Check out this DNC Donkey at The Porch at 30th Street Station (Photo West Philly Local).

As Philadelphia is preparing for the 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC), here’s some useful info for the locals. Approximately 50,000 participants among delegates, media, and other attendees, are expected at the event, which will be held at the Wells Fargo Center on July 25-28. By the way, many guests will be staying in University City hotels. Also, The Daily Show will be at the Annenberg Center (3680 Walnut St) from July 26-29 (in total, four episodes will be filmed there!). Unfortunately, general public tickets have already been sold out.

All city services are expected to operate as scheduled during the event, and Philadelphia Police, Fire and EMS services will not be impacted by the DNC. The City has created a special DNC web page with the Convention news and official information, city service updates and changes, and things to see and do.  Continue Reading

          Photos via japanesehouse.org

Parks on Tap is a cool new program by Philadelphia Parks & Rec and Fairmount Park Conservancy that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks, including a stop at Clark Park during Shakespeare in Park.

From July 8 to July 10, the program will make a stop at the beautiful Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in West Fairmount Park at Landsdowne and Horticultural Drives. Guests can enjoy craft beer, delicious food, and family-friendly activities all weekend long. There will also be FREE admission to the garden and a special $5 admission price into the house.

Parks on Tap will also offer Maha Yoga on Saturday and coincide with Family Tanabata weekend and Japanese Tea ceremonies on Sunday. The Tea Ceremony is an additional $30 and requires a reservation. Hours of operation are Friday and Saturday 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 10 p.m.  Continue Reading

July 4th is this Monday, so here’s information on the festivities, where you can watch the fireworks, and holiday SEPTA service.

Photo via www.welcomeamerica.com

July 4th “Wawa Welcome America” Celebration & Fireworks

As always, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will host a huge July 4th celebration, which includes a free outdoor concert from 5 – 10 p.m., followed by fireworks. SEPTA will have additional late-night service to accommodate holiday revelers from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (see more info below).

If you’re planning to celebrate in West Philly there are some great places to watch the fireworks west of the Schuylkill. One of them is Drexel Park at 31st and Powelton. Just bring a blanket/chair, pack some snacks and enjoy.

By the way, there will be two more fireworks this weekend, both on Penn’s Landing – on Friday, July 1, 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 2, also at 9:30 p.m.  Continue Reading

Another great chance to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature is coming up this Friday (June 24) when The Woodlands kicks off its Nature Nights series with a Firefly Night.

Pack your picnic and flashlights and come to The Woodlands (40th and Woodland) from 6-9 p.m. for a chance to spend some after-dark time inside the gates, which usually close at dusk, and learn more about urban ecosystem and the creatures who call it home.

Tangle Movement Arts is performing a free firefly inspired show, and University City Arts League will be back again this year with fun crafts for families. Lil’ Pop Shop will also be back with their colorful truck and sweet treats.

The event is free and open to the public. More details are available on the The Woodlands’ website and Facebook.

Also, check out these Nature Nights scheduled for this summer:

Bat Night – Go on a bat walk after hours on Thursday, July 28, 6-9 p.m.

Moth Night – Look for moths after dark at The Woodlands on Thursday, Aug. 25, 7-10 p.m.

Although their 2015/2016 season recently ended, Curio Theatre folks have been keeping themselves busy with working on a few summer theatre shows and their first Ultimate Sidewalk Sale Fundraiser. We’re happy to share more information on these events.

• Curio Theatre’s Ultimate Sidewalk Sale Fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 18, from Noon – 4 p.m. in front of the Calvary Center at 4740 Baltimore Ave. Curio is trying to keep their ticket prices low and classes affordable as the theater aims to benefit all of the West Philadelphia community, so all proceeds from the sale will go to the theatre’s Scholarship Fund and general operating costs. The sale features a great variety of collectibles: art, ceramics, housewares, gently used clothing, furniture, toys, and more at very low prices. Rain date is Sunday, June 19.

• For the culmination of their second year, the CuriosiTeens! present Sophocles’ timeless ANTIGONE on Thursday, June 23 at 7 p.m., Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Written over 2,500 years ago, this piece finds sensitive relevance as performed by the theatre’s advanced teen troupe. All shows will be presented on the theatre’s Mainstage (4740 Baltimore Ave.). Tickets are $5-$10 and can be reserved here.

• Curio presents MAGDALENE by Rachel Gluck as part of the 2016 SoLow Fest June 16-26. This part ritual, part performance tells the story of Mary Magdalene, one of the most complex but recognizable icons of the feminine divinity. The 45-minute long show is directed by Brenna Geffers and performed by Colleen Hughes on Curio’s Corner Stage. Here are the remaining shows: Friday June 17: 8 p.m., Saturday June 18: 9 p.m., Sunday June 19: 4 p.m., Friday June 24: 10 p.m., Saturday June 25: 9 p.m., Sunday June 26: 6:30 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-can. Space is limited, so reserve your seat here.

Photo via Universitycity.org

A popular local outdoor music event, 40th Street Summer Series, returns on Saturday, June 18, to the green area behind the Walnut Street West Library. The series, which is co-produced by University City District (UCD), Penn, and The Rotunda, will run monthly through Sept. 17. This summer, the series will feature free, family-friendly concerts and dance performances, plus juggling, face painting, fire dancing, and food and ice cream sampling.

Marc Ribot’s The Young Philadelphians will entertain the crowd this Saturday. They will be joined by Monica “Spirit” McIntyre, a gender non-conforming cellist, vocalist, lyricist, wellness advocate, sound healer, Reiki practitioner, mover and visual artist who promotes empowerment and healing by any medium necessary.

And here’s the concert schedule for the rest of the summer:

July 23: Dendê & Band w/ Openers PaPa Ed Stokes and Kunu Bi
Aug. 20: The Liberian Women’s Chorus for Change w/ Openers Modero Dance Company
Sept. 17: Rennie Harris RHAW w/ Openers Kalamandir Dance Company

The Summer Series begins at 5 p.m. with roaming performances and giveaways, with opening acts beginning at 6 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair.

More information about each performance is available on the UCD website.