Eat cheap in University City during Dining Days

Don’t let the neighborhood’s name fool you. University City stays hopping well after many of the university students clear out. “Summer is a beautiful time here,” says Lori Brennan, University City District’s director of marketing and communication. “UCD offers free events to highlight what makes the community so lively and livable. There are so many reasons to go out and explore.”

1.DiningDays

This is your chance to check out University City’s food scene. During Dining Days on July 16-26, 34 restaurants are serving up three-course dinners for student-style prices: $15, $25 or $35. Choose from hotspots like Jose Garces’ Distrito or Wahoo’s Tacos for Mexican cuisine, spicy Asian fare from Han Dynasty or Zavino for perfectly charred pizza (za) paired with a glass of wine (vino).

2.40th StreetSummer Series

On July 25, the green space behind the Walnut West Free Library will transform into a family-friendly carnival with live music from Mixed People, Red Cedar Strings and Au Jus, plus face painting, fire dancers, jugglers, dancing, arts and crafts, and more. The party comes back Aug. 29 with Sun Ra Arkestra and again on Sept. 26 with a screening of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

3.Movies inClark Park

Every Friday night from Aug. 21 to Sept. 18, head to Clark Park to watch a movie outdoors on a 32-foot screen. Bring chairs or a blanket to stretch out on, but don’t worry about packing a picnic: A rotating list of vendors will be on hand selling snacks. First up is Pixar’s superhero story, “The Incredibles.” Dress up as a superhero for a chance to win prizes from Locust Moon Comics.