Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Out of Sight at The Oval
To celebrate the launch of the highly-popular seasonal pop-up, The Oval, Philadelphians can first head to a free concert this Friday, July 7, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the venue. Philly’s own SNACKTIME will headline the event, plus local DJ Killsing and multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Rachel Andie will also be hitting the stage.
And as a release states, additionally, attendees will be able to check out food trucks and the space’s 21,000-foot beer garden managed by MilkBoy, which will be serving up a curated selection of brews, plus pastries and nonalcoholic drinks courtesy of Forîn Café. Out of Sight at The Oval is free to attend with no advanced registration required.
2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, phila.gov
National Fried Chicken Day
This Friday, July 7, certain spots around the city will be celebrating the tasty holiday with different dishes and specials. Philadelphians can head to fan-favorite spots like Love & Honey Fried Chicken (1100 N Front St.) to try out some of the buttermilk batter its chicken is made in and then drizzled in honey, or head to The Love (130 S 18th St.) in Rittenhouse to opt for one of their gourmet fried chicken sandwiches for brunch or dinner.
The newly opened Big Chicken at The Concourse at Comcast Center (from Shaquille O’Neal) will also be celebrating National Fried Chicken Day in Philly by offering a variety of its fresh menu (which spans sandwiches, sides and milkshakes), and Korean double-fried chicken hotspot Bonchon (which has two city locations) is offering guests 50 wings for $65 now through July 6. Philadelphians can also enjoy free delivery on all orders placed through Bonchon’s website now until that same date.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
This year’s Chinese Lantern Festival features 34 lantern groupings with more than 1,500 individual lighted sculptures including a 100-foot long sea dragon, plus the fan favorite 164-foot long fire-breathing dragon—which has become one of the most notable attractions of the event, especially when it puffs out “smoke.”
Entertainment-wise, Franklin Square’s notable fountain will be celebrating the occasion with its quintessential Fountain Show, which will feature “Little Apple” by Chopstick Brothers. Stage shows will also take place at the Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square (head towards the massive dragon to find the stage to the right of it), at select times and will include face changing, Jiu-Jitsu acrobatics, plate spinning, Kung Fu tea and folk dance.
Throughout the venue, visitors can also find pieces for sale made from aluminum braiding, inner-bottle painting, and lantern painting, and there will also be plenty of food and beverages available.
200 N. 6th St., phillychineselanternfestival.com
Rodin Garden Bar
Back for another sunny season, the Rodin Garden Bar is officially 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
Crave Montco Month
Crave Montco Month kicked off on July 1, and will last the whole month with special events. It aims to be a celebration that highlights the hundreds of eateries, breweries, and restaurants that make Montgomery County a go-to dining destination. Restaurants and offerings hold a little something for everyone spanning from al fresco spaces, to breakfast nooks, to lively bars and everything in between.
The public is also invited to download the Montco Makers Passport — a free mobile pass that guides patrons to the best breweries, distilleries, and craft beverage producers in Valley Forge and Montgomery County. Passport users can check in during their visit for a chance to win prizes as well. New eateries and offers are being added to Crave Montco Month on a regular basis. For the full list of up-to-date list of promotions and to find out more information, visit cravemontcomonth.com
