Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Old City Eats
This weekend, the historic area of the city will be full of food and energy with the return of the annual area-wide block party, Old City Eats. Set for Thursday, June 5 from 5 to 9 p.m., the 2nd Street corridor between Market and Chestnut streets will transform into an open-air celebration with plenty of food, fun and flavors to go around.
This year’s Block Party is sponsored by Bacardi. Guests 21 and older can enjoy specialty cocktails featuring the brand, Patrón and other premium Bacardi sips at participating restaurant locations, plus, tokens can be earned with each cocktail and traded for different swag and prizes. Otherwise, food and beverages will be available as pay-as-you-go options—and there’s a whole lot to choose from on that front from spots like 48 Record Bar, Brownie’s Irish Pub, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, Kyhber Pass Pub, Lucha Cartel and more.
Rittenhouse Fine Art Festival
On June 6, 7 and 8, Rittenhouse Square will be adorned with 145 artists from the US and Canada showcasing their own creations. The event, now in its 98th year, is known as the oldest outdoor fine art show in the country. It was founded by a handful of local students exhibiting art on clotheslines strung between the trees in Rittenhouse Square Park, and its grown to become an annual fan favorite for art enthusiasts from all over.
This year, the Fine Art Show will also feature the Art Therapy Department of Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation in the center of the Square. As a release notes, the creative therapy uses the process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It will be available all three days of the occasion.
1800 Walnut St., rittenhousesquarefineart.com
VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club Opening
VIVA Padel & Pickleball Club will open with a members-only preview on Friday, June 6 (5 to 9 p.m.), and an opening to the general public on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
Membership comes with a variety of perks, but non-members can also rent courts, starting at $25 per hour / per person. Additionally, VIVA’s private lessons for individuals and groups will also be open to non-members, as will clinics and open plays. The new brand is also rolling out a full calendar of events this month, beginning with a “Padel Experience Day.” Taking place June 7, the experience will feature a full slate of clinics and open play for all skill levels, followed by weekly leagues, beginner-friendly workshops, and social mixers.
Philadelphians can get a sneak peek of it all at the aforementioned Grand Opening Party celebrations this weekend. The occasion will feature food vendors, live music, open play, professional demonstrations, free parking and more.
1300 N 8th St., vivapadelpickleball.playbypoint.com
Sonic Sunsets at Christ Church Burial Ground
A new live outdoor jazz series debuted last month at Christ Church Burial Ground. Set for the first Saturday of every month (through September) each show will feature a new ensemble of jazz creatives and an optional pre-show tour of the grounds. With the latter (included in ticket price), visitors will get a glimpse into Philly’s musical past, plus, hear the “haunting story of Ben Franklin’s glass armonica.”
Show dates are set for June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., tours start at 6 p.m., and shows start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets ($15) are available via Eventbrite and are recommended to purchase ahead of time.
340 N 5th St., christchurchphila.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
