Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
The Amazing Acro-Cats
This traveling troupe of trained domestic house cats (all former orphans, rescues, and strays) perform 90-minute shows around the country under the guidance of Samantha Martin, who created the experience and trained the cats herself. Each performance features cats riding skateboards, jumping through hoops, ringing bells, balancing on balls, and performing other feats of agility and entertainment.
The experience is not only a way to showcase the abilities of the cats and gain funds for Rock Cats Rescue, it’s also meant to show humans the benefits of clicker training for cats. Martin explains that many housecats are abandoned or re-homed due to behavioral issues stemming from boredom. Clicker training helps with that and is demonstrated live in the show to highlight foster kittens in need, and while in Philly, the program will be working with Green Street Rescue.
Martin and the Amazing Acro-Cats will be at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre from Wednesday, Sept. 4 to Saturday, Sept. 7. Shows are at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets range in price from $25 to $75.
480 S Broad St., rockcatsrescue.org
Block Party at the Rail Park
This Saturday, Sept. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., Block Party at the Rail Park will be in full swing. Hosted by the Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) and Friends of the Rail Park (FRP), this free event will feature AAI’s fifth presentation of SOUND TYPE (a music festival and writers’ residency), performances from various Dub-Stuy collective members, a “Lemonade Lounge” featuring Philadelphia-based DJ Kevin Kong, food trucks, hands-on arts activities and much more.
As a release notes, FRP’s long-anticipated Play Everywhere installation, an effort to add intergenerational play to Phase One of the Rail Park and support youth learning, will also be unveiled during the Block Party. This installation, which reflects the culture and values of the surrounding neighborhood through the eyes of youth, was designed and built by Tiny WPA and youth from FACTS Charter School and Asian Americans United’s summer programs.
1300 Noble St., therailpark.org
Center City District Restaurant Week
This Sunday, Sept. 8, will kick off the fall iteration of Center City District Restaurant Week. Over 100 different restaurants will be participating in the two-week culinary extravaganza, which takes place from Sept. 8 to 21. Participating spots will offer three course, prix-fixe dinners priced at $40 or $60, and/or two-course lunches for $20.
As a release notes, dinner will be served indoors or outdoors (if available) and at some locations, takeout will also be offered. Reservations are highly encouraged and can be made through OpenTable, and for an additional price, cocktail pairings can be added to complement CCDRW menus with A. Overholt Rye Whiskey and Tres Generaciones Plata Tequila. As a note, tax, gratuity and other beverages are not included in the prix-fixe menu discount.
On top of the menus, diners participating in Center City District Restaurant Week can also find discounted parking for $10 or less from 4:45 p.m. through 1 a.m. at select Interpark, Bexpark by Brandywine, LAZ and Philadelphia Parking Authority locations. Locals can find more information on the event’s official website along with instructions on QR codes or how to reserve your spot ahead of time.
Philly Style High Tea featuring Dear Jean Bakery
Philadelphians can head to Headhouse Square favorite Bloomsday for a “High Tea” experience with a local twist. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 7, guests can enjoy a pot of tea and snack on Philly-style sweet and savory bites. Tickets ($68.25) include all the tea you can drink, an appetizer soup, a tiered tray filled with goodies, and a very special guest treat from Dear Jean Bakery.
414 S 2nd St., bloomsdayphilly.com
Clover Market
Shoppers and lovers of handmade finds are in luck, the Clover Market is opening back up for the season with its first iteration set for Sunday, Sept. 8. To kick off 2024, locals can head to Chestnut Hill along W. Highland Avenue and in the large Turquoise parking lot at 25 W. Highland Avenue to find everything this year’s festivities have to offer.
The Chestnut Hill Market will feature food and beverages from Many Hands Coffee, Clean Plate Club, Korea Taqueria, Mom-Mom’s Kitchen, Redstone Pizza, Waffles, and Panna Gelateria. Local band Wayside Shakeup will also perform from noon to 3 p.m., and kids can enjoy face painting and free crafts throughout the day. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the “charming” downtown area of Chestnut Hill while there.
Future Clover Markets to look out for in 2024 include a stop in Collingswood on Sept. 22, Bryn Mawr on Oct. 6, and Kennett Square on Oct 20. Each date will feature 90 to 100 vendors and a rotating group of food trucks and musicians.
