Philadelphians can head to the Center City District this week starting Tuesday, Aug. 1, for a full list of different activations, events and giveaways.
For one, the CCD will be kicking off a pre-celebration party honoring the 20th iteration of Center City District Restaurant Week — which will officially take place later this year from Sept. 10 to 23. From noon to 2 p.m. on Aug. 1, visitors can head to a kick-off party in Dilworth Park, which will feature select sponsors and 20-year CCDRW chefs to share information about the upcoming season.
Those in attendance will also be able to witness a bread-breaking ceremony (with a “ribbon” made completely of bread) to mark the occasion taking place next month.
The celebration will also feature live entertainment spanning circus acts (think plate spinning and more), music provided by the Elegance Trio, plus a strolling table model with packaged treats and free crafts for kids.
And as a release states, while there, representatives from Beam Suntory will additionally be onsite to host interactive cocktail demos of Knob Creek® 7 Year Rye Whisky and Haku® Vodka (Restaurant Week sponsors) that will walk patrons through technique and presentation. The team from Philadelphia Magazine will be on site as well offering a chance to win tickets to some of their upcoming events.
Plus, guests will also have the chance to win restaurant gift cards at the CCDRW kiosk, and brochures and printed recipe cards will also be distributed.
Later that day, Center City Fit presented by Rothman Orthopaedics (aka an interval training class with F45) will kick off at 6 p.m., which happens weekly in Dilworth Park. All participants have to do is bring their own mat and water bottle.
Then on Wednesday, Aug. 2, Center City District Sips will be in full swing and for those who haven’t been yet, the fan-favorite happy hour has returned with exclusive discounts at the Air Grille Garden, which will transform once a week to “the ultimate after-work hangout,” featuring live DJ entertainment and an extended space.
Specials include $7 Passion Fruit Margarita made with Hornitos Tequila, $6 wine, $5 Kona Big Wave beer, $9 chicken tenders and waffle fries, a $5 hot dog, $5.50 waffles fries (with a $2.50 upcharge for cheese), and $4 onion rings.
Thursday, Aug. 3, will then hold The Arts on Center Stage from 6 to 7 p.m. This weekly activation celebrates Philly’s robust network of arts and culture organizations by showcasing different performances, and this go-around will host New City Brass. According to a release, the five-manned band brings together a rich blend of brass instruments to create captivating performances. As the group says, with a deep passion for their craft, New City Brass explores a diverse repertoire, showcasing “the versatility and beauty of brass music across various genres and styles.”
Across the way at Sister Cities Park, Philadelphians can also find a week of activities. Tuesday, Aug. 1, Parkway Pals presented by Independence Blue Cross will kick off at 10:30 a.m. This iteration is from The Free Library of Philadelphia, and the outdoor storytime program will showcase a morning full of movement, songs and imagination for kids.
The next day, Parkway Pals will then showcase the Investigation Station with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University at 10: 30 a.m. to learn more about animals, plants and bugs, and go wild with fun games, experiments and unique activities. An hour later, Parkway Pals will then turn into “What We Have in Who We Are” with the Fabric Workshop and Museum.
As a release states, this particular activation was inspired by FWM’s current exhibition, ‘Henry Taylor: Nothing Change, Nothing Strange,’ and will explore printing, painting, assemblage, collage, map making, and mending with educators from the museum.
Lastly, Philadelphians can also head to Cret Park (16th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway) for SIPS on Wednesday to head to Capriccio Café & Bar for Half price appetizers, plus $5 beer, $6 wine and $7 Hornitos Tequila cocktails.
For more information on this week’s events at Center City District, visit centercityphila.org
