Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Cemita Festival at Cantina la Martina
Cantina la Martina’s 2nd annual Cemita Festival will be in full swing this Sunday, Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The activation this year is taking place at their event venue, La Placita Fishtown, and will highlight seven different vendors—all local—and all making and selling their own interpretation of a cemita.
As a release notes, cemitas are $15 each, and participants will keep 100% of their profits (note, some vendors are cash only and there is no ATM on site). Specialty non-alcoholic drinks and juices will be available for purchase throughout the event, including N/A palomas, margaritas, IPA beer, and cantaritos (made with N/A tequila) thanks to a partnership with Wallace Dry Goods. Philadelphians can BYOB their alcohol of choice.
2211-17 Frankford Ave., cantinalamartinapa.com
Sad Summer Festival
The Sad Summer Festival will be making a stop at the Highmark Skyline Stage at the Mann this Thursday (beginning at 2 p.m.) The annual event, which started in 2019 in the wake of Vans Warped Tour ending, is celebrating its 5th year in 2024. As a release notes, headliners include The Maine and Mayday Parade along with The Wonder Years, We The Kings, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, Daisy Grenade and more.
Tickets and more information are available online.
5201 Parkside Ave., sadsummerfest.com
Grown Up Camp at Liberty Lake
On Saturday, Aug. 10, Liberty Lake Picnic & Events will once again throw their Grown Up Camp day in partnership with Screamin’ Hill Beer Farm. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain date Aug. 11), and it will feature classic camp activities like rock climbing, boating, gaga ball, archery tag, mini golf, and water balloon tosses. Campers can also check out the ground’s water slides, and participate in field day games like sack races and tug of war.
This event is for anyone 21 and over—Screamin’ Hill Beer Farm will provide a variety of craft beers in the beer garden and food trucks will also serve up fare throughout the event. Tickets are $30 per person in advance, $40 at the door or $120 for a group of four. More information can be found online.
1195 Florence Columbus Road, Bordentown, libertylakepicnic.com
‘After the Flowers Pass: Works by Amir Khadar’ at Magic Gardens
‘After the Flowers Pass: Works by Amir Khadar’ is now on display at the Philadelphia Magic Garden’s indoor gallery until Sept. 7. The new display features “otherworldly” textile and mixed media creations by Sierra Leonean-American multidisciplinary artist, designer, and educator Amir Khadar (they/them).
Khadar, a local artist, focuses their work on decolonization by bridging the gap between fantasy and reality. With ‘After the Flowers Pass’ specifically, visitors will see various weaving, dyeing, and beading techniques plus a sewing technique called Appliqué, in which fabric patches are layered on a foundation and then sewn in place by hand or machine with decorative stitching.
‘After the Flowers ’ will be onsite at the cultural venue alongside the space’s central pull—the Magic Gardens themselves are completely covered with intricate mosaics made from handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirrors, and international folk art.
1020 South St., phillymagicgardens.org
East Passyunk’s Passeggiata
East Passyunk’s event series takes place every Thursday evening throughout the sunny season until Aug. 31. What the Passeggiata features is a list of area bars and restaurants offering special happy hour deals, and a sidewalk market from 5 to 7 p.m.
While strolling around the picturesque area of the city, Philadelphians can indulge in $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, along with $7 small bites from spots like Barcelona Wine Bar, The Bottle Shop, Cartesian Brewing, Ember & Ash, Flannel, Human Robot Süd, Juana Tamale, Laurel, Le Virtu and more (a full list can be found online.)
At the same time, retailers and other businesses will adorn the sidewalk in front of their venues with specials and sales to encourage visitors to casually explore the Avenue in the way you would see in an Italian promenade, the release also notes. A full list of everything being offered and more detailed information on East Passyunk’s Passeggiata can be found through their site.
