Shakespeare in Clark Park (archived photo).

After taking a break last summer, Shakespeare in Clark Park is resuming its annual summer productions by presenting five nights of PERICLES – from Wednesday, July 28 through Sunday, Aug. 1. Shows will be held at 7 p.m. each night and feature a troupe of tumbling circus performers.

This year SCP is offering a three-tiered seating reservation system with the following options:

• COVID-safe seating

This section is for groups that include unvaccinated or immunocompromised people. People in this section will be asked to wear a mask for the duration of the show and maintain 6-foot distance from the other groups sharing this space. COVID safe seating is limited. Please go here for more details and to reserve your space. Continue Reading

The Pennsylvania SPCA is teaming up with No Dog Gets Left Behind (NDGLB) to host a free pet food pantry for veterans and active military personnel in celebration of Veteran’s Day 2020. The event, which will be hosted on a first come, first serve basis, will take place at the corner of 47th and Fairmount Avenue in West Philadelphia on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (or while supplies last). Check out the event flyer for more information.

Everyone is invited to a free, 7-hour long community festival, Soul Farm, this Saturday (Oct. 14) to celebrate “the rich arts, culture, and community along Lancaster Avenue and throughout West Philadelphia.” The festival is a closing celebration of LoLa 38, a creative placemaking collaboration that has been encouraging civic conversation through art installations and community gatherings throughout the year.

Thanks to LoLa 38, two Lower Lancaster Avenue properties undergoing transformation – the former United Bank building and the site of the former University City High School building – were adorned with art pieces created by local artists from May to September.

The festival will take place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 225 N. 38th St. (LAZ Parking Lot) and will feature local food, art, and music and dance performances.  Continue Reading

Lancaster Avenue 21st Century will hold Lancaster Avenue Day festivities on Saturday, Oct. 7. The day will include a parade that starts on 35th Street at noon, as well as resource tables on topics ranging from registering to vote to paying your water bill.

The parade will proceed from 34th street until 43rd street, and the day will include a $100 “Best in Show” award. There will also be decorations on hand to “decorate your car, or your bike, or yourself, whatever you want,” said organizer Joel Spivak.

Spivak said the day grew out of Lancaster Avenue 21st Century, a business association he co-founded in 2005. Back then, he was concerned that gentrification in West Philadelphia might harm longtime residents and businesses. Spivak is experienced in this area: In the 1970s, he said, he was part of a wave of artists that gentrified South Street. As the Lancaster organization sought to promote local businesses while also encouraging new ones, Spivak came up with an idea.  Continue Reading

Go West! Craft Fest, the bi-annual celebration of local arts, crafts, music and food, will be back at The Woodlands on Saturday, Oct. 7. Over 100 vendors will participate in the Fall edition of the festival, so stop by The Woodlands (40th and Woodland) beginning at 11 a.m. this Saturday to check out a galore of unique, handmade wares – jewelry, ceramics, knitted accessories, clothing, prints, original art, stationery, home wares, childrens’ items, soaps, candles and more.

The festival, organized by VIX Emporium, will also feature food trucks, live music, activities for children, and acrobatic performances by Tangle Movement Arts.

The popular outdoor event, which is now in its 7th year, will be held from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, Oct. 8). It is open to the public, kid and dog friendly, and free to attend.  Continue Reading

West Philadelphia is home to many Ethiopian immigrants and Ethiopian-owned businesses. On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia, located at 44th and Chestnut, and other Ethiopian organizations in the city will celebrate Ethiopian Day with a day-long festival. The annual event will kick off at 11 a.m. and will feature live music, cultural shows, games and activities for children, food, and more.

Over 15 vendors and 20 organizations will participate in the festival and street fair. The event is free and open to the public. Chestnut street between 44th and 43rd streets will be closed during the festival, from approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.