Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Brews, Blues, and Barbecue, June 9

May 22, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

Located at the Starlight Ballroom, this popular annual event combines three things that Philadelphians love: good beer, great food, and live music. The event draws barbecue chefs from all over the region to compete head-to-head with each other in three categories: beef, chicken, and pork. Winners are judged by both the attendees and a select group of celebrity judges. While you’re sampling exceptional slow-cooked meat, you’ll also be able to drink as many beer samples as you want – it’s all covered by the single $35.00 admission price. Breweries participating include Evil Genius, Dark Horse, and Williamsburg Ale Werks.

The Starlight is an exceptional venue for this kind of event, as it’s widely considered to have one of the best sound systems in town. Local blues legends including the Hired Guns are expected to provide the soundtrack. This is a convivial, friendly event, but you need to be at least 21 to attend with valid ID.

Visit Brews, Blues, and Barbecue's website for more information!

Yoga on the Steps, May 20: Stretch and Pose

May 8, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

Whether you're an experienced yogi or haven't taken a single class in your life, Yoga on the Steps is a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy an engaging, meditative practice. Located on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this event is a fundraiser that hopes to raise money for women affected by breast cancer. Thousands are expected to come to participate in this outdoor class, enjoying yoga against the backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline. The class begins after a short registration period, and is designed to be pleasant for all skill levels and body types. Afterwards there will be a health expo that includes a light, organic breakfast and helpful information from event sponsors. It is donation based, so while there is no strict admission fee, know that whatever you can contribute will be going to a good cause!

Yoga on the Steps
Sunday, May 20, 2012 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-8100
http://www.yelp.com/events/philadelphia-yoga-on-the-steps-philadelphia-museum-of-art

Italian Market Festival, May 19 – 20: Celebrate at the Market

May 2, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

The whole family can have fun at the Italian Market Festival, a weekend full of food, fun, and entertainment taking place in the country's oldest outdoor market. This annual celebration features concert stages holding live performances, a Family Fun Zone where kids can make crafts and play games, and a Procession of Saints led by the St. Paul Parish. There will also be a number of artisan vendors selling jewelry, photography, and crafts. Don't forget the food that will be available, either. You'll find lots of items here to fill up on, from delicious little snacks to larger, meal-sized treats for people arriving with their appetite. The Italian Market Festival is like a huge block party, bustling with activity and full of revelry. Rain or shine, it's a great place to be.

Italian Market Festival
Saturday, May 19, 2012 2:00 p.m. – Sunday, May 20, 2012 5:00 p.m.
900 S. 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
http://www.yelp.com/events/philadelphia-italian-market-festival-2

Independence Seaport Museum: Nautical History

April 24, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

Ever wonder what life was like on a submarine? How about a battleship? Visit the Independence Seaport Museum and you’ll find out. Just about anything you want to know about boats is explored at this fascinating museum. Permanent exhibits include What Floats Your Boat?, an interactive exhibit that lets you explore all facets of watercraft, from the science of how boats stay buoyant to the art of building them. On the Rivers, On the Shores: Small Craft of the Delaware River Valley includes an 1885 Merryman Lifeboat and rare 1910 Atlantic City Catboat. An exhibit of tattoo paintings investigates the art and history of the phenomenon brought home by sailors returning from the Pacific islands. Open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, students, children, and military.

Independence Seaport Museum
211 S. Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-5439
http://www.yelp.com/biz/independence-seaport-museum-philadelphia
 

Fountains of Wayne, Friday April 20th: Witty, Wistful Music from a Top Band

April 17, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

Now on tour for their long-awaited album released last August, Sky Full of Holes, Fountains of Wayne will perform at the popular concert venue Union Transfer. Known for their storytelling abilities and their creation of memorable characters, Fountains of Wayne are rock poets with a style ranging from high-energy power pop to intimate, acoustic-driven ballads. Their lineup has remained unchanged since their 1996 debut album, and their commitment to their music and to the band as a whole shines through in each performance. They’ve won two Grammy’s, including for Best New Artist in 2003, despite being familiar faces in the rock scene. The opening act is James Iha, best known for his stint Smashing Pumpkins and now gaining fans as a solo artist. This all-ages show is great for adults and teens alike, with tickets starting at $27.50 and going up to $30.

Friday, April 20, 2012 8:00 pm

Fountains of Wayne
Union Transfer
1026 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123

“Van Gogh Up Close” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, through May 6th

April 10, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

Vincent Van Gogh’s life was as interesting as his art, and you can view it all at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “Van Gogh Up Close” opened at the museum on February 1 and runs through May 6. One of the most recognized artists of the post-impressionist movement, Van Gogh used vibrant colors to bring his famous landscapes to life. And all of the 45 works on display for the exhibition are either landscapes or natural scenes displaying the artist’s use of color and technique. Van Gogh Up Close will be exhibited at the museum’s Dorrance Special Exhibition Galleries, on the first floor.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $12 for children under the age of 12.  Kids under 12 get in free! The ticket includes admission to the entire museum.

"Van Gogh Up Close"
Philadelphia Museum of Art
26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19101
(215) 763-8100

Philadelphia Furniture Workshop: Learning Woodworking

April 3, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

Ever wanted to make a table or a bookcase? The Philadelphia Furniture Workshop is the place to learn how. It’s a teaching studio for anyone interested in woodworking, providing an array of classes for woodworkers of all skill levels, from beginners to those with experience who want to enhance their technique. Most classes are offered on weekends and evenings to accommodate work schedules. The four-week Woodworking for the Total Beginner class is a project-based class that teaches you how to make a small bookcase. Woodworking Machinery Basics gives you the skills to safely use power tools. The advanced Master’s Classes offer instruction on making complex furniture pieces over a six week period. Visit their website for class schedules and registration information.

Philadelphia Furniture Workshop
5212 Pulaski Avenue
Suite 201
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 849-5174
http://www.yelp.com/biz/philadelphia-furniture-workshop-philadelphia
 

Rittenhouse Square: The Ultimate City Spot for Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in Philly

March 6, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

Rittenhouse Square is the heart of Philadelphia’s entertainment, business, and creative district spanning from the Avenue of the Arts to 22nd Street, and from Market to Pine Streets. The heart of the square, Rittenhouse Park, is both beautifully manicured and filled with people taking a stroll, romping with their dogs, and absorbing the city sounds and sights from one of the many park benches. The historic arts area also features a wide array of high-end shopping boutiques, world-class restaurants and dining options, landmark hotels, and unique cultural options (including the impressive Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts). With the hospitality of a small town and the diversity of an international city, Rittenhouse Square is a hub for urban activity in Philadelphia.

Rittenhouse Square
18th and Walnut Streets
Rittenhouse Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.rittenhouserow.org

Academy of Natural Sciences: America’s Oldest Natural History Museum

February 7, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

As America’s oldest natural history museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences has had nearly 200 years to build a collection of exhibits as diverse as our natural world. With a staff dedicated to researching biodiversity and the environment, the Academy is constantly building upon its permanent collections and bringing in revolving exhibits. Live animals populate the Butterflies exhibit, the Live Animal exhibit, and Outside In. The Academy also simulates various exotic environments in dioramas, puts ancient bones and bodies on display in their dinosaur and mummies exhibits, and portrays vivid examples of the food chain. Changing exhibits often pay homage to famous scientists and discoveries or examine different species and environments in greater detail. The Academy is best to explore with a child guide who will delight in the hands-on activities and live animals! Adults may also want to return solo for scientific lectures, field studies, or monthly group discussions.

Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 299-1000

Yards Brewing: Stomp The Yard

January 10, 2012 by  
Filed under Things to Do

Yards Brewing is an excellent microbrewery has enjoyed fantastic growth since opening in 1994. Starting out in a tiny, garage-sized location, Yards produced some of the best cask-conditioned ale the city has ever tasted. Demand was so strong that they rapidly moved into a bigger location, started bottling, and vastly increased their product line. One of their Yards's most fascinating lines is the "Ales of the Revolution" series, named after America’s founding fathers and incorporating beer recipes from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other founding fathers. Despite its homage to the past, the brewery's technology is state of the art: Yards Brewing is the first 100% wind-powered brewery in Pennsylvania and most of the fixtures are made from reclaimed and recycled materials. The brewery offers free tours on Saturday afternoons, which are quite popular. If you can’t make it then, the tasting room is open all week long! Yards also hosts a variety of events throughout the year that appeal to beer fanatics, collectors, and amateur brewers.

Yards Brewing
901 North Delaware Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 634-2600
www.yardsbrewing.com/home.asp

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