The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Visit Philadelphia have recently partnered up for “Out in the Garden,” a month-long celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community at the PHS Pop Up Garden on South Street.
What this slew of activities is meant to do is celebrate the community with different events and activations, and it all kicks off with the launch of a new vibrant floral installation at the venue on Sept. 7. The month will then continue on (through Oct. 8) with mixers, performances and other activations that recognize the many identities that exist under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
The installation mentioned before will be unveiled at a party on the 7th, and it was created by Eric Schellack, a longtime PHS Philadelphia Flower Show exhibitor and founder of Arrange Design. As a release states, the installation will accentuate the entrance into the garden and is inspired by ancient classical Greek, Indian, and Egyptian architecture featuring the rainbow colors of the Pride flag. The installation will “overlay the joy and hope of the present with the strength and historical foundations of the past, converting the entrance of the garden into a modern, floral temple.”
After the unveiling, guests can hang at the South Street oasis with Sip City Mixers from 6 to 9 p.m. for their standing LGBTQ Women, Trans, and Non-Binary Mixer. Sept. 17, on the other hand, will hold a Garden Party and free concert (from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.) from partner Astral Artists. The concert will feature a performance by baritone Nathaniel Sullivan and soprano Kayla Harriott singing solos and duets of varying genres. And accompanying on piano will be local pianist Ting Ting Wong.
Then on Sept. 24, the Melamixin will be in full swing where Philadelphians can visit the South Street Pop Up Garden to celebrate members of the queer, trans, and BIPOC communities in Philadelphia. Later in the fall on Oct. 5, Sip City Mixer will host another LGBTQ Women, Trans, and Non-Binary Mixer from 6 to 9 p.m.
The celebrations will then end with Philadelphia’s own OURfest, which according to the release, celebrates the city’s LGBTQIA+ history and community with a parade and a packed festival schedule. Visitors will be able to see Lady Geisha along with other queens and a DJ perform as part of a weekend of celebration, and additionally, enjoy Bacardi drink specials all evening long.
While at the PHS Pop Up Garden on South Street, visitors can also indulge in the themed fare and libations being offered at this location. In 2023, this hotspot is offering fresh-popped popcorn with the option of cinema style or bagel spice, fried cheese curds, and homemade guacamole and chips as appetizers for guests. Philadelphians can also try an Impossible cheeseburger, grilled bratwurst, or roasted veggie wrap for some entrée options or try a drink from the bar menu.
New this season is an expanded menu of frozen cocktails including the Sno-Groni featuring Bluecoat gin, Carpano bianco, and Carpano bitters in addition to its full bar selection of mixed options. And as a release states, the Garden also provides cocktail, wine, and beer enthusiasts with an expanded list of domestic and craft canned beers, as well as 10 draft beer options. The Pop Up Gardens’ beverage menu will also provide several non-alcoholic drink options such as Athletic Brewing’s Free Wave non-alcoholic hazy IPA, virgin frozen piña colada, and other tasty options.
For more information on the PHS Pop Up Garden on South Street (1438 South St.,) visit phspopupgardens.com
