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. 4th of July on the Parkway
Where: Ben Franklin Parkway
When: Thursday, July 4, 7PM-10PM
This is a Thursday event but, it’s America’s birthday so we’re letting it slide. The party on the parkway is back! Academy-Award winner Jennifer Hudson and Grammy-winner Meghan Trainor will be performing on the famed roadway this Thursday night. The annual fireworks display will illuminate the Philly skies and capture the heavens.
For more information, click here.
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2. Photo Pop Philly
Where: 111 S Independence Mall E
When: Runs through Saturday, August 24
>Photo Pop Philly, the amazing and interactive pop-up, is a for-sure stop this weekend. Guests can walk through five distinct rooms fill with artistic displays. The curated exhibition is filled with many local artists, has selfie-worthy highlights, murals, and plenty of spots for you to take photos at. Start your holiday weekend with a photo finish.
For more information, click here.
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3. Spruce Street Harbor Park
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through the season
Sustained by UNIVEST, Spruce Street Harbor Park has been blossoming in the city for over a month. 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. There are live music sets, craft setups, and sweeping views of the waterfront.
For more information, click here.
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4. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Runs through the season
The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is another hotspot that’s been in full swing during the spring and summer. There is roller skating, carnival games at The Midway, mini golf, a Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabshack, and the Franklin Fountain Cabin. Come out for the drinks, the waterfront splendor, and more.
For more information, click here.
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5. Treetop Quest
Where: Treetop Quest, 51 Chamounix Dr
When: Runs through the season
Fairmount Park’s zip line adventure offers you fun time for all your loved ones. Treetop Quest raises you 60 feet above the ground in some areas and launches you into a fun day great. There are obstacle courses, soaring heights, and plenty of fun activities at this great outdoor adventure.
For more information, click here.
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6. Marvel
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
When: Runs through Monday, September 2
Marvel at The Franklin Institute has two months left in its fantastic run. Your weekend will be sent to new and entertaining heights once you get a glace at these “life-size scenes straight from the comic world”, concept sketches, artwork, props, and interactive designs. The exhibit is a comic lover’s dream.
For more information, click here.
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7. Mural Arts
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 7
Philadelphia has been called the “mural capital of the world.” With new stunning pieces unfolding in almost every corner, you may want the opportunity to hear the story behind the concepts and artists themselves. Mural Arts provides fun vehicle tours, city walking tours, train, segway, bike, and private group tours to enhance your experience and to gain in-depth knowledge about these phenomenal murals blossoming throughout the city.
For more information, click here.
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8. Beer Gardens
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 7
With Philadephia being one of the larger cities in the country, there are plenty of options for both food and drinks. The summer rays open up the doors to several spots in the city to offer up some outdoor pop-up beer gardens. Parks on Tap, Independence Beer Garden, Collins Wine Garden, PHS Pop-Up, and several other places in the city have you covered when you want an outdoor sip.
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9. Old City First Friday
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, July 5
Philadelphia art lovers take to the streets of Old City on the first Friday of every month to explore several local galleries. Late-night shopping and tremendous deals are also served up at many restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. There is live music, storefront demos, live arts, workshops, exhibition debuts, and more.
For more information, click here.
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10. Frankford Ave First Fridays
Where: Various locations
When: Friday, July 5
Old City isn’t the only neighborhood celebrating the first Friday of the month. Fishtown will be brimming with art, culture, food, and more. July First Friday! will feature special Happy Hours, art pop-ups, deals at various locations, DJ parties, and several other activities.
For more information, click here.
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11. Friday Nights at the Museum
Where: Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy)
When: Friday, July 5
The Barnes Foundation continues its First Friday! series this weekend. Performance artist, pianist, and flutist Erica Corbo will be offering up an unbelievable night of live music. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, singer-songwriter Nellie McKay will be showing off her tremendous skills. Both events will have cocktails and more.
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12. Philly’s Phunniest
Where: Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St
When: Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6, 7PM & 9:30PM
This will be the last weekend for the preliminary rounds of the 2019 Philly’s Phunniest contest. The quarterfinals await for these great and local comedic performers. The competition will be fierce and full of laughs to determine who’s the funniest in the city.
For more information, click here.
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13. Good Good Comedy Theatre Weekend
Where: Good Good Comedy Theatre, 215 N. 11th St
When: Friday, July 5 -Sunday, July 7
Good Good Comedy Theatre always has daily hilarious events. This weekend is no exception. This Friday is Comedy + Free Beer and the Blaze It Puff Puff Show. Stop by Saturday for Sunday for Pass the Aux, this month’s deep dive will be Beyoncé.
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14. Farmers’ Market
Where: Various locations
When: Saturday, July 6
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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15. Dope Shows Festival
Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave
When: Saturday, July 6, 12PM
This Saturday will be the Dope Show Festival. PnB Rock, Pusha T, NBA Youngboy, Lil Durk, and many others will be turning up at The Mann Center. This great lineup will have some of the hottest names in rap on display.
For more information, click here.
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16. Hispanic Fiesta
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Blvd
When: Saturday, July 6 – Sunday, July 7
With over 15,000 people in attendance every day, the PECO Hispanic Fiesta is by far the most popular of the multicultural series events. This two-day festival will have live music, food, games, a beer garden, performances, and plenty of other cultural highlights.
For more information, click here.
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17. Orlando SC vs Union
Where: Talen Energy Stadium, 1 Stadium Dr. Chester, PA
When: Saturday, July 6, 7PM
The first place Philadelphia Union will be returning to their home turf to take on Orlando SC. Talen Energy Stadium will be rocking with raucous energy and excitement. This will be amazing and in-your-face local soccer while the Gold and World Cups are going on in other places.
For more information, click here.
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18. Museum Sunday
Where: Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy)
When: Sunday, July 7, 10AM-5PM
The Sunday come to The Barnes Foundation for PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Family Art Fest. There will be art-making and crafts, storytime, a film screening, and jazz performances by Julian Hartwell and Bernard Samuel. Stop by the Philadelphia Museum of Art for pay-what-you-wish Sunday as well.
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19. Sunday Pop Up Plays
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
When: Sunday, July 7, 11:30AM-12:30PM
Bring your family out to Pop Up Play each Sunday at Spruce Street Harbor Park. This interactive playtime will be guiding your kids through the themes of music, art, science, history, physics, and more. There will be plenty of games and smiles at this active event.
For more information, click here.
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Maps of Events
Follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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