West Philly neighborhood greening non-profit, UC Green, is hosting two events at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore) this week.

On Friday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children ages 6-14 and their parents/caregivers are invited to the park for a Field Day filled with various activities centered around trees and healthy greening. Attendees will also receive giveaways, such as biodegradable toothbrushes. Children can make leaf IDs for different plants, create arts and craft projects, join a scavenger hunt or compete in a relay race. The Field Day aims to provides education on tree culture and environmentalism in a fun and active way.  Continue Reading

Friday Night Jazz in Cedar Park will continue until August 2nd, and here’s another West Philly park that has been hosting free live jazz performances this summer. The Jazz Heritage Series is held every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine). The series is hosted by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Friends of Malcolm X Park. The next performance is this Thursday (July 4) by vocalist Shirley Lites.

Here’s a full schedule of performances through September 12:  Continue Reading

Nature Nights, the annual family-friendly event, is returning this week to The Woodlands. The first event in the popular series, Firefly Night, will be held Friday, June 21, to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

The night surely promises to be entertaining: you not only get a chance to spend time at the historic cemetery grounds after dark and watch for fireflies, but you can also enjoy ballet and acrobatic performances.

BalletX will be kicking off the evening at 6:30 p.m., and Tangle Movement Arts will follow them up with a firefly inspired aerial performance around 7:30 p.m. Sweet treats will be served by Lil Pop Shop. Also, don’t forget to pack a picnic and a flashlight!  Continue Reading

Happy Juneteenth! The celebration of America’s “other Independence Day” kicks off around the city today (if you need background on the holiday that marks the end of slavery see the video below from The Root). The epicenter of the city’s Juneteenth celebration will be in West Philly this Saturday, June 22, with a parade down 52nd Street and and a festival in Malcom X. Park complete with vendors, food and lots of music.

The day kicks off with an “Honor Our Ancestors” breakfast. The parade begins at noon at 52nd and Jefferson and proceeds south on 52nd Street, which will be renamed “Muhammad Ali Way” during a ceremony in Malcolm X. Park (3 – 4 p.m.). The Juneteenth Musicfest will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the park. The featured performer is Kindred The Family Soul. Their performance is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Continue Reading

The 40th Street Summer Concert Series returns Saturday, June 15 with a free performance by Philly rock group Stargazer Lily and opener Ashley Phillips. The event also includes kid-friendly activities, and free samples of Ben & Jerry’s (while supplies last)!

Before heading to the show, which begins at 6 p.m., check out the map. Due to construction near 40th and Walnut, the event will now be held at 39th and Walnut Streets, just near Locust Walk.  Continue Reading

Over 90 porches are participating in this year’s West Philly Porchfest. Check out the full map on westphillyporchfest.com.

West Philly Porchfest is returning Saturday, June 8, with free music performances taking place around the area from 12 – 6 p.m. This year, 95 porches are hosting shows featuring musicians and groups representing a variety of musical genres.

Just like last year, all performances are divided into three groups. From 12 to 2 p.m., shows will be held on porches on and south of Baltimore Ave. between 43rd and 52nd Streets. From 2 to 4 p.m., performances will be held between Baltimore Ave. and Walnut St. from 41st to 50th. And finally, from 4 to 6 p.m., check out performances between Baltimore Ave. and Market St. from 46th to 59th streets.  Continue Reading