OUR PICK: Clark Park Music and Arts Festival
It’s all about celebrating the talented citizens of West Philly at the annual outdoor Clark Park Music and Arts Festival.
Since 1970, this event has been a staple of the West Philadelphia community. This year appears to be shaping up as another day of great music, food and art. Dr. Ketchup, Northern Liberties, Beach Bod and Revolution, I Love You are just some of this year’s headliners that will catch your ear.
You’ll wish you’d discovered them sooner once the first notes of the day hit your ears.
All are invited to enjoy the festival, whether you’re a kid jonesing for a face painting, a dad that’s craving a beer or an artsy type dying to support local creators. Expect to be bombarded by tons of local vendors, food trucks and arts and crafts that’ll keep you busy as the music plays.
This is more than just an excuse to party in the park on a sunny day. Check this one out to see why West Philly is one of the city’s most vibrant sections.
WHAT: Clark Park Music and Arts Festival WHEN: June 29. COST: Free. WHERE: Clark Park, 4300 Baltimore Ave. MORE: clarkparkfest.wordpress.com
ALSO CONSIDER:
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
Discussion | Meeting of the Sexes
Don’t worry, this isn’t some other dating event. It’s a night full of thought-provoking conversation and lots of sharing of ideas and art. Come with an open mind and be ready to set aside everything you already know. | 8 pm. $10. Inspire Art Space, 1646 Ridge Ave. eventbrite.com
Network | Girlfriends & Champagne
This is a networking event all about bringing you together with the powerful women around you. It’s always held on the same weekend as the BET Awards. Celebrities, influencers and businesswomen will all crawl out of the woodwork for this empowering event. | 11 am. Free. Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown, 21 N. Juniper St. eventbrite.com
Music | Valencia
This indie pop group’s music will transport you straight to California – even though they’re from Philly. They’re making a big comeback right now after going over 9 years without releasing an album. They have two new singles out now – “California” and “Rx.” Check them out and see what they’ve been up to. | 8 pm. $26. Theatre of Living Arts, 334 South St. tlaphilly.com
Fashion | Philadelphia Kids Fashion Week
Come out to the launch of this five-day celebration of the finest kids fashion in the tri-state area. Stick around to catch the streetwear, ready-to-wear and high fashion runways happening throughout the week. These kids have more style than you ever will. | 6 pm. Prices vary. Four Points by Sheraton, 1201 Race St. phillysbfashionweek.com
LGBTQ | LGBTQ History Trolley Tour
This is a nice departure from the usual history tours focused on the accomplishments of old white men. Get to know all of Philly’s rich LGBTQ history on this two-hour long, BYOB tour. Get your history facts gay – not straight. | 7 pm. $38. Beyond the Bell Tours, 1315 Walnut St. peek.com
Comedy | This Week Sucked
At least it’s Friday, though! Relive all the horrible shit that happened to you this week and make it funny at this comedy show. Bring some booze and plenty of stories to share on stage. | 8 pm. $10. ComedySportz Philadelphia, 2030 Sansom St. comedysportzphilly.vbotickets.com
LGBTQ | Harry Potter Drag Show
Expect nothing less than Philly’s best queens all dragged up as your favorite Harry Potter characters. Step into Hogwarts and be greeted with some themed cocktails and house potions. It’s gonna get “Lestrange” up in here. | 10 pm. $27. The Victoria Freehouse, 10 S. Front St. brownpapertickets.com
Family Friendly | Dare to Shine Youth Empowerment Conference
We believe the children are our future. Bring the kids out for a kick-off family night before the inaugural conference and fair on Saturday. It’s all about empowering children and giving all kids access to the resources available for them in Philly. | 7 pm. Free. Dare to Imagine, 6610 Anderson St. eventbrite.com
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
Music | WDAS Summer Block Party
This R&B and soul music festival boasts an impressive lineup every single year. Jill Scott – a legendary Grammy-winning singer and poet – will be headlining this year, supported by Mase, Jazmine Sullivan, Musiq Soulchild and DJ D-Nice. A portion of ticket proceeds will go towards Scott’s Blues Babe Foundation, which supports the success of youth in Philly. | 6 pm. $35-$350. The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave. manncenter.org
Interests | Northern Liberties Flea Market & Music Festival
Start the day with a flea market in the morning, followed by bands jamming all night. Give up a couple hours of your day to volunteer and get a free souvenir mug. Beer and food will give you all the fuel you need to shop and dance. | 9 am. Free. Liberty Lands, 913 N. 3rd St. facebook.com
Interests | Philly Vegan Pop Flea Market
Don’t miss the third annual happening of this all vegan flea. Several vendors will be impressing you with the products that they are able to make vegan. Try some vegan shawarma and some beauty products free of anything that has to do with animal products. | 12 pm. Free. Friends Center, 1501 Cherry St. eventbrite.com
Music | Smells Like Children
Celebrate the allure of dark 90s music at this dance party. Expect to hear songs from the likes of Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Ministry and more. That smell is the smell of your young(er) 90s self coming out and burning up on the dance floor. | 10 pm. $7. Ortlieb’s, 847 N. 3rd St. facebook.com
Family Friendly | Martha Graham Cracker: For Kids
It’s not every day you get to catch a drag show for kids that’s not drag queen story time. Although, reading a book is part of this queen’s family-friendly cabaret act. Join Martha as she shares stories from her own childhood and sings with her band. | 11 am. $20. The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St. wilmatheater.org
Comedy | Peter Smith
Smith is ready to provide a cabaret show that’ll make your head spin. They have appeared in several New York newspapers and have been named one of five “Comedians to Look Out For” by Time Out Magazine. Don’t miss their first ever appearance in Philly. | 10 pm. $16. Good Good Comedy, 215 N. 11th St. goodgoodcomedy.com
Discussion | Beneath the First Layer
The Pride Task Force – a coalition of queer and trans youth – will be hosting this talent showcase. Witness some incredible skills and a meaningful conversation on how to fight youth homelessness in Philly. Give your direct support by showing up and listening to what these kids have to say. | 6 pm. Free. William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. facebook.com
Music | Little Tybee
This six-piece group gets its name from a tiny island off the coast of Georgia. Hailing from Atlanta, this band blends several genre influences to create uplifting sounds. Come see why they work so well together, and why they’ve had the honor to open up for the likes of Kurt Vile, Of Montreal and more. | 8 pm. $15. MilkBoy, 1100 Chestnut St. milkboyphilly.com
SUNDAY, JUNE 30
Sports | CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal
The United States men’s soccer team is coming to Philly. Even if you don’t like soccer or are just a casual fan, the atmosphere at one of these matches is worth checking out. Plus, should the U.S. move on, you’ll witness their fourth straight semifinal berth in this tournament and one more step closer to defending their title. | 8pm. Prices vary. Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, ticketmaster.com/concacaf-gold-cup-quarterfinal
Party | MTV 1996 Summer Pool Party
Start off the official summer the right way with a wild pool party. Not Your Basic Brunch is hosting this party that is the first ever of its kind in Philly. Dress in decade-appropriate swimwear and get ready to make a splash to the 90s best music. | 11 am. $50. Vesper Dayclub, 1031 Germantown Ave. facebook.com
Fundraiser | The Pynk Affair
Come enjoy this beer and music bash all to support local charities. There will be live music by Queen of Jeans and Magglezzz, as well as live art and aerial performances. Tyanna Foundation and Twist Out Cancer will benefit from a part of the proceeds earned here. You won’t feel bad about partying a little too hard. | 12 pm. $45. Yards Brewing Co., 500 Spring Garden St. yards.ticketleap.com
Outdoors | The Philly Moto Social
Roll into this celebration on any vehicle with two wheels. It’s all going down in a parking lot with live music, food, vendors and plenty of fresh beer. You might be overrun by bikers here, but that shouldn’t stop you from coming. | 12 pm. Free. Philadelphia Brewing Co., 2440 Frankford Ave. facebook.com
Music | Addis Pablo
Pablo is the son of Augustus Pablo, who was a pioneer in reggae music. He’s followed in his father’s footsteps and is continuing to bring the magic of reggae to stages everywhere. Come witness the legacy live, and help to carry it on for years to come. | 8 pm. $10. Boot & Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St. bootandsaddlephilly.com
Interests | Karaoke & Paint
We all need a relaxing event to cool down at the end of the weekend. Get guided through creating a masterpiece while you listen to people embarrass themselves trying to sing. It also works the other way around. It really all depends on how you want to spend your night. | 4 pm. $30. Warmdaddy’s, 1400 S. Columbus Blvd. eventbrite.com
Outdoors | Philly SOUL Picnic
Funky People Online is hosting this fifth annual outdoor celebration. All creative people into funk and soul are welcome. Jam out to live music and invite your favorite educators to honor this year’s theme of teacher appreciation. | 12 pm. Free. Lemon Hill Mansion, Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill Dr. funkypeopleonline.com
Music | Bastid’s BBQ
World-renowned DJ Skratch Bastid is the one behind this all-out party full of live performances and fresh BBQ. This party has some infamous history, and it’s the first time that he’s bringing it to Philly. Get ready for a DJ that’s super comfortable on stage and confident in his ability to give you the craziest night of your life. | 4 pm. $15-$20. The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St. facebook.com
Theater | Pss Pss
These clowns are ready to give you a hilarious and moving performance. They’ll teach you a little something about life and the crippling human condition – without saying a single word. Catch their last matinee performance before they leave the city. | 3 pm. $20. FringeArts, 140 N. Columbus Blvd. fringearts.com
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