May 11, 2012
Enjoy PAFA's new Lenfest Plaza at the next PAFA After Dark, May 17. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
PAFA After Dark, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts’ gallery night of performances, artists, cocktails and mingling, returns with “Real World,” an affair encouraging you to leave your own real world at the door, Thursday, May 17, 6-9 p.m.
Enjoy puppet performances from Spiral Q Puppet Theater, an act we’re assured is more sophisticated and entertaining than socks transformed into talking hand gloves, as well as new works of art from the academy’s students and faculty.
Their antics will be accompanied by the boisterous musical stylings of the West Philadelphia Orchestra.
Chat with students about their post-collegiate realities, and decide which piece of art you find most intriguing by casting a ballot for your favorite student artist for a chance to win some perks for their wallet.
As always, entry is free for PAFA members, and tickets can be purchased in advance online.
PAFA After Dark
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad Street
When: Thursday, May 17, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 at door
More info: www.pafa.org
May 11, 2012
The brand new Market at the Shambles hits Headhouse Square tonight, and the super popular Headhouse Square Farmers Market is officially back for the season on Sundays. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
There’s plenty to do this weekend both indoors and out, in neighborhoods around the entire city, in every genre of activity and for every demographic.
And the forecast looks great, which is always a win.
Our top picks for your best weekend, below:
Friday, May 11
Dad Vail Regatta (Fri, Sat)
The New Market at The Shambles — Opening Day!
Martinis On The Portico at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Red Hot Chili Peppers play the Wells Fargo Center
Secret Cinema Blind Date: 35mm Archival Surprises at International House
Friday Night Blues, Booze & Food in Downingtown
Squidling Bros. Circus Sideshow
Morris Arboretum Annual Plant Sale (Fri, Sat)
Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Civil War Days At Peddler’s Village (Fri, Sat, Sun)
PAFA 111th Annual Student Exhibition and Sale (Fri, Sat, Sun)
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Philadelphia Legacy Series (Fri, Sat)
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Burger Month (Fri, Sat, Sun)
“De Pueblo a Pueblo” Festival (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Arden Theatre’s Robin Hood (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Bistrot La Minette Movie Under the Stars
Saturday, May 12
Sister Cities Park Grand Opening Celebration
9th Annual Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar
Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times at the Franklin Institute (Sat, Sun) — Opening Day!
The Trestle Inn Presents: Victory Summer Love Release Party
On My Honor: 100 Years of Girl Scouting at the National Constitution Center: Girl Scout Day (Sat, Sun) — Opening Day!
Rum Bar’s 4th Annual Bob Marley Tribute Party
Mother’s Day Brunch Cocktail Party at Jonathan Adler
More Weekend Picks, below.
May 11, 2012
Don't call it a comeback. Wait, do. The With Love Beer Garden will once again be taking over the Four Seasons' outdoor courtyard during Philly Beer Week, serving up awesome beer, great food, live music and all around good times. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
We’re pretty psyched to announce that the With Love Beer Garden is back — by (extremely) popular demand — for Philly Beer Week 2012. The Beer Garden will be returning for its second year to the awesome outdoor courtyard at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.
One of Beer Week’s signature venues, the With Love Beer Garden brings together great beer, delicious food and an awesome alfresco setting for a Beer Week destination like no other.
The With Love Beer Garden will take place every day from Monday, June 4 to Friday, June 8 from 5-9 p.m. — note the extended hours; we’re happy to report that the Beer Garden will go one hour later this year. And each day, a different local brewery will be featured, bringing a selection of their craft brews for guest to enjoy.
Please be sure to put June 4 on your calendars. That’s opening night for the With Love Beer Garden, and it doubles as our kickoff party for the re-release of Summer Love Ale. You’ll want to be in the house for some delicious Victory brews, a chance to say hello to Victory brewer Bill Covaleski, food, music, and a special check-in giveaway that we promise you’re going to love. (Seriously. It’s awesome.)
In addition to the new hours, the With Love Beer Garden will also feature an improved ticketing system this year for seamless beer ordering.
There will also be a nightly rotating menu of tasty bites to enjoy with your beer; think pork roll sliders, kielbasa sandwiches, pretzels and the like. More details to come.
The bottom line: the With Love Beer Garden is a pretty great summer spot to grab a casual drink and a bite after work during Philly Beer Week, with big trees, lush gardens, a cool breeze — there’s even fountains and a stream. But don’t take our word for it; grab a few friends and check it out for yourself.
We’ll be sure to see you out there.
The With Love Beer Garden
When: June 4-8, 5-9 p.m.
Where: The Courtyard at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, 1 Logan Square
Note: You can enter straight from the corner of 18th and Cherry Streets
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.visitphilly.com
May 11, 2012
Inspired by the French tradition of painting en plein air, Art in the Open spotlights a juried selection of Philadelphia artists who will create art outside along the Schuylkill banks. (Photo © Brad Jamula courtesy Art in the Open)
Following successful runs over the past two years, Art in the Open returns May 18-20, with a diverse group of local artists creating site-specific artworks from dawn to dusk outside along the Schuylkill Banks.
Free to all audiences, Art in the Open celebrates the local landscape, from Fairmount Water Works to Bartram’s Garden, that serves as both inspiration for creating art and as an open-air studio to participating artists. The public is invited to stroll the river banks and take in the creative processes in action.
Family Day at Art in the Open will take place at the Skate Park along the Schuylkill Banks on Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., offering visitors of all ages an opportunity to draw, sculpt and paint their own creations alongside artists.
And on Sunday, May 20, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be hosting a free, outdoor drawing workshop in the Museum’s beautiful sculpture garden from noon-3 p.m.
There’s lots more where that came from. For a full list of events, click here.
Check out a teaser video of Art in the Open here, and a detailed map below.
Art in the Open 2012
Where: Schuylkill Riverbanks between Fairmount Park Water Works and Bartram’s Garden
When: May 18-20
Cost: Free
More info: www.artintheopenphila.org
May 10, 2012
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is heading to Philadelphia May 27 for their second-to-last domestic game before departing for the 2012 Olympics in London. They’ll be battling China at PPL Park in Chester for the second time; the two teams also met at the home of the Philadelphia Union in October 2010 in what was the U.S. team’s first match there. It ended in a 1-1 draw. Tickets starting at $22 are on sale to the public online. The U.S. Women’s National Team is 10-1-1 in 2012, having scored 55 goals and allowed five. Let’s go USWNT! [U.S. Women vs. China]
May 10, 2012
The 9th annual pride celebration includes a parade, block party, vendor fair, theater, shopping, live music, dancing and much more. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
On Sunday, May 13 join your LGBTQA (the “A” is for “Allied”) friends and family as New Hope kicks off its annual week-long New Hope Celebrates Pride festival.
The festival begins with the annual pride flag unfurling at Starbucks right in the heart of town on Main and Bridge Streets.
The eight-day festival is the largest of its kind in the area, with the annual NHC Pride Parade set for Saturday, May 19 from noon-1 p.m. Presented by New Hope Celebrates, a non-profit whose mission is to serve the LGBT community through area events and fundraising, the parade has been voted the “Best Small Town Parade” in America.
The entire festival boasts several dozen special events, including the Draggin It OUT With Pride drag show at John & Peters on Tuesday, May 15 at 9 p.m., the Premier Fireworks show on Friday, May 18 from 9:30-10 p.m, and the Friday Night OUT! Dance Party at The Raven starting after the fireworks, just to name a few.
For a full list of events, click here.
New Hope Celebrates Pride
Where: Throughout New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ
When: Sunday, May 13-Sunday, May 20
Cost: Most events free or pay as you go
More info: www.newhopecelebrates.com
May 10, 2012
Catch concerts and other entertainment for free in the Kimmel Center Commonwealth Plaza, coupled with deals on drinks and food on Saturday nights. (Photo by Evelyn Taylor courtesy Kimmel Center)
Cheap is good but free is better at the Kimmel Center, where “Free at the Kimmel” continues for another season this May and June.
“Free at the Kimmel” offers the Philadelphia community a diverse and exciting sample of phenomenal musical talent, engaging arts discussions and family-friendly performances free of charge.
For family-oriented folks, the Kimmel offers the PNC Grow Up Great series featuring free family-friendly monthly programming designed to be both entertaining and educational. Be sure to check out The Little Farm Show this Saturday, May 12, for an all-ages musical adventure through the history of food, farming and the environment.
For the artsy types, the Merck Arts Education series brings together community leaders for monthly discussions relating to arts and education. Check out June 4′s “Performance and Dialogue: Creating Sacred Music,” a look at the creative process of producing sacred music used in worship.
For those who just like to jam, there’s the monthly “Sittin’ in” Jam Sessions, where D.J. Phsh and the Kimmel Center’s house bands get the party going before surrendering the stage to a set of local and national musical acts. Check out the action in our Philly 101 video featuring Megan Fitzgerald, Director of Programming.
And let’s not forget about Live at the Plaza Stage, where Saturday evenings you can expect an awesome lineup of world, pop, jazz and instrumental music from up-and-coming local musicians. Plus enjoy happy hour specials, including $1 off beers and $2 off wines at the PECO and Annex Bars. This Saturday, electronic violinist Caryn Lin will blast Philadelphia into the future with a combination of New Age, World, Classical and Rock sounds.
For a complete list of “Free at the Kimmel” programming, check out the calendar online.
“Free at the Kimmel” Series
When: Now–June 23
Where: Broad and Spruce Streets
Cost: Free!
More info: www.kimmelcenter.org
May 10, 2012
A stunning smorgasbord of flavors will be on full display during the festival, as vendors line the street, musicians roam the crowds and top chefs show off some of their best techniques at live cooking demos. (Photo courtesy Italian Market)
When one of the city’s most flavorful neighborhoods hosts a food festival, you know it’s going to be epic.
Enjoy a weekend of authentic Italian American culture in South Philadelphia next Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, when the annual 9th Street Italian Market Festival returns in full force.
9th Street from Fitzwater to Federal Streets shuts down to vehicle traffic as shops and stalls spill onto the sidewalks to serve food, performers take to multiple stages and local artisans vend their goods.
The event is an extravaganza for the senses, featuring six long blocks of streets lined with vendors offering every Italian delicacy imaginable, plus day-long live entertainment, fun contests, top chefs showing off their best techniques at live cooking demonstrations and lots more.
A stunning smorgasbord of flavors will be on full display (and in your stomach) at one of the year’s most anticipated food events. We’re talking fresh sausage and peppers, antipasto salads, roast pork sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats, an infinite array of pastries, famous mango roses and so much more.
Stay tuned for a comprehensive guide.
Italian Market Festival
Where: 9th Street between Fitzwater and Federal Streets
When: May 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.italianmarketfestival.com
May 10, 2012
Sit, relax and enjoy the picturesque views at Sister Cities Plaza, officially opening today. (Photo courtesy Center City District)
The newest green space in Philadelphia opens today with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Nutter.
Sister Cities Park, located at Logan Square on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, has undergone a drastic transformation. The newly richly planted and well-illuminated space has turned unused land into a public park with a variety of amenities for people of all ages 365 days a year, from a children’s discovery garden and boat pond to a visitor center and a plaza with a gorgeous fountain.
There’s also a café, an offshoot of Milk & Honey Cafe in West Philadelphia, serving locally grown and produced foods. We’ve included the official Sister Cities Milk & Honey menu, below.
Open seven days a week, 6 a.m.–1 a.m., Sister Cities is a perfect spot to enjoy lunch, people watch, entertain children (or your inner child: who doesn’t love a boat pond?) and generally bask in the lushness of a green oasis in the midst of the city.
Check out the Sister Cities calendar to keep apprised of all the programming at the park, beginning with this Saturday’s grand opening celebration. From 11 a.m-2 p.m, enjoy refreshments and explore the new space.
In the future, you’ll be able to hear free lunchtime live music, see Shakespeare in Sister Cities Park, hear poetry readings and much more.
We think Center City District hit it out of the park with this one.
Sister Cities Park — Now Open!
Logan Square, 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
www.centercityphila.org
May 9, 2012
Green-thumbs and Miracle Grow users alike are encouraged to pick up beautiful blooms this weekend at the Morris Arboretum. (Photo courtesy Morris Arboretum)
Just in time for Mother’s Day gifts is the Morris Arboretum annual plant sale providing luscious arrays of both sun-hogging and shade-loving species May 11-12.
The newly Platinum LEED-certified horticulture center showcases hard-to-find breeds of perennials grown by local nurseries suited to thrive in our area, and those which will attract the likes of butterflies and hummingbirds in your garden.
Classic rose varieties such as the bright crimson Alfred Colomb hybrid, the intensely fragrant Madame Alfred Carriere and the Cornelia which produces shades of apricot and pink petals are available in limited quantities.
Green-thumbs and Miracle Grow users alike are welcomed Friday, May 11 for members only and Saturday, May 12 for all.
Morris Arboretum Annual Plant Sale
Where: 100 E. Northwestern Avenue
When: Friday, May 11, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (members only) and Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.morrisarboretum.org
