UPDATE: University City Garden Club will hold their annual plant sale on Sunday, May 14, 12-4 p.m. at the gates of the Woodlands Cemetery (40th & Woodland Ave.). Many herb, vegetable and flower choices will be available for sale.

We’re sad to report that the 59th annual Spruce Hill May Fair scheduled for Saturday, May 13 has been canceled due to bad weather in the forecast (a lot of rain and wind).

“This was an extremely difficult decision for us, as May Fair is our flagship annual event and our only fundraiser,” Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) president Eric Santoro wrote in an email. “The entire SHCA Board regrets that we are unable to host this wonderful annual tradition in 2017!”

But here’s some good news: some activities will still take place indoors. The annual $1 book sale will continue. Residents are invited to an Open House at the Spruce Hill Community Association Center at 257 S. 45th Street this Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Hundreds of new and used books of all genres will be available for $1 or less; food and beverages will be served; raffle tickets will be sold; and there may even be some live music. Everyone is welcome to come by!  Continue Reading

Project MEOW, a West Philly-based non-profit, has been helping lost or abandoned cats and kittens to find new homes for 10 years since its inception in 2007. Project MEOW volunteers have also been helping to control local feral cat population through their Trap-Neuter-Return program. On Saturday, May 20, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., the organization that is mostly funded by donations is holding its first fundraiser at Greensgrow West (5123 Baltimore Ave.).

The event will feature wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and hors d’oeuvres from local businesses as well as live music. A variety of exciting items will be up for auction, including Phillies tickets, Barnes Foundation guest passes, and gift certificates from area restaurants. Raffle tickets for the auction will be available for purchase at the event and door prizes will be awarded. A playpen full of kittens will be there as well for your amusement!  Continue Reading

The University City District (UCD) has announced that they will bring back several popular events this summer, including Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, University City Dining Days, and the 40th Street Summer Series. Here’s the UCD sponsored event schedule for Summer 2017 with some more details.

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, presented in association with the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA), will be held twice this year – on Thursday, June 15 and Thursday, Sept. 7, both from 5:30-8:30 p.m. As always, neighborhood businesses will present $1 bargains and samples, now between 43rd and 52nd Streets. Stay tuned for more information about each upcoming Dollar Stroll.

University City Dining Days will be held from July 13 through July 23. Now in its 13th year, Dining Days is the “3 courses, 3 prices” promotion at many of the area’s most popular dining destinations. Over 30 restaurants will participate in the event this year, including first-timers CO-OP, Dim Sum House, and Clarkville. A kick-off party for the event will take place at The Porch at 30th on Thursday, July 13. Visit the Dining Days website for updates on restaurants, events, and surprises.  Continue Reading

The West Philly Community Action Fair will be held this Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Kingsessing Recreation Center (4901 Kingsessing Avenue). The event’s goals include connecting neighbors to the many organizations with a presence in West Philadelphia and, ultimately, to make a difference in each other’s lives.

“For some of us, it’s been difficult to find the groups that are committed to making a difference in the area,” explains Ryan Draving, one of the event organizers. “We want to help other people like us to get involved in making the neighborhood a better place or contribute in some way.”  Continue Reading

Take a break from spring cleaning and your other weekend duties this Saturday, April 29, and get over to The Woodlands for the Go West! Craft Fest, the bi-annual music/food/artisan wares celebration.

Go West! runs from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and the rain date is the following day.

All-female aerial troupe, tinycircus, will again perform at Go West! Craft Fest. (Photos West Philly Local)

More than 100 artisan vendors will take part this spring, including seven food vendors like West Philly favorites Taco Angeleno and Kung Fu Hoagies. 

This family-friendly event also includes live music, kids activities and a performance by the always entertaining and inspiring tinycircus from Tangle Movement Arts.

Here’s the lineup:  Continue Reading

The Penn Relays will be held April 27-29 on Franklin Field.

Two big events are happening this weekend in Philadelphia that will cause road closures and traffic changes. The annual Penn Relays will be held on the Franklin Field, and the NFL Draft will take place for the first time since 1960 in the city – on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Both events will be held for three days – April 27 through April 29.

The NFL Draft Experience will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, between 20th St. and Eakins Oval, and a number of road closures will be in place for this event. Until Monday, May 1, 5 a.m., Ben Franklin Parkway from 20th St. to the Art Museum will be closed. Kelly Drive will be closed at Fairmount Ave., and all traffic will be diverted.  Continue Reading