Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Spring Awakening at Stratus Rooftop Lounge
After some weather delays, Stratus is finally hosting its anticipated Spring Awakening event. Taking place on Thursday, May 11, on the 11th floor of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, this annual activation has been dubbed the theme “Starry Night: Hollywood Glam by the Decade” and will open with a VIP hour from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by the full event from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The evening overall will showcase a newly launched seasonal cocktail menu from Lead Bartender Patrick Banko (think: riffs on a Tequila Sunrise, Sex on the Beach, Cosmopolitan and more), plus bites from Stratus and sister restaurant Red Owl Tavern located on the first floor of the building. Each part of the space—from the two lounge room pavilions to the main room and bar—will represent a different decade, with the food, libations and decor matching.
Tickets for VIP cocktail hour (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.), include complimentary fare, access to all entertainment and a select open bar option—these tickets are priced at $100 per person. General Admission, on the other hand, is $20 per person with pay-as-you go food and beverage available. Tickets for Spring Awakening at Stratus Rooftop Lounge can be purchased by visiting sevenrooms.com
433 Chestnut St, stratuslounge.com
Taylor Swift Pre-Game at Xfinity Live!
Xfinity isn’t just for sports and beer—it’s also for Swifities. On May 12, 13 and 14, the South Philly venue is partnering up with Le Petite Fete to host Tay-Gates—a colorful pregame party featuring a DJ, dance party, curated themed cocktails, photo booths, activations, a costume contest and much more. The festivities will take place at Xfinity’s outside plaza and Bud Light Seltzer Stage, with tickets running for $50, and they include admission and access to a complimentary food buffet.
1100 Pattison Ave., xfinitylive.com
The Alice Cocktail Experience
With The Alice Cocktail Experience, visitors are welcomed into a world of curious characters (played by actors), twinkling lights and riddles with this spiked tea party extravaganza. The room itself (which calls the upstairs of Thanal Indian Tavern at 1939 Arch Street home) is decked out and even if you’re not a fan of tea—or spiked tea rather—it’s worth checking out for the atmosphere alone.
At this Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, patrons are put right into the action in immersive ways. A welcome shot and cupcakes are passed around for some sweet treats to start it all off, then to make your first drink, you must figure out a few different riddles, and a few other immersive games then ensue afterwards.
After traveling around different stops in the US, the nomadic party experience is now parked in the City of Brotherly Love until May 21, and shows run Wednesday through Sunday with two sessions each night (5:30 and 7:30 p.m.). In total, visitors will get a welcome drink, two bespoke cocktails, some sweet treats, 10% off Thanal Indian Tavern and a unique evening overall.
1939 Arch St., bucketlisters.com
Rothman Roller Rink
Last month marked the start of the Rothman Roller Rink back out in front of City Hall at Dilworth Park, but this weekend holds the venue’s fan-favorite Wizards and Witches Skate (Saturday, May 13, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.), which will feature roller Quidditch, themed snacks at the Air Grille Garden and free activities for kids.
The rink itself will be open Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission will be $8 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $6, and group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. While online purchases are recommended, in-person sales will be offered onsite based on availability. On Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Matinee Skate will offer $5 off of admission to guests of all ages.
Philadelphians can also grab some grub while there from the Air Garden Grille for bites such as street corn, fried fish tacos, sweet treats and a bevvy of kid and adult beverages.
1 S. 15th St., centercityphila.org
Port Richmond Pierogi Fest
This Saturday, May 13, Philadelphians can head to the Port Richmond Pierogi Festival from noon to 6 p.m. at Gaul & Co. Malt House. The fan-favorite event will feature both traditional and out-of-the-box pierogies from more than 20 food vendors, in addition to 100+ crafters and artists, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more.
As a release states the indoor and al fresco event will include a plethora of local makers and artisans including the Art History 101 Mobile Truck, as well as live music performances by Ryan Beirderman, Ray Palmer, The Polka Band, and the Polish American String Band. As the festival is an all ages event, a kid’s area will be set up with carnival games, sand art, face painting, dart throwing, and a fun house.
704 Huntingdon Pike, gaulandco.com
