Monday, May 9, 2011

Do First Friday (Free!) in The Greatest City Never Sold

If you're ever on a search for Sailor Moon selling cookies or possibly a bar-wench mermaid at a tattoo parlour, there is another time you can find these crazies outside of Halloween or the full moon: First Friday. Apparitions such as these are a common occurrence as artists, hipsters and musicians of Philadelphia take over the streets of Old City once a month, and local shops shamelessly use free booze, food and wacky promotions to reel unsuspecting (or perfectly aware) passerby in.

In case you're not in the know, First Friday is a phenomenon that has taken over Old City in Philadelphia monthly. Art galleries are open and free to the public, and wandering in and out will often score you a free bevy or some finger-food. Parties, openings and demonstrations are prevalent in the neighborhood - keep an eye on Old City District, uwishunu.com, or Philadelphia Daily News for a rundown of events (or just ask me).

One sure thing is the Drinkphilly.com party hosted at 239 Chestnut St. every First Friday. They always have a sweet craft brew company, local winery or the like, plus a Philly eatery in addition to their featured art by aspiring local talent - you're guaranteed free drinks, cuisine samples and quality company so stopping by is a necessity. For the August First Friday event, expect Lemon Moonshine Margaritas with Philadelphia Distilling's new Shine Whiskey and samples from Khyber Pass Pub.  Plus, it's the one-year anniversary for the First Friday bash, so Drink Philly is going all out - for charity. All proceeds to benefit the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.

In addition to the art galleries and random exhibitions (like when Philly Science Festival "Jesus-ed" some ice cream out of liquid nitrogen and milk in April), 2nd Street is transformed into a bazar - not to be confused with bizarre, though you can find it there too. Jewelry, homemade treats and all forms of artwork imaginable are for sale, not just at the local shops but also by the table, tablecloth or armful. Music resonates through the streets as jazz musicians, classical trios and acoustic folk singers strut their stuff alongside the independent artists selling their wares.


If only I knew about Books,
I would have bought this for Cinco!
My favorite stop this month? A simple, thrifty looking shop called "BOOKS." (above) Vintage everything from sombreros to records. My Mother's Day present revealed itself to me here: a vinyl recording of The Eagle's Hotel California, circa 1967.

Check out First Friday for yourself: 
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the first Friday of every month, between Front and 3rd, Market and Vine


*** Addition: First Friday at Frankford Ave - Try this Craft Bazaar on for size! An alternative to First Friday in Old City or outside the city (Lancaster, Phoenixville), you're sure to find some of the same delights you see on 2nd street tables in Old City. Up and down Frankford Ave you will find vintage, vino and artwork. Stop by Johnny Brenda's to participate in Philly Beer Week, or by Bookspace for a Circus Freak Show - uh, Side Show. However, as a lover of Argentina, I have to recommend that after enjoying the arts and crafts you head to the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School - free beginner lesson at 8:30 and drinks after!
If you went to last month's Frankford Ave First Friday please email me and let me know how it was!

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