Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Flag Day at The Betsy Ross House
On Friday, June 14 (Flag Day), sewing experts from the Defense Logistics Agency’s flag room will be on-site to demonstrate techniques they use to embroider Presidential flags, and the day will additionally feature an annual naturalization ceremony at 1 p.m. with a concert of patriotic tunes by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet. The next day, on June 15, festivities will wrap up with ‘An American Music Celebration’ featuring the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale directed by J. Donald Dumpson at 3 p.m.
This 17th annual celebration pays tribute to the tradition of Flag Day commemorations that began at the Betsy Ross House more than 100 years ago, resuming with the first modern Flag Festival in 2008, the release notes. The House hosted its first Flag Day event on June 14, 1891 and has long been the site of the city’s official observance.
Visitors can also head to the venue (open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily) for self-guided and audio tours as well. Tickets and more information is available online.
239 Arch St., historicphiladelphia.org
Summer Beer Garden Series
For those looking for something fun and spirited to do this weekend, The Logan Hotel is bringing its first-ever courtyard Summer Beer Garden Series to life this Sunday, June 16. The pay-as-you-go activation features rotating craft beers and spirits from local brewery partners, seasonal bites from Urban Farmer, yard games for the whole family, live music and more.
Open to all ages (furry friends included), The Logan Hotel’s event series will take place every Saturday and Sunday at noon, beginning this Sunday until Sunday, July 28 in the hotel’s courtyard space.
One Logan Square, hilton.com
Morgan’s Pier
Summer is here, and Philadelphians ready to soak up the sun can head to Morgan’s Pier. All season long, Morgan’s Pier has daily entertainment spanning live music, rotating DJs, Quizzo, Yappy Hours, and much more, a release notes.
New menu items for 2024 feature backyard barbecue classics such as burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and other “easy-eating” items. Some early standouts include homemade brisket empanadas, fried ribs, a Cubano sandwich, a selection of flatbreads (think buffalo chicken, prosciutto & burrata, Margherita and more), a warm milk chocolate brownie and other options.
Drinks-wise, Morgan’s Pier is still offering a full bar, along with their fan-favorite frozen drinks on top of the craft beer and signature cocktails they sling year after year. A full list of offerings can be found online.
221 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, morganspier.com
Stroll the Street
Every Thursday this summer, Manayunk is aiming to become a one-stop shop for all Philadelphians looking to stroll, sip and see a line-up of offerings from its local creative community. The area’s Stroll the Street initiative is returning in 2024 with an entire season of weekly themed events filled with live music, art, makers, vendors, activations, food/drink specials and more.
The theme of “Art” will take over June, “Music” in July, and “Pets” in August, and each night will always have a roster of different artisan vendors offering up jewelry, art, vintage clothing, gourmet hot sauce, candles, pet treats, and more. Specifically this week, for arts month in particular, the event will hold a Paint Night on June 13. A full schedule of happenings and specials can be found online.
‘Threads of Transformation’
The Magic Gardens is recognizable in its own right — a stroll in South Philly can show you its impact — but there’s a new reason to head to the venue this summer.
The space is now showcasing a new exhibition curated by Exhibitions Manager Chelsey Luster, and it surrounds the idea of “self-reflection and growth through womanhood and motherhood.” Titled ‘Threads of Transformation: Works by Krista Dedrick-Lai and Margaux McAllister,’ the new works come from Dedrick-Lai and McAllister and will be onsite at the Gardens until July 14.
As a release notes, in the exhibition, the artists examine human connections and transformation, navigating brokenness, tenderness, and togetherness through the collection of mixed-media mediums. Dedrick-Lai, a multidisciplinary artist, uses the work to confront the everyday struggles of motherhood, domesticity, and being human. While McAllister, a multidisciplinary artist based in Phoenixville, explores the complexities of motherhood, familial relationships, mental health, and healing.
1020 South St., phillymagicgardens.org
