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.
Welcome one, welcome all to one of the best First Fridays yet. It's celebrated nationwide, statewide, and in Doylestown, Lancaster, Phoenixville, Hatboro, West Chester, Fishtown, Frankford Ave and the Main Line, but nowhere is it celebrated better than Old City (okay, arguably, but go with it.) If you've never tried out First Friday in the Old City District of Philadelphia, today is the day.
Your next stop (or first stop) of the night should be Penn's Landing. At 7:30, The Smooth Jazz Summer Nights begin: From now until the end of August there's a free jazz concert at the Riverstage of the Grand Plaza at Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street. This week's headliner is the talented Four 80 East with guests Matt Marshak and Marcus Anderson.
Before after or during the concert, saunter down to the Race Street Pier at Penn's Landing to join in on the First Friday Party On the Race Street Pier. Between 7 and 10 p.m., enjoy something a little more upbeat than the smooth jazz down the street with music by DJ Jack Tripper and the Trinidelphia Steel Drum Band. Run by the Race Street Peers, (Friends of the Pier, clever, right?), and sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, food and entertainment will be readily available.
For some family-friendly fun, or a bit of a trek from Old City, Fantastic Fridays at Penn Treaty Park provides a free concert and after-show fireworks. Tonight, the Sensational Soul Cruisers will be tearing it up as the 11-man horn group, which makes no sense because they don't all play the horn, playing classic tunes stolen from masters like Barry White, the commodores, the Drifters and Otis Redding. The magic starts at 6:30 and the dancing no doubt will follow soon after. Like Jazz Summer Nights, this concert series continues throughout August with dates on August 19 and 26, so if plans for First Friday take over you can still hit up the free music show later in August.
In Center City, Art After 5 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art continues. It's free after admission ($19.50 adults, downwards for kids, students and senior citizens) to "Catch a Set, Have A drink, Stroll the Galleries." Take advantage of the limited time happy hour if you're headed to the museum, because some tinis during Martinis On the Portico will loosen you up for some saucy Latin dancing later - Art After 5 today is a full-on Salsa Party, with music from the Johnny Cruz Latin Ensemble from Raices Culturales Latinoamericas. It all starts at 5...and goes until you can't take the Latin heat anymore! (or the band stops playing. Then it's kinda lame to stay.)
*Full Disclosure: Drink Philly is a client. ( But that's not why their party is on here. It's because it's going to rock.)
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'sThursday 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.
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.
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) atPenn 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...
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 musicat Veteran’s Memorial Park at 31st and Girard Aveand 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 duringCenter 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...
This week on the Philly bucket list, a new batch of free events and ones worth forking out for:
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.
