OUTDOORThe Oval ReturnsJuly 15-August 212451 Benjamin Franklin PkwyPay as you gotheovalphl.orgPhilly summertime staple Eakins Oval returns with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. It’ll be open through August 21 with weekly events, a rotating food truck lineup, and a beer garden open every Wednesday through Friday. Things to look out for include weekly outdoor movies during Food & Flicks Fridays, “Yappy Hour” every Thursday for your pooch, and Wellness Wednesday activities featuring yoga and bike-riding classes. To see the full schedule, check out theovalphl.org.Parks On Tap at Belmont PlateauJuly 14-17Army Road in Fairmount ParkPay as you goparksontap.comPhilly’s roving beer garden, Parks on Tap, moves on to Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park this Thursday. It’ll stay put through Sunday, so pop by for craft brews, specialty cocktails and a host of events, like the Free Library’s Book Bike on Friday from 1-4 p.m., and the Do-Over Festival on Saturday from 1-9 p.m.Bastille Day CelebrationJuly 16, 2-8:30 p.m.Eastern State Penitentiary2027 Fairmount Ave.Freeeasternstate.orgCelebrate the French Revolution Philly-style at Eastern State Penitentiary. The daylong festivities include a colorful reenactment of the storming of the Bastille courtesy of over-the-top cabaret troupe The Bearded Ladies. Expect everything from an Edith Piaf drag performance, a dancing six-foot baguette, and the lobbing of Tastycakes over the prison walls. A French Family Carnival precedes the reenactment starting at 2 p.m.NIGHTLIFEWerk 4 OrlandoJuly 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m.Pennsylvania 6114 S. 12th St.$10 suggested donatedpennsylvania6philly.comA cast of Gayborhood talents come together for an after-work soiree to benefit the victims of the Orlando shooting on June 12. Local drag queen Pissi Myles hosts the entertainment portion of the evening featuring singer Jo Stones and Chali, among others. At the bar, order up a Bluecoat cocktail from a special menu curated by event sponsor Philadelphia Distilling.FOODUniversity City Dining DaysJuly 14-24Various locations in University City$15-$35universitycity.orgMore than 30 restaurants in West Philly take part in the 12th annual University City Dining Days. Choose from three price points, $15, $25, and $35, to get a three-course spread from participating restaurants like Dahlak, Han Dynasty, or Distrito. There’s no better time to do a food tour of the area’s fantastic ethnic eateries.MUSICRakimJuly 14, 7:30 p.m.Union Transfer1026 Spring Garden St.$20-$25ticketfly.comMC Rakim performs his seminal 1987 debut “Paid in Full” for the first time ever in Philadelphia. South Jersey rapper Ish Williams and producer Somes open.Brand New / Modest MouseJuly 16, 7 p.m.Mann Center5201 Parkside Ave.$34.99-$59.99manncenter.orgLong Island emo foursome Brand New and Washington state rockers Modest Mouse bring their much-hyped co-headlining tour to Philly’s Mann Center. Press materials promise fans “an immersive, unique experience with no opening acts and both bands performing full headlining sets.” What can’t be promised is tickets. The concert is sold out, so keep your eyes peeled for scalpers.Birth DefectsJuly 16, 7-11 p.m.LAVA Space4134 Lancaster Ave.Freefacebook.comSweaty basement show vibes will be rife in West Philly Saturday night, when Baltimore punk outfit Birth Defects take the stage at LAVA Space. Vice has called the group “the Justice League of garage rock,” thanks to a couple exemplar bandmates like Petey Dammit from Thee Oh Sees and one-time Bleached drummer Jonathan Safley.KIDSKidchellaJuly 15, 5-7:30 p.m.Smith Memorial Playground3500 Reservoir Dr.$10smithplayground.ticketleap.comGrab the kids and a picnic lunch and head to East Fairmount Park for this evening festival catering to young music lovers. R&B and Latin rock children’s artists Shine and the Moonbeams and Moona Luna are scheduled to perform. Local food trucks will also be lined up if you don’t feel like packing something from home.Kids@Play SeriesJuly 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Gold Star Park613 Wharton St.Freegoldstarpark.orgLet your little ones blow off steam at this monthly youth event happening throughout summer. They’ll have a chance to try out some karate chops at a martial arts demonstration, learn about the great outdoors at a special nature program and get their boogie on at a kid-friendly dance party.
