Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
ShuckFest
Tickets are now on sale for Oyster House’s largest and most flavorful summer event—ShuckFest. The seafood-focused extravaganza will take place on Sunday, June 2, and will be held at the city’s popular seasonal destination, Liberty Point.
Entry to the event includes a meet-and-greet, tastings from 12 local New Jersey-based oyster growers, oyster shucking tutorials from experts, a craft table for children to create personalized jewelry from oyster shells, live music throughout the event from Gypsy Wisdom, and the event’s culminating oyster shucking competition.
Attendees must purchase tickets ($80) in advance, and children under 15 who accompany adults can enter for free. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit two local environmental nonprofits: Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Inc. and The Jetty Rock Foundation. The event will take place rain or shine.
211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd., oysterhousephilly.com
‘Threads of Transformation’
The Magic Gardens is recognizable in its own right — a stroll in South Philly can show you its impact — but there’s a new reason to head to the venue this summer.
The space is showcasing a new exhibition curated by Exhibitions Manager Chelsey Luster, and it surrounds the idea of “self-reflection and growth through womanhood and motherhood.” Titled ‘Threads of Transformation: Works by Krista Dedrick-Lai and Margaux McAllister,’ the new works come from Dedrick-Lai and McAllister and will be onsite at the Gardens until July 14.
As a release notes, in the exhibition, the artists examine human connections and transformation, navigating brokenness, tenderness, and togetherness through the collection of mixed-media mediums. Dedrick-Lai, a multidisciplinary artist, uses the work to confront the everyday struggles of motherhood, domesticity, and being human. While McAllister, a multidisciplinary artist based in Phoenixville, explores the complexities of motherhood, familial relationships, mental health, and healing.
1020 South St., phillymagicgardens.org
The Museum for Art in Wood
The Museum for Art in Wood‘s collaboration with acclaimed poet and multi-platform artist founder LindoYes is now on display — and it’ll be distributing art-filled gumballs to those who stop by. The new Gumball Machine sculpture is free to view at the venue now through Dec. 31 of this year, and it was created by local artist Jesse Rinyu.
The sculpture dispenses unique walnut shell capsules made by artist Jennifer Eckenrode, and each walnut can be opened to reveal a two-sided slip of paper with an original poem composed by LindoYes and information for free local social services and mental health hotline numbers.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m., with extended hours on First Fridays.
141 N. 3rd St.,museumforartinwood.org
Morgan’s Pier
Summer is here, and Philadelphians ready to soak up the sun can head to Morgan’s Pier. All season long, Morgan’s Pier has daily entertainment spanning live music, rotating DJs, Quizzo, Yappy Hours, and much more, a release notes.
New menu items for 2024 feature backyard barbecue classics such as burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and other “easy-eating” items. Some early standouts include homemade brisket empanadas, fried ribs, a Cubano sandwich, a selection of flatbreads (think buffalo chicken, prosciutto & burrata, Margherita and more), a warm milk chocolate brownie and other options.
Drinks-wise, Morgan’s Pier is still offering a full bar, along with their fan-favorite frozen drinks on top of the craft beer and signature cocktails they sling year after year. A full list of offerings can be found online.
221 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, morganspier.
Ambler History Walking Tour
For those looking to get some exercise in and learn some history, this weekend holds a special opportunity in Ambler. Led by the Ambler Storytellers (a committee of the Wissahickon Valley Historical Society), these one-hour tours are filled with photographs, facts, history, and stories along Butler Avenue, with some parts of the area dating back to 1712 and 1682.
As a release notes, each tour also includes a voucher for a beverage at Tannery Run Brew Works. This free event (though $10 donations are welcomed) will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on June 1 and 15. More information can be found online.
