Looking for some fun, unique and safe ways to spend your weekend? In the age of social distancing, Metro has you covered. A few Philly establishments have come up with inventive ways to still have fun this weekend while staying healthy.
‘As You Like It’ with The Phoenix Theatre
The Phoenix Theatre may be closed for the time being, but the organization has decided to still put on a show for all to enjoy, just on the virtual front instead of in person. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Philadelphians can watch William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ on the company’s YouTube Channel live at 7 p.m. the first two nights and then at 2 p.m. for a matinee performance on Sunday. According to the release, the cast of the show includes: Emma Apple, Ryan Cassidy, Amanda Clark, Hannah Cohen, Bailey Denmark, Kelsey Hébert, Taylor Morgan, Samantha Smith, Becca Stehle and Lauryn Swavely. They will all be performing live through Zoom while broadcasted on YouTube. The play is directed by The Phoenix Theatre Resident Company with the Stage and Production Manager being Andrés Gallardo Bustillo. Phoenix will also be accepting donations for the Black Lives Matter global network for these specific performances of ‘As You Like It.’ The link can be found on their official website.
thephoenixtheatrepa.com
Black Lives Matter Fest
This youth-run, family-friendly event was started by Drexel University student Senta Johnson, the Unifying Group Foundation and the Media Borough with the goal of uniting surrounding communities and inspiring lasting conversations. The release states that the focus for this particular event will veer away from any political or reformative stances in order to focus on the moral injustices and transforming habitual hate into love. The event will be highlighting and featuring local black-owned businesses including Harriet Bookshop from Fishtown and Paparazzi Jewelry from Aston, plus live music, speakers, kids activities, refreshments and more. Black Lives Matter Fest takes place this Saturday, July 11, from 2-5 p.m. on the Delaware County Courthouse front lawn (201 W. Front St.). Social distancing will be enforced while at the festival, and more information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
Thirsty Dice’s Ice Cream Scoop Shop
Philly’s own game board cafe has recently decided to fully embrace the summer season and open its very own Scoop Shop. According to the release, located inside the recently renovated café, Thirsty Dice Scoop Shop features a dozen flavors of Bassets ice cream, toppings, milkshakes, and coffee roasted by Herman’s in South Philadelphia. Ice cream flavors range from French Vanilla and Cookies & Cream to a bit more unique offerings including the Guatemalan Ripple flavor made with Guatemalan-sourced coffee, mocha fudge ripple and mini coffee-filled chocolates. Scoops are available for all in a cup, sugar cone, or waffle cone starting at $4.50, whereas pints run for $7.75 and quarts at $12. Specialty shake-wise, Philadelphians can pick up the PB Lover’s (made with peanut butter ice cream, butterscotch and peanut butter cup pieces) or the Baker Shake (made with cookie dough ice cream, brownie pieces and hot fudge). There will also be boozy shakes available for any adult that wants a bit more of a spirited dessert option (think Bananas Foster and Cherry Pie as flavors). Thirsty Dice’s Scoop Shop is located at 1642 Fairmount Ave. and will be open Tuesday- Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m., Friday- Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.
thirstydice.com
Newark Museum of Art Virtual Community Day
According to a release, on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of the Newark Uprising, The Newark Museum of Art will offer a series of engaging programs on Sunday, July 12, as part of its virtual Community Day: ‘Say It Loud—A reflection on the ’67 Newark Uprising, Then and Now.’ The fun begins at noon and the day will be full of storytelling, performances and dialogues all surrounding the past, present and future of Newark. Highlighted activities include a story-time event with Sharon Owens from The Newark Public Library who will be reading “The Old Turtle and the Broken Truth” at noon, a conversation about racism and protest in art with New York Times bestselling author Arruna D’Souza at 2 p.m., a showcase of poetry and music with poet Alexis Green and musician GIMMEDAT at 3 p.m. and much more. Community Day programs will be accessible on Zoom and Facebook Live, and to register in any of the day’s activities or to learn more, visit the museum’s official website.
