Looking for fun things to do for Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered.
Manna’s Guac Off
On Thursday, May 25, MANNA will host one of their fan-favorite events at Morgan’s Pier—the 9th annual Guac Off event: Guac of Ages. From 6 to 9 p.m., chefs from several different restaurants will present their own guacamole recipes for guests and judges to sample and ultimately, be crowned the 2023 Guac Master.
Some participants for this year includes Buena Onda, Rosy’s Taco Bar, Revolution Taco, Taqueria Amor and others, all of whom will be judged by a panel of different judges including Chef Jen Carroll of Carroll Couture Cuisine, Emmy-award winning reporter and CBS3 anchor Pat Gallen, 92.5 XTU weekday host Nicole Michalik and more, while the event will be emceed by Brittany Lynn, the “Don” of Philly’s Drag Mafia.
Tickets ($40) are available, as are VIP options.
221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., donate.mannapa.org
Rodin Garden Bar
Back for another sunny season, the Rodin Garden Bar is officially opening back up to the public on Friday, May 26, and will take place every Friday until Aug. 25 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. This pop-up experience offers beer, wine, craft cocktails and tasty small plates, with the venue’s scenic garden acting as the backdrop to it all.
And what’s on the menu? As the release states, food items by Constellation Culinary Group include a Roasted Turkey Baguette, Whipped Ricotta, Tofu Bahn Mi, Chilled Citrus Marinated Shrimp, a Mezze Platter, Plantain Chips, Curry House Pickles, and more. Cocktails include a Paloma made with tequila, fever-tree grapefruit soda, and lime, and a Red Rosé cocktail made with gin, sorrel syrup, fever-tree elderflower tonic.
As an extra bonus, admission to the Rodin Museum will be pay-what-you-wish during Garden Bar hours.
2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, rodinmuseum.org
Fit Fest
Now in its third year, the free, immersive, multidisciplinary outdoor arts and fitness festival will take place on Saturday, May 27 from noon to 6 p.m.—and it will feature an assortment of activities from dancing, to circus skills, to walking tours and more.
As a release states, highlights of this year’s performances will include the cutting-edge, site-specific contemporary circus of the France-based group Keep Company, Native Nations Dance Theatre, Hip-Hop Fundamentals, and an ensemble of dancers led by choreographer Megan Mazarick.
Fit Fest also will feature a flash mob performed at the end of the day, and participants can learn the steps throughout the event to become part of it themselves on top of other activities for all ages. Additionally, there will be healthier options for food and drinks to accompany the events. A full schedule can be found online.
1301 Beach St., thealmanac.us.
Society Hill’s NYSC Murph Challenge
Every Memorial Day, gyms around the USA host the Murph Challenge in honor of Navy SEAL officer Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005, and, all of the service members who give their lives to service in this country. Society Hill in Philadelphia happens to be one of the chosen locations for the challenge this year, and it takes place on Monday, May 29, with two sessions at 10 a.m. and noon.
As a release states, the Murph Challenge workout includes a 1 mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another 1 mile run, all in a 20lb weighted vest or body armor. NYSC will also host scaled back versions of the challenge (including with no vest, 50% challenges, or personal versions based on needs) and anyone interested in the full challenge can bring their own vest.
Participation is free. To join you must register in advance at: The Murph Challenge at NYSC 2023, and after sign-up attendees will be invited to register via The Murph Challenge official Individual Registration if they would like their score to appear on the Official Murph Leaderboard.
220 S 5th St., page.nysc.com
Latchkey’s Grown Ass Bookfair
On Saturday, May 27, Latchkey is hosting a special event with The 8th House from noon to 4 p.m. The Grown Ass Book Fair will feature a variety of thematic goods available for purchase including books, zines, stickers, VHS tapes and friendship bracelets—plus the debut of Latchkey’s graphic novel collection (these novels will also be 20% off the cover price on that date.)
The event will also feature tarot card readings with a 90’s twist and adult “Lunchables.” Plus, as a release states, customers dressed for the occasion will receive 10% off their Grown Ass Book Fair purchases, and the best of the “middle school”-dressed may walk away with a free Tamagotchi virtual pet for their efforts (while supplies last). Lastly, polaroid photos will be available for $3 and can be taken in front of Latchkey’s “Teen Hearthrob” wall.
1502 E. Passyunk Ave., shoplatchkey.com
