Philly Hub: Center City Sips

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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Bucket List: September 6-11, in Philadelphia: The Greatest City Never Sold

The summer is sadly drawing to a close...Though on the bright side, it's only a four day week. For this week, at least, there is plenty going on, though you may have to fight through waves of school bus traffic and hordes of schoolchildren with their pesky crossing-guards to get to your destination at the end of the day. It'll be worth it for free movies, special events and more:

Tuesday, September 6: The free movies at Dock Street Brewing continue with Dark City tonight. Watch the flick with food: $1 off small pizzas and $2 off larges, plus $1 off select drafts. Also tonight?

Wednesday, September 7: The worst part of any 21+ Philadelphian's summer, school buses aside, is when Center City Sips draws to a close - no more $4, $3, $2 beverages all over the CC 'hood.

Friday, September 9: Check out old cinema flick "Millionaires in Prison" in the prison, well at least the old prison. For $10, check out a little of Eastern State Penitentiary and this flick. Warning, you may feel like you're an inmate with the steel bars and prison guards a-lurking.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Bucket List August 1-8 Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold

Now that the heat wave has passed and we can go outside again, chek out this week: free movies, happy hours and events to attend to the Philly bucket list for Philadelphia:

Monday, August 1: It's National Girlfriends Day - so women, read this list of why to celebrate women. My fav is #4. Here's some things to do with your lady friends (actual lady friends, not the booty-call kind - I say #17, make a bucket list. I recommend you get your girls, or girlfriend, together and hit a happy hour - Isabella is perfect for tapas, tinis and talk!

Tuesday, August 2: The free movie at Dock Street Brewing - accompanied by $1 off small pizzas and $2 off large, plus $1 off select drafts - is "Riding Giants," a documentary about surfing. Cowabunga, dude. (I had to - because, who doesn't miss the Turtles?)

Wednesday, August 3: It's National Watermelon Day! The last month of summer is honoring one of the season's staples, and the City Tap House is offering a melonlicious menu: BBQ, $4 watermelon lagers & wheat beers and $5 watermelon-infused cocktails... Best part? There's a watermelon eating contest at 7 p.m., and winner scores some Kings of Leon tickets for August 12th. Somewhat less interesting than watching people stuff their face with fruit, Penn Museum's $5 Summer Nights Music Series from 5-8 p.m. The usual Center City Sips happy hour from 5-7. (free appetizers at this week's bday party, details to come). Also, check out the South Street free film at 8 p.m. in Headhouse Square (BYOS, S=seat). Don't forget, there's free parking after 5 in Center City.

Thursday, August 4: NIGHT MARKET is back for August! This time, Philly's favorite outdoor night market is invading Mt. Airy to provide some neighborhood flavor in addition to beers, food, all the best Vendy trucks and live entertainment. From to 6 to 10 p.n. on Germantown, enjoy this summer's last Night Market.

Also - The second-to-last last Baltimore Dollar Stroll of the summer! Everything you could want, on the street in University City, for $1. Can't be beat. Another option is to head to Old City Social (6-8 p.m.) for $3 Hoegaarden, Skyy vodka and Don Q Rum drinks - and then to a movie under the stars at Penn's Landing. This week's Thursday Night free movie is "The Green Hornet". It doesn't even mess with happy hour, since it doesn't start until 8.

Outside the city, attend Main Line Today's Best of the Main Line event. On the heels of Philadelphia Mag's extravaganza, I can only hope they picked up some tips from that party. If you can't afford the hefty price tag for the Best of Party, then head to Conshy's Spamps - it's their 5th birthday and they are throwing a free luau & pig roasting to prove it.

Friday, August 5: It's First Friday. Where to go for a free drink and concert? The Drink Philly One Year Anniversary First Friday Party Benefitting Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. The Smooth Jazz Summer Nights. Fantastic Fridays at Penn Treaty Park. First Friday Party On the Race Street Pier. If you hate art, jazz, people and Philadelphia in general, or you just loathe fighting Friday traffic, then you could head to Brandywine Polo Club's Friday Nights Under the Stars for some polo & live music outside of the city. However, this a Friday worth braving the Schuylkill - the bane of my existence - for the free and cultural events in Philly - Plus, it's for the kids, how can you turn that down?

Saturday, August 6: Ferrari's, Vines & Wines doesn't need any more introduction than it's title. Pretend you can own a sweet Italian ride at Penn's Woods Winery in Chadd's Ford while listening to some local tunes. Tickets are only $20 online, $25 day of, and it gets you 7 tasting tickets and your very own wine glass for keeps (for the bottle you buy after the tasting). Kids & DD's are only $5, and while being the Designated Driver is usually a downer, this ticket comes with test-drives of Ferrari Go-Karts...

In Philly, attend a free block party Saturday at 4 p.m. - because who doesn't enjoy a concert you don't have to pay for? The 104.5 Summer Block Party hosts The Airborne Toxic Event, The Naked And Famous and Panic Years at The Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties...like a good neighbor (if you missed the joke, hint: State Farm is a sponsor.)

Sunday, August 7: From 1 to 8 p.m., you can stop by the Mad Decent Block Party for free and enjoy beats from a bunch of crazily-named DJs that could only be from the techno world. It's at the Piazza at Schmidt's in No Libs (N. 2nd St & Germantown Ave.) Check-check-check it out. You can even stay at the Piazza until 9 p.m., when Awesomefest, a free film screening series this summer, shows a free movie (Everyday Sunshine). Also - don't forget that the first Sunday of every month, it's free admission to the Philadelphia Art Museum, and Bank of America card-holders get in free all weekend long.

Monday, August 8: After yet another action-packed weekend of summer in Philadelphia, Monday is the time to unwind, relax and hit up a happy hour. Try one of my favorites or one near you from this list. Patio 13 at the Marriott has Center City Sips prices, even on a Monday...however, my go-to is still Isabella! If you're looking for an upscale Monday, Verdad Restaurant & Tequila Bar at 818 W. Lancaster Ave in Bryn Mawr offers a 3 courses for $20 menu on Mondays. Order off the left side of the menu and you're golden, though you'd be more golden if you add some quality tequila to the mix.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Bucket List July 6 - July 11: Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold

Now that the flurry of free festivals, fireworks and fourth celebrations is over, it's time to start all over again. Here's the weekly Philly Hub bucket list for the Greatest City Never Sold (Philadelphia):

Wednesday, July 6: The recurring theme of Whursday (Wednesday as the new Thursday) carries on with a crazy line-up of stuff to do. For "First Wednesday" Silk City is holding a ROOT RUM REGGAE series in their outdoor garden (435 Spring Garden St). The $4 Don Q, Sailer Jerry and Art in the Age cocktails plus giveaways, no cover and Marleysque music make it worth stopping by between 6 and 8 p.m. If you 're feeling classy, find some flamenco tunes and drinks at Penn Museum for $5 (free for members) from 5-8 p.m. for their Summer Nights Music Series. Or once again, enjoy Center City Sips from 5-7. Hint: The weekly birthday party held by CC Sips for itself is at Smokin' Betty's' on the NW corner of 11th and Sansom. I suggest hopping from Sips to the Root Rum Reggae experience.

Thursday, July 7: Schuylkill Banks brings you another free movie screening by the Walnut Street Bridge, this time with some Spiderman action. The movie starts at dusk (8:20ish) and an early arrival might score you free snacks. If you feel like eating, the Baltimore Dollar Stroll is back - every first Thursday, remember? No? check it - bringing you ice cream, beer, samosas, espresso and more - for a buck. If you feel like drinking, Old City Social gives you a little city-district-wide happy hour deja vu from 6-8 p.m. with $3 select drinks. Better yet, if you still need an excuse after Old City Social to drink, listen to music and play games, hit up Dave & Buster's tonight. A little bird (Philly Chit Chat) says that Taylor Swift's opening act, country singer Frankie Ballard will be perform at D&B's Dockside Bar as part of the 92.5 Country on the River event from 8:30-10 p.m. $2 PBRs, ~~keeping it classy.~~

Friday, July 8: After the Phillies being out of town so long, it's definitely time to celebrate even if you can't watch the game in person. Chickies & Pete's is holding a Phillies Fan Friday with SoCo specials, games & giveaways, prizes, and a chance to win a pair of Phillies tickets AND a free VIP drink & food party. If you'd like to get your film on, Q fest kicked off yesterday, so celebrate our right as free Americans to choose our own sexual orientation by watching a LGBT film at the Ritz Theater East ($10). There are showings from 5 pm on. For something more interactive, unleash your inner hipster at the First Person Arts Story Slam (part of the Chestnut Hill Book Festival going on this weekend). It kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the Venetian Social Club on Germantown Ave in Philly, and the theme is "Firsts" - so go listen to some local tale spinners ($10) and possibly share your own story (priceless).

Saturday, July 9: If your fourth of July turned into a disaster due to your cooking skills, or lack thereof, there's a free chance to redeem yourself and learn some game at the Acme at 920 Red Lion Road in Philadelphia. Known as the "Corral," grownups can bring the kids to the parking lot for the games and then sample some real Amurican beef off the grill, plus learn tips from the experts. For those looking for soething darker and less family-friendly, the Danger After Dark scary film festival is showing Bangkok Knockout. I have no idea what it's about, but with a title like that, who cares? Also, if you have some spare cash or you just really like food trucks, attend the Vendy Awards - $25 for unlimited tastes, music, and the chance to bug Mayor Nutter.

Sunday, July 10: Happy National Piña Colada Day! While I haven't heard of any great priced Colada deals yet, Alma de Cuba's Alma Colada with Don Q Rum will be $10, and with passion fruit and coconut cream it's a great temptation to splurge. Yum Rum! In light of Piña Colada Day, don't forget to spend some time at Penn's Landing for the free 31st Annual Hispanic Fiesta. As someone who spent months in Argentina, take it from me that the culture is unrivaled in dancing & finger food. Go for the samba and stay for the Chio (host of 96.5, who will be addressing the attendees.)

Monday, June 11: It's the kick off of Global Fusion Week! It's game night at Raven Lounge to kick off the week, and I don't know what's multicultural about a Champagne and Pop Rocks Fusion or a Papa Smurf cocktail, but I do know they're buy one get one free, and they sound ridiculous. I have to have one. Also on the have to have list? A free slurpee, because it's Free Slurpee Day at 7-11!

For More Events this Weekend: To find out about quality events in Philadelphia, visit uwishunu.com For free/cheap events, read the Examiner.com Page for Philadelphia Budget Events. Additionally, follow me on twitter for constant updates. And most importantly, if you're headed to the New Jersey Shore for the week, weekend, or overnight, Drink Jersey Shore has got you covered for bar specials, events and restaurants to keep you guido.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bucket List June 21-27: Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold

Yet another rousing round of festivals, happy hours, and best-kept secrets in Philly on this week's bucket list for Philadelphia, the Greatest City Never Sold:

Tuesday, June 21: A June Fete at Liberté Lounge in Center City will be celebrating the Summer Solstice from 12 to 10 p.m. Go between 5-7 for comp tastings of wine & cuisine. They're butlered. It's a no-brainer.

Wednesday, June 22: Center City Sips starts at 5 p.m. with $4 cocktails, $3 vino, $2 brews and half off appetizers at all the best restaurants. Hint: Their weekly 20th birthday party with giveaways & an hour of complimentary bites is at Sampan on 124 S. 13th Street. Now, you can stay there and sip awhile or you can head out at 6 for Waterfront Wednesday's free concert at Penn Treaty Park, free, or the Opening Night of the 4th Annual Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (725 N. 4th Street), where it's $10 to get into the screening of Weed And Guns, self-described as featuring "mountains of marijuana, great interviews, comedy, fake news, animation, rock video and stunning outdoor footage of cute girls and guys shooting guns that are not legal in California."

Thursday, June 23: At night, try Opa Restaurant's Weekly Thursday Block Party, Opa Glendi. For happy hour, try Old City Social from 6-8 p.m. With $3 Hoegarden, Don Q and Sky Vodka bevys, the only thing that could make a night in Old City better is half-priced appetizers - this may sound familiar...Also, it's day two of the Philadelphia Indie Fest.

Friday, June 24: The three-day Taste of Philadelphia kicks off at 5 today, and the cheap cuisine tastings from the best chefs in Philly will distract you from happy hour for at least a couple of hours. Plus, enjoy jazz on the waterfront. Cheap date idea! East Coast Derby Extravaganza at the Sportsplex in Feasterville, PA promises an exciting night of girl on girl action, plus skates, and they'll play as dirty as it gets and still be PG rated. It's only $15 to get in Friday during this weekend event. Games at 6 and 7:30. Or pick a flick at Philly Indie Film fest. (From The Head looks promising! It's about a restroom attendant at a strip club.)

Saturday, June 25: Try out for Visit Philly's photo shoot! Bring the family and get a chance to help make Philly famous, not infamous. If you're feeling artsy, or a bit yuppie, head to Manayunk Arts Festival, but not in your car if you're smart. Parking will be rough. Also going on: More Roller Derby from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. if you're into that. More Indie films, if you're into that. Gourmet tastings for a couple bucks continue and more entertainment is to be had at Penn's Landing - the first fireworks of the season start after a blues performance at eight in the mornin' - uh, evening. (in the AM, check out BYOD brunch)

Sunday, June 26: Last day of the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, so jump on your chance to feel hipster and cultural with a film. The last roller derby concludes today at 8:30 so if you missed out on Friday and Saturday's competitions, you have a chance. $20 for a half day. Let the gospel choirs rejoice, however you'll only hear them at Penn's Landing during Taste of Philadelphia on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For Sunday, God giveth free gourmet tastings. Or close to free. Plus, its free admittance to the Yunk on the second and final day of their Annual Manayunk Arts Festival.

Monday, June 27: Bring your own pup seems to be a theme this summer, with BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) Brunch at Square 1682 on Saturdays (the real attraction is $10 bottomless Mimosas), so the Wawa Welcome America celebration is gettin gin on the doggie action. The Piazza at Schmidt's is hosting a screening of "Best in Show," so strap your animal in its car seat and head over at 9 p.m. Bring your own booze, picnic, and pooper scooper. Oh, and I don't know why they specify but parrots - they're not allowed. Guess everyone would have to hide their crackers and wine just isn't the same then. If you don't have a dog, cat or squirrel to bring, you may want to drown your sorrows at Brauhaus Schmitz. It's their 2nd Anniversary party tonight, and at 7 tonight they're offering $2 off craft beer and a free buffet. Walk, run or drive to 718 South Street.

For More Events this Weekend: As usual, scope out uwishunu.com For events in Philadelphia, so udonthavetowishuknewbecauseuknow. If you're trying do Philly for free or cheap, read the Examiner.com Page for Philadelphia Budget Events. Also, you can follow me on twitter for constant updates about events! Wait - one more: if you're going to be at the shore this weekend... DrinkPhilly: Jersey Shore edition will tell you how to avoid (or find) some good clean fun in the dirty Jerz.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Bucket List, June 8-13: Events in Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold

While Philadelphia is full of the usual events, festivals and stuff to do, it's also the closing days of Philly Beer Week. Therefore, here is a list of free or cheap PBW events in the area in case you'd rather drink some drafts at any point until Sunday.

Wednesday, June 8: Center City Sips has quite the rival in Philly Beer Week, but $4 cocktails, $3 vino, $2 brews and half-price appys at participating restaurants in Philly will give PBW a run for its money. Film-film-film-adelphia (Refer to It's Always Sunny), better known as the Philadelphia Film Society, is running a free Terrance Malick marathon leading up to a premiere of his latest on Friday.

Thursday, June 9: It's the Night Market in University City again, and it's completely legal despite the cover of darkness. Head to 39th and Market for the Blockley Beer Garden's local brews like Troeg's, Victory, Yards and Boxcar - then stay for the ethnic food, Philly vendors and food trucks -so for once, you won't have to chase them around the city. You can also stand still at Opa Restaurant's Thursday Block Party. (During or After either, try $.99 Magic Hat #9 Drafts at the Draught Horse.)

Additionally, debuting tonight are two things to stop by at the Walnut Street Pier along the dirty, I mean Schuylkill, River. Though sadly you can't bring your open and obvious container from PBW without a brown bag, it'll be worth it to scope free art and movies. Art in the Open starts its 4-day occupancy along the Schuylkill Banks' at 8 a.m., then shuts down just in time for Outdoor Movie Night around 8:20 p.m. Tonight get your wicked superman on with a screening of Hancock. Early arrival will get you some free snacks and a raffle ticket, so bring a blanket and dinner for maximum enjoyment.

Friday, June 10: Today is last call for the With Love Beer Garden and for more information about the love-child of GPTMC and PBW, check last week's Monday. The Tree of Life by Terrence Malick premieres around Philly tonight, locations like Ritz East (The scene of Morgan Spurlock's Q&A). An open bar to be at? For $20, explore cavanuagh's River Deck and feel like royalty during the 3-hour premium open bar. Get on Philly2Night's guest list to receive the VIP treatment.

Saturday, May 11: The Full Plate Chili Cook Off is three hours of chili and accessories starting at 12 p.m., followed by spending the rest of the day avoiding other attendees after they taste, judge and indulge. Well worth the $10 that gets you a tasting spoon and a ballot, you still have to bring your own bib. At the Full Plate in Northern Liberties on Wildey and 3rd, you won't be disturbed by the Fried Chicken Run put on by South Philly Tap Room at 4 p.m. However, if you want to join in, you can run to the Tap Room for three beers and a friend chicken dinner for $25. My pick? Skip the run and score one beer and friend chicken for $8, then watch as the over-ambitious struggle in one by one after running.

Sunday, June 12: The last day of PBW brings Philly Beer Week Music Fest and the Dock St. to Dock Street Run. Take a look at Sunday on this PBW Guide for more information. After sipping brews all week, you can get your cultural fill at the Piazza At Schmidt's. There, Awesome Fest offers the chance to regain your philosophical dignity with the Philadelphia premiere of The City Dark at 7:30 p.m., co-presented with Rooftop Films and followed by a Q & A with director Ian Cheney. Warning, it's an expose on our world without light, stars or baby sea turtles, so you may want to plan a PBW event afterwards accordingly.

Monday, June 13: Conshohocken Restaurant Week opens to the public today. Isabella is on the list! I recommend their $20 tasting menu, and make sure you go between 5 and 7 p.m. to take advantage of their delicious happy hour bevys at the same time. The best guide to Conshy Restaurant Week tells you where is worth going.

For More Events this Weekend: For more events in Philadelphia, check out uwishunu.com, or if you're trying do Philly for cheap (or free) read the Examiner.com Page for Philadelphia Budget Events. also, you can follow me on twitter for constant updates about events! Also, if you're going to be at the shore this weekend... DrinkPhilly: Jersey Shore edition can guide your travels.

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