Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold: Bucket List May 17-22

Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold: Bucket List May 17-23



Tuesday, May 17: VOTE! Take a crash course on the candidates first. It's also American Craft Beer Week, and DrinkPhilly.com has once again finagled an affordable epic drinking event. This one is lasting all week, but since it's Philly Election Day and it's going to be a busy week, go today: Vote, then satiate your patriotic pride with a $3 American Craft Beer.

Wednesday, May 18:  In case you didn't know, Wednesdays are the new Thursday (which used to be the new Friday). There are a plethora of events to choose from: a $20 brew & chew at Cavanaugh Rittenhouse, free museum admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Happy International Museum Day), and the usual happy horas. If you didn't get your fill of the 100-ft stuffed sausage at last week's Italian Street Festival, try Di Bruno Bro's in the Italian Market - free beer and cheese tasting every week from 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, May 19: If you're in the city, stop by the Philadelphia Business Networking Club's Launch Party (this week not last week) - free open bar 5:30-6:30, then specials! Who knows, you may get to know someone, and not in the biblical way. There's also the Philadelphia Interactive Marketing Association's Networking Happy Hour - registration required but networking and free drinks are worth 30 seconds, right? Also, consider trying to go to the 611 Lifestyle Spring/Summer Launch Party if you can still get in. Say hi to Nigel, the founder, for me and shop the new LUXE collection. Also, all Philly lovers stop by the #WhyILove Philly happy hour at Tatooed Momma in Society Hill. (They are helping Philadelphia take over the world one hashtag at a time.)

Friday, May 20: National Bike to Work Day kicks off the 2011 Commuter Challenge. While the last time I was on a bike I learnt they don't mix with alcohol - long story short, our group took a wine tour in Argentina that ended with a police escort - obviously your biking pilgrimmage to work and back, you're going to be thirsty. Pick a place and get your $3 American Craft Beer. (See Tuesday) If you're going to be in the suburbs,  attend the all-you-can-eat buffet and all-you-can-drink bar at Barnaby's for $25 at from 6 to 9 p.m. Not only is a ridiculous freakin' deal, the proceeds support the Wounded Warrior Project. America!

Saturday May 21: Guitar Center's free GarageBand recording class goes on another week or two, so educate yourself there then continue your musical endeavors by attending Philadelphia on Parade, a free day-long festival with acts by diverse artists and circusy fun like face-painting, juggling and of course midget-tossing (oops, not the Maury show). That kicks off at 11 a.m. with a jazz parade worthy of 'Nawlins. If you want some adult fun, stop by the Wheat Beer Festival at the South Philly Taproom. Free to attend, not so free to drink but definitely more affordable than the Radnor Hunt Races going on outside of Philly Saturday. While it is well worth the $50 to attend if you're tailgating, (see the Winterthur Races Edition), the price will deter most.
*At 1 p.m., the Greater Philadelphia Beer Festival will be offering up a day of samples from some of the best breweries out there. Locals Victory, Yards and Troegs are joined by other favorites like Magic Hat, Dogfishhead and Blue Moon. Sign up online for $26 but it's $30 at the door - either way you don't have to steal your samples glass this brewfest (it's included). Thanks to Thrillist Philly for this one.

Sunday May 22: Last day to take advantage of DrinkPhilly.com's $3 American Craft Beer week. Grab a brew and relax. Then since you have nothing better to do, hit up the Chester County Hospital May Festival in West Chester. Free admission, the pay as you go for the necessary rides, games and carnival fare (fried oreos!) - it's everything a day in the Philly burbs should be.

For More Weekend: Go to http://www.uwishunu.com/category/Weekend/ on Friday morning or check out my Examiner.com Page for Philadelphia Budget Events - also, follow me on twitter for constant updates about events! www.twitter.com/Lindsay_L_Lewis