Fun things to do in Philly this Labor Day Weekend

Sris-Headshot
Chef Melissa Fernando
Provided

Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this Labor Day weekend? Metro has you covered. 

Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Chef in Residence Program

The museum’s new culinary showcase offers Philadelphians the opportunity to check out different cuisines from renowned chefs. This weekend, the program will feature Chef Melissa Fernando, owner of Sri’s Company, a native to Sri Lanka who moved to India and then the States— and her cooking reflects the diversity.

Fernando now recreates her favorite dishes and meals from her childhood striving to cook authentic Sri Lankan food and recreating the dishes she loved and remembers from her many visits to the Island. On Friday, Sept. 3 to Sunday, Sept. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Philadelphians can experience Fernando’s signature dishes in its newly renovated Café. Menu items include beef cutlets, curried vegetable puffs, jaffna-style chicken curry and creamy cashew curry. 

Chef Melissa FernandoProvided

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, philamuseum.org

Sour Prom Dance Party 

Philadelphians and fans of the “good 4 you” singer Olivia Rodrigo can throw it back to prom days with this event held at Underground Arts. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Sept. 3, guests can head to the venue to check out prom-themed decorations drinks and food, photos by pop up polaroid, music by Rodrigo, Taylor Swift and other pop princesses and dress up in their best prom attire (not required but recommended.) This event is brought to you by the same people that throw Shake It Off: Taylor & Friends Dance Party and tickets are available on RiotNerdPhilly.com

1200 Callowhill St., undergroundarts.org 

All Black Everything Pop-Up Shop 

According to a release, Philadelphia’s top Black-owned brands will convene for a one-of-a-kind Pop-Up experience to kick off the Made in America Festival this Labor Day Weekend. Curated by local fashion stylist Meeka Johnson, safety protocols will be in place as more than 10 of the most trending, award-winning, and acclaimed Black designers, artists, and small business brands mark the end of summer with their debut Fall collections such as Candy Boutique, Fanny Pack Land, Melt, MUSE and more.

The event offers an opportunity for Black-owned online businesses — without bricks and mortar — to make a profit during the busy Labor Day Weekend. From celebrity hairstylists and fashion stylists to award-winning artists, local chefs, social media influencers and more, the “All Black Everything” is an inclusive pop-up experience that welcomes all. Shoppers can check out the pop-up this Friday, Sept. 3 from 6 to 11 p.m. at The Link: Event Space in Old City. 

213 Arch St., oldcitydistrict.org

Rock the Block with Nok

This Monday, Sept. 6, Kalaya and Di Bruno Bros are teaming up for a special Labor Day event. Kalaya chef and owner Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon and Di Bruno Bros. will be hosting a block party outside of the Di Bruno’s Italian Market location from 1 to 4 p.m., and everyone is welcome to stop by.

The party will feature a seafood BBQ menu featuring a variety of classic Kalaya dishes and a few surprises from Chef Nok. Meanwhile, the Di Bruno Bros. Bottle Shop will feature a Thai-inspired bar featuring a selection of seasonal cocktails, and the entertainment will include DJ Boo Boo, along with a drag show beginning at 2 p.m. featuring Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia. This event is rain or shine.

Chef NokProvided

930 S. 9th St., kalaya.net