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.

Bucket List August 9-15 Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold

This week on the Philly bucket list, a new batch of free events and ones worth forking out for:

Tuesday, August 9: At 10th & Spruce tonight, you don't have to go boating or to a strip club to get some crabs: From 12-10 p.m., Varga Bar is doing their 2nd Annual Crab Bake with blue crabs, oyster Po Boys, and basically anything crab & oyster that's yummy ($30 or a la carte). A less pricey option? The free movie tonight at Dock Street Brewing - and $1 off small pizzas, $2 off large, and $1 off select drafts - is 80's boyhood drama, "Stand By Me." 

Courtesy of Zazzle.com

Wednesday, August 10:  USA vs. Mexico football (soccer) game kicks off at 9 p.m. If you can't be in the stadium in Philly, at least be outside of it. If you can't be outside of it, at least watch the game for Christ's sake. Good places to watch the game: In Philly, McGillins: 2 tacos for $1, featured microbrew $2, PBR & BL pitchers $6.50  - (thanks @czaucha), or in Center City where you can take advantage of Sips (the discount CC happy hour) and free parking; outside of philly in West Chester, stop by Side Bar - they're running a $2 all day lager dael plus $5 American vs. Mexican themed grilled pizza. Take that, Mexico!  The usual events are also available: Penn Museum $5 Music Concert Series presenting world beats from Bohemian Sunrise (5-8), Center City Sips (5-7), and Headhouse Square Indie Film Series free indie flick present Alana (7:30). 

Thursday, August 11: If you didn't get your fill of art last week on First Friday, then check out the Art Appreciation Event at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts at 118 N Broad Street in Philadelphia.  Complimentary wine, beer, and hors d'oeuvres - call now and you might be able to reserve a seat still! Old City Social (6-8 p.m.) for $3 Hoegaarden, Skyy vodka and Don Q Rum drinks - and a movie under the stars at Penn's Landing. This week's Thursday Night free movie is "This Is It".  Don't miss your chance to watch MJ on the big screen, get there at 8! If you'll be on the Main Line, think about checking out Verdad. It's their two-year anniversary, so free paella and $2 margaritas are on the menu tonight...

Friday, August 12:  Friday's have been ramping it up as fall creeps closer. While it's not longer First Friday, lots of last weeks events are coming out to play again. The Smooth Jazz Summer Nights at Penn's Landing continue at 7:30 and you won't want to miss out on this week's performers: The Sax Pack. Actually, from now until the end of August, head to the Riverstage of the Grand Plaza at Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street for a free jazz concert. Also, you can see fireworks at Race Street Pier from across the river after the Camden River Sharks game! Another routine option? Art After 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is free after admission and features gallery tours, Martinis on the Portico happy hour and tunes from jazz vocalist Rhenda Fearrington. Also, check out Brandywine Polo Club's Friday Nights Under the Stars for some polo & live music.

Saturday, August 13: The 10th Annual Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge provides attendees a chance to scope pros and celebs grilling it up alongside amateurs and locals - then taste the pros' work for $5 a tasting ticket (3 for $10). From 4:30 to 7 p.m., the Barbecue Challenge is the perfect pregame for the Phillies match at 7:05! While you're in the city, stop by the Reading Terminal Market too. Dutch Festival ends today and it's your last chance to score some serious baked goods and other traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dishes. Plus, there will be a petting zoo and live bluegrass. Why does anyone need to go to Amish country with the Dutch fest in town? (P.S. It runs 8 am-5 pm, Aug. 11-13)


If you are forgoing the game (or watching the Phils on TV), Rittenhouse Square is another place to be Saturday.From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Rittenhouse Farmer's Market is a must-go; there will also be a block party & open air cafe atmosphere from Locust to Walnut on 18th Street. Accompanied by live music, customers's dining experience from Rouge, Parc and Devon for their outdoor eating is sure to please. Oh, and stick around - at 8:30 p.m., Philadelphia-mostly-filmed The Sixth Sense will be screening for free, courtesy of Filmadelphia.

Sunday, August 14: From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy a taste of India with the Festival of India at Penn's Landing. Authentic food, traditional dance and cultural vendors makes this a great Sunday activity for lovers or friends (or family).Then around 9 p.m. in Northern Liberties,  Awesomefest screens a free movie at the Piazza at Schmidt's: this week is the Sundance 2011 pick, Senna, about a Brazilian Race Car Driver.

Monday, August 15:  Verdad Restaurant & Tequila Bar (818 W. Lancaster Ave) in Bryn Mawr has a 3 courses for $20 special  on Mondays. More importantly, tonight you can get roast pig when the Little Fish turns into a pig for one night only as a southern-style pop-up. For the pig & all the favorite fix-in's it'll probably run you close to $35 - but will include a PBR pounder! If that's too pricey or not your style, try the Cavanaugh's Rittenhouse brew & chew! It's only $20 for 2 hours of Six Point Ale & paired appy's if you sign up at www.phillybrewandchew.com.

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 19 - July 25 Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold

Along with record heat, this week brings more free movies, great happy hours and great events to attend to the Philly bucket list for Philadelphia:

Tuesday, July 19: It's a big kid's dream meal: Grilled Cheese and Beer. Find it at World Cafe Live tonight at 7 p.m. for $35. There are still tickets available for the craft beer and gourmet cheese extravaganza here. Also at 7 p.m., scope some live jazz music at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 31st and Girard Ave and treat yourself to some cupcakes and vendy cuisine from award-winning trucks at the scene - and don't forget to thank Brewerytown Living.

Wednesday, July 20: Wednesday's in summer are awesome, and if you're willing to brave the heat there's plenty to do. Listen to music as the West Philadelphia Orchestra will light up Penn Museum's $5 Summer Nights Music Series from 5-8 p.m.  Get a drink in Center City during Center City Sips happy hour from 5-7. (Hint: Check out the birthday party at Marathon at 1818 Market St. for free appetizers and giveaways) Catch a free movie as long as you bring your own chair for the 2011 Indie Film Series, featuring Night Catches Us at Headhouse Square on South Street OR pay $10 to see 12 Monkeys at Eastern State Penitentiary where it was filmed. If you're looking for a party, head to the Main Line - Join AroundMainLine.com at Gullifty's Gaarden from 5 to 8 p.m. for some complimentary bites and happy hour brews at Gullifty's (1149 W Lancaster Avenue in Rosemont, PA).

Thursday, July 21:  As usual, Old City Social on Thursdays means happy hour from 6-8 p.m. with $3 Hoegaarden, Skyy vodka and Don Q Rum drinks. While you're in Old City, stop by my favorite Cuban spot, Cuba Libre, for hora feliz. It's Heminmingway's 112th Birthday so Cuba Libre is serving up his favorite beverage, a Papa Doble, for $5 - plus $4 small plates. In case you aren't well-versed in Hemmingspeak, a papa doble is a giant freaking double daiquiri - perfect for this sweltering weather If you'll be in the Passyunk area instead, try some free international beer tastings at The Bottle Shop. For a free happy hour, check out Know It All Philly - a free happy hour at Mac's Tavern supporting an animal charity! Also, as usual NBC and B101 present the Thursday Night Free Movie at Penn's Landing. This week's flick? The Social Network, so with all the commotion going on, IPOs of social networks and scandals, don't miss out. 

Friday, July 22: Watch the Camden River Shark's fireworks without boring yourself to death through the gam - stake a spot at Penn's Landing and let the show begin (around 7 p.m.) to the tunes of a free smooth jazz show. If you're looking for something more classy, consider going to the Art After 5 exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Their Martinis on the Portico drink menu is sure to please, and after your $16 admission, there are free guided tours. Plus, you'll be treated to the croonings of a lively Cuban-American jazz singer, Venissa Santi.

Saturday, July 23: Happy National Hot Dog Day! From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Silicon Gallery Fine Art Prints at 139 North 3rd Street is celebrating with free hot dogs for those who bring gently used baby stuff for charity. If you don't have kids, well I guess you'll have to snag something off a passing stroller. If you do have kids, then check out WXPN's eXPoNential Musical Festival started Friday and runs until Sunday. It's $30 for an adult and only $5 for kids, though dropping kids under 12 off and leaving them for a couple hours is socially frowned-upon. (If you get bored and want to plan ahead, think about this: University City Dining Days: pre-set $15, $25 and $25 menus until July 28th)

Sunday, July 24: As a horse-back rider, I believe polo is a beautiful and exciting sport - where else do you get to zip around on horses and whack a ball with a club? Today, see Brandywine Polo Club face off in the Philadelphia Cup Polo Match at their location in bumble-uh, Toughkenamon, PA. You can even get VIP access with this Groupon: $50 - if the polo isn't a big enough draw, consider the high-class open bar and buffet. Dress to impress and your pic could end up on the society pages... If your wallet won't allow you to class it up, the Awesomefest Free Movie at the Piazza at Schmidt's is Orbit - a tale of planets. A good way to unwind and fall asleep on a Sunday...

Monday, July 25:  Coming Soon: (Again, try University City Dining Days: pre-set $15, $25 and $25 menus until July 28th - or possibly hit up one of my favorite happy hours :)

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.