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Toast to Cantina's third birthday on February 1. (Photo courtesy Cantina Dos Segundos)

Cantina Dos Segundos is turning tres, and they’re celebrating with a 3rd Birthday Fiesta of triple proportions, this Wednesday, February 1.

Starting at 11 a.m., Dos Segundos will be serving up exclusive food and drink specials, all priced at $3 each.

Available throughout the day are three types of decadent $3 tacos specially crafted by Sous Chef Neal Mayton.

Think Pork Belly Tacos, dry-rubbed and marinated in Dos Equis beer; vegetarian Mini Black Bean Tacos topped with queso fresco, lettuce, and pico de gallo; and more.

The vegans can chow down on Spicy Seitan Tacos with a coconut milk-chili arbol sauce, garnished with fresh jalapeños.

Dos Segundos has also rounded up three tempting drink specials to keep the birthday boozy. For one day only, all Dos Equis drafts will be $3. Tequila fans can guzzle $3 shots of Sauza Silver and Sauza Gold, which pair perfectly with the tacos. And the third awesome drink special: $3 Sauza Silver Margaritas!

There will also be three DJs in house, a musical trifecta spinning from 10 p.m. until close.

Happy Birthday Cantina Dos Segundos!

Cantina Dos Segundos 3rd Birthday Fiesta
When: Wednesday, February 1, 11 a.m.-close
Where: 931 N. 2nd Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.cantinadossegundos.com

Dishcrawls, which began in San Francisco, are guided food tours through four restaurants in one night with a group of 20-100 local foodies. Experience the first-ever Philadelphia edition on January 24. (Photo courtesy Dishcrawl)

Tasting menu addicts take note, you’re about to seriously overdo it.

Dishcrawl, the Bay Area-based startup, is finally gracing Philly with its presence.

Affectionately coined as a “pubcrawl for hungry people,” the monthly events will take guests on a mobile feast in a different neighborhood each month.

Each Dishcrawl visits four restaurants or trucks that are kept a secret right up until guests arrive to the meeting location, with hints being dropped on Twitter throughout the month. Dishcrawlers are greeted at each location by the chef or owner who presents them with three small tastings, then everyone noshes and mingles for 30 minutes before moving along.

The social dining concept aims to not only allow locals to explore their neighborhood and try new food, but to connect them with the people behind it, and is currently in 20+ cities throughout the US and Canada.

Philadelphia’s inaugural Dishcrawl will be January 24 in Northern Liberties. Be there.

Reserve your spot online.

Dishcrawl: Northern Liberties
When: January 24, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Throughout Northern Liberties
Tickets: $39
More info: www.dishcrawl.com

Besides serving as the Fringe Festival's official Festival Bar, RUBA is a great spot for community events, as you'll see tonight. (Photo courtesy Philly Fringe)

If you’re like many holiday shoppers, you’ve probably got a few more holiday gifts to pick up before you can cross all those names off your shopping list.

Let the awesome Northern Liberties venue RUBA help you out as it hosts a special Draughts ‘N Crafts night tonight, chock-full of unique, handmade Christmas gifts on sale, and some that you can create yourself.

On sale will be the works of the talented men and women of the Traveling Wares, a group of craftspeople that sells handmade jewelry, handbags, ceramics, photograph, textiles, clothing, accessories and other gift items in the Philadelphia area.

Perhaps more exciting than the the gift shopping is the terrarium Christmas ornament-making that all visitors can try their hands at. There will be instruction by Co-Artistic Director Madi Distefano on how to get that tiny little cactus into that tiny little hole in that fragile little glass ornament.

They’ll be serving up winter ales, Bailey’s and whiskey, so come out for a relaxing holiday break. Grab a drink, a stocking-stuffer and put your DIY skills to the test.

Draughts ‘N Crafts at RUBA
When: Thursday, December 22, 6-9 p.m.
Where: 416 Green Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.bratproductions.org

Ever heard of a poetry slam? It’s a spoken word competition between poets performing original work judged by members of the audience.

A Philadelphia artistic collective called “The Pigeon” organizes monthly poetry slams at The Media Bureau in Northern Liberties, every first Friday.

A poetry workshop begins at 7:30, slam sign-up is at 8:30, and the show, a three round elimination slam, starts at 9 p.m. The next show is just a week and a half away on January 6. All ages are welcome; tickets are $10, or two students for $10.

Want a taste of what to expect?

Watch the new original online webseries: 1 On 1 Slams. Co-hosts of te Philadelphia Poetry Slam Alyesha Wise and Jacob Winterstein invite Philly’s best performance poets to perform their original work on the streets of Philadelphia in front of three pedestrians-turned-judges.

The 1 On 1 Slams are the first of their kind, a unique twist on the globally popular poetry slam format. According to Poetry Slam Incorporated, in 1986 construction worker and poet Marc Smith looking to breathe life into the open mic format created what’s now known as poetry slam.

And Philadelphia, unbeknownst to many people, has a happening scene for it.

Philadelphia Poetry Slams
When: First Friday of each month (upcoming: January 6, February 3)
Where: Media Bureau Studios 725 N. 4th Street
Cost: $10 (students two for $10)
More info: www.facebook.com

Toast to the holidays at one of Philadelphia's most favorite neighborhood bars. (Photo courtesy Cantina Dos Segundos)

‘Tis the season for… tequila!

Cantina Dos Segundos is celebrating “25 Days Of Tequila” this holiday season, with daily tequila specials beginning today, December 1 through Sunday, December 25.

This year’s celebration starts off in true holiday spirit, with a canned food drive for Philabundance. For three consecutive Thursdays (December 1, 8 and 15) guests are encouraged to bring in canned goods in return for discounted margaritas.

The fun continues through December, with featured frosty margaritas like “Disguntled Elf,” a holiday classic with peach and cinnamon. The Cantina will also be meanwhile spotlighting its spectacular selection of tequilas, with great deals.

As an added treat, the Northern Liberties Mexican restaurant will be introducing four new and exclusive tequilas on “Unwrap a Tequila” days, including the first-ever debut of Inocente Tequila in Pennsylvania.

That’s not all. The annual “Dos Segundos Holiday Roast” will take place on Wednesday, December 14, including seasonal dishes crafted by Sous Chef Neal Mayton alongside featured Luna Azul Tequila pairings.

Toast to the holidays at one of Philadelphia’s most favorite neighborhood bar/restaurants. The daily schedule of tequila specials is included below.

Cantina Dos Segundos’ “25 Days Of Tequila”
When: December 1-25
Where: 931 N. 2nd Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.cantinadossegundos.com

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Uwishunu is here to help you shop locally this holiday season; stock up on locally crafted jewelry, art, home goods, clothes, food and drink and much more. (Credit: iStockPhoto

The tree lights are atwinkle, the store windows are bursting with red, green, silver and gold, the ribbon and wrapping paper and cards are calling your name from inside your cabinet.

It’s officially gift-giving holiday heyday, and there’s no time like the present to stock up on Philadelphia-made crafts, clothes, food and more for the lucky ones on your list.

Enter: uwishunu’s holiday gift guide, complete with the events you can rely on for gift-shopping, the best places to find local gifts and our curated selections for specific finds from each. Note that our roundup is solely comprised of Philadelphia-made gifts, so if we missed your go-to gift shop it may be because they don’t stock locally.

Everything that you need to give locally this season, below:

Gift-Shopping Events

• Center City District Shopping Saturdays: Support local, independently owned small businesses throughout Center City over the next month. Here are the featured dates and locations. November 26: Midtown Village. December 3: The Shops at Liberty Place. December 10: The Gallery at Market East.December 17: Rittenhouse Row.

• NOLIBS Holiday Shopping Spree: December 3-4, from 2nd to 3rd and from The Piazza to Spring Garden. At this annual boutique crawl, 10 independent boutiques will be offering refreshments, free gift wrap and an opportunity to get up to 25% off your purchases. Shoppers are given a Shopping Spree Card and collect a sticker for each store at which they make a purchase. You get 10% off the first store, 15% off at the second, 20% off at the third and 25% off at all shops after collecting all three stickers.

• Stag & Doe Nights in Chestnut Hill: Wednesdays, December 5, 14, 21, 28, 6-9 p.m., throughout Chestnut Hill. All the shops open their doors and welcome you with wonderful gift ideas, refreshments and personalized, friendly service.

• H.O.P.E. for the Holidays Craft Bazaar: December 8-10, St. James Hall, Elkins Park. H.O.P.E. stands for Helping Other People Endure. The event includes a theater performance followed by a bazaar stocked with local crafters and artisans’ work.

• Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar: December 10, 11, 17, 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 2501 E. Cumberland Street. Make a dent in your Christmas shopping at Greensgrow Farms’ Holiday Bazaar featuring local, handmade gift ideas from some of the neighborhood’s most talented crafters and artists, Christmas trees and holiday greenery.

• Crafty Balboa Holiday Edition: Saturday, December 17, Broad Street Ministry. Rooted in South Philly, this annual local craft extravaganza is a treasure trove of gifts.

• Punk Rock Flea Market Holiday Edition: Sunday, December 11, Punk Rock Flea Market Dome. Get pumped for 300+ tables of vendors selling old records, clothes, art, music, bicycles, stereo equipment, instruments, automobiles, tools, posters, furniture, computers, skateboards and more.

• Rittenhouse Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Walnut Street between 18th and 19th Streets. In addition to fresh flowers, produce, meat, hot apple cider and other edibles, you can pick up locally made crafts likes Timothy Bahash of 4mula’s living ornaments and wreaths.

• Clark Park Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 43rd Street at Baltimore Avenue. Participating vendors (all local of course) include Eden Garden Farm, Fahnestock Fruit Farm, Forest View Bakery, Slow Rise Bakery and plenty more. Pick up baked goods, handmade chocolates or locally made cider as great holiday gifts.

Where to Shop

Clothes & Accessories

• R.E.Load Bags: Create your own custom-designed messenger bag, choosing from seven styles of single-strap bags and three styles of double-straps, plus a trillion color combos. All construction work is done on site at the Northern Liberties shop. They also sell wallets, bike accessories and more. OUR PICK: The “Build Your Own” bag.

• Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney’s We ♥ Philly line: The 13th street dynamic duo has funneled their love for Philadelphia into a Philly-centric, everything-is-irresistible line of goods. The totes, cards, coasters, T-shirts, candles, paperweights and onesies are designed locally. Order online, at Open House or Verde, both in Midtown Village. OUR PICK: Pretzel necklace in silver or gold.

• SA VA: Local eco-friendly clothing designer and entrepreneur Sarah Van Aken is a true champion on the local Philly designer scene. Anything from her shop, above which her design studio is located, makes a special present. OUR PICK: Any of the wide range of eco-friendly and fair trade dresses, what SA VA is known for.

• Smak Parlour: This dollhouse-like establishment nestled in Old City is an edgy boutique where city-wise shoppers dabble in the hip and flirty. Founders Abby and Kate, who design all of the store’s garments and accessories, have created a perfect marriage of sugar and spice. OUR PICK: A chic warm sweater for the coming winter.

• Egan Day: Though not all the stock is made here in Philadelphia, much of it is. You’ll find gorgeous jewelry, from earrings to pendants to rings. OUR PICK: Jonathan Wahl’s cufflinks. Philly-born and -raised Wahl’s clients include Bruce Webber, Anne Hathaway and Caroline Kennedy.

Continue reading below for our top picks for home goods, food and drink selections and more.

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Northern Liberties’ annual holiday shopping boutique crawl returns Saturday, December 3 with progressive sales to put you in the giving spirit!

Keep it local, enjoy generous discounts and get all your holiday shopping done in a single weekend.

Ten unique independent boutiques are participating and will be offering refreshments, free gift wrap and an opportunity to get up to 25% off your purchases.

Participating shops include Arcadia, Art Star, Bloom, Colors by Padmini, Concrete Polish, Duke and Winston, Jinxed, Milliseme, Once Worn Consignment and Swag Boutique.

Here’s how it works: shoppers are given a Shopping Spree Card and collect a sticker for each store at which they make a purchase. Customers are given 10% off the first store they visit, 15% off at the second store, 20% off at the third store and 25% off at all shops after collecting all three stickers.

As a new service for parents with children over three, NLArts will be offering child care and holiday crafts during the event at the Northern Liberties Community Center for just $5 an hour.

Happy holiday shopping!

4th Annual Nolibs Holiday Shopping Spree
When: December 3-4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Ten participating shops from 2nd to 3rd, and from The Piazza to Spring Garden
Cost: Pay as you shop
More info: www.artstarphilly.com

This weekend the chic Northern Liberties eco-fashion store Arcadia Boutique is hosting its annual Denim Brunch, with delicious eats and fabulous denim perfect for holiday gift giving or some weekend shopping.

25% off designer denim, brunch cocktails and snacks from Soy Café, complimentary hems, jeans for $50 and more can be found at the annual Arcadia Denim Brunch, this Saturday, November 12 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Can’t make it to the event? The 25% Denim Brunch discount will also be featured online on Saturday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Use code ‘MIMOSA’ at checkout, and get shopping!

Arcadia Boutique Denim Brunch
Where: 819 N. 2nd Street
When: Saturday, November 12, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free snacks and cocktails, pay as you go
More info: www.arcadiaboutique.com

From world-class art museums to the city’s award-winning performing arts community, creativity in Philadelphia is bearing more fruit than ever, and now it's getting a special new site for even more dedicated development. (Image courtesy Macro-Sea)

3rd Ward, the Brooklyn-based creative workspace, is coming to Philadelphia; they’ve announced plans for a second location, to be located in the Northern Liberties/Old Kensington neighborhood.

3rd Ward was founded in Brooklyn in 2006 as a community creative hub.

It offers a supportive community, top-of-the-line creative workspaces for all genres of art and a vast education program. No matter your creative project, 3rd Ward helps you get there.

In recent years, the number of young creative professionals in Philadelphia has exploded, attracted by the city’s rich legacy of craft and inventiveness.

To that end, 3rd Ward’s new Philadelphia location is 27,000 square feet of creative workspace, classrooms and event space located in the Northern Liberties/Old Kensington neighborhood, which was once known as the “Workshop of the World.” The neighborhood earned that title in the 19th century, when it was one of the city’s main centers for industry and manufacturing.

Like its Brooklyn flagship, the Philadelphia site will offer an inter-disciplinary education program, membership options for every purpose and budget, and special programming.

Guests will be able take a class or get their work done in any of the following art spaces:

• Wood/Metal Shop
• Prototyping Lab with CNC mills and laser cutters
• Media Lab/Coworking space with conference rooms, reference library & kitchenette
• Studio for screenprinting, painting and more
• Jewelry Studio
• Fashion/Textile Studio
• Culinary Classroom
• Circuitry/Maker Lab

Plus, guests will be able to hang out and meet new people in the following public spaces:

• Gallery Space with frequently updated art shows
• Cafe with indoor/outdoor seating
• Retail Store
• Event space for lectures and networking sessions
• Rooftop garden

The location comprises three buildings: a three-story brick warehouse, a historic church and a single-story concrete warehouse. The renovation is preserving the unique character of each building while restoring key features, such as the historic facade and plaster ceiling medallion of the church and the hardwood floors and brick of the warehouse.

Ground has already been broken on-site; hiring is due to start in early 2012, with an open date in Summer 2012.

3rd Ward: Philadelphia — Coming Soon!
1227 N. 4th Street
www.3rdward.com/philadelphia

See Also: Report: Philadelphia Is A Hub For Creative Activity, With The City’s Creative Sector 70% Stronger Than The National Benchmark

In the spirit of Halloween, North Third in Northern Liberties is hosting a delicious pumpkin beer dinner, Wednesday, November 2.

You get three courses for $35, plus a greeting course which includes Rogue Dead Guy Ale paired with a tasty Pumpkin Butter and Chive Crostini.

The dishes are all fall-themed, the perfect complement to spicy pumpkin beer.

As always, North Third has a great assortment of local beers on tap and interesting Belgian bottles as well so if you want to supplement the meal you’re in good hands.

Call (215) 413-3666 for reservations.

North Third Pumpkin Beer Dinner
When: Wednesday, November 2, 6-10 p.m.
Where: 801 N. 3rd Street
Cost: $35
More info: www.norththird.com