Fun things to do in Philly this weekend

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

We Are Friends Tour

This Friday, Philadelphians can head to The Met to check out this musical showcase headlined by wildly popular Canadian music producer deadmau5. The evening will also feature a DJ set from Nero, plus music from Kasablanca and Lamorn. We Are Friends has been around for about a decade, starting in 2012 with the goal of giving airtime to fresh, newly discovered talent from deadmau5’ mau5trap label.

To celebrate the accomplishment of its artists, the music compilation series is commemorating its 11th edition set to drop later this year (as well as different singles from some of its key players) with this first-ever branded tour: deadmau5 presents We Are Friends, launching in the City of Brotherly Love on July 15. Both deadmau5 and Lamorn have released new singles recently as well, which audiences can hear during the WAF compilation this weekend. 

858 N. Broad St., themetphilly.com

Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival 

This Saturday, July 16, Philadelphians can check out everything the Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival has to offer. From noon to 7 p.m. at Saunders Green Park, guests can immerse themselves in a full celebration of West Philadelphia and jazz musicians.

According to a release, the all-day event is free and open to the public, organized by People’s Emergency Center (PEC), the Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and a committee of community members, with technical assistance from Nu Millennium Media Productions.

The Festival offers a family-friendly environment to enjoy some of the best live jazz artists that Philadelphia has to offer. The planning committee invited food trucks to offer treats and beverages to beat the heat, plus vendors with specialty items.

300-50 Saunders Ave., universitycity.org

Christmas in July with the Philly POPS 

Christmas has come early this year—or, at least with the Philly POPS it has. As part of the POPS’ Salute Series, ‘Christmas in July’ will feature a plethora of ways to enjoy the activation for the whole family.

On Friday, July 15, at 10 a.m., Philadelphians can stop by the Comcast Center Outdoor Plaza to take part in photos with Santa Claus, listen to music from The Philly POPS and Victorian Carolers, plus indulge in holiday treats.

As a release states, at the event, The Philly POPS and Comcast NBCUniversal will also gift 150 bicycles and helmets to children of local first responders or affiliated children in need including members of the military and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments. 

‘Christmas in July’ coincides with the on-sale date for tickets for ‘A Philly POPS Christmas: Spectacular Sounds of the Season’ as well. The POPS’ popular Christmas concert series will hit the stage at the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Verizon Hall from Dec. 3 to 17.

1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd, phillypops.org

Island Collaboration Series

According to a release, Melissa Fernando of Sri’s Company, along with Amy Rivera Nassar of Amy’s Pastelillos, are joining forces for a collaborative dining experience to celebrate foods from Sri Lanka and Puerto Rico, each of their respective islands. The traditional Sri Lankan and Puerto Rican food will be celebrated throughout a four-course tasting menu on Friday, July 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Central Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. 

The culinary event comes in partnership with the Culinary Literary Center, and this inaugural experience aims to celebrate “the rich flavor and dynamic culinary culture of the two chefs’ beloved islands.” Curry and stew will be centerpieces throughout the dinner, but overall, guests will be offered a unique overview of shared ingredients from both Sri Lanka and Puerto Rico. 

Entry cost is $65 per person, and a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting the Culinary Literary Center’s programs for youth, neighborhood engagement and English language learning. A limited number of discounted tickets have also been made available for SNAP eligible families and those experiencing financial difficulties. Tickets and more information can be found on Eventbrite. 

1901 Vine St. libwww.freelibrary.org