Shakespeare in Clark Park

Friends of Clark Park (FCP), the non-profit organization that manages one of West Philly’s most popular public spaces, is already planning for the next year and currently seeking community input. FCP wants to know how and how often you use the park and whether you attend any events there among other things. Does the park need changes or improvements?

Clark Park hosts numerous events and sports activities throughout the year, such as Saturday Farmers Market, Uhuru Flea Market, Spruce Hill May Fair, Shakespeare in Clark Park, Youth Soccer League, Movies in Clark Park, Party in the Park, Woodland Avenue Reunion, and more. In recent years, even more events have launched at the park, such as cinéSPEAK’s outdoor independent film festival, Under the Stars at Clark Park.

Community members are invited to complete a short online survey (click here). The results of the survey will help the Friends of Clark Park to plan how to best utilize the park the space in the upcoming year.

Here’s a great chance to spend some time after dark at The Woodlands and learn more about one of nature’s magnificent creatures – the firefly! A popular summer event, Firefly Night, will return this Wednesday, June 29, from 6 – 9 p.m. to 40th and Woodland as part of the Nature Nights series.

At the event, guests can watch for fireflies in The Woodlands after dark, all while enjoying a sweet treat from the Popalong Truck. You can also learn about The Discovery Center and have fun with a nature activity. Tangle Movement Arts will present a firefly-inspired aerial performance. After the aerial performance, there will be a chance to explore the Philadelphia Orchard Project (POP) learning orchard located near Woodland Avenue.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic and a flashlight! Continue Reading

Drexel Square

This summer, Drexel Square, a 1.3-acre community park that opened near 30th Street Station in 2019 as part of the Schuylkill Yards development project, is hosting a wide variety of free activities, open to the community. “Summer at the Square” series events range from free fitness classes, live music, meditation, art classes, food trucks and pop-ups, and more.

See the full list of happenings at Drexel Square here: https://schuylkillyards.com/whats-happening.

Schuylkill Yards is a $3.5 billion project, a partnership between Drexel University and Brandywine Trust, which will include eight high rises connected by green public spaces and retail when completed. More info is available here.

Some major Juneteenth celebrations will be held in West Philly this Sunday. The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival is returning after the pandemic-related hiatus. The 2022 Juneteenth Parade participants will march along 52nd Street – from Jefferson to Pine. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and will conclude at Malcolm X Park where the festival will take place (from 12-8 p.m.).

The Juneteenth Parade will include non-profit organizations, youth groups and schools, local politicians, as well as dance and music groups. The festival at Malcolm X Park will feature music and dance performances, local merchants, food vendors, and more. Residents can also get tested and vaccinated against COVID. Continue Reading

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (archived photo).

The popular neighborhood event, Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, will return Thursday, June 16 after a two-year hiatus.

This year, the event, organized by University City District (UCD), will feature $1, $3, and $5 deals from local businesses along Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 52nd. Over 25 local storefronts will participate, with additional community vendors, performers, and musicians providing entertainment and fun along the way.

Deals range from bites of tasty food and beverages offered by popular local businesses (Renata’s Kitchen, Dahlak Paradise, Mariposa Food Co-op, and more) to preview theatre tickets and merchandise offerings. Greensgrow West (5123 Baltimore Ave.) will be offering plants and planters ranging from $1-$5, as well as merchandise and children’s books. Continue Reading

West Philly Porchfest, the annual DIY music festival where anyone with a porch can host a show, is back this Saturday, June 4. The festival kicks off at Noon with most performances scheduled south of Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 54th Street. Then from 2 to 4 p.m., most shows will take place north of Baltimore from 42nd to 48th Street. Finally, from 4 to 6 p.m., most performances will be held north of Baltimore, from 48th to 52nd (see the full map here).

West Philly Porchfest provides an opportunity to local musicians to play and to West Philly residents and guests to enjoy free shows in various music genres. For the full list of performers and schedule, visit the West Philly Porchfest website.