Fun things to do in Philly this weekend

Looking for fun things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Kidchella 

Smith Memorial Playground’s Kidchella is back this weekend for the month of July. Philadelphians can bring blankets, chairs and the whole family to the occasion, which will take place this Friday, July 21, at 4 p.m. The evening will feature mini-performances, activities, snacks, giveaways and food trucks, and then the main concert will start at 5 p.m. This weekend specifically, Kidchella in July will feature performances from ILL Doots and Kendrah Butler-Waters.

As a release states, LL DOOTS is known for their genre-defying music and high-energy live performances. Their name, which stands for “I Love Living & I Love Learning,” reflects their passion for using personal experiences of curiosity and learning to create transformative art. Accomplished pianist, violinist, vocalist, composer, and educator Kendrah Butler-Waters blends jazz, classical, and gospel music to create a “melodious and enchanting experience that families are sure to enjoy.”

3500 Reservoir Drive, smithplayground.org

The Sisterly Love Collective/Delola Launch Dinner 

This Thursday, July 20, at El Merkury, The Sisterly Love Collective will be hosting  Jennifer Lopez’s ready-to-enjoy cocktail spritzes, Delola, for their Philly debut. As a release states, this ticketed family-style dinner will feature Central American plates made to pair with Delola cocktails from Master Mixologist Lynnette Marrero. 

Proceeds for the evening will benefit the Sisterly Love Collective philanthropic organization and program of Les Dames d’Escoffier Philadelphia, which “strives to champion and support women in food and hospitality.” Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 

2104 Chestnut St., elmerkury.com

Philly River Stroll

Every Thursday from now until Aug. 31 (5 to 9 p.m.), the indoor and outdoor variety of offerings along the water-side walkway will boast some can’t-miss specials.

Currently, Thursday night specials include $1 off Hibiscus Lemonade and Summer Sangria and buy one, get one free French Toast Bites from the Garden Restaurant at Cherry Street Pier; $5 Mainstay Independent Brewing Company drafts from Liberty Point and Morgan’s Pier; $6 select beers, $7 select wine and $8 select cocktails from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Moshulu, and more treats from Spruce Street Harbor Park. 

Other unique offerings include $5 ferry tickets for adults, seniors, students, and children (from 4 to 6 p.m.), a slew of activations from Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest including $2 off Hornet’s Margaritas, $1 off Chickie & Pete’s Crabfries, and a ‘Barbie’ skate this weekend, plus buy-one-get-one ferris wheel rides, buy-one-get-one carousel rides and buy-one-get-one free mini golf. A full list of offerings can be found online. 

delawareriverwaterfront.com

Reading Terminal Market Ice Cream Festival

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Philadelphians can head to the 1100 block of Filbert Street as it transforms into the “coolest place in the city”, aka chock full of ice cream eating contests, sweet treat specials, family-friendly activities, music, and more. In addition to the activations, Bassetts Ice Cream has also invited eight local ice cream artisans to join in the fun alongside Reading Terminal Market merchants.

The day will also feature activations for everyone to join in on including food demos in City Kitchen, and messy games like ice cream juggling. Filbert Street will be closed to cars and filled with a DJ, games, arts and crafts (like jimmie necklaces and temporary tattoos), kids entertainment from Silly Joe, and more.

And additionally, Reading Terminal Market’s Ice Cream Festival will also offer a sneak peek into the holiday season with a preview of GingerBread Lane, which will be hosting beach house gingerbread building and Summer Santa, who will be paying attendees a visit.

readingterminalmarket.org

Rodin Garden Bar

Back for another sunny season, the Rodin Garden Bar is officially back open, and will take place every Friday until Aug. 25 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. This pop-up experience offers beer, wine, craft cocktails and tasty small plates, with the venue’s scenic garden acting as the backdrop to it all. 

And what’s on the menu? As the release states, food items by Constellation Culinary Group include a roasted turkey baguette, whipped ricotta, tofu bahn mi, chilled citrus marinated shrimp, a mezze platter, plantain chips, curry house pickles and more. Cocktails include a Paloma made with tequila, fever-tree grapefruit soda, and lime, and a Red Rosé cocktail made with gin, sorrel syrup, fever-tree elderflower tonic. 

As an extra bonus, admission to the Rodin Museum will be pay-what-you-wish during Garden Bar hours. 

2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, rodinmuseum.org