May 17, 2013
There's no reason for boredom this weekend, Philadelphia, tons of marquee festivals, markets, parties and more take over the city for a weekend of all around fun. (Photos at top from left by G. Widman for GPTMC, Yo Matt Foto; at bottom E. Mencher for GPTMC)
If there was ever a weekend to take advantage of the incredible array of urban recreation on tap in Philadelphia, this is the one.
An abundance of fabulous fetes, cool cultural events and inventive performing arts hits the city — with three major street festivals anchoring the weekend.
On Saturday afternoon, the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival takes over Walnut Street from Broad to 19th street to showcase the phenomenal food, fashion and fun of the resplendent Rittenhouse neighborhood.
Also on Saturday, the Trenton Avenue Arts Festival and Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby puts the spotlight on the eclectic artisans and restaurants of Kensington, with a human-powered parade at the center of it all.
On Saturday and Sunday in South Philly, the 9th Street Italian Market Festival brings the vibrant flavor and culture of Italy to the streets and sidewalks of the Bella Vista and East Passyunk Avenue neighborhoods.
To check out all three fests, we recommend starting in Rittenhouse on Saturday at noon (vendors have been known to sell out of food by 3 p.m.), then heading north to Kensington to catch the end of the Sculpture Derby at 3:30 p.m. Then, head to South Philly on Sunday for the Procession of Saints at 11 a.m.
Whatever you do, plan your weekend strategy carefully. To help, check out our top picks for this lively weekend, below.
Top Pick: Love Your Park Week (Fri, Sat)
Top Pick: The Porch Beer Garden
Top Pick: Barnes Foundation First Anniversary Party
Tangle Presents Invert! at the Rotunda (Fri, Sat)
Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception at the Philadelphia Art Alliance
Beauty: A Photography Exhibit by Erinn Cosby at Art Sanctuary (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Philadelphia Open House Tours Presents Philadelphia Navy Yard — Past, Present and Future
Stotesbury Cup Regatta (Fri, Sat)
The Making of a Modern Man at the James Oliver Gallery
Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Bootcandy at the Wilma Theatre (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Un-drawn at Philadelphia Photo Arts Center
112th Annual Student Exhibition at PAFA (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Song Sung Book: Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Richard Rodgers
Decorate-A-Cupcake Night At Bredenbeck’s Bakery
Frankford Hall’s Second Birthday (Fri, Sat)
The Lod Mosaic at the Penn Museum (Fri, Sat, Sun)
DJ DeeJay’s Millenium Party on the Moshulu
The Art of Golf at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Spy: The Secret World of Espionage at The Franklin Institute (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Top Pick: Italian Market Festival (Sat, Sun)
Top Pick: Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
Top Pick: Trenton Avenue Arts Festival and Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby
Top Pick: International Museum Day
Top Pick: Brewerytown Spring Festival
Top Pick: Wheat Beer Festival at South Philadelphia Taproom
Top Pick: South of South Neighborhood Association’s Super Saturday
Clark Park’s Party in the Park
Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars At Black Colleges at the National Museum of American Jewish History (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Philadelphia Park and Recreation’s Spring Open House Day
Spring Forward: Contemporary Fiber Art in Historic Houses
Tugboats: The Art of Dave Boone at the Independence Seaport Museum
Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire
Penns Woods Winery Wine and Jazz Festival
Great and Mighty Things at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Fri, Sat, Sun)
Grand Reopening of Julian Abele Park
Asian American Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at Franklin Square
With Love: Super Adoption Day 2013
Opening of Making Ends Meet: 300 Years of Life on Elfreth’s Alley
Lots more Weekend Picks, below! (more…)
May 17, 2013
Night Market Fairmount lived up to the hype.
(Photo by K. Harty/@VisitPhilly)
Night Market Fairmount did not disappoint. How could it, really? The weather was gorgeous. The food vendors were out in droves. The beer was flowing. There were multiple stages with live music. Eastern State was open late and rocking out. And people came out in force.
And sure, there were some lines at a lot of the trucks. But that’s part of the fun … grabbing a beer, hanging out with friends while waiting to be rewarded with some of Philadelphia’s best street food.
Night Market is truly an awesome event. One that Philadelphia has completely embraced. Congratulations to The Food Trust for putting on another excellent evening — the latest of about a dozen Night Markets to date.
Congratulations to the Fairmount Community Development Organization for showing off its amazing neighborhood to the more than 20,000 estimated attendees last night. Congratulations to the food trucks, vendors and restaurants for feeding the masses. Basically, congratulations to everyone involved.
Night Markets rule. We can’t wait for the next one. Speaking of which, here is the lineup for the scheduled Night Markets this year:
• Night Market West Oak Lane, Thursday, June 20
• Night Market South Street, Thursday, August 15
• Night Market Chinatown, October 2013 (Date still to come)
• Mt. Airy Street Fare, Thursday, September, 19 (Modeled after Night Market)
And now for the photos. Instagrammers were out in full force at last night’s event and we can’t think of a better way to show you the scene than to let the Instagrams do the talking. Below is a gallery of some of the best Instagrams that were tagged with #NightMkt and #Fairmount from last night’s festivities.
Visit Philly was on site with a booth where people could pick up a free mini print of their Instagram. If you missed it, don’t worry — Visit Philly will surely do something similarly fun at an upcoming Night Market.
And don’t forget to plan a return trip to Fairmount — Fairmount killed it last night, showing off the neighborhood to a lot of newcomers. Consult our brand new guide to the restaurants, bars, markets and cafes of Fairmount and head back there soon.
Philadelphia Night Market
When: June, August & October
Where: See above
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.thefoodtrust.org
May 17, 2013
Visit the nation's oldest continuously occupied residential street this weekend to take in a new exhibit. (Photo by E. Savaria)
As the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited street, Elfreth’s Alley was home to 18th-century colonial Philadelphians. Located in the heart of Old City between Front and 2nd Streets just north of Arch, the Elfreth’s Alley Museum is one of few landmarks dedicated to the everyday American.
This weekend, the Elfreth’s Alley Museum welcomes a new exhibition on how the working class of colonial America stretched their dollars.
Drawing on recent archeological finds discovered during Elfreth’s Alley excavation, Making Ends Meet: 300 Years of Life on Elfreth’s Alley tells the story of ordinary colonial folks, and includes behind-the-scenes talks from Elfreth’s Alley curator Michele Schutte, archeologist Deirdre Kelleher and a live-model demonstration of colonial dressing from clothing historian Bob Skiba.
Join in the opening reception this Saturday, May 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. to take in the historic alley, the new exhibition and enjoy light refreshments.
Tickets are $15 and available online.
Also, take this opportunity to mark your calendars for Fete Day, an annual summertime celebration in Elfreth’s Alley and one of the only opportunities to actually step into the private homes of Elfreth’s Alley.
Making Ends Meet: 300 Years of Life on Elfreth’s Alley
When: Saturday, May 18, 5-7 p.m.
Where: 126 Elfreth’s Alley
Cost: $15
More info: www.elfrethsalley.org
May 17, 2013
The 9th Street Italian Market Festival feeds Philly's love of Italian food and culture this weekend, May 18-19. (Photos by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
South Philadelphia’s Italian Market is the nation’s oldest outdoor market, and always abuzz. But this weekend, May 18-19, the already-bustling heart of South Philly welcomes the rest of the city to its sidewalks for the annual blockbuster event, the 9th Street Italian Market Festival.
Head to 9th Street to experience a weekend filled with the flavors and sights of Italian-American culture, from tastes of Italian cuisine to the Annual Procession of Saints.
The neighborhood revolves around the festival for the weekend, with 9th Street from Fitzwater to Federal streets shut down to vehicular traffic and the shops and stalls of the market spilling onto the sidewalks from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more than six blocks, the streets are lined with food vendors offering every Italian delicacy imaginable and artisans peddling handmade wares, as well as multiple stages with day-long live entertainment.
Plus, look out for family-friendly activities, crafting, contests, live cooking demonstrations and lots more.
Read on for our complete festival guide.
The festival takes over two neighborhoods, running on 9th Street from Fitzwater to Federal streets in Bella Vista and East Passyunk Avenue.
Streets will be blocked off to make way for the tremendous crowds and eats.
On any given day, the Italian Market is a food lover’s mecca, with vendors hawking any and every food imaginable, including fresh produce, meats and seafood (check out the full list of market vendors here).
On Saturday and Sunday, prepared foods take precedence as vendors line 9th Street between Fitzwater and Federal Streets. The incredible diversity of both the Bella Vista and East Passyunk Avenue neighborhoods will be on display, as merchants dish everything from Italian sausage sandwiches to carnitas tacos, and hand-carved mango roses on a stick to fresh seafood on the go.
The star of the weekend is usually the whole porchetta from market butchers Esposito’s and Cannuli’s, as well as the grilled sausage from Cappucio’s. Of course, no one should go home without indulging in a fresh cannoli from Isgro’s bakery.
New participants this year include chef Michael Santoro’s The Mildred, brunching superstar Sabrina’s and gourmet hot dog destination Underdogs.
As for beer, find Peroni pouring at Villa DiRoma and Yuengling at 12 Steps Down, with additional beers on tap. For a sip of bubbly, Anastasi Seafood is featuring Prosecco.
A number of area restaurants will extend table service to the sidewalks so you can sit down and dine alfresco. And of course, at East Passyunk Avenue, two of Philly’s notable cheesesteaks slingers, Pat’s and Geno’s, cap the south edge of the festival.
The Italian Market knows roast pork sandwiches. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
Artists and crafters come out to the market to peddle handmade creations from booths stationed at 9th and Catherine streets and 9th and Ellsworth. Look for jewelry, apparel, accessories, home furnishings and fittings and more. For a smattering of attending artisans, check here.
A Roman-Catholic tradition, Sunday, May 19, brings the annual Procession of Saints at 11 a.m.
The St. Paul Parish in the Italian Market, holds a procession where parishioners carry approximately 20 statues of saints, including two Blessed Mother statues throughout the neighborhood. Children who have recently made their first holy communion attend, too, donning their white first communion attire.
The procession starts at historic Saint Mary Magdalen Church at 7th and Montrose streets, and pauses for the Blessing of the Market at 9th and Washington. The procession ends at Saint Paul Catholic Church at Christian Street.
Rockin’ live music and family-friendly fun span the entire block party. At 9th and Montrose, the Fiat Fun Zone brings an interactive piazza to the festival the for the first time. Kids of all ages are welcome to the party with music by DJ Donny Chiro, balloon making, face painting, magic and games. Plus, look out for author appearances and a special musical guest.
Classic rock and modern pop keep crowds grooving all weekend long with stages at Federal, Washington and Christian, and an obligatory accordion player at Carpenter Street.
Finally, returning to the 9th Street Italian Market Festival where it was created in 2009, the John Marzano Halfball Tournament marks its fourth anniversary with a lineup of top players at one of the city’s favorite street games.
Be sure to follow Uwishunu on Twitter and Instagram for throughout the day for more.
For a complete festival map, see below!
9th Street Italian Market Festival
Where: 9th Street between Fitzwater and Federal Streets
When: May 18-19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.italianmarketfestival.com
(more…)
May 16, 2013
Come for the Night Market, stay for the neighborhood. Fairmount is filled with great restaurants, bars, markets, cafes and more, so be sure to plan a return trip not long after tonight's big event. (Top left photo courtesy Eastern State Penitentiary, other three photos by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
[This spring, Visit Philly launched a new effort to promote 14 different neighborhoods surrounding Center City Philadelphia. With our new complementary "Philadelphia Neighborhoods" post series, Uwishunu is teaming up with Visit Philly to promote all the awesome dining, shopping, arts, nightlife, events and more within Philly's many exciting neighborhoods.]
Tonight, Night Market Fairmount expects to draw thousands of hungry urbanites from all corners of the city to experience not only the fine food at the festive event, but also the charms of the ever-developing Fairmount district.
What better time to kick off our new series spotlighting Philadelphia Neighborhoods? In the coming months, we will bring you neighborhood guides on the remarkable restaurants, brilliant bars, independent boutiques, funky art galleries, historic green spaces and more within each vibrant district.
Fittingly, our first neighborhood guide offers up a post-Night Market primer on the fabulous dining in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia.
Below, we look beyond the cool cultural destinations (like Eastern State Penitentiary, The Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art) to take a look at some of the many excellent eating and drinking options in Fairmount.
To explore more about Fairmount, and to view these places on a interactive map of Fairmount, check out the full Fairmount guide in the new Philadelphia Neighborhoods section on visitphilly.com.
• Alla Spina: Chef Marc Vetri’s latest restaurant, Alla Spina offers a variety of tasty Italian gastropub-inspired fare, beer and cocktails. The garage door-style windows open up to welcome fresh air in the warmer months. Tip: Order up a classic negroni cocktail — served here on tap!
• Angelino’s Restaurant and Pizzeria: Those with a craving for pasta with homemade sauce, oven-baked pizzas, fresh sandwiches and a neighborhood atmosphere go to Angelino’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, a bring-your-own-bottle shop.
• The Belgian Cafe: From the same people responsible for lauded beer bar Monk’s, The Belgian Cafe maintains a selection of cool and interesting beers on tap, as well as an extensive selection of mussels.
• BlueCat: The husband-and-wife restaurant veterans who own this sunny BYOB share their love of Latin food, along with their affection for their Russian Blue cat, evidenced by the huge mural of the feline. BlueCat’s lunch, dinner and brunch dishes range from empanadas and arroz con pollo to salads and sandwiches.
• Era Bar and Restaurant: It might look like the average neighborhood bar at first, but Era distinguishes itself by offering an Ethiopian menu full of traditional dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the dorowat chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful red pepper sauce; or kitfo, steak tartare flavored with traditional berbere spice.
• Fare: Dedicated to healthy, organic and local food, Fare’s dinner, lunch and brunch menus contain small plates, salads and main courses sure to keep a clear conscience.
• Figs: Still a relatively well-kept neighborhood secret, cozy corner BYOB Figs dishes out Mediterranean food in a Moroccan setting.
• Hickory Lane: The menu changes frequently at this neighborhood fave, which uses in-season ingredients for lunch, dinner and brunch, but with Chef Matt Zagorski — who gained local fame for the Rouge burger — in the kitchen, guests can be sure to find a burger on the list. Those craving quick bites or leisurely meals are equally pleased at Hickory Lane.
• Isabel: Isabel, a BYOB, from the owners of nearby Asian fave Trio, doesn’t stick to one avenue of Mexican cooking — traditional dishes have their place alongside modern twists on Latin flavor.
• Jack’s Firehouse: Set in a 19th-century firehouse — the fireman’s pole is still standing — Jack’s has been serving innovative American cuisine, along with impressive whiskey and scotch selections, to neighbors and visitors for more than 20 years.
• La Calaca Feliz: Sibling of Fort Washington’s Cantina Feliz and boasting muraled walls, La Calaca Feliz, a highly praised and brightly colored spot, dishes out modern Mexican cuisine and pours a few dozen tequilas. The carnitas tacos are a must-try.
• Lemon Hill: A recent addition to the neighborhood, this pub and restaurant opened with consulting by Mike Welsh (The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.) and Mitch Prensky (Supper), and is named for the famous mansion nearby. Lemon Hill serves fresh takes on more traditional dishes with local ingredients and modern pub food.
• London Grill: A neighborhood staple since 1991, London Grill is one part pub, with local microbrews on tap and a classic cocktail menu, and one part white tablecloth restaurant.
Alla Spina, Marc Vetri's Italian beer bar, rocks some awesome alfresco seating on Mt. Vernon Street. (Photo by J. Zale)
• Mugshots Coffeehouse & Cafe: The first location of this local chain, dedicated to the community and the environment, offers organic and fairly traded coffee and tea and locally grown vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast, lunch and dessert. Plus, Mugshots Coffeehouse and Cafe sells eggs, cheese, bacon, milk and cider from local farms.
• OCF Coffee House: One of three coffeehouses run by realty firm OCF, this cafe provides Fairmount with top-notch coffee and espresso, light fare and a warm, welcoming place to gather.
• Rembrandt’s: While grabbing a quick bite at the bar or enjoying a leisurely lunch, dinner or brunch in the dining room, Rembrandt’s patrons admire European fixtures, hardware and windows dating as far back as 1907 — plus a great view of the city skyline.
• Rybread: Father and son teamed up to share their passion for food at this sandwich-centric cafe. Rybread’s sandwiches, made with fresh ingredients, are loosely based on the son’s seven-week “unemployment opportunity” road trip across the U.S., and pictures of his journeys adorn the walls.
• Sabrina’s Cafe & Spencer’s Too: South Philadelphia’s Italian Market darling for brunch boasts an outpost northwest of Center City, where hungry diners fill up on oversized portions of comfort food during brunch, lunch and dinner. Hint: Sabrina’s brunch line is worth the wait.
• Trio: Opened in 2006 by three friends, Trio is a Thai-inspired, Pan-Asian paradise. In addition to three floors of dining, it offers a takeout/delivery menu, so fans can eat drunken noodles in the comfort of their homes.
• Water Works Restaurant and Lounge: Located behind the Art Museum and situated in the very same Fairmount Water Works that pumped water to the city until 1909, Water Works Restaurant and Lounge overlooks the Schuylkill River and the famous Boathouse Row.
• Zorba’s: Loved for the authentic Greek food and atmosphere (maybe it’s the three generations of Greeks speaking in their native tongue), this spot is one of the neighborhood’s well-kept secrets. The family-owned and -operated Zorba’s keeps its lunch, dinner and dessert menus classic and reasonably priced.
• The Arts Garage: One of the city’s most distinctive event venues, the Arts Garage is many things to many people: gallery, under-the-radar bar, dance club, presentation space and marketplace. Its “plug and play” accessibility means it appeals to a wide range of performers and creators.
• The Bishop’s Collar: “The Collar” is a great place to grab a quick bite during the day, and it’s an even better place to drink and make new friends at night — thanks in part to one of the best jukeboxes in the city.
• Bridgid’s Bar and Restaurant: Quite possibly the first bar in the city to put its menu on a chalkboard, Bridgid’s pairs an outstanding selection of Belgian and craft brews with delicious lunch and dinner dishes. The later happy hour keeps loyal locals coming every night from 9 to 11 p.m.
• Kite & Key: Named for Ben Franklin’s famous experiment with electricity, Kite & Key has one cask, 16 taps, countless bottles and even some cans of local, domestic and foreign beers. The full bar and wine menu keeps the non-beer drinkers happy too.
• North Star Bar & Grille: Delicious comfort food, a fantastic microbrew selection, weekly Quizzo and live local and national music acts make North Star Bar a neighborhood favorite and a great reason to visit the area.
• Rose Tattoo Cafe: Family-owned and -operated, the greenhouse-inspired Rose Tattoo serves American cuisine in four romantic dining areas, including a balcony with plants and flowers.
• St. Stephen’s Green: The owners of The Black Sheep and The Bishop’s Collar teamed up to open St. Stephen’s Green, featuring an extensive beer list. Executive chef David Shuman adds the “gastro” to the pub experience.
• Urban Saloon: One of the largest bars in the neighborhood, Urban Saloon is a popular place to catch a game on several flat-screen TVs or enjoy a relaxing meal. On weekend nights, the scene shifts from locals’ bar to dance club, complete with a DJ.
May 16, 2013
Activities abound in neighborhoods all over the city this evening, including the seasonal night market which rears its head tonight for its first event of the season. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
As the weather clears today, it’s time to get pumped for a fantastic lineup of events this evening.
The Night Market Philadelphia makes its season debut tonight in the Fairmount neighborhood with more than 50 food vendors dishing fare in the shadow of Eastern State Penitentiary. But that’s not all that is happening in the city tonight.
From gala affairs to a beer gardens to a ballet performance, take advantage of the fine evening ahead in Philly. (And get ready to keep it going, because the awesome events continue into the weekend … so stay tuned for our Weekend Picks coming tomorrow.)
Celebrate the weekend a little early. Read on for our top picks for this evening:
• Philadelphia Night Market: Fairmount: The first installment of this year’s hugely-popular Food Trust Night Market is tonight in the lovely neighborhood of Fairmount. More than 55 food trucks, restaurants and other vendors will be on-site with all of the food and drinks that you can imagine. Enjoy libations from Yards Brewing Company, cocktails from Alla Spina, hard cider from Frecon Farms and much more. Bonus: Team Uwishunu and Visit Philly will have a booth at Fairmount and Corinthian Avenues at tonight’s event printing mini Instagram photos for attendees. Use the hashtags #NightMkt #Fairmount in your Instagram photo for a free mini print.
When: Thursday, May 16, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Fairmount Avenue
Cost: Pay as you go
• Eastern State Penitentiary at the Night Market: In celebration of tonight’s Night Market, Eastern State Penitentiary is opening its prison gates for extended hours and offering guests discounted admission. Enjoy live music and a complimentary beer or soda in addition to late-night tours of the Penitentiary.
When: Thursday, May 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Fairmount Avenue between 19th and 22nd streets
Cost: $12
• The Beer Garden at the Porch at 30th Street Station: Enjoy a variety of brews and live music at the beer garden at The Porch at 30th Street Station which makes its return to the outdoor space today from 3 to 8 p.m. This month’s featured beers are Hofbrau Maibock, Brooklyn Brown, Konig Ludwig Weisse and Yards IPA. From 3 to 5 p.m., listen to live jazz from The Red Hot Ramblers, and beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, take in the sounds of the Perseverance Jazz Band, a group hailing from West Philly that specializes in New Orleans-style tunes from jazz to ragtime.
When: Thursday, May 16, 3-8 p.m.
Where: 2955 Market Street
Cost: Pay as you go
• Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts: For the first time in eight years, the iconic Dance Theatre of Harlem comes to Philadelphia as part of the Dance Celebration’s 30th anniversary season. Watch the troupe perform a variety of performances ranging from modern to classic ballet. Tickets are available online or at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts box office. The performances run all weekend long.
When: Thursday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut Street
Cost: $55-$75
• An Evening in Franklin Square: Celebrate the historic Franklin Square tonight at its fifth annual Evening in Franklin Square gala affair. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. presents a night of elegant outdoor fun beginning at 5:30 p.m. Mix and mingle while enjoying cocktails, a silent auction, dancing, dinner and much more all in blooming Franklin Square.
When: Thursday, May 16, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 6th and Race Streets
Cost: $200 per person
• Phillies Phestival: Rub elbows with some of the Phillies’ finest tonight at the annual Phillies Phestival. The event raises money for ALS research. Families are invited to take part in baseball games and to pay the Phanatic Phun Zone a visit. The event also boasts autograph signings, more kid-friendly games and an auction. Add to your Phillies collection with a number of items from the silent auction including autographed mits, hats, jerseys and bats.
When: Thursday, May 16, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way
Cost: Varies
• Sassafras Bar’s Five Year Anniversary Party: Sassafras, an Old City standby, is celebrating its fifth birthday tonight with a party and concert at 5 p.m. Admission and the concert is free. Bunches of food and drinks will be available for $5 a piece. Indulge in craft beer, martinis, mojitos, buffalo wings, loaded fries, hummus and pita and much more. At 6 p.m. enjoy the tunes of Kenn Kweder, a local musician who performs at venues all over Philadelphia.
When: Thursday, May 16, 5 p.m.
Where: Sassafras Bar, 48 S. 2nd Street
Cost: Free
• Tangle Movement Arts Presents Invert!: Watch Tangle Movement Arts put on a high-flying show of dance, acrobatics, live music and more starting tonight during its aerial dance performance, Invert!. The feminist history-themed show features seven talented women who dance and dangle from the Rotunda at UPenn’s 40-foot ceilings.
When: Thursday, May 16, 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street
Cost: General admission, $15; Students, $10
• The Fashionaires Vintage Pop-Up Shop: Shop designer vintage fashions at Hotel Palomar this evening at The Fashionaires vintage pop-up shop. Find scores from Oscar de la Renta, Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Christian Dior, Valentino and more at the one-day-only shop on on the second floor of Hotel Palomar Philadelphia in Tyng. Bring a new or nearly-new professional attire item, handbag, or accessory for women of all sizes to be donated to Dress for Success and receive a special gift bag.
When: Thursday, May 16, until 7 p.m.
Where: Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, 117 S. 17th Street
Cost:Pay as you go
May 16, 2013
Author Alice Walker visits The Free Library of Philadelphia to present her new work, The Cushion in the Road: Meditation and Wandering as the Whole World Awakens to Being in Harm’s Way. (Photo by Ana Elena)
On Wednesday, May 29, esteemed author Alice Walker, will be on hand at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Central Libraryto discuss her newest works, answer audience questions and sign books.
Best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple, Walker has been writing novels, short stories, children’s books and poetry for more than 40 years.
At this special event Walker will discuss her new book, The Cushion in the Road: Meditation and Wandering as the Whole World Awakens to Being in Harm’s Way. This collection of essays tackles topics ranging from racism to healthcare. Walker will also read from her new poetry collection, The World Will Follow Joy: Turning Madness into Flowers.
The lecture will last roughly 30 minutes, after which she will take questions from the audience before heading upstairs for a book signing. Reps from Joseph Fox Bookshop will be on hand selling the two new books before and after this extraordinary event.
Purchase tickets online soon, as this event is expected to sell out. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and seating is first come, first served.
Alice Walker at the Free Library of Philadelphia
When: Wednesday, May 29, 8:15 p.m.
Where: Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street
Cost: $15 general admission, $7 for students
More info: www.freelibrary.org
May 16, 2013
The beer garden at the Porch returns for May on May 16 and 17 with four featured drafts, live music and three loved food trucks. (Photo courtesy University City District)
Enjoy brews from Bridgewater Pub alfesco as the second installment of the beer garden at the Porch arrives in University City.
Head out to the outdoor space for live music, flowing brews and an all over good time outside of 30th Street Station.
This month’s featured beers are Hofbrau Maibock, Brooklyn Brown, Konig Ludwig Weisse and Yards IPA.
Today, May 16, enjoy music from the Red Hot Ramblers from 3 to 5 p.m. and the Perseverance Jazz Band from 6 to 8 p.m.
Tomorrow, from 3 to 7 p.m., Polkadelphia performs tunes ranging from classic German music to hit songs from the Beatles and Radiohead.
Also on Friday, three food trucks will be in attendance — Local 215, The Cow and The Curd, and Sum Pig. Yum.
While all guests must be 21 to drink, let your inner child come out and play games like Jenga, Checkers and Connect 4.
Don’t miss this month’s beer garden!
Beer Garden at the Porch
When: May 16-17, 3-8 p.m.
Where: The Porch at 30th Street Station, 2955 Market Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.universitycity.org
May 16, 2013
The ever-popular Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival is set to fill Walnut Street with food, vendors, music and fun this Saturday, May 18.(Photos by E. Mencher for GPTMC)
The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, one of Philadelphia’s most-anticipated and best-attended festivals of the year, returns this Saturday, May 18 from noon to 5 p.m.
More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the daylong fest, which takes over Walnut Street from Broad to 19th streets and showcases the neighborhood’s finest food, fashions and live entertainment.
Come hungry, as dining and drinking are the main attractions. More than 40 restaurants will set up shop along the sidewalks of Walnut Street to serve up samples of spring fare. Beyond the eats, there’s also lots of live music, free wine tastings and more.
Read on for our complete guide to the annual Walnut Street extravaganza.
Spanning six blocks of Walnut Street, the festival brings street closures from Broad to 19th streets, and to 18th street from Sansom to Locust streets.
Count on every foot of Walnut to be filled with festival fun, and look for restaurants on 18th street to overflow from sidewalks with additional outdoor tables and service on 18th south of Walnut from Devon, Rouge and Parc, plus seating on 18th north of Walnut from a. kitchen, a.bar and Smith & Wollensky.
And for a complete block-by-block lineup to plan your day, see below.
Graze along Walnut Street with options from more than 40 Rittenhouse-area restaurants and bars. Look for a.kitchen to serve a delicious miso-glazed octopus, Vernick Food and Drink to dish a spread of marinated meat and veggie skewers and Rouge to serve a decadent Kobe beef hot dog.
Also look for fare from restaurants including: 500 Degrees, a. Bar, Alfa, Applebees, Ben and Jerry’s, Capogiro Gelato, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Corner Bakery Café, The Corner Foodery, Devon Seafood Grill, Di Bruno Bros., Happy Rooster, Hip City Veg, Honeygrow, Lacroix, Le Bec Fin, Marathon Grill, Oyster House, The Prime Rib, Pub and Kitchen, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Rotisseur, Rouge, Sbraga, Schlesinger’s, Shake Shack, Smith and Wollensky, Square 1682, Tavern 17, Termini Brothers Bakery, Underdogs, Vernick, Village Whiskey, Wok and XIX.
For wine, beer and cocktails, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will pour tastes of 20 Chairman’s Selection wines with a concierge and onsite store, plus Peroni beer, Rex Goliath wines, Cintron and festive cocktails will flow.
With eight Starr Restaurants in the neighborhood, it’s fitting for the group to host its own festivities within the main event. Sample food, drink and desserts from Alma de Cuba, Barclay Prime, Butcher and Singer, Continental Mid-town, The Dandelion, El Rey, Il Pittore and Parc on the 1800 block of Walnut.
Huge crowds flock to Walnut Street for the annual Rittenhouse block party. (Photo by E. Mencher for GPTMC)
In addition to its fine dining opportunities, Rittenhouse houses serious shopping spots. During the festival, seek out alfresco outposts of Joan Shepp, South Moon Under, Knit Wit, Town Home, Kembrel, Hope Chest, Born Yesterday, Heads and Tails, Duke and Winston, The Children’s Boutique, Tumi, The Shops at the Bellevue and others.
But don’t stop with eating, drinking and shopping. A terrific range of entertainment lasts all day for both wee ones and adults. Live music will rock all afternoon from the stage at Sydenham Street between 15th and 16th streets.
On the 1500 block, the Infiniti Lounge hosts author and culinary personality Hope Cohen of Fast, Fresh + Simple, who will be onsite with samples of one of her recipes.
On the 1700 block, check out the Whisper Outdoor Lounge with its DJ and specialty cocktails from G Lounge, Whisper and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., and snacks from the Corner Foodery.
On 18th street between Walnut and Sansom, bring the kids to the Center City District craft pavilion to get hands-on with make-and-take crafts and create a mock radio newscast with KYW Newsradio. Family-friendly activities are sponsored by such cultural organizations as the Arden Theatre Company, Please Touch Museum, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Historic Philadelphia, Philadelphia Art Alliance, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Walnut Street Theatre and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.
Finally, check out the Starr Culinary Demonstration Stage at 19th and Walnut, with entertainment from balloon twister and storyteller Allyn Gordon.
Also, Starr Restaurants gives back to Philabundance this year. Bring a non-perishable food items or a monetary donation (10 cans, $10, or both) for Philabundance and to enter a raffle to win one of three dinner and/or getaway prizes. Check out the Starr Smallwares Sidewalk Sale, too, to purchase discounted china, glassware and accessories from Starr Restaurants with the proceeds benefitting Philabundance.
Be sure to follow Uwishunu on Twitter and Instagram for throughout the day for more.
And for the complete block-by-block lineup, see below!
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
When: Saturday, May 18, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Walnut Street between 19th and Broad Streets
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.rittenhouserow.org
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May 16, 2013
Many might recognize the lovely fashion jewelry designed by John Y. Wind of Maximal Art, as his pieces are displayed and sold by retailers including Joan Shepp and Anthropologie.
But beneath Wind’s commercial designs and success — Maximal Art has a 25-year history of international acclaim — the Rittenhouse Square resident has long been a lover and maker of fine art.
Now, for the first time, Wind’s contemporary sculpture and collage will be on view to the public.
This Friday, May 17, Wind’s first solo exhibition, The Making of a Modern Man, opens in Center City’s James Oliver Gallery.
The exhibition, which was facilitated with the help of InLiquid, a non-profit arts organization, showcases Wind’s eclectic collages — which often pair iconic images with bold color themes — as well as his modern sculpture of classic busts draped in beads or wires.
Visit the Chestnut Street gallery this Friday, 6-10 p.m., to take in the artwork of a thoroughly modern man during the show’s festive opening reception.
Then, for more with John Wind, return to James Oliver on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. to hear an informal gallery talk from the talented artist.
The Making of a Modern Man Opens
When: Friday, May 17, 6-10 p.m.
Where: James Oliver Gallery, 723 Chestnut Street
Cost: Free
More info: www.jamesolivergallery.com
