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 16-22: Philadelphia, The Greatest City Never Sold

The usual summer goodies are all going on, and now is the best time to take advantage of them. Free movies, special events and more:

Tuesday, August 16: Tonight: The big deal to be at tonight is the Skillshare Launch Party. While it's cleverly disguised as a class on Skillshare, don't be fooled. But wait, what is Skillshare? Go to the Field House tonight from 7-9 p.m. to find out, or wait for tomorrow's entry revealing all. If unraveling the mystery isn't enough, there will also be $3 brews and $4 wine specials to get you out. The free movie at Dock Street Brewing will be Riding Giants (giant waves, not overly large people - though that would be almost as cool as dwarf-tossing). Enjoy it along with $1 off small pizzas and $2 off larges, plus $1 off select drafts. Also tonight? It's National Rum Day. Where are you celebrating? (Hint: there's a Philly Hub List). If you're looking for something completely free to do, Sunday's free Awesomefest flick got rained out: See it tonight.

Wednesday, August 17: Take advantage of Center City Sips while it's still summer! $4, $3, $2 beverages all over the CC 'hood - weekly party is at Perch Pub, 1345 Locust St., with free appetizers for the first hour. Plus, bonus: there's free parking after 5 in Center City! The free South Street Headhouse Square Indie flick is The Happening, and since you'll get a cozy view of Rittenhouse Square (well, it starts off cozy), plus Mark Wahlberg, you should probably go. Plus, I don't think I mentioned this: drink specials, everywhere! Just mention the Indie Film Fest. Also FREE in the city? Franklin Institute tonight from 5-8 p.m., enjoy basically all the science amenities gratis, courtesy of Target Community Night. 
If you're looking for music instead of art/science/film, head to Reggae Night at the Piazza at Schmidt's. Philadelphia Weekly's free concert series presents covers of famous original reggae songs - for free of course.In the 'burbs, head to Malvern if you're a lady - or a wino - for Wednesday Night Whinos. Located at The Pub at Wegman's, it's a good excuse to network, nosh on free appetizers and check out a fairly new venue. 

Thursday, August 18:  Hang out with WMMR at the Piazza at Schmidt's for the "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia GATHERING OF THE GREEN MEN and Viewing Party" from 7 to 9 p.m. If you wear green and you're there early enough, you can get a free Paddy's Pub shirt, thanks to Coors Light. Apparently it's "Sunny" night in Philly, because DrinkPhilly.com reminded me that Mac''s Tavern is also hosting a The Dude Hates Cancer party. $5 to enter, cool raffle prizes from 6-9 p.m. Summer oldies but goodies: Old City Social (6-8 p.m.) gets you $3 Hoegaarden, Skyy vodka and Don Q Rum drinks (celebrate National Rum Day a day or two late with Don Q!) and at Penn's Landing: the Thursday Night free movie is Twilight Eclipse. So if you're a tween girl, or want to act like one, check it out. Don't forget your team Jacob shirt. (That's right you Edward fans, I'm on the guy's side who doesn't wear a shirt.) If you're not a tween, watch "The Incredibles" on the Schuylkill River Banks instead. Starts at 8:20 in the evening! In case you don't know where in the banks to go, head to the Walnut Street Bridge. 

Friday, August 19: The Philly Geek Awards. The only place to be on Friday night. Watch the coolest nerds in Philadelphia score awards at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Hope you've got a ticket, or you are SOL- the tickets sold out on Monday! So, if you're unlucky or too cool for geeks, don't forget about summer's Friday staples: The Smooth Jazz Summer Nights. Fantastic Fridays at Penn Treaty Park.  Smooth Jazz tonight could be moved inside the Independence Sea Port pending bad weather. Should the weather hold up, you can also head to Penn Treaty Park for The British Invasion from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Also: Brandywine Polo Club's Friday Nights Under the Stars for night polo & live music.

(Better) Updates Coming Tomorrow:

Saturday, August 20: Brewerytown has some daytime action for you. Starting at 10 am - a farmer's market, then a community picnic. Bring a dish and share all the other ones. 

Sunday, August 21:  At 9 p.m., Awesomefest screens "Beauty Day," about a dare devil that possibly spawned all the "Jackass"es of our modern world, for free.

Monday, August 22: Try a Philly Hub favorite happy hour . Example? Patio 13 at the Marriott has Center City Sips prices if you can't wait until Wednesday. Verdad Restaurant & Tequila Bar at 818 W. Lancaster Ave in Bryn Mawr also has a 3-course, $20 menu on Mondays. I'm actually supposed to have surgery today, so I won't be imbibing, or eating, at a place near you but have one for me!

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.