Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
The 30th Annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival has kicked off with a month-long lineup of more than 350 productions and experiences across the city. Running through Sept. 27, the festival annually brings together local and international artists for a celebration of "experimental, progressive and boundary-pushing work."
Beyond the curated lineup, more than 300 independently produced performances will also take over theaters, unconventional venues, and unexpected spaces throughout Philadelphia with the Fringe Festival's Hubs.
Returning iterations include Cannonball, Circus Campus Presents, Dumb Hub, and Studio 34. The Lemonade Stand (new this year) will also spotlight emerging artists and fresh work, and the Performance Garage will establish a dedicated home for dance and theater within its historic 1865 building.
The 4th Annual Philly Black Wine & Spirits Fest will return to Girard College on Sept. 12 to uncork an afternoon of “sipping, savoring and vibing.” This year’s theme is dubbed 'From Bourbon Street to Broad Street' and is meant to transform Philadelphia into a New Orleans-inspired Mardi Gras celebration. Guests are encouraged to dress the part as well by donning outfits in purple, green and gold accented with black or cream.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees can enjoy wine and spirits tastings from popular brands and local favorites, along with live DJs, performances and immersive art experiences. Interactive photo installations, food vendors and a curated marketplace will also be on site. VIP guests will also receive exclusive early access beginning at 1 p.m., with General Sips admission beginning at 3 p.m. Tickets (starting around $44) are available online.
2101 S College Ave., phillyblackwinefest.com
Center City District has announced the return of Open Streets: West Walnut, bringing seven consecutive Sundays of car-free streets to Philly this fall. Kicking off this Sunday, Sept. 13, the series will bring a mix of live music and family-friendly activations to Center City, along with in-street seating pods where guests can relax. There will also be a Fulton Fun Zone (at 18th and Chestnut streets) with rotating programming, including live broadcasts of Philadelphia Eagles games, mini golf and seasonal activities.
Open Streets will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with street closures in place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Walnut Street between Broad and 19th and 18th Street between Chestnut and Locust. With these avenues closed to traffic, the route will create additional space for al fresco dining and sidewalk retail, plus participating businesses will offer in-store entertainment and other exclusive experiences. Restaurants along the route will also be serving food and beverages throughout the event as well.
Breakaway Music Festival will return to Philadelphia for its second year on Sept. 11 and 12 at The Festival Grounds at Subaru Park, bringing two days of electronic music and live performances led by headliners Tiësto, Marshmello, ISOxo and Sofi Tukker. The festival’s two-day lineup also includes Avello, Brainrack, Capochino and plenty of others, with a full schedule of performers available online.
The experience will also feature a range of branded activations, food and beverage offerings, and interactive experiences throughout the festival grounds.
Two-day tickets start at about $169 for general admission and $289 for VIP, including fees and taxes. Single-day general admission starts at $89, with VIP tickets ranging from $139 to $149 depending on the day.
2501 Seaport Drive, Chester, breakawayfestival.com
This free walking group meets several times per week at more than 25 public parks across the city. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary year, any skill level is welcome to participate throughout the 8-week fall season.
There’s also the Park Hopper Challenge, which encourages Philadelphians to explore as many parks across the city as they can during the different We Walk meet-ups. Those who participate in 10 or more events are eligible for the top prize category (which typically comes in gift card form).
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