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Wawa Welcome America heads to Chinatown this Saturday, July 2 from noon-4 p.m. for the Chinatown Block Party, a showcase of Philadelphia’s vibrant Asian culture.

The neighborhood will celebrate America’s Independence Day with a full day of festivities and programs. Both 10th and Race Streets will be used for pedestrian traffic only on that day.

The celebration includes outdoor retail and food vendors offering a wide variety of pay-as-you-go delicious treats. Sample tasty food — traditional Chinese foods plus refreshing iced coffee, iced milk tea, or smoothies from a local bakery — as you take in the cultural entertainment on a streetside stage.

Performers include Chinese Opera, Philadelphia Suns doing a Lion Dance performance, drum routines, martial arts demos and six-year-old Erin Lee performing violin.

Stop by the mahjong tournaments to watch a competitive match as you browse among the market stalls, and keep an eye out for Miss America and Mayor Nutter, who will both be in attendance.

Afterwards, stop by the Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival at Penn’s Landing, noon-5 p.m., and the second of three spectacular Wawa Welcome America fireworks shows around 9:30 p.m.

It’s just the start of a packed July 4th weekend!

Chinatown Block Party
Where: 10th and Race Streets
When: noon–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.chinatown-pcdc.org

Chef/owner Clark Gilbert relocated Gemelli from Narberth to expand in size and obtain a liquor license. (Photo courtesy Gemelli on Main)

Gemelli On Main, a sophomore effort from chef/owner Clark Gilbert of Gemelli on Narberth, is offically open in the Mango Moon space on Main Street in Manayunk.

The menu is Italian-focused with some French influences. Expect inventive dishes like pig cheeks with parmesan polenta alongside more classic plates like New York Strip served with fingerling potatoes.

Like the original Narberth location, Gemelli On Main cultivates a friendly neighborhood vibe, so you’ll feel like you’re dining in a friend’s home.

The restaurant also now has a liquor license, a central motivation for the move from Narberth. The second-story bar offers an even cozier space to relax, with a glass of wine or one of the restaurant’s specialty cocktails in hand.

Fun fact: Gemelli (meaning twins in Italian), is a tribute to Clark’s twin children, Riley and Dylan.

The full menu is included below.

Gemelli on Main
4161 Main Street
www.gemellionmain.com

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The 17th annual Philadelphia QFest returns July 7-18 with the best of GLBT filmmaking.

This year’s festival includes 107 films: 43 feature films, 9 documentaries and 55 short films. In addition, QFest will screen 7 World premieres, 1 North American premiere, 2 U.S. premieres, 16 East Coast premieres, and 26 Philadelphia premieres for the most cutting-edge film experience.

Check out the full schedule of screenings, which includes ticketing. All films are shown at Ritz at the Bourse or Ritz East.

Expect comedy, melodrama, documentaries, horror and thrillers from more than 28 countries, a true sampler of what the international GLBT creative community has to offer. In addition, there will be panel discussions, receptions, parties and awards throughout the 12-day event.

Don’t miss out on the largest GLBT film festival on the East Coast!

Philadelphia QFest
When: July 7-18
Where: Ritz at the Bourse, 400 Ranstead Street; or Ritz East, 214 Walnut Street
Cost: Screenings are $10, 10-day pass is $90, all-access badge is $260
More info: www.qfest.com

The President's House, and its collaborative exhibit with the National Constitution Center this summer, honors the memory of George Washington’s nine slaves.
(Photo by H. Rumph for GPTMC)

The National Constitution Center’s blockbuster summer exhibition Discover the Real George Washington will officially open this Friday, July 1 (there’s a Thursday, June 30 preview party and one-night beer garden event) in tandem with a special exhibition, The President’s House: Their Untold Stories In Quilts.

Presented in collaboration with the nearby President’s House, the exhibition spotlights a collection of artistic quilts dedicated to the nine slaves owned by George and Martha Washington at the President’s House.

Created by a multicultural group of both acclaimed and novice quilt artists, the pieces are intended to generate dialogue about slavery and freedom. Additional quilts will be on display at the Independence Visitor Center and the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

Insider tip: the National Constitution Center is hosting “Kids Free Summer” this year, offering FREE admission for up to four children (ages 12 and under) with one paying adult.

The President’s House: Their Untold Stories in Quilts
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
When: Friday, July 1-September 5
Cost: Free with admission; $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (ages 65+) and students, $11 for active military, children FREE with a paying adult for “Kids Free Summer”
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org

Indulge in an evening of delicious beer and cheese at Jose Garces' chic Washington Square West eatery. (Photo by M. McClellan for GPTMC)

Garces Trading Company is keeping the Independence Day spirit alive post-July 4th with an American-themed beer and cheese pairing class Tuesday, July 5.

Enjoy eight courses of beers paired with cheeses, all sourced from American small towns from Greensboro, Vermont to Lawrenceville, New Jersey.

The event begins at 6 p.m., but feel free to stick around until the wee hours to taste Garces Trading Company’s equally finely selected wines, charcuterie and more. Don’t forget the restaurant has some of the best sidewalk seating in the area.

Call (215) 574-1099 to reserve your spot.

Full menu included, below.

American-Themed Beer And Cheese Pairing Class
Where: Garces Trading Company, 1111 Locust Street
When: Tuesday, July 5, 6 p.m.
Cost: $65
More info: www.garcestradingcompany.com

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On the heels of the birth of a new jaguar cub June 3, the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed two healthy snow leopard cubs last week, a wonderful addition to its animal family. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia Zoo)

The Philadelphia Zoo celebrated the birth of two snow leopard cubs this month, the first litter for Maya, the Zoo’s 3-year-old female snow leopard, and the first snow leopard cubs ever born at the zoo.

The cubs were born in the afternoon of Thursday, June 9 to Maya and Amga, the Zoo’s 5-year-old male snow leopard. The new additions to the zoo family continue the zoo’s successful breeding of big cats, which includes a baby jaguar recently born on June 3.

This birth is a huge contribution to the endangered snow leopard population in the U.S., representative of the zoo’s concerted conservation efforts. The Philadelphia Zoo also supports snow leopards by its involvement with the Snow Leopard Trust.

The cubs’ public debut is still to be confirmed, but will not occur for approximately 3 months. Until then, you can watch a video of the cubs, below.

Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Avenue
www.philadelphiazoo.org

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An outdoor film at the Piazza makes for an ideal summer evening. (Photo by T. Carroll courtesy Piazza at Schmidts)

[Summer in Philadelphia is action-packed, and we want to help you cherry-pick from all the events and activities going on. On certain days that promise particularly bustling evenings, we'll be rounding up our selections for the most can't-miss pursuits with which to fill your schedule. See you out there!]

• Wawa Welcome America Philly at the Movies: Tonight is the kick-off of this annual outdoor movie screening series leading up to July 4th, with a roving nightly schedule every evening this week. Tonight’s film is Best in Show, 9 p.m. at the Piazza at Schmidts.

Where: Piazza at Schmidts, 2nd and Hancock Streets
When: Monday, June 27, 9 p.m.; series goes through July 1
Cost: Free

• Hybridge Arts Collective Last Mondays: “Last Mondays” hybrid arts salons feature a diverse genre of performing arts, including theater, dance, music and poetry. For just $5, guests get to enjoy a home-cooked community dinner before taking in a night of experimental performances by innovative local artists.

Where: Broad Street Ministry, 315. S. Broad Street
When: Monday, June 27, beginning at 7 p.m.
Cost: $5

• Monday Jazz Jam at World Cafe Live: A $5 bill at the door gets you insider access to live local jazz. Yuengling drafts are only $3.

Where: World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street
When: Monday, June 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
Cost: $5

• Summer Happy Hour Specials at 10 Arts: Sip on your choice of five featured wines for $5 a glass, and snack on small plates from Chef Jennifer Carroll, which are also priced at $5 each.

When: 5-7 p.m. daily
Where: 10 Avenue of the Arts
Cost: $5 specials

With more than 25 mostly local beers regularly on tap and what have been voted some of the best fries in Philly, the Grey Lodge Pub in Northeast Philadelphia is one of those iconic beer bars where you just can’t go wrong.

On Friday, July 8 the Grey Lodge will be bringing the Christmas spirit a little (a lot) early this year as it celebrates Christmas in July with some fine winter ale specials.

On tap will be the Great Lakes Christmas Ale, Sly Fox Xmas Ale and Troegs Mad Elf, just for starters — none of which are going to be found anywhere else during these hot summer months.

“Xmas in July” at Grey Lodge has been a hit in years past, making this an annual tradition that you won’t want to miss. Come for the beer, stay for the darts, the jukebox or the mural project inspired by famed Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar of the Magic Gardens.

There may not be snow on the ground, but there’s no better time than now to get a taste of what treats winter will have to offer.

Xmas in July
When: Friday, July 8, 6-10 p.m.
Where: The Grey Lodge Pub, 6235 Frankford Avenue
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.greylodge.com

Philadelphia's annual July 4th celebration includes something fun for every family member, from fireworks to parades to outdoor food festivals. (Photos by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Philadelphia is going all out for July 4th, and it’s the perfect destination for families seeking a kid-friendly celebration.

Whether it’s an all-you-can-eat ice cream festival or Disney Channel star-studded Fam Jams concert at Penn’s Landing, there’s something for every family. Best part: almost every event is free!

Fun fact: Independence National Historical Park spans 55 acres on 20 city blocks, including Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center and other sites that shaped the formation of America. Philadelphia’s Independence Day footprint can’t be outmatched.

Check out our top family-friendly selections:

• Go 4th and Learn educational programs: Wawa Welcome America sponsors a three-program interactive educational series appropriate for all ages, at the Franklin Square, Dell Music Center and Franklin Institute. Children can learn about the science of fireworks and enjoy make-and-take arts and crafts, face-painting and more. June 27, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; June 28, 10 a.m.-noon; and July 2, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. FREE.

• Philly at the Movies outdoor screening series: Enjoy an alfresco flick every night this week at sites around town ranging from Penn’s Landing to Rittenhouse Square. June 27-July 1, 9 p.m. FREE.

• Fam Jams concert at Penn’s Landing: For the fifth year, Penn’s Landing hosts a kid-friendly live concert featuring top tween talent. This year’s headliners are Emily Osment from Disney Channel’s “Hannah Montana,” and former American Idol contestant Tim Urban. July 3, 1-5 p.m. FREE.

• Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival: It’s a sticky-fingered, melty-mouthed ice cream lover’s dream: a $7 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund for Pediatric Leukemia gets you a spoon with which you can sample creamy ice cream and cold water ice from more than 20 vendors! July 2-4, Saturday noon–5 p.m. and 6 – 9 p.m., Sunday noon–5 p.m., Monday noon–5 p.m. $7.

• Wawa Welcome America fireworks shows: It’s not the Fourth without fireworks, and Welcome America’s got those in spades. Enjoy two more free spectacular fireworks displays (after the first show this past Saturday) on Saturday, July 2 around 9:30 p.m.and, of course, Monday, July 4 around 10:30 p.m. Check out our guides to where to watch, the concerts that precede each showing and more. FREE.

• Philly POPS on Independence Mall: It’s the 10th anniversary concert for the POPS on the mall this year, and a great opportunity to bring the kids. Enjoy patriotic music with a packed picnic on the lawn, with tunes ranging from big band, Broadway and film scores to rousing marches and patriotic anthems. Sunday, July 3, 8:30 p.m. FREE.

• Civil War Road Show: Franklin Square, in and of itself a fantastic family summer destination, is hosting a Civil War-themed road show over July 4th weekend, based in a 53-foot expandable 18-wheeled trailer and complete with hands-on, interactive displays to tell Civil War stories that will be engaging for the whole family. July 1-4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. FREE.

• Independence Day Parade: The annual parade is bigger and better than ever in 2011 with more than 4,000 participants from a dozen states, including 16 marching musical groups, nine floats, five military branches and plenty of special guests. The Independence Day Parade has been expanded two blocks in 2011, starting at 5th and Chestnut streets, continuing right on 9th Street and heading one block before turning onto Market Street. The procession comes to an at Front Street. July 4, beginning at 11 a.m. FREE.

• THE MAIN EVENT: July 4th Party on the Parkway and Philly’s Fourth of July Jam: First, Party on the Parkway kicks off at noon, a day-long festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring seven blocks of exciting and educational activities, games, entertainment and food for sale. Then, the Philly 4th of July Jam will take over the Parkway July 4 from 7-10 p.m. featuring Philly’s own The Roots, plus Earth, Wind and Fire; Michael McDonald; Sara Bareilles and more. Stick around for the fireworks display (see above), usually around 10:30 p.m. July 4, noon-10 p.m. FREE.

Also noteworthy: you can download a free Wawa Welcome America Patriot Pass for excellent discounts at 120+ restaurants, shops, museums and other attractions in the Philadelphia area to save big as you celebrate America’s Birthday.

Another bonus: if you’re down in the Historic Philadelphia area early and looking for something to do, hours for Independence Hall and Liberty Bell are extended to 7 p.m. this whole week, through July 4th. And from 5-7 p.m., tickets are not required!

July 4th in Philadelphia
When: Now through Monday, July 4
Where: Locations vary
Cost: Most events are free!
More info: www.visitphilly.com

You can win a VIP Soccer weekend in Philly complete with tickets to see the Philadelphia Union take on Spanish soccer powerhouse Real Madrid at Lincoln Financial Field. (Top photo courtesy Philadelphia Union; bottom photos courtesy Lincoln Financial Field)

On Saturday, July 23, Lincoln Financial Field will host a first-ever match between the Philadelphia Union and Spanish soccer powerhouse Real Madrid C.F. as part of the 2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge.

Real Madrid is one of the best and most popular teams in Europe — they have 15 million fans on Facebook alone — so this is a huge game for the Philadelphia Union.

Moreover, Real Madrid will be bringing its star-studded roster for the game, meaning big names like Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Xabi Alonso (Spain), Kaká (Brazil), Sergio Ramos (Spain), and Iker Casillas (Spain), are all slated to play.

And, this is the only game that Real Madrid will be playing on the East Coast. So fans are going to be coming from all over to check it out.

Such an awesome game deserves an awesome contest to match. So we’ve partnered with the Philadelphia Union and Lincoln Financial Field to give fans the chance to win a VIP Soccer Weekend in Philadelphia, complete with two tickets to the game, a two-night hotel stay, authentic game jerseys and more. Click here to enter to win.

The grand prize package includes:

• Two VIP tickets to Philadelphia Union vs. Real Madrid at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, July 23 at 9 p.m.
• Two-nights accommodations for two at the Sofitel Philadelphia Hotel; check in Friday, July 22 and check out Sunday, July 24
• Two round trip tickets to Philadelphia on Amtrak‘s Northeast Corridor
• Two Philadelphia Union authentic Game Jerseys
• A $100 gift card to Starr Restaurants to be used at any of Stephen Starr’s restaurants in Philadelphia including Parc, Barclay Prime, Dandelion, Frankford Hall, etc.

Bonus: we are also giving away four pairs of game tickets to four lucky first-prize winners.

You can enter the contest once per day for the duration of the contest so be sure to come back often.

CLICK HERE to enter. Good luck!

The Philadelphia Union vs. Real Madrid VIP Soccer Weekend in Philly Giveaway [Visit Philly]

Previously: Coming Attraction: The Philadelphia Union To Play Spanish Soccer Powerhouse Real Madrid At Lincoln Financial Field On Saturday, July 23