marker at Cherry Street Pier
Where: Cherry Street Pier | 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Friday, September 3 | 12 pm-5 pm
This Friday, Cherry Street Pier hosts an artist and artisan market. Running through November 21, 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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27. Art Star Pop Up Market
Where: The Bourse Philadelphia | 111 S. Independence Mall
When: Saturday, September 4 and Sunday, September 5
Come to The Bourse to celebrate and purchase handmade crafts from local artisans. There will be paintings, sculptures, jewelry, drawings, and several other home goods. Abunai Poke, Bricco Pizza, Freebyrd Chicken, Grubhouse, Marino Brother’s Cheesesteak, Menagerie Coffee, Scoop De Ville will be on-hand supplying treats.
For more information, click here.
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28. Matches at Subaru Park
Where: Subaru Park | 1 Stadium Dr | Chester, PA
When: Various times
The Philadelphia Union will be taking on the New England Revolution at Subaru Park this Friday night. The Premier Lacross League semifinals will also be on the field this Sunday with a doubleheader between Atlas vs. Chaos and Whipsnakes vs. Waterdogs.
For more information, click here.
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29. Philadelphia International Unity Cup
Where: James Ramp Playground | 3300 Solly Ave
When: Various times
52 teams will be dueling it out in the city all month long. The Philadelphia International Unity Cup is back for another year. Italy and Jamaica, Mali, Bosnia, Poland, and other countries are all in the tournament. The matches are free of charge so anyone can attend. Come out for some amazing soccer action.
For more information, click here.
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30. Ikebana Exhibition
Where: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden | Lansdowne Dr. and Horticultural Dr.
When: Runs through Sunday, September 5
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is set to host the Ikebana exhibition this September. There will be beautiful flower arrangements throughout the grounds during the weekend. The historical site will be more stunning than ever with these new blooms.
For more information, click here.
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31. Museum Sundays
Where: Various locations
When: Sunday, September 5
The Sunday come to The Barnes Foundation for PECO Free First Sunday Family Day. There will be art-making and crafts, storytime, and more. Stop by the Philadelphia Museum of Art for pay-what-you-wish Sunday as well. Come visit these historic museums for a wallet-friendly price.
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32. Made In America Festival
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: Saturday, September 4 and Sunday, September 5
It t’s Labor Day Weekend in the city of Philadelphia which means it’s Made in America festival weekend. Lil Baby, Justin Bieber, Megan Thee Stallion, Kehlani, Doja Cat, and plenty others will be rocking the stage at this two-day music extravaganza. The parkway will be the place to be this weekend.
For more information, click here.
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33. Labor Day Weekend and Made In America Parties at NOTO
Where: NOTO Philadelphia | 1209 Vine St
When: Friday, September 2, Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5
After 16 months of lockdowns & closures due to COVID-19, NOTO Philadelphia reopened in June with some prestigious renovations. The re-opening included upgrading their sound system and state-of-the-art lighting system, adding 8 new Co2 jets that oversee the dance floor, creating new décor elements around the venue, and introducing the Skybox Lounge-the perfect setting for a private gathering on a special night out. NOTO is a 1000+ person nightclub located in Center City and is one of the premier places to spend a night. This weekend producer and DJ Gareth Emery, Philly’s own Meek Mill, and MIA Festival headliner Justin Bieber will be hosting the best parties in the city! Come to the upscale and trendy entertainment venue for a night you won’t forget. Get your tickets today!
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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