Happy Juneteenth! The celebration of America’s “other Independence Day” kicks off around the city today (if you need background on the holiday that marks the end of slavery see the video below from The Root). The epicenter of the city’s Juneteenth celebration will be in West Philly this Saturday, June 22, with a parade down 52nd Street and and a festival in Malcom X. Park complete with vendors, food and lots of music.

The day kicks off with an “Honor Our Ancestors” breakfast. The parade begins at noon at 52nd and Jefferson and proceeds south on 52nd Street, which will be renamed “Muhammad Ali Way” during a ceremony in Malcolm X. Park (3 – 4 p.m.). The Juneteenth Musicfest will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the park. The featured performer is Kindred The Family Soul. Their performance is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Continue Reading

The 40th Street Summer Concert Series returns Saturday, June 15 with a free performance by Philly rock group Stargazer Lily and opener Ashley Phillips. The event also includes kid-friendly activities, and free samples of Ben & Jerry’s (while supplies last)!

Before heading to the show, which begins at 6 p.m., check out the map. Due to construction near 40th and Walnut, the event will now be held at 39th and Walnut Streets, just near Locust Walk.  Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of Curio Theatre.

West Philly’s Curio Theatre Company has received a lot of scholarship applications for their 2019 Summer Camp Program, which will be held in two two-week sessions next month (July 1-12 and July 15-26).

“Interest and enrollment for Curio Theatre Company’s 2019 Summer Camp has far surpassed our expectations,” reads an email newsletter sent out by Curio. “More kids than ever have asked for scholarship assistance to attend Summer Camp 2019.”  Continue Reading

40th Street AIR Gallery at 4007 Chestnut St.

Local artists who need a kickstart to their career are invited to apply for the 2019-2020 40th Street Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program. The program provides free studio space to new or emerging visual artists who reside or are strongly affiliated with neighborhoods west of the Schuylkill River and assists them in their career growth.

If accepted, artists will be given a studio space at either 4007 Chestnut Street or 4013 Chestnut Street beginning September 1, 2019 and ending August 15, 2020. Artists-in-Residence will be encouraged to use that time to develop their own creative work and asked to share their talents with the community through outreach service over the course of the residency.

Applications are accepted through Monday, June 17. For more details about this program and to apply, click here.

Over 90 porches are participating in this year’s West Philly Porchfest. Check out the full map on westphillyporchfest.com.

West Philly Porchfest is returning Saturday, June 8, with free music performances taking place around the area from 12 – 6 p.m. This year, 95 porches are hosting shows featuring musicians and groups representing a variety of musical genres.

Just like last year, all performances are divided into three groups. From 12 to 2 p.m., shows will be held on porches on and south of Baltimore Ave. between 43rd and 52nd Streets. From 2 to 4 p.m., performances will be held between Baltimore Ave. and Walnut St. from 41st to 50th. And finally, from 4 to 6 p.m., check out performances between Baltimore Ave. and Market St. from 46th to 59th streets.  Continue Reading

Beginning Tuesday, June 4, University City District will be holding events at the brand new public space, Trolley Portal Gardens. The public is invited to 40th and Baltimore every Tuesday night in June, from 5 to 8 p.m., to enjoy food from some of favorite food trucks, a mix of free music and family-friendly activities with local arts groups.

Here’s the full schedule through June 24th:

June 4:

Food: A new perspective on traditional American picnic foods from Haley Quinn’s plus popsicles from Ice Cave
Activity: The Green Tambourine will provide live music

June 11:

Food: Award-winning sweet and savory waffles creations from Foolish Waffles plus popsicles from Ice Cave
Activity: Make Mandalas with staff from the University City Arts League  Continue Reading