Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
The Under the El Bazaar
This weekend marks the conclusion of Fishtown’s summer series, “The Under the El Bazaar.” The experience takes over North Front Street with plenty of food, fun and one-of-a-kind finds. The final date is set for this Saturday, Aug. 23, (from noon to 7 p.m.) and the open-air celebration will be filled with pop-up shopping, street performers, live music, expanded outdoor dining, and more.
Family-friendly activities span face painting, a balloon artist, and a caricature artist, plus, DJs, local bands and acoustic performers will be sprinkled throughout the day. Patrons can find vendors with creative goods, plus, local favorites like LMNO (1749 N. Front Street), Evil Genius Beer Company (1727 N. Front Street), Percy (1700 N. Front Street), and The International Bar (1624 N Front Street) will be offering food and drink specials, sidewalk seating, and special in-house offerings throughout the occasion as well.
Fette Sau and Street Tails Rescue
This weekend, BBQ hotspot Fette Sau and the local nonprofit Street Tails Rescue are partnering up to celebrate the “dog days of summer.” All weekend long, locals can head to Fette Sau with their furry friends for complimentary puppuccinos, doggy pools, Fette Sau bandanas, other merch for sale, and a charitable cocktail special (with proceeds from select menu items and merchandise benefiting the Rescue.) Fette Sau will also host live music on Saturday (Aug. 23) from 2 to 5 p.m. plus complimentary pet portraits and adoptable dogs on Sunday (Aug. 24) from 2 to 5 p.m.
1208 Frankford Ave., fettesauphilly.com
Philly Bookstore Crawl
The Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl is set for Saturday, Aug. 23, with close to 50 venues participating around the region. Officially, readers aren’t put on a single set path. Instead, they are challenged to visit as many shops as they can to explore the different events and activations coinciding with the experience.
As a release puts it, some shops are hosting authors while others are running “epic sales.” While traveling around, readers have the chance to meet celebrated writers from the area including M.L. Rio (New York Times bestselling author of ‘Graveyard Shift’), Tre Johnson (‘Black Genius’), R. Eric Thomas (Stonewall Honoree for ‘Kings of B’more’), Victoria Mier (‘Beyond the Aching Door’), Eshani Surya (‘Ravishing’, coming soon with Roxanne Gay Books), John Vercher (Edgar award nominee for ‘Devil Is Fine’) and more.
There’s also the Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl passport (available to print and pick up at participating bookstores.) The take-away is illustrated by acclaimed local creative, Gus Andrews.
3rd Thursday at Glen Foerd
The final iteration of Glen Foerd Mansion’s sunny season event comes with the theme of “Samba Sounds and Summer Nights.” On Aug. 21, locals can head to the picturesque estate from 6 to 8:30 p.m. to check out bites from Federal Donuts, live music by Philly Roda de Samba e Choro, lawn games, and an arts and crafts table for all ages. Drinks will also be available for purchase, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the grounds or head into the Main House for self-guided tours. Admission is pay-what-you-wish (there’s a suggested donation of $10.)
5001 Grant Ave., glenfoerd.org
Delaware River Waterfront
This weekend, the waterside section of the city is chock full of events spanning a treasure hunt, fitness classes, workshops, skating excursions and much more. Spruce Street Harbor Park is always a fan favorite, with food and beverage vendors sprinkled throughout the eclectic oasis, along with colorful lights, comfortable hammocks, floating barges and plenty of space to unwind. Just a short walk away is Summerfest— but this locale mimics a boardwalk with beach-side attractions (in the form of carnival games) a rollerblading rink, and some seasonal treats.
Locals can additionally find art exhibits and seasonal bites at Cherry Street Pier from Philly Tacos and Irv’s Ice Cream. And those itching for some health-based activities can head to Race Street Pier this summer as well. A full schedule of activities can be found online.
