Here’s a unique opportunity to visit and learn more about some of the most interesting but often forgotten historic and cultural places along 52nd Street, aka “The Strip.” A walking tour titled West Philly’s Main Street: A Walk Through Time, will take place Saturday, Oct. 5, and is organized by All That Philly Jazz, a public project exploring the history of jazz in Philadelphia. The 52nd Street stroll and talk, led by All That Philly Jazz Director Faye Anderson, will uncover the Strip’s hidden past as an entertainment destination for African Americans.

The 52nd Street Stroll dives deep into the Strip’s social and cultural heritage. Uncovering hidden landmarks, it will revisit forgotten stories and remember the iconic figures who shaped the historic corridor.

Here are some of the stops during the stroll:

• Nightclub frequented by celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Cab Calloway, Joe Frazier, Teddy Pendergrass and Stevie Wonder.
• First-ever Walk of Fame memorializing African American artists of stage, screen and television.
• Oldest Black-owned bookstore on the East Coast.
• Sites featured in the 1972 Blaxploitation film “Trick Baby.”
• Restaurant where President Bill Clinton ordered soul food.

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The Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month and invites community members to Clark Park at 43rd and Chester for the annual Ethiopian Day Festival. The event, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 12-7 p.m., will include DJ music, vendors, children’s games, food, a raffle and more.

The event is co-sponsored by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District).

The festival is a great opportunity to celebrate Ethiopian culture. West Philly is home to many residents of Ethiopian heritage and many Ethiopian businesses are located in the area, such as Abyssinia, Dahlak, Alif Brew & Mini Mart, Doro Bet, and more. The Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia is located at 44th and Chestnut Streets, where the Ethiopian Day Festival used to take place for many years.

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Photo courtesy of UCD

One more time this year, community members and guests have a chance to enjoy deals from local businesses at the bi-annual Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, which returns this Thursday, Sept. 5.

The second and final Dollar Stroll of 2024 will take place from 5-8 p.m. when guests are invited to stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets for one-night-only $1, $3, and $5 deals on food, drinks, merchandise, and more from local businesses and neighborhood vendors.

While strolling along Baltimore Avenue, also don’t miss on fun and entertainment, which is a big part of this event. Here’s what’s happening this Thursday:

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Curio Theatre Company is celebrating 20 years of theatre in West Philadelphia this upcoming season and will present several great shows, both for adults and children, from October to May.

The company kicks off this anniversary season with the Philadelphia premiere of Larissa Fasthorse’s Broadway hit, The Thanksgiving Play. The play centers around a group of four well-meaning but culturally insensitive white theatre artists who attempt to create a politically correct elementary school play about the first Thanksgiving while struggling with their own biases and the lack of Native representation. Curio Theatre Co-Founder, Tim Martin, is directing this smart and funny premiere which runs October 23-November 9. Opening Night is Saturday, Oct. 26.

Next, in time for the holidays, Curio is bringing back its Make/Partake theatre experience. The next show is The Three Little Pigs, written by Company Co-Founder and Artistic Director Paul Kuhn.

As they did with Jack In The Beanstalk last year, children will begin by making theatre props, set pieces, voice recordings and more. All of these will then be incorporated into the story to create a magical theatre experience for all who attend. The Three Little Pigs runs December 12-29. Opening is Saturday, Dec. 14. Recommended for children 3-12 though the whole family will enjoy it!

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The 2024-2025 school year is starting soon and we have compiled a list of events for families to celebrate and receive free school supplies. For community members who would like to help out, check out a couple of drives for local children and families. If you know of more events, please post them in the comments section below.

• Community Block Party at 55th and Pine

5500 Pine St.

Friday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m-3 p.m.

The community block party at 55th and Pine, hosted by the 18th Police District, will feature vendors, food and sweet treats, a bounce house, games, free school supplies, and more!

• West Philly Unity in the Community Block Party

Market Street between 60th and 61st Streets

Friday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m-4 p.m.

Horizon House, a nonprofit serving those with mental and/or developmental disabilities across the Philadelphia region for over 70 years, is teaming up with fellow nonprofits and businesses headquartered in West Philadelphia for the West Philly Unity in the Community Block Party. This daylong event will provide numerous resources for families and individuals who call the local West Philly area home. There will be food, music and a backpack and art supply giveaway for all children in the area.

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Theatre in the X, the popular all-Black theatre company, is returning with a new summer production in the park this month. From Aug. 22-25, the company will present One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show, a comedic play by the American playwright Don Evans. Set in the 1970s in Philadelphia, the play deals with the clash between middle-class and working-class African Americans. Don’t miss this show filled with laughter and drama, and featuring unforgettable performances.

The show is directed by Maureen Henighan Booker and features actors Janan Ashton, Carlo Campbell, Eric Carter, Danielle Shaw-Oglesby, Sharese Salters, Tasha Holmes, Semaja Murphy, and Davon Cochran.

All performances are free and open to everyone, just bring your own chair (BYOC!). Tickets can be reserved here.

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