Three to four months.
It’s the amount of time we get to sit outside at our favorite eateries, festivals and other outdoor events. We hope this rundown serves as a guide to what’s out there, so once it those cold months return, you can feel like you put your thang down before you had to cover it up.
Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival
We’ll never stop commemorating June 19, 1865, the day slavery was abolished. Celebrate over 150 years of freedom at this outdoor festival for this American holiday. There’s something for everyone, from a cultural marketplace to a beer garden. | June 15. 12 pm. Free. 6300 Germantown Ave. johnsonhouse.org
Heritage Philly Bluegrass Festival
If summer was a genre of music, it would probably be bluegrass. Grammy-nominated Michael Daves will be headlining, among several local artists. This is only the second time this festival is happening, so come out and show your support to keep it going. | June 16. 1 pm. Prices vary. Heritage, 914 N. 2nd St. phillybluegrass.com
Summer Ale Festival
Sample all the beers your thirst desires at this adults-only festival. Get tipsy, wander around the zoo and interact with cute animals. And you’ll get a souvenir cup so you can always remember the night, even if you’ve had one too many. | June 22. 7 pm. $65. Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave. phillyzoo.pivvit.com
Dope Shows Festival
Come out to Dope Shows’ very first annual music festival. PnB Rock and Pusha T are at the top of this lineup of insanely talented artists. Support an awesome show created by Philadelphians and featuring Philadelphians. | July 7. 12 pm. $70. The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave. manncenter.org
Sad Summer Festival
Not everything in the summer has to be so damn sunny and positive. Got no bae to go to the beach with? Cry with all your emo friends at this festival headlined by Philly natives The Wonder Years. | July 13. 2 pm. $40. The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave. manncenter.org
Philadelphia Taco Festival
Did you even know there are over 75 types of tacos? Devour them all in the taco eating contest, which is just one of the many activities at this festival. Wash them down with some tequila, or take a trip to the nacho and churro bar. You’re gonna be bloated as hell by the end of the day, but you definitely won’t regret it. | June 29. 2 pm. $15. Xfinity Live, 1100 Pattison Ave. upcomingevents.com
Nuevofest 2019
A festival for fresh Latino music. Cha cha your day away to the sounds of several bands keeping fresh in Philly. The Beachers, a group rich with calypso and bolero influences, are one of the headlining talents. | July 14. 2:30 pm. $12. World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. worldcafelive.com
Lancaster Ave. Jazz and Arts Festival
You know good jazz when you hear it, and we just know there will be plenty of it here. Enjoy the hometown sounds of Philly at this festival that’s thirteen years strong. Rain or shine, you better be there ready to groove. | July 20. 12 pm. Free. Saunders Park Greene, 3827 Powelton Ave. lancasteravejazzfest.com
East Passyunk Car Show & Street Festival
Beep beep, bitches – South Philly’s largest street festival is coming our way. Indulge in all the typical festival eats from food trucks lining the neighborhood. Drop in on live music happening on every block along the avenue. | July 28. 11 am. Free. Locations vary along E. Passyunk Ave. visiteastpassyunk.com
Afrakan Independence Day Ma’at Celebration
Come together to celebrate Afrakan liberation at the 15th annual happening of this festival. Start the day early with the “Do for self” Junkanoo parade to the park that kicks off the event. With outdoor performances, food and craft vendors, and guest speakers, this festival is a mid-summer day’s dream. | August 3. 12 pm. Free. Malcolm X Park, 400 S. 51st St. facebook.com
2nd Street Festival
This massive festival is shutting down six blocks of 2nd St. this year. Catch up on what Philly bands are up to as they perform on four different stages throughout the festival. With all the food, street performers and vendors that’ll be there, this event is for people of all ages and all backgrounds. | August 4. 12 pm. Free. 2nd St. and Poplar St. 2ndstfestival.org
SENSORiUM Music & Arts Festival
Get all the sensations of an out-of-body experience without taking all the psychedelics. This festival’s purpose is to heighten your senses through art. You can experience some wild visual art exhibitions and a huge lineup of musicians that’ll be playing all day long. End your summer with a stimulating day out. | August 24. 12 pm. $45. Ukie Club, 847 N. Franklin St. theticketingco.com
YallaPunk Fest
This festival celebrates Southwest Asian North African people involved in the arts. It’s a CultureTrust of Greater Philadelphia project, which is an organization focused on collaborating and sharing great creations within communities. You can expect this to be an observance of SWANA artists’ work in film, comedy, music and more. | August 29-September 1. 3 pm. Prices vary. YallaPunk, 1315 Walnut St. facebook.com
Made In America Festival
The hottest rap artists in the world always headline this blowout music festival. Catch Cardi B and Travis Scott headlining this year. It’s not like Jay-Z needs any more money, but it’s worth spending the dough on this essential Philly summer event. Might as well go all out towards the end of the season. | August 31-September 1. 12 pm. $175. Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. madeinamericafest.com
ALEX NAGY | @ALEXBNAGY
