Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Old City Eats
This week, the historic area of the city will be full of food and energy with the return of the annual block party, Old City Eats. Making its return this summer on Thursday, June 20, the free-to-attend occasion will feature food and beverages from participating purveyors as pay-as-you-go options with every cuisine in mind.
The aim of the event is to provide an evening of diverse eats, seasonal sippers, music, and more, as a bevy of Old City’s top restaurants, bars, and eateries come together to take over 2nd Street between Market and Chestnut streets. The al fresco set-up will feature different specials and specialty cocktails featuring Bacardi, Patrón, and other Bacardi liquors on top of different edible offerings.
Las Bugambilias, for one, will serve up sangria, tamales, tacos, and more. Amada, from Chef Jose Garces, will offer Spanish tapas. Cuba Libre Rum Bar will host a DJ, salsa dancing and giveaways. Positano Coast will serve up bites of their fresh seafood and pastas. Sassafrass will offer up innovative cocktails. Vista Peru will serve ceviche and other fresh specials, and more spots will offer distinct cuisine throughout the occasion. A full list of participating spots and who’s offering what is available online.
Midsommarfest
This weekend, the American Swedish Historical Museum will be celebrating a popular Swedish holiday right here in Philadelphia. Midsommarfest is a play on Midsommar, one of Sweden’s most important holidays and a day to rejoice in the coming of summer at a time when daylight is at its longest.
The ASHM’s celebration will take place on June 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. and will feature activations for the whole family. Highlights include traditional Swedish food, live music provided by the Last Chance duo, games and activities, plus flower crowns and refreshments will be available for purchase. Visitors can also check out the museum’s Swedish used book sale and Mormor’s Attic Shop, which is filled with “second-hand treasures.”
Tickets are $8 for ASHM members; $10 for nonmembers; $5 for children 5-12; and children under 5 are free. Tickets are available at the gate or online.
1900 Pattison Ave., americanswedish.org
Pride Makers Market
Hyatt Centric Center City Hotel is celebrating Pride this month by bringing back an annual creative event.
The venue’s third annual Pride Makers Market will be in full swing on June 22, and the local artisan activation is designed to highlight a mix of the city’s talented queer-owned and operated small businesses and artists. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on that date, the second-floor lobby of the venue will be full of crafts and unique finds. While there, attendees can also book sessions with photographers from Inner Light Aura, and enjoy pay-as-you-go bites and cocktails from the hotel’s eatery, Patchwork Restaurant & Bar.
More information on specific vendors can be found online.
1620 Chancellor St., hyatt.com
Clay Fest
Year after year, Clay Fest comes along to give locals and visitors the chance to get their hands a little dirty and create art, and 2024 will be no different.
Taking place this summer on Saturday, June 22, the Clay Studio will once again be hosting their fan-favorite event from noon to 5 p.m. at their South Kensington venue. The artful activation will feature a number of free activities including hands-on clay projects, wheel-throwing demonstrations, a “group sculpture extravaganza,” artist-led projects, picture frame decorating, an ice cream social, and music.
Throughout the day, visitors can catch interactive artist activations. There will also be the opportunity for kids to design characters and use stop-motion animation for their own cinematic project, or patrons can try their hand at wheel throwing, with studio members there to guide the process on top of plenty of other activities.
Patrons can also cool off with treats from Mister Softee, or participate in self-guided tours of the venue. A full list of activities can be found online.
1425 N. American St., theclaystudio.org
United We Heal Film Festival
As a news release notes, the third annual social justice film festival, United We Heal, is returning to Philadelphia on June 23. The evening will feature screenings of social justice-themed short films made by selected filmmakers of color. There will be prizes for the winning filmmakers and a new category for “best music video,” which the audience votes for.
The festival will take place at Underground Arts this Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $55 for VIP.
1200 Callowhill St., blacksoulsummer.com/unitedwehealfilmfestival
