Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Cantina La Martina’s Chile Nogada Festival
From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Sunday, Cantina La Martina is hosting their inaugural Chile Nogada Festival, which will feature local Latino vendors, each selling a different version of a chile nogada, with an official panel of judges announcing their pick for the best at 3 p.m.
A chile nogada is a traditional dish that is served to commemorate Mexican Independence made up of a poblano pepper stuffed with ground meat, dried fruit, and nuts. Admission to the event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring cash to buy chile nogadas from the vendors and try out each different version of the dish, which will cost $15 each. Cantina La Martina has an ATM on site if needed, and vendors will be keeping 100% of their sales. Specialty drinks from Cantina La Martina will also be available for purchase throughout the event, plus entertainment will be provided.
2800 D St., cantinalamartinapa.com
Neshaminy Creek’s Oktoberfest
On Sept. 30, the annual Oktoberfest celebration returns to Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company from noon to 7 p.m. The prost-styled activation will feature entertainment from Polkadelphia, a Wiener Toss, Stein Hoisting Competition, and a Yodeling Contest, all paired with some German fare and fan favorites like pretzels, brats, Creekfestbier Lager, Churchville Lager, and other tasty treats from local food trucks including lobster rolls and more. Limited edition Oktoberfest shirts and steins will also be available for purchase.
909 Ray Ave., Croydon, neshaminycreekbrewing.com
PSPCA Foster Carnival
This event offers the chance to Philadelphians to find their next furry friend. Taking place this Saturday, Sept. 30, the Pennsylvania SPCA is hosting a Foster Carnival to promote fostering, spotlighting animals currently in foster as well as those in need of a home. According to a release, there will be adoptable pups on site from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pennsylvania SPCA Headquarters, and adopters can “spin and win” for prizes and discounted adoption fees.
The event will also feature foster parent on-boarding, plus family fun activities spanning photo opportunities and games.
350 E. Erie Ave., pspca.org
Kismet Bialy Pop-Up with Kalaya
This weekend, Philadelphians can try a tasty collaboration from the husband-and-wife entrepreneur team Jacob and Alexandra Cohen of both Kismet Bagels and Kismet Bialys with the James Beard Award-winning chef Chutatip ‘Nok’ Suntaranon of Kalaya.
The Cohens will be teaming up with ‘Nok’ for a trio of special Thai-inspired bialys, which will be available only on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1, at the Kismet Bialys stall at the intersection of Avenues B and 2 inside within the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia.
As a release states, the three bialys that will be for sale Saturday and Sunday (from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or sellout) and span different flavors, including a Thai chili bialy filled with chili jam schmear, shrimp, scallion and onion; a five spice bialy dough filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens and cilantro; and the standard dough bialy filled with butterfly pea flower whipped ricotta, ground chicken, sweet radishes, garlic and shallot.
1136 Arch St., kismetbagels.com
Twisted Tail Whiskey Bonanza
Taking place on Thursday, Sept. 28—Philadelphians can expect more than 100 whiskeys, a spirited cocktail competition with top Philly bartenders, a signature southern pig roast, live music, and more whiskey-themed festivities at the Twisted Tail.
How does the night work? According to a release, established Philadelphia bartenders will incorporate the whiskey offerings into original cocktails for attendees to vote on in a cocktail competition, plus Deke’s BBQ food truck will be on-site serving up slow-cooked barbecue, while Reverend Chris will be playing live New Orleans Style Jazz and Blues piano all night.
There’s also a special VIP portion for those who want to dive a bit deeper into it all, with early admission at 6 p.m. enabling access to rare and hard-to-find whiskeys not available during the main event. VIP ticket holders will also be among some of the first The Twisted Tail’s traditional Suckling Pig Roast, on top of all of the offerings from Deke’s as well.
509 S. 2nd St., thetwistedtail.com
