Parks on Tap, a traveling beer garden concept created last summer by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in partnership with Fairmount Park Conservancy and FCM Hospitality, is returning to Clark Park tonight and will stay through Sunday, Aug. 27. Then, it will reopen for a second week, from Wednesday, Aug. 30 – Monday, Sept. 4.

Here are the hours of operation for this and next week:

Wednesday & Thursday: 5-10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 1-11 p.m.
Sunday: 12-10 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day): 12-10 p.m.  Continue Reading

A new, protected bike lane has been installed on a portion of Chestnut Street as part of the Chestnut Street Transportation Project. The bike lane was added from 45th to 40th Street so far. The project was first announced by the City’s Streets Department in April, and includes safety features and improvements for all modes of transportation and pedestrians between 45th and 34th Streets, including a parking protected bicycle lane on the north side of the street, pedestrian islands, and removing one motor vehicle travel lane. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

This is this time of year again when the Penn’s campus portion of Spruce Street gets closed to allow a smooth move-in for students.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22 and Wednesday, Aug. 23, Spruce Street will be closed to all traffic (including bicycles) from 34th to 38th Street, between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 26, Spruce Street will be closed from 38th to 40th Street, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Septa buses will be rerouted around the closure (please check septa.org for specific bus routes and detour info). Penn Police will be on scene to assist with traffic detours.

As many of you already know, a partial Solar Eclipse (about 75% in the Philadelphia area) will take place on Monday, Aug. 21, so if you’re into it don’t forget to go outside shortly before 2:44 p.m. to view it. If you have special Solar viewing glasses make sure to bring them as it is not recommended to look at the sun with the naked eye. If you’re really into the Solar Eclipse, you can join other sky-watchers at a Solar Eclipse viewing party.

In Philadelphia, the Franklin Institute and Seaport Museum will host Solar Eclipse viewing parties from 12 to 4 p.m. You can find more information here. There will also be a Solar Eclipse viewing party in West Philly, at the Science Center (3711 Market St.) and Innovation Plaza at 37th and Market. You can even pick up free solar glasses (first come, first served). Here’s the event flyer with more information (click to enlarge):

The School District of Philadelphia is inviting families and community members to the School of the Future (4021 Parkside Ave.) for an annual Back to School Education Day on Friday, Aug. 18.

The event, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature on-site student registration, dental screenings, free book bags and supplies while materials last, important educational information sessions to help prepare families for next school year, and live entertainment.

Highlights of the event include a Family Engagement Pavilion and a Kids Zone with fun and educational games for students.

For more information, please visit http://www.philasd.org/face/backtoschool

A 15-year-old girl, Leneisha Buchanan, has been missing for several days, according to her family, who live in Mantua. She was last seen on Friday, Aug. 11 in West Philadelphia, near the Philadelphia Zoo. She is between 5’4″ and 5’6″ and 130 to 140lbs. Click here for more information on how to contact her family if you have any information about Laneisha.