Mojito Mondays in October

The weekend is over and just another "Manic Monday" has begun. This October, there's no need to surrender to the blues of another week beginning. Instead, head to the Rum Bar for the Mojito Olympics, sponsored by Don Q Rum. Four bartenders will be mixing and pouring their best mojitos for judging, and if you're lucky you can even join the panel of judges since one lucky member of the crowd will hand-picked (yes, hand picked, then possibly required to crowd surf) to judge and get a $50 gift certificate to the Rum Bar.

Getting in will only strip you of $6, which earns you a Don Q-jito as well as a front row seat for the action. Added Bonus? The first Monday, October 3rd, I'll be judging...the 10th and 17th, you'll miss out on hanging out with yours truly, but can still kick the Monday blues and cheer on the barkeeps. The 24th is the "playoffs" where winners from other October weeks compete in the Medal round (and if we are lucky, the Phils will still be in the playoofs as well, if not the victor).

With no Phils game tonight and the heartbreak of yesterday's games to get over, there's really no excuse not to drown your sorrows. It all starts tonight at 7 p.m., at the Rum Bar on 2005 Walnut St. Keep away from feeling like the Bangles song below and make it a Mojito Monday instead of a manic one...

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.