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The Philadelphia Folk Festival is three days of great music and and big fun for all ages. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

Friday

49th Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park

Last Minute $99 Rate Offer at the Hotel Palomar

Saturday

Dreadful Things Happen exhibit at the Rosenbach Museum

Hardy Plant Society’s Gardeners Market @ Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge

Summertime Lobster Bake at City Tap House

Sunday

Philadelphia Caribbean Festival This Sunday at Penn’s Landing

19th Annual Ukrainian Folk Festival

Treat yourself to a night on the town. (Photo courtesy The Hotel Palomar Philadelphia)

The Hotel Palomar just notified us of a special last minute room rate they’re offering for tonight only. For $99, you can book a night’s stay at this awesome new hotel property (the #1 rated hotel in Philadelphia on Trip Advisor) located in the heart of Center City.

The special promotion is for accommodations in their Queen Deluxe Room, which features goose down feather beds fitted with Frette Linens, a 42″ flat screen TV, working desk, two telephones, iHome, and bath amenities by L’Occitane. (For $109, you can upgrade to a King Deluxe Room.) You’ll also enjoy the hotel’s complimentary evening wine reception held in the lobby and high speed wireless internet access.

Staycation anyone?

Click Here to check out the rate and room options.

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia [Official Site]

Come for the barbecue, stay for the baseball. (Bottom right photo by M. Kennedy)

Head down to the ballpark this Saturday, August 7, when Hatfield Quality Meats presents the 9th Annual Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge.

The event is free and open to the public and takes place from 4 – 7 pm on Citizens Bank Way outside Citizens Bank Park. Then the Phillies take on the Mets inside the Ballpark at 7:05 pm, but you don’t need game tickets to enjoy the Barbecue Challenge.

Participating restaurants include Bomb Bomb BBQ Grill, Bull’s BBQ, Butcher and Singer, Capt’n Dick’s BBQ, Carolina Blue Smokehouse & Taproom, Continental Mid-town, El Vez, El Rey, Great American Pub, Jones, McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon, Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant, Morimoto, New Orleans Cafe, Rosey’s BBQ, and Rouge.

To sample the barbecue offerings from these vendors, you will need to purchase tasting tickets via a donation to charity: 3 tickets for $15, which can then be redeemed at participating stands while supplies last.

Six Starr Restaurants will be competing in the Challenge and selling their goods to guests in attendance. And we’ve got a sneak peek of what each will be serving.

- Morimoto: Morimoto Angry Chicken Legs
- El Vez: Mexican Chili and Agave Glazed Baby Back Ribs
- El Rey: Pork Pibil with Guacamole & Chips
- Continental Mid-town: BBQ Chicken
- Jones: Jones BBQ Chicken
- Butcher & Singer: BBQ Ribs

There will also be a raffle for a chance to win a Jimmy Rollins autographed bat, a Roy Halladay autographed ball, STARR Restaurant gift certificates, a Mitchell & Ness 1980 Tug McGraw jersey, a weekend stay at Loews Center City hotel, and more.

Celebrity judges currently scheduled to participate include Phillies alumni Larry Andersen, Greg Luzinski, Bob Boone, and Gary Matthews along with Phillies broadcasters Scott Franzke and Tom McCarthy. Also look out for Philadelphia-area radio personalities, restaurateurs, and chefs, including Kevin Sbraga from Bravo’s Top Chef and Philadelphia’s own Tony Luke.

Sounds like a delicious day at the Ballpark. Hopefully the Phils can take care of the Mets for dessert.

Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge [Official Site]
Philadelphia Phillies [Visit Philly]

2nd Street Festival, Takes over No. Libs This Sunday

Friday

Philadelphia’s Apple Store Opening
That’s right, the first Philly Apple store opens today, at 5pm. Make your way over to 16th and Walnut, and get in line.

Last Chance to See Ancient Rome & America
The exhibit closes up shop this Sunday! Stop by the National Constitution Center to check it out.

VintageMuse @ the M Room
Head over to the M Room for VintageMuse’s debut showcase, featuring a number of bands, dancers, and more. Starts at 8pm.

Illustrative Initials @ Art in the Age
Check out the opening reception for Jessica Hische’s Illustrative Initials at Art in the Age tonight, from 5pm to 7pm. PWStyle has the full scoop.

Saturday

Free CakeCups @ Whipped Bakeshop
Score your free CakeCup at Whipped on Saturday. Just mention their Best of Philly award.

Clam Bake @ Johnny Brenda’s
Our friends at MealTicket tipped us off to this earlier in the week. Kenzinger. Clams. Johnny Brenda’s. Sounds like a great time.

Summer Studio with Anthony Campuzano @ the Institute of Contemporary Art
Today’s the last day of Anthony Campuzano’s summer sessions at the ICA. Swing by to check out a curated exhibit of different media, presented by Campuzano, accompanied by a live band.

Franklin Square Turns 4!
Stop by the park to celebrate their birthday. They’ve got plenty of events planned, activities for kids, free Jello, etc. Maybe indulge in a CakeShake or two. Okay, just one. Those things are a meal.

Sunday

Plaid Pony Vintage @ Art Star
The vintage shop will setup… well, shop at the Art Star Gallery & Boutique today. Read up more on PWStyle. Some serious sales going on.

2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties
And after you’re done shopping, hit up the 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties, from noon to 9pm. Standard Tap is apparently transforming into a Beer Garden for the night.

Bonus: Stephen Starr is bringing along six of his restaurants to compete in this year's challenge.

This year’s Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge, presented by Hatfield Quality Meats, takes place on Saturday, August 7, when restaurant teams and pit master teams will converge on Citizens Bank Park to compete for the bragging rights that go along with claiming the region’s best barbecue.

The always-popular Barbecue Challenge event is free and open to the public, and runs from 4-7 pm along Citizens Bank Way just outside the ballpark.

NOTE: while there is a Phillies game later that night, you do not need Phillies tickets to attend and enjoy the Barbecue Challenge that afternoon.

Among the restaurants participating in the Barbecue Challenge this year: Bomb Bomb BBQ Grill & Sandwich Factory (last year’s defending champ in the Ribs category), Bull’s BBQ, Butcher and Singer, Capt’n Dick’s BBQ, Carolina Blue Smoke House & Taproom (last year’s defending champ in the BBQ Chicken category), Continental Mid-town, El Rey, El Vez, Hatfield Quality Meats with Garry Maddox, Great American Pub, Jones, London Grill, McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon, Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant, Morimoto, New Orleans Café, Rosey’s BBQ, and Rouge.

That list includes six restaurants from All-Star restaurateur Stephen Starr, who had this to say about the 2010 event: “We are thrilled to partner with Garry Maddox for the ninth annual barbecue challenge. STARR Restaurants fully believes in the mission of the Youth Golf & Academics Program and the importance of educational and developmental programs for our city’s youth. With an outstanding roster of chefs competing, we know this year’s event will be even more exciting and help raise additional funds for the enrichment and support of our children.”

Also be on the look out for special guest judges. Among the judges at last year’s event were Iron Chef Jose Garces, Tony Luke of Tony Luke’s Steaks, and Phillies announcer Gary “The Sarge” Matthews.

In addition to a lot of delicious barbecue eats, the event also features family-friendly entertainment and appearances by Phillies alumni and the Phillie Phanatic. Maybe you can get the Phanatic to pose for a photo with you and one of his statues.

Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge [Official Site]
Summer’s Set to Sizzle with BBQ Challenge [Phillies.com]
Philadelphia Phillies [Visit Philly]

Sun Ra Arkestra, performing free in University City tomorrow afternoon, Photo: Mark Lazarski

Friday

Ballet X’s Summer Series
Catch this stunning performance at the Wilma Theatre this weekend, before Ballet X wraps up on Sunday. They’ll be back in the Fall, but that is way too long a wait!

Saturday

Meet PaperMonster @ the Vincent Michael Gallery
Blogger Lauren Russell scoped out the first exhibit at the new Vincent Michael Gallery, and absolutely loved it. She also reported that PaperMonster will be at the No. Libs gallery, giving an artist talk today.

Summer Ale Festival @ the Philly Zoo
Sip on tasty brews and explore the Philadelphia Zoo. Try some Summer Love Ale while you’re there.

Weekend Centennial Tours @ the Please Touch Museum
These tours, aimed at the older crowd, are finally taking place on the weekend! Try one out, and learn about the history of Memorial Hall.

Free Sun Ra Arkestra Concert in University City
And not just music… fire! The Scorch Fire Show will be there, combining flames and movement-arts.

Out of the Wild @ Art Star Boutique & Gallery
New exhibit opens today, featuring the works of three talented artists. You should stop by, maybe meet them during the artist reception.

6th Annual Belle & Sebastian Dance Party
Our buddies Philebrity are hosting their annual dance bash at National Mechanics. Come shake it up.

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The historic Headhouse Square Shambles (photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

Friday

Best of the Ottawa International Animation Festival
Tonight, International House is bringing some of the best films from 2009’s Ottawa International Animation Festival to Philadelphia. The evening will consist of 15 shorts created by the most imaginative and original artists working in animated film today.

Avatar Screening @ Village of Arts & Humanities
Catch Avatar on a large screen outside, over at the Village of Arts & Humanities. Free popcorn and activities for the family.

Cheap Trick & Squeeze @ the Mann Center
A fantastic Summer concert at the Mann Center for Performing Arts!

Disappearing Voices in Clark Park
PWStyle reports in on a film screening in Clark Park. Proceeds from the event go towards local community radio.

Saturday

Good Food, Good Beer @ Headhouse Square
From 6pm to 9pm, nibble and sip under the historic Headhouse Shambles. Marisa has the full scoop, here.

Concert for the Philadelphia Orchards Project
Support the movement to plant orchards around the city! Admission to the concert is only $5, and a bunch of great food trucks will be parked around Liberty Lands Park, dishing out tasty nibbles.

Global Fusion Festival @ Penn’s Landing
En Vogue headlines this massive concert / festival, with a number of other fantastic artists supporting.

Rainforest Rhythm @ the Please Touch Museum
This wildly popular exhibit returns to the Please Touch Museum today.

Sunday

Free Admission to the Franklin Institute
Why not head over to the Franklin Institute and explore the museum for free in the late afternoon? Free admission starting at 3pm!

Ice Cream Day @ Pumpkin Market
The cozy cafe and grocery store on South Street will be dishing out $1 scoops all day!

A New Open Air Market Launches at the Piazza This Weekend, Photo by M. McClellan for GPTMC

Friday

VOX VI @ Vox Populi
Come see some some fantastic emerging Philadelphia artists at Vox Populi’s annual exhibition.

World Music Festival @ the Please Touch Museum
Swing by the wonderful Fairmount Park museum to check out their first annual World Music festival! They have bands performing all weekend, including the West Philadelphia Orchestra.

QFest
Our friends over at Phillyist report in on the film fest. Started yesterday, but there are plenty of screenings all weekend long. Philebrity also has a list of their personal picks.

Saturday

There’s No Place Like Home
Celebrate the Gayborhood this weekend… and everyday for the next two weeks! A ribbon cutting ceremony, film screenings, dining deals… James has all the details for you, right here.

30th Annual Hispanic Fiesta
Head over to Penn’s Landing for this annual celebration of Latino culture. Music, traditional food, dancing… all sort of events going down today and tomorrow!

Open Air Market @ the Piazza
A new market opens at the Piazza today, running alongside the already popular farmers market. Shop for crafts, art, jewelry, etc. from local artisans and crafters. Runs today and tomorrow.

Bastille Day Festival
Watch Tastykakes soar over the walls of Eastern State Penitentiary at this annual bash in Fairmount. Great dining deals and events at the London Grill all weekend long as well.

Sunday

Sale @ Three Sirens Boutique
Wind down from a weekend of festivals by stopping by this popular boutique for their Summer Stock Up sale. 10% off your first item, 15% off your second, 20% off your third, and 25% off each additional item through July 18th.

Tomorrow, Good Morning America’s Marysol Castro will be broadcasting live, 7am to 9am, from Independence Mall. She’ll broadcast four (or more!) times during those two hours.

Put on some red, white and blue, bring a flag, and head on over. Let’s show Good Morning America how psyched we are for the 4th!

Not sure of the exact location on the Mall just yet, but just look for the crowd and television cameras. Or for someone who looks like Marysol Castro. That’s probably a safe bet.

Independence Mall [ www.nps.gov ]

Taste of Philadelphia: Starts Tonight, Runs Through Sunday! Go!

Friday

Taste of Philadelphia!
This amazing eat-everything-in-sight event kicks off today and lasts all weekend. Admission is free, and tastings from the 20+ restaurants will only run you a few dollars here and there. Show up hungry!

Last Chance: Dreamsgirls @ the Academy of Music
This popular musical closes its curtains on Philadelphia this Sunday. See it while you can!

HAUTE Party @ Bus Stop Boutique
15% off select shoes and the possibility of scoring a free tote bag? Sold!

Friends of Project Basho Exhibit Opening
Check out some beautiful photos from the folks involved in Project Basho, a great community photography studio.

Buried Beds @ Johnny Brenda’s
Up for some music tonight? Stop by Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown for a real treat. Buried Beds is throwing their CD release show.

Saturday

Fourth of July Fireworks: Round One
The first batch of glorious July 4th fireworks hits Penn’s Landing tonight. Go see them, as well as a free live concert.

Morris Day & the Time @ Penn’s Landing
Speaking of that free concert, Morris Day & the Time are playing at Penn’s Landing.

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The Comcast Center Reflecting Center City, Photo by J. Holder for GPTMC

On Saturday, the Market & Shops at Comcast Center will host a free outdoor yoga course and trunk show.

The complimentary yoga session, led by Karen Harmelin of Y2, is an all-levels Ashtanga class. After you’re done stretching, bending, and yoga-ing, you can pick up the latest in yoga and running gear at a trunk show hosted by lululemon athletica.

Participants can also look forward to complimentary Vitamin Water and Smart Water at the class, as well as discounts on food in the Market.

Starts at 10:30am!

The Comcast Center [ www.visitphilly.com ]

West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Fest, June 19-21; Photo courtesy WOL

Friday

West Oak Lane Jazz Festival
Music all weekend long! Stop by the neighborhood of West Oak Lane to experience one of the best music festivals in Philadelphia. Aaron has all the details, here.

Art After 5 @ the Philadelphia Museum of Art
See some art (like Late Renoir) after 5pm at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Can’t make it tonight? The museum is free tomorrow.

Taste of the Nation
Alright, it isn’t today, it’s on Monday. But still, you really should buy tickets now, before they’re all gone. Do it! You can still score 15% off! Read how, here.

Foobooz Weekend Dining Guide
Art over at Foobooz whips up a great itinerary for those of you nibbling around the city. Have a look.

Saturday

SA VA Runway Show in Love Park
Come check out some new fashions and nibble on some tasty appetizers from Square 1682.

Star of Summer Show @ Art Star Boutique
Shop at the cute Northern Liberties boutique and get gift cards, mimosas, and tote bags with your purchases. For details, check out this post.

Summer Solstice at the Kimmel Center
Music, food, dancing, and a drum circle? Lots going on at the Kimmel Center’s annual Summer Solstice.

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