Bucket List: September 21-25, in Philadelphia: The Greatest City Never Sold

For those of you who are as Clueless as Brittany Murphy was, Philadelphia Fashion Week kicked off last week - and The Philadelphia Collection has been going on since September 12th. The events continue until Friday and Saturday. There's also some free events or discounts to be found in Philly, even where fashion is involved.

Wednesday, September 21:  If you're looking to help the greater good (and your wallet is a bit heavy) head to the Street Food Festival and Celebrity Chef Throwdown in Manayunk tonight. It's $35 to enjoy two cocktails and all outdoor vendors (and aren't food trucks the best anyway?) but you can spend up to $125 if you want to get into the Chef's Arena. Tickets here, and hurry because the three hours of eats starts at 6 p.m.! Also tonight? Phashion Phest, DelVal's "mobile" fashion show. Obviously, DelVal doesn't attract the crowds Philly does...but $50, $60 at the door, scores you a fashion show, top shelf bar, appitizers and a frickin fabulous gift bag.

Thursday, September 22: Mainline Restaurant Week Fall Kickoff Party! No cover, complimentary noshes and rampant giveaways make this worth stopping by the festivities at Harvest Seasonal Gill and Bar. Head to Glen Mills for a fun night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and don't forget some cash if you want some cocktails to soak up the food in your stomach. Inside the city, today opens the Philadelphia Film & Music Festival (which they like to abbreviate to FM Fest, but you won't find it on your radio dial) and there will be an absurd amount of music acts and indie flicks over the next couple days. Depending on your preference, check out the full schedule so you can plan for, or around it - for the next four days! 
Also, if you're dying for a touch of fashion before Philly Fashion Week & Collection ends...think about attending the Rittenhouse Row Fall Gathering. It starts at 7 p.m. at the Comcast Center, $30 at the door and two hours of fashion show and cocktails. 

Friday, September 23: Popped Music Festival. Philadelphia Film & Music Festival. Also, Yard's Brewing 3rd Annual "Smoke 'Em if You's got 'Em" Festival means BBQ, brews and music. At least one is free...the others are going to run you $50 for all the smoked delights you could desire. Wish you could be at the Phils game? Feel like it by scoping the game for free on the Jumbotron at the Piazza at Schmidt's.

Saturday, September 24: Popped Music Festival. Philadelphia Film & Music Festival. For the punk-rockers of Philadelphia, there's also Riot Fest to check out. Get tickets and head to Festival Pier at Penn's Landing for the 12 p.m. kickoff, and since Red Bull is a sponsor get ready to be wired - for free. Plus, there's an after party. Tickets can run you a little bit for these events, but hey, if you like the bands, none of which I've heard of, go for it. You can also stand anywhere at Penn's Landing and listen in...On top of Riot Fest, Popped and FM Fest, University City has the 40th Street Summer Series concert - no tickets required and seeing, not just hearing, the musical talent is free. The show goes on rain or shine behind the Walnut Street Free Library at Walnut and (duh) 40th. If you stake out a spot at City Tap House, you can enjoy $3 Yards and nibbles from the cookout on the patio. Also free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.? The PHS Fall Garden Festival, complete with beer garden...

Another option to spend the day on Saturday in Philly for free? Check out Museum Day, because thanks to the Smithsonian you can sign up to get in free at pretty much all the museums in Philly and the surrounding area. I vote the Academy of Natural Sciences, the backdrop for the Philadelphia Geek Awards last month. Not to sound too hippy, the butterfly habitat will astound and inspire.

A third option to music and art/history, which I was keeping on the down low for myself but it seems it's leaked, is the Real World MTV Casting Call. This Saturday, from 10 am to 5 p.m., a level of shameless entertainment reminiscent of latest Jersey Shore episode will ensue at Fado Irish Pub. While I love the fish & chips there, if you see me there on Saturday, I'm there for the crazies (nothing like a self-esteem boost) and obviously the chance to get famous for no particular reason than I'm ridiculously good-looking and hopelessly overdramatic (said in character of next Real World hottie). Hint: look for a  get-on-Real-World cheat sheet between now and Saturday...

Sunday, September 25: Philadelphia Film & Music Festival. Always a sucker for a good cause, the Philadelphia Friendship Circle of Bryn Mawr, which helps foster relationships between teens and special needs kids, certainly qualifies in my book. The Philly Friendship Walk to benefit the "Circle" starts at 1:30 p.m. and includes the walk and a family fair complete with food, a moon bounce (sadly only for kids) massage chairs, and frequent updates about the Philly games going on. So get some exercise and donate a few bucks - it's free to register!

Check back later for more, philaphiles...

Bucket List July 26 - July 31 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:

Tuesday, July 26:  Brewerytown Living tells me there's a doggy happy hour at 31st and Girard tonight. Just because the point is to refresh your dogs (and hope it doesn't go right through them like beer during happy hour), Mugshots is providing some refreshments for the doggie owners as well. Later on, enjoy a free movie at Dock Street Brewing - $1 off small pizzas, $2 off a large and $1 off drafts while the movie lasts - though it might make you a little "Dazed and Confused." The confusion starts at 8:30 p.m at 701 South 50th Street.

Wednesday, July 27: In case you haven't heard, there's a free ice cream giveaway from noon to 5 p.m. today at Reading Terminal Market, as if you needed another excuse to stop there for lunch. Also, the usual suspects will light up your hump day as usual: bamba (it's a real thing, not just a song from the 50s) at Penn Museum's $5 Summer Nights Music Series from 5-8 p.m and drinks for Center City Sips happy hour from 5-7. (free appetizers at M Restaurant inside The Morris House Hotel, 231 S. 8th). Also, Rocky V will be the South Street free film of the night, so after happy hour, sit yo ass down at 8 p.m. at Headhouse Square and watch Rocky win at life...again.


Thursday, July 28: Stop by Davio's, 111 S. 17th St., to support Philadelphia Cheesecake's reputation. Unbeknownst to most of Philadelphia,  our cheesecake is facing off against New York, and it's only $10 to taste and vote (for Philly - if you vote for NY, the damage to your car by angry Philly fans will probably cost you more). Elsewhere, our Thursday friend, Old City Social happy hour (6-8 p.m.), will supply you with $3 Hoegaarden, Skyy vodka and Don Q Rum drinks - and a little extra time to work late and still catch a discounted beverage. 'Eat, Pray, Love" under the stars at Penn's Landing tonight for the Thursday Night free movie. It doesn't even mess with happy hour, since it doesn't start until 8:30(ish).

Friday, July 29: Night polo, live music and wine - enjoyed freely by all, though hopefully not the polo players, because that could get messy. Friday Nights Under the Stars at Brandywine Polo Club hosts a fabulous night game - it's bring your own picnic, and enjoy. Gates open at 5:30, live music starts at 7:30, and if you're not too shwasted after 4 hours of wine, last call is at 9.


Saturday, July 30: National Cheesecake Day. Check in for the results of the Philly vs. New York cheesecake competition. For something more active...there's a free concert and car show at Tom Oates in Chester Springs, where I spent my rebellious teenage years. Since nothing usually happens in little Chester Springs, this is noteworthy. OR for something a lot more exciting, head to NoLibs Arrow Swim Club, where $10 gets you a drink and admission to a $1,000 per summer swim club (if you get it here). There will be "Pool Side Beats" from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and if you want one, you're gauranteed a dip in the pool - it's, and I quote, "HIGHLY ENCOURAGED" - a.k.a., hotties bring your bodies, and don't be shy about showing them off...


Sunday, July 31: North Second Street Festival.

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.

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!