You do not want to miss this show; Photo by G. Widman

The Fireworks Display on Saturday July 4 will begin directly after the free concert featuring the Roots and Sheryl Crow finishes. The fireworks take place above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Fireworks are estimated to begin around 10:30, but get there by 10 pm just to be safe.

- Along Benjamin Franklin Parkway: Get there early with a few blankets and set up a comfy prime time spot on the baseball fields at 22nd and the Parkway.

- Schuylkill River Park: The part of the park between the JFK Bridge and the Art Museum is a great, lesser-known spot to watch. Note, the area directly behind the Art Museum by the Fairmount Water Works will be closed. As will the restaurant.

- Along Martin Luther King Drive: across the Schuylkill River from Boathouse Row also provides excellent views of the show. (See below.)

- Lemon Hill: get there early.

- Kelly Drive: Several places along the river between Poplar Drive and Brewery Hill Drive/the Girard Ave Bridge afford great views of the display. Also, the Girard Avenue Bridge itself for a view from afar.

- There are also some goods spots in the Fairmount neighborhood just a few blocks from the Art Museum.

The Fireworks seen from Martin Luther King Drive; Photo by R. Kennedy

CLICK HERE for more info about July 4th in Philadelphia.

July 4th in Philadelphia [gophila.com]

This weekend at the Independence Visitors Center:

July 4th takes a new twist as Philadelphia celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday at the very spot where America was born. Join in to celebrate America’s 16th president with Lincoln200™: The Bicentennial Festival.

The Festival theme, “Lincoln Then and Now,” shines the spotlight on period and contemporary takes on artistic, cultural, and culinary works, innovations in technology, and healthcare, and connects the lasting legacy of Lincoln to today’s world.

A video preview below.

Lincoln 200 Philadelphia [gophila.com]

The Fireworks seen from Martin Luther King Drive; Photo by R. Kennedy

FRIDAY
Sunoco Welcome America!
The festival kicks off today, and James has a complete listing of all the happenings going on around the city, here. Give it a read.

First Friday @ The Chemical Heritage Foundation
315 Chestnut St
Alex covered it here. Stop by, see some scientific art, make some batteries, have fun! Free!

Feel the Freedom Festival @ The NCC
National Constitution Center
James wrote about it here. Head over to the ol’ NCC for a three day celebration.

DJ Sammy Slice
L’Etage, 624 S 6th St
Philly’s own DJ Sammy Slice spins for free from 7 to 8PM over at L’Etage.

All You Can Eat Ice Cream @ Penn’s Landing
Penn’s Landing!
The title really says it all. All you can eat ice cream for $5. Nom nom nom.

SATURDAY

Morris Arboretum Tree Adventure Opening
100 Northwestern Avenue
The Morris Arboretum opens up a new permanent exhibit today! Go check it out.

Bell Tapping Ceremony
Liberty Bell Center - 1:30PM - 2:30PM
Albert got all amped up about it here. Swing by and watch the descendants of those who signed the Declaration of Independence ceremonially tap the bell.

July 4th Dinner Deal @ Chima
20th and JFK
Need a place to eat? Chima Steakhouse has a wonderful deal going on for the 4th. James wrote about it here, and chances are, you can catch him eating there on Saturday. Say hi.

Independence Day Parade
Historic Philadelphia
11AM - Noon With marching bands, re-enactments, floats, drum and bugle corps, and Philly’s Lauren Hart, this parade has a little bit of everything. Head on down to Historic Philadelphia to catch it.

Party on the Parkway
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Noon to 6PM
A monster of a party hits the B’Frank Parkway on Saturday, with a festival that lasts an entire day. Music (Sheryl Crow, yes!), food, games, and more for everyone in the family.

SUNDAY

Third Annual Philly Phyzz Festival
321 S 4th Street
Come celebrate the invention of America’s first soda at the landmark Physick House in Historic Philadelphia. Festival runs from 1PM to 5PM.

July 4th in Philadelphia [gophila.com]

Don't miss unlimited ice cream for a $5 donation; Photos by J. Smith

The 11th Annual Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival opens this Friday at Noon.

The festival runs for three days, Friday - Sunday, from Noon to 5 pm. It takes place at the Great Plaza at Penns Landing.

For a donation of just $5 (in support of the Joshua Kahan Fund’s fight against pediatric leukemia), you will have unlimited access to delicious flavors from Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Edy’s, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett’s, Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and more.

CLICK HERE for more information.

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
July 3-5, 12 – 5 pm
Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street

Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival [gophila.com]

There's no better place to celebrate America's Birthday than Philadelphia; Photo by G. Widman

Friday:

- All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival - Penn’s Landing, Noon - 5 pm √
Ice cream lovers can indulge in as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they like. Fill up with just a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund and have unlimited access to delicious flavors from Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Edy’s, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett’s, Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others. (Also takes place on Saturday and Sunday.)

- Pops on Independence - Independence Mall, 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. √
Come early with your blankets, chairs and picnic baskets for an evening under the stars on Independence Mall listening to the sounds of Philadelphia’s own Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.

Saturday:

- Independence Day Ceremony - Independence Hall, 10-11 am
Join Mayor Michael A. Nutter and other dignitaries at Independence Hall for a ceremony filled with performances honoring America’s 233rd birthday.

- Independence Day Parade - Historic Philadelphia, 11 am - Noon  √
Back in Historic Philadelphia for the first time in 18 years, the 2009 Independence Day parade will feature a tapestry of parade elements from around the nation, including Radio Disney recording artist Joey Page, Philadelphia’s own Lauren Hart, marching bands, drum and bugle corps, re-enactment organizations, antique cars, fire departments, cultural organizations, active military, floats and more.

- Party on the Parkway - Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 12-6 pm  √
The Party on the Parkway kicks off at noon, with a day-long roster of food, games, entertainment and activities for the whole family.

- Happy Birthday America - Independence Visitor Center, 12:30 pm
Sample one of Philly’s favorite treats at the Independence Visitor Center and celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace!

- Bell Tapping Ceremony - Liberty Bell Center, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Gather around the Liberty Bell as descendants of those who signed the Declaration of Independence ceremonially tap the bell.

- MAIN EVENT: “Life, Liberty, and You” Concert & Fireworks - Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 8 pm √
The excitement begins when Philly’s hometown band The Roots takes the stage to show why they are unmatched when it comes to live hip hop music. Next up, Sheryl Crow woos the crowd with her hit-making sound and keeps it building right up to the jaw-dropping fireworks display that makes Philadelphia the best place to celebrate Independence Day (telecast on ABC).

√ denotes an especially not-to-be-missed event.

CLICK HERE for more information.

July 4th in Philadelphia [gophila.com]

Campbell's Field on the Delaware River Waterfront; Photo by D. Brady

The Camden Riversharks host two games this weekend that boast post-game fireworks displays. One on Friday night, July 3, at 7:05 and the second on Saturday night, July 4, at 5:35.

The fireworks displays will be over the field, with the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia Skyline as a very picturesque backdrop.

Plenty of tickets are available for both games.

And tickets start at just $9.

CLICK HERE for more information on the Camden Riversharks official website.

Camden Riversharks [gophila.com]

Nine weeks of outdoor movies to enjoy on the waterfront; Photo by G. Widman

Where: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
When: Thursday evenings in July and August; movies start at 8:30 in July and 8 pm in August
Cost: Free

Lineup:

- July 2, 2009 - Mamma Mia
- July 9, 2009 - Dream Girls
- July 16, 2009 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- July 23, 2009 - The Dark Knight
- July 30, 2009 - Baby Mama
- Aug 6, 2009 - The Express
- Aug 13, 2009 - Marley and Me
- Aug 20, 2009 - Madagascar II
- Aug 27, 2009 - Tale of Desperaux

Don’t forget to bring snacks and a blanket and/or folding chair.

Screenings Under The Stars - Summer Movie Series at Penn’s Landing [gophila.com]

Jotto, performing live at Johnny B’s tonight

FRIDAY

Telepathe, Lemonade, Jotto
Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N Frankford
Dance music and black tropicalia for the new-new age by crews who definitely don’t live anywhere near palm trees. 10pm, $10.

Madonna Michael Prince
The Barbary, Frankford and Delaware
RIP. 10pm, $5.

SATURDAY

Making Time Pool Party
60 Fostertown Road, Medford NJ
All-day/night pool party at a disused airport in New Jersey. Waaaay too many logistical details and selling points to fit into a weekend pick, but undeniably the best, weirdest party happening this weekend. Details at R5. 18+. $12, $17 with return bus ticket.

215 Hiphop and Crossfaded Bacon present The Year 2003
Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N Frankford
Emynd, Bo Bliz and Reef the Lost Cauze put the needle to rap 12s produced in the year 2003. Holler. 10pm, $7.

Bleached Black
Medusa Lounge, 21st and Chestnut
Lexie’s favorites - Dance music from deep outer space. 10pm, free.

SUNDAY

Spring Awakening
Kimmel Center, 260 S Broad
The new musical Re: which the NYT says “Broadway may never be the same again!” Tickets and times at the link above.

ONGOING

Taste of Philadelphia
Penn’s Landing, Columbus Blvd at Walnut
Outdoor food carnival with offerings from nearly twenty city restaurants. You can walk through for free, but you’ll need to buy tickets to ride all of the signature dishes. Marisa covered it at the link above. Today 5-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-7pm.

Philadelphia Independent Film Fest
There are about a million options for seeing new independent movies all over the city this weekend as PIFF rolls on. Aaron covered the fest here, full schedule of screenings and locations is here.

Manayunk Arts Festival
Main Street, Manayunk
The annual Manayunk art sprawl. James covered it at the link above. Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm.

Star Trek: The Exhbition
Franklin Institute, 222 N 20th
The ultimate nerd-out at the FI (covering all five of the Trek shows and all ten of the movies) runs through September; info, tickets and times at the link above.

Fireworks follow a free concert by Angie Stone; Photo by R. Kennedy

Philadelphia’s July 4th celebrations kick off this weekend with the Taste of Philadelphia food festival and a free concert and fireworks display on Saturday night at Penn’s Landing.

Angie Stone headlines the free concert at Penn’s Landing. The concert begins at 7:30. The fireworks will begin after the concerts ends.

Look for the fireworks to start sometime after 9 pm.

Saturday, June 27, 2009
Concert begins at 7:30 pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing

July 4th in Philadelphia [gophila.com]

The 20th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival takes place this weekend and it’s sure to be as popular as ever.

Local and national artists exhibit their work along historic Main Street in Manayunk, showcasing more than 260 artists and their artwork including jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting, glass and mixed media.

And, oh yes, there will be food as well.

Manayunk restaurants set up shop along Main Street offering their goods to the hungry masses. So another reason to check it out is for a tasting tour of the neighborhood.

Participating restaurants this year:

- Bella Trattoria
- Cactus Restaurant and Bar
- Caputo’s Pizzeria
- Chabaa Thai
- Chloe’s Corner
- Couch Tomato Café
- Dairyland
- Derek’s (120 seats outside fronting Main Street and there will be a outdoor Martini Bar as well)
- Jake’s Restaurant (Jake’s $8 crab cake sandwich will be served outside all day, $10 with a homemade lemonade)
- Kildare’s (plentiful outdoor tables right on Main Street)
- Machismo Burrito Bar
- Manayunk Brewery and Restaurant
- Mango Moon
- Sapphire
- Saxby’s
- Sole of Manayunk
- Winnie’s Le Bus Manayunk

Bonus: Canada Dry is a festival sponsor, so they’ll be there to keep you hydrated with complimentary Snapple, Nantucket Nectar juices, Honest Tea, Vitamin Water and Hydrive Energy drinks. And ABSOLUT, another sponsor, will be on hand serving complimentary adult summer beverages featuring ABSOLUT’s first tropical flavor — ABSOLUT Mango

Saturday, June 27, 2009: 11 am - 8 pm
Sunday, June 28, 2009: 11 am - 6 pm

Manayunk Arts Festival [gophila.com]

The Roots Picnic earlier this month; Photo by M. Kennedy for GPTMC

It was just announced that The Roots will be performing at Philadelphia’s main July 4th celebration — joining Sheryl Crow at the annual free concert and fireworks display on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 4, 2009. Concert begins at 8:30 pm.

More details to come.

CLICK HERE for more general information about July 4th festivities in Philadelphia.

Also, be sure to check out the exclusive video about The Roots and Philly 36o that we posted earlier this month.

Philly 360 Video: The Roots [uwishunu.com]
July 4th in Philadelphia [Gophila.com]

Additional photos from The Roots performing at the 2009 Roots Picnic below.

?uestlove at The Roots Picnic; Photo by M. Kennedy

Damon “Tuba Gooding Jr.” Bryson and Black Thought (right) at the 2009 Roots Picnic; Photo by M. Kennedy

The sublime, labyrinthine passageways of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. (Photo by Albert Lee)

The first time I walked through Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, I was instantly enchanted. Isaiah Zagar, South Street’s poet of the mosaic arts, crafted this exuberant and emotionally cohesive collection of bottles, bicycle spokes, tiles and anything else you can think of, spending several decades in this parking lot-turned-thing of beauty to bring it closer to completion. Today, the Gardens is nothing short of genius.

Haven’t visited? Well, you’re missing some of the best stuff in this city. And you can redeem yourself this weekend.

This Sunday, June 21st, the Magic Gardens is hosting its second annual Summer Solstice Festival from 2 until 10 p.m. The event kicks off with six hours of world music, drumming performances, artistic wood burning, storytelling, dance ensembles and more (2 to 8 p.m.). A DJ takes over for the final two hours for a Gardens-wide dance party (8 to 10 p.m.).

Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided by Jim’s Steaks, Starbucks, La Fourno, Black and Brew, Gennaro’s and others.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and free for kids.

The Summer Solstice Festival is a perfect way to 1) enjoy the longest day of the year; 2) treat your dad to a Father’s Day he’ll never forget; and 3) turn your Sunday into something extraordinary. I promise that, once you’ve visited the Gardens, it will be forever in your mind. And it just may bring the artist out of you.

Click here or the image below to download the official flyer.

Summer Solstice Festival @ Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1022-1024 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 733-0390

CLICK HERE to read more about Philadelphia Magic Gardens’ Summer Solstice Festival

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens [gophila.com]

Brand new this year is the 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties, happening this Saturday, June 20, 2009.

The festival will take place on 2nd Street in Northern Liberties between Green Street on the south end and Germantown Avenue on the north end.

The festival is free to attend and there will be lots of live music, more than 60 local vendors on the street, children’s activities, and, yes, plenty of delicious food.

About the food. Vendors will be located all along the half-mile stretch of 2nd Street. There will also be three beer gardens along the way operated by local restaurants and bars.

Some food vendor highlights:

- Standard Tap Beer Garden & Food
- North Bowl Beer Garden & Games
- 700 Club Beer Garden
- Cantina Dos Segundos
- A Full Plate - Serving Vegan Foods!
- Rustica
- Greenwood Kitchen

And then you have the new restaurants at the Piazza at Schmidts as well as the places on Liberties Walk.

So bring your appetite. There will be plenty to eat.

First Annual 2nd Street Festival in conjunction with The Popped Music Festival

Popped! Music Festival [gophila.com]

The Academy of Natural Sciences

Being one of the ugliest fish in the sea, the Catfish may be one breed of scaly swimmer that looks better with a hook through its face. But whether in freshwater or frying pan, the catfish is a fascinating creature. And this Father’s Day, you can learn all you ever wanted to know about this fish-faced fugly.

Now we know your dad loves fishing but he would likely rather be in the boat than the museum. That’s why, for this Fathers Day weekend event, the Academy of Natural Sciences have sweetened the deal with a slew of fun events for you and dear old dad to enjoy. Think of it as the bait or his favorite fishing lure.

The catfish scavenger hunt will send you fishing for drawings of catfish holding letters. If you put together a word, you will collect a small prize. At the Science Live Station, museum staff will have catfish specimens displayed and will talk informally to visitors about how catfish are able to adapt to the many different environments in which they live. You can even make fish hats to take home.

So this Father’s day, trade the tackle box for a trip to the Academy of Natural Sciences and learn about your favorite hand-caught dinner. We guarantee you will smell better when you get home.

Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 299-1000
www.ansp.org