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: Art & Theatre Exhibitions
Where: Various locations
When: Through Sunday, May 26th
There are several tremendous art and theatre closing this weekend. There are many great opportunities for you to admire, enjoy, and peruse the talented work of local artists. Soil, Stone, Bone aims to change the way we think about food and the dishes from which we eat. Come see bone china made of bones collected from the same farm where our food originates. Raven Halfmoon #NDNNOW dives into what it means to be a Native American woman living in the 21st Century. The collection features large-scale sculptures designed to command attention from viewers. Among the Dead is a comedic production highlighting a Korean American woman’s journey to 1975 Seoul to collect her father’s ashes. Family dynamics, culture, and more collide in this wonderful production.
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2. Chinese Lantern Festival
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St
When: Runs through Sunday, June 30th
Come to Franklin Square for the Chinese Lantern Festival through June for some amazing sights and sounds. Thousands of brilliant lanterns, 20,000 colorful LED lights, and more shine bright in these settings. There are Chinese acrobatics, handicrafts by Chinese folk artists, a Dragon Beer Garden, and so much more.
For more information, click here.
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3. UNIVESTival Weekend
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Runs through Sunday, May 26th
UNIVESTival will be taking over Spruce Street Harbor Park this weekend. Sustained by Univest, this amazing waterfront celebration will be pumping excitement, great atmosphere, and fun into the air. The festival will be full of live music performances, crafts, art displays, and more.
For more information, click here.
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4. Memorial Day Weekend
Where: Various locations
When: Runs through Monday, May 27th
It’s Memorial Day Weekend in Philadephia! Several hotspots and frequented destinations will be flourishing with celebrations over the next few days. Come to Independence National Historical Park, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, Laurel Hill Cemetery, and several other locations through Monday.
For more information, click here.
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5. African American Museum Exhibitions
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street
When: Saturday, May 25th – Sunday, September 8th
DO or DIE: Affect, Ritual, Resistance by Fahamu Pecou and Self-Evident by Sonja Clark will be coming to the African American Museum this weekend. DO or DIE examines the life and death of black people through paintings, drawings, performance art, videography, and more. Self-Evident shines a light on the history behind the museum’s erection and curation through the past decades.
For more information, click here.
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6. Devon Horse Show and Country Fair
Where: Devon Horse Show Grounds, 23 Dorset Rd. Devon, PA
When: Runs through Sunday, June 2nd
The Devon Horse Show was created in 1896. What started as a one-day competition and showcase is now a blowout equestrian extravaganza vent that draws in thousands each year. Highlighting the Philadelphia Mainline, this event will have several activities for the entire family.
For more information, click here.
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7. Twilight in the Gardens
Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
When: Friday, May 24th, 7PM-10PM
This Friday brings May’s installment of the Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens series Twilight in the Gardens. Bring your food and drinks to this artistic space and take in the sights and sounds. There will be live music and hands-on artistic demonstrations.
For more information, click here.
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8. Philly Tango Fest
Where: Lithuanian Music Hall Association, 2715 E. Allegheny Ave.
When: Friday, May 24th-Monday, May 27th
This weekend, come out to the Lithuanian Music Hall for dazzling rhythm and music. The 9th Annual Philly Tango Festival will feature live music, DJs, stunning performances, parties, instructionals, food, drinks, and more.
For more information, click here.
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9. Historic Philadelphia Nights
Where: Various locations
When: Fridays and Saturdays through Saturday, June 8th
Philadelphia is taking you back to 1776 with the return of Independence After Hours. Whether you’re enjoying a savory and historic pre-fixe menu at City Tavern or eavesdropping on Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin this immersive tour is a one-of-a-kind experience.
For more information, click here.
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10. Turae
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Through Saturday, May 25th
Comedian and entertainer Turae will be at Punch Line Philly this weekend. The former A Stand Up NBC finalist & HBO’s Comedy Wings Champion will be wowing the audience with his in-your-face brand of comedy.
For more information, click here.
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11. John Witherspoon
Where: Helium Comedy Club, 2301 Sansom St.
When: Runs through Sunday, May 26th
The Helium Comedy Club will be welcoming this Friday, House Party, Boomerang, and The Wayans Brothers entertainer to their stage this Memorial Day Weekend. John Witherspoon’s hilarious standup act will be having you laugh the night away. Check out any of his dates during his three-night.
For more information, click here.
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12. Billy Joel
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
When: Friday, May 24th, 8PM
This is the sixth consecutive summer Billy Joel has brought his show to Citizen Bank Park. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and record-setting act serenading fans during the Philadelphia stop of his farewell tour. Come hear your favorite and timeless hits from the “Piano Man” great.
For more information, click here.
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13. Whitman at 200
Where: RiverLink Ferry, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Runs through Tuesday, September 3rd
Walt Whitman’s 200th birthday is Friday, May 31st. I celebration of the iconic historical figure’s artistry and contribution to the American landscape, artist Spencer Finch created something very special. An interactive art display has been added to the RiverLink Ferry travels daily between Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey. Come reflect on Whitman’s 19th-century trek across the Delaware River.
For more information, click here.
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14. Liberty Flea
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
When: Saturday, May 25th, 11AM – 5PM
This Saturday the Liberty Flea will be at the Cherry Street Pier. This is the place to be for antiques, collectibles, handmade crafts, furniture, soaps, vintage clothing, candles, and more. There where be live music and food and drink vendors.
For more information, click here.
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15. Morris Arboretum Garden Railway
Where: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
When: Opens Saturday, May 25th
The Morris Arboretum Garden Railway opens for the season this weekend. The quarter-mile track features seven loops and tunnels. Come walks under the trestle bridge as the cable cars whiz by. This is a wonderful addition to the gardens at the Morris Arboretum each year.
For more information, click here.
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16. NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
When: Runs through Monday, May 27th
Be on the lookout for Penn State this weekend as they take on Yale in the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Semifinal matchup. The winner of that contest will take on the winner of Duke vs Virginia this Monday. Lincoln Financial Field will have plenty of action this weekend with this coveted title on the line.
For more information, click here.
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17. Circadium Springboard
Where: FringeArts, 140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, May 25th, 8PM
Circadium School of Contemporary Circus will be performing at FringeArts this Saturday. This will showcase the original work of first-year students. These talented and emerging choreographers created original circus pieces driven by theatrical concepts.
For more information, click here.
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18. The Who
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
When: Saturday, May 25th, 8PM
The Who will be bringing their 2019 North American Moving On! Tour to Citizens Bank Park this Saturday night. This legendary band and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will be performing with an orchestra. This will be an electrifying live show.
For more information, click here.
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19. Comcast NBCUniversal Memorial Salute with the Philly POPS
Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave.
When: Saturday, May 25th, 7PM
The Philly POPS will be bringing the Memorial Day splendor this Saturday evening. The free concert merely requires a registration. You’ll be able to hear and see the wonders of talented musicians and vocalists. The concert is dedicated to “Honoring our nation’s traditions, values, and commitment to service”.
For more information, click here.
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20. Penn’s Landing Concert & Fireworks
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
When: Saturday, May 25th, 8PM-10PM
Another place to hear great live music this Memorial Day weekend is on the Delaware Waterfront. The festival weekend, Sail Philadelphia, will be full of food, music, beer gardens, and family-friendly activities. The culminating production of this day of wonders will be an amazing fireworks display. The U.S Air Force band will be performing live as well.
For more information, click here.
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21. PhilAesthetic Summerfest Celebration
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
When: Sunday, May 26th, 12PM – 6PM
African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) will be hosting a free Philaesthetic Summerfest Celebration this Sunday. There will be live music performers, African drummers, arts, traditional foods, flea market vendors, and more.
For more information, click here.
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22. Fireworks & Fountains Show
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Rd. Kennett Square, PA
When: Sunday, May 26th, 9:15PM
Longwood Gardens will be a tremendous place to take in fireworks this Sunday evening. The beautiful grounds of the conservancy are always an exceptional reason to visit. This Sunday’s shimmering night skies gives you an added reason to see this treasured landscape.
For more information, click here.
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23. Love Me Some Comedy
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 E. Laurel St.
When: Sunday, May 26th, 8:30PM
Punch Line Philly will be hosting a special comedy event this Sunday night. Skeet Carter and more will be featured at Love Me Some Comedy. You’ll have a gut-busting and fun time enjoying all the standup acts in the venue.
For more information, click here.
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Maps of Events
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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