Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Love Your Park Week
It’s the final days of this annual activation, which pops up twice a year to help clean and care for Philly parks through community-based opportunities. That includes various cleanup meet-ups from over 100 park volunteer groups, plus some family-friendly outdoor events spanning bird watching, yoga, and more.
Those who choose to suit up for this year’s Love Your Park Week will get down and dirty planting flowers, tending trees, and removing any litter to gear up for the busy summer season. Tools and gloves will be provided with support from Keep PA Beautiful, and any age group is welcome to join in by registering online.
Other highlighted events include an Intro to Birding Workshop (May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Therapeutic Horticulture (May 17, 3 to 5 p.m.), a TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaway at Pleasant Hill Park (May 18, 9 to 11 a.m.), and Family Yoga with Little Yoga Squad (May 18, 11 to 11:45 a.m.) Locations and sign-ups for these free or low-cost events can also be found online.
‘Rent’ at the Arden Theatre Company
The wildly popular musical hits the stage at the Arden this weekend. According to a release, with songs like ‘Seasons of Love’ and ‘I’ll Cover You,’ the production tells the story of a close group of young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create a life in New York City’s East Village during the height of the AIDS crisis. The production begins May 15, with opening night set for May 21. Due to popular demand, ‘RENT’ has been extended through June 22.
Single ticket prices ($65+) vary by performance and are available online, by phone at 215-922-1122, or at the box office at Arden Theatre Company.
40 N. 2nd St., ardentheatre.org
Summer Fun at Dilworth Park
The Philadelphia Marketplace in Dilworth Park takes place every Friday and Saturday from now to June 28 (noon to 6 p.m.). While there, Philadelphians will be able to peruse through handmade artwork, home goods, jewelry, and more from a revolving line-up of small businesses from the Greater Philadelphia and tri-state region.
Vendor names to look out for include BK Ceramics, Petal to The Metal Decor (art made with pressed fruit and flowers), Delectable Cookies, The Crochet Chick, Unique Payne’s Candle Creations, Harleysville Beekeeper (locally sourced honey), Cracked Bell (merchandise for Philadelphia), Cutie Pies Jewelry and more.
While at Dilworth, locals can also hit the Rothman Roller Rink. The retro-inspired rink—featuring a checkerboard floor and overhead art installation by Philadelphia’s Lucky Dog Studio— is currently open to the public for the season. Tickets run for $10 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under, skate rental is $6 (group discounts are available for parties of 12 or more). The rink will remain open daily (hours vary) through June 29.
1 S 15th St., madeinphila.com
Wicked Gluten-Free Expo Philadelphia
The largest gluten-free expo in the country is headed to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center this weekend. Taking place Saturday, May 17 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the event features over 100 local and national bakeries, brands, restaurants, snacks, food trucks and artisans.
As a release notes, the public is invited to sample both savory foods and sweet treats while here, most of which is from Pennsylvania-based businesses. A multitude of products will be available for purchase, from gluten-free baking mixes, breads and pierogi to donuts, pretzels and pizza crusts. Lunch will be available from vendors and food trucks selling pasta, cheesesteaks, empanadas, and fried chicken. Nonprofit organizations will also be on hand offering celiac disease information and community resources, along with food demos, presentations, a kids’ play area and face painting.
Tickets to the expo ($25) are available online.
100 Station Ave, Oaks, store.wickedglutenfree.com
Cuba Libre’s 25th Anniversary Menu
Mojitos and memories are being served up at the Philadelphia location of the popular Cuban hotspot, Cuba Libre. The City of Brotherly Love’s venue happens to be the first for the brand — which also has locations in Atlantic City, Orlando and Washington D.C. — and to celebrate 25 years in business, locals can indulge in a tasting menu.
The experience comes out to be a 10-option, $49 tasting meal, with an optional $20 beverage pairing (featuring drinks with spirits, as well as NA options.) The menu starts off with pressed Cuban bread with the venue’s signature mango butter, then follows up with a plate full of second-course picks in the form of smoked and glazed pork belly, creamy chicken croquetas and a Cuban-style shrimp cocktail.
The main event comes out in the third course with a large portion of ropa vieja (braised, shredded and stewed beef brisket), lechón asado (slow-roasted citrus-marinated, pork shoulder), pescao’ frito (crispy, deep-fried red snapper), arroz con frijoles (steamed white rice and black beans) and maduros (fried plantains).
The experience then ends on a sweet note with your choice of a tres leches cake or Cuban flan. Reservations are available online.
10 S. 2nd St., cubalibrerestaurant.com
