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].
Events Running Through the Weekend
1. Closing Soon: Vegan Restaurant Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Saturday, May 4th
Philly Vegan Restaurant Week will be coming to an end this Saturday. Several restaurants in the city have been churning out delicious plant-based and vegan menus. Diners can find prix-fixe vegan menus or special vegan menu items at 44 participating restaurants.
For more information, click here.
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2. Closing Soon: Philadelphia Science Festival
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Saturday, May 4th
Philadelphia Science Festival will also be closing this Saturday. There will be several amazing events, more over the next few days. On Saturday, the fest ends with the blowout Science Carnival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
For more information, click here.
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3. Closing Soon: La bohème at the Academy of Music
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
When: Runs through Sunday, May 5th
La bohème at the Academy of Music will be ending its run this Sunday. Soprano Vanessa Vasquez will end Opera Philadelphia debut in a stellar way. Come see this show which, The Philadelphia Inquirer called “An absolute success, full of fine singing and acting, and eye-filling stage direction.”
For more information, click here.
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4. Closing Soon: Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd. Kennett Square, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, May 5th
Longwood Gardens’ Spring Blossoms will be wilting away this Sunday. The gorgeous flowers on display have been enriching the garden for weeks. This will be your last chance to see the landscape filled with a blend of beautiful colors through the horizon. This phenomenal garden is a can’t miss.
For more information, click here.
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5. Philadelphia Children’s Festival
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.
When: Runs through Saturday, May 4th
The 34th Annual Philadelphia International Children’s Festival begins this Thursday and runs through this Sunday. This is a rain or shine event that will have plenty of hands-on crafts for kids, live performances, food trucks, face painting, balloon, and more.
For more information, click here.
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6. Semana Mexicana
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, May 5th
Semana Mexicana is a five-day extravaganza highlighting tremendous traditions and lives within the Mexican culture. From history, art shows, and food, everything will be put under a spotlight at this citywide celebration. bandera de México will be at City Hall this Friday. There will be a food demonstration at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on the same date. At Cafe Ynez For just $20, guests can enjoy a three-course, prix fixe menu that includes Sopa del Dia, Mole Pollo Enchiladas, and flan. The soup of the day will change daily based on the availability of seasonal ingredients and the enchiladas are topped with Piña’s signature mole. The caramel-covered flan is a traditional rendition of this south-of-the-border dessert staple.
For more information, click here.
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7. Philly Tech Week
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Saturday, May 11th
Philly Tech Week will be bringing the best and innovation, futurism, and technology to the region for the next week. Presented by Comcast, this spanning expo will have discussions, contests, Q&A panels, demonstrations, gaming collectives, special happy hours, and plenty of after parties at several hot spots in the city.
For more information, click here.
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8. Beer Gardens
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through the end of the seasons
Parks On Tap and Independence Beer Garden have officially opened their establishments for the Spring and Summer seasons! Also, this weekend PHS Pop Up has the doors fully open at each of its establishments throughout the city. Come to any of these amazing locations for great drink specials, a serene atmosphere, and great food. There are brews, food and snacks, lawn games, and more.
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9. Phillies Weekend
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Park Way
When: Runs through Sunday, May 5th
The Philadelphia Phillies will be taking on the Washington Nationals in a three-game series this weekend. The NL East showdown will put the surging Phillies against a close rival in front of thousands of fans. Come out to the ballpark any day this weekend to see all the action.
For more information, click here.
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10. Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St
When: Runs through Sunday, June 30th
Prepare to be dazzled and amazed. The foundations and grounds of Franklin Square will be filled with 28 all-new traditional Chinese lanterns. Philadelphians will have until the conclusion of next month to come out and take in all the splendor of these innovative lighting structures. There will be Chinese acrobatics, handicrafts by Chinese folk artists, a Dragon Beer Garden, and so much more.
For more information, click here.
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11. Eastern State Penitentiary
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave.
When: Runs through the season
Eastern State Penitentiary kicks-off its season this Thursday. The framed structure will have three new site-specific art installations this season. The historic institution also boasts a newly renovated Al Capone’s Cell exhibit.
For more information, click here.
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12. Old City First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, May 3rd
Every first Friday of the month the Old City District comes alive. Several galleries and art houses in the area host special gatherings and workshops. This week come out to the 3rd Street Gallery, Painted Bride Art Center, National Liberty Museum, and more for any of their demonstrations. These events are truly an artistic treasure.
For more information, click here.
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13. Frankford Ave First Fridays
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, May 3rd
Fishtown will be surging with art, culture, food, bar festivities and more. May’s First Friday! will feature the grand opening of Wild Heart Tattoo, Happy Hours, tango classes, art auctions, dance parties, art shows, and several other activities.
For more information, click here.
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14. Cino de Mayo Events
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Sunday, May 5th
This Sunday is the celebration of the Battle of Puebla known as Cinco de Mayo. Below is a link to all the bars crawls, drink and food specials, live music, block parties, and more. There will be educational activities and games sponsored by the Mexican Cultural Center and in conjunction with the Semana Mexicana.
For more information, click here.
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15. Trevor Noah
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
When: Friday and Saturday
The Daily Show host, Trevor Noah, will be taking over The Met Philadelphia stage this (Friday and Saturday). The renowned broadcaster, entertainer, author, and media personality will be taking a break from sitting behind the desk and perform standup at this great new venue.
For more information, click here.
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16. Culturefest! African and Diasporic Cultures at the Penn Museum
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
When: Saturday, May 4, 1PM-8PM
Penn Museum is always hosting groundbreaking and informative culture celebrations and series in its phenomenal halls. Hosted in partnership with The Colored Girls Museum, this Saturday will be Culturefest! African and Diasporic Cultures. There will be “art making, mask making, live performances, drumming and other musical demonstrations, film screenings, a storytelling circle, an African inspired marketplace, and workshops for all ages.”
For more information, click here.
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17. Jane’s Walk Philadelphia
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Monday, May 5th
Every year Jane’s Walk takes place the first weekend of May in more than 200 cities across the planet, honoring the legacy of urbanist and writer Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks are opportunities to share what you know about Philly and learn more about what you don’t. The discussions will gear towards talking about the wellbeing of our neighborhoods. An event to see community-driven city building – in person, on the street, in real time.
For more information, click here.
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18. Bold Women & Beer Festival
Where: Love City Brewing, 1023 Hamilton St.
When: Saturday, May 4th, AM
Pink Boots Society Philadelphia and Love City Brewing Company teamed up to host the first ever Bold Women & Beer Festival on Saturday. The festival is entirely women and craft beer-focused and highlights the women behind the beer. Guests can look forward to an incredible network of female brewers, but can also enjoy samples from 30+ breweries, performances by women-fronted bands and bites from Philadelphia-based food trucks.
For more information, click here.
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19. Port Richmond Pierogi Fest
Where: Campbell Square, 2535 E. Allegheny Ave.
When: Saturday, May 4th, 12PM – 5PM
This Saturday is the Port Richmond Pierogi Fest! There will be over 150 vendors on location at Campbell Square. The Polish delicacy will be on full display. There will also be a pierogi-making tent, and shopping from local boutiques and artisans.
For more information, click here.
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20. South Street Spring Festival and Maifest
Where: South Street from Front Street to 8th Street
When: Saturday, May 4th, 11AM – 8PM
Come to South Street this Saturday or the South Street Spring Festival. There will be dozens of vendors, live music stages, food and drink vendors. The German-themed festival Brauhaus Schmitz Maifest will be a part of all the amazing activity lineup.
For more information, click here.
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21. New England Revolution vs. Union
Where: Talen Energy Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr, Chester, PA
When: Saturday, May 4th, 7:30PM
The Philadelphia Union will be taking on New England Revolution under the Saturday night lights this weekend. The three loss local team will be looking to notch their sixth win of the season against a tough opponent. Bring your enthusiasm, cheers, and passion to Chester, PA this Saturday.
For more information, click here.
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22. Mr. Eazi
Where: TLA, 334 South St.
When: Saturday, May 4th, 8PM
Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Mr. Eazi will be playing at the Theater of Living Arts this Saturday night. The international sensation’s latest release Life is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos to London in 2018 was a hit. If you’re looking for great live music this weekend, this pick is for you.
For more information, click here.
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23. Broad Street Run
Where: Starts at Broad Street and W. Fisher Ave.
When: Sunday, May 5th
Thousands of Philadelphians will be navigating through the bustling streets of the city to take part in the annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run. Spectators can come out to cheer on the locals as they endure the citywide trail. There will be refreshments and merchandise up for sale.
For more information, click here.
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24. Museum Sundays
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. and Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: Sunday, May 5th
The Sunday come to The Barnes Foundation for Free First Sunday Family Day: Creative Creatures. Guests will have access to a Mexican exhibit. There will be art-making and crafts, storytime, a Pinkalicious Pinkerton pop-up, and more. It’s also pay-what-you-wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Family Festival: Playful Prints asks you to come “discover the work of Japanese master Yoshitoshi, enjoy a family tour, and watch a printmaking demo.”
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25. Raptors vs. 76ers
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.
When: Sunday, May 5th, 3:30PM
The Philadelphia 76ers will be looking to go ahead 3-1 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals this Sunday afternoon. The rivalry with the Toronto Raptors has been reignited and Drake’s war with Sixers c0-owner Micahel Rubin will be on full display.
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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