Whether it’s spending more time outdoors or indulging in the flavors of the season, here are a few ways to make the most of these last few weeks of summer in Philly.
Smoked out Saturdays at Red Owl Tavern
Red Owl Tavern launched this BBQ-themed menu service in July, and Smoked Out Saturdays will continue every week through Sept. 7. The activation features a rotating lineup of BBQ specialties available from 10 a.m. until sold out, with this weekend’s line-up including a half or full rack of ribs.
Future specials include a Peruvian smoked half chicken (Aug. 24), a smoked pit beef sandwich (Aug. 31) and a 3-meat combo of brisket, ribs and jalapeno-cheddar sausage to finish it off (Sept. 7.) Additionally, families dining at Red Owl Tavern can opt for a complimentary kid’s hot dog meal with the purchase of any BBQ selection as well.
433 Chestnut St., redowltavern.com
Spend time in Philly parks
There are plenty of events happening in local parks throughout August to celebrate the end of summer in Philly. Yoga in the Park, for one, is a fan-favorite activity that happens every Sunday until Aug. 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the expansive green space of East Fairmount Park at Lemon Hill Mansion, led by a rotation of local Tula Yoga instructors ($15.)
Philadelphians can also opt to get their hands a little dirty with community Volunteer Days through weeding, invasive plant removal, trash pick-up, trail maintenance, and more at Carousel House Farm every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Bailar en FDR is another unique way to spend time in Philly Parks, and these Salsa dance classes take place at the historic FDR Park Boathouse. The all-levels dance lesson happens from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by a social dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., all of which are hosted by DJ Val Flores and Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa (free, Aug. 13 and 23.)
A full list of summer-time activities in Philly parks can be found online.
At the Table’s Lobsterfest
August is all about lobsters at the Wayne hotspot, At the Table. The themed menu will be running this five-course prix-fixe menu until the end of the month, and Philadelphians can pull up a chair for this summer-time themed feast.
Dishes span a New England style lettuce wrap, Maine lobster toast, Maine lobster tortellini, a charcoal grilled 1/2 lobster tail and a deep-fried root beer float with funnel cake, lobster powder and ice cream.
At The Table also offers a plethora of recently added seafood dishes on their à la carte menu, according to a release. Selections include Lobster Tagliatelle ($
Reservations for the Five-Course Maine Lobster Tasting Menu can be made via Tock, and is priced at $125 per person with an optional traditional wine pairing for $65 per person.
118 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, atthetablewayne.com
Corn treats at Cake Life Bake Shop
Looking to sweeten up your summer in Philly? While corn is in its peak, Cake Life Bake Shop is taking advantage of the treat with some new themed menu bites.
The spicy and tangy Elote Croissant ($8) features creamy elote corn topped with cotija cheese and a Tajin-dipped lime, while the Poblano Corn Quiche with Chorizo ($7.50 or $44.50 for a large) boasts a sweet and spicy mix of corn, poblano peppers, cheddar, and chorizo sausage, all in a savory, buttery shell.
There’s also the Blueberry-Corn Cupcake ($5) made with a sweet corn cake brushed with vanilla-corn syrup, filled with blueberry compote, then topped with blueberry buttercream and fresh blueberries. The Blueberry-Corn Layer Cake on the other hand ($44-$185) features a sweet corn cake brushed with vanilla-corn syrup; layered with cream cheese frosting, blueberry compote, and fresh blueberries; frosted in blueberry buttercream; and then topped with more fresh blueberries and gold croquants.
1306 Frankford Ave., cakelifebakeshop.com
Stroll the Street in Manayunk
Manayunk’s Stroll the Street initiative returned in 2024 with an entire season of weekly themed events filled with live music, art, makers, vendors, activations, food/drink specials and more. The theme of “Pets” has taken over the month of August, and each night will always have a roster of different artisan vendors offering up jewelry, art, vintage clothing, gourmet hot sauce, candles, pet treats, and more.
Special events this month span Pet Bandana Making with Portable Picasso on Aug. 15, Canine Caricatures on Aug. 22, a Pup Cup buffet on Aug. 29 and much more.
Manayunk area businesses will also join in on the seasonal fun as well, by offering specific specials: Winnie’s Manayunk will offer varied weekly food/drink specials tying in with arts, music, and pet month; The Brass Tap will host weekly promotional beer specials; Philadelphia Runner will feature weekly discounts and Thursday night group runs at 6:30 p.m., and much more.
