BlackStar Film Festival

This year’s 11th annual BlackStar Film Festival is taking place on August 3-7, 2022 at the Penn Live Arts at Annenberg Center! There will be a variety of in-person and online events. Tickets for the festival are available here.

The 2022 Blackstar Film Festival is set to play a total of 76 films representing 27 countries! Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from actors, filmmakers, and artists! For more information on the festival visit https://www.blackstarfest.org

Wawa Welcome America Festival

The 16-day Wawa Welcome America Festival begins on Sunday, June 19, and runs through July 4, 2022. For the first time since the pandemic, the main event returns to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a massive July 4th concert and dazzling fireworks display. You won’t want to miss the performances by award-winning artist Jason Derulo and pop star Ava Max! A number of museums are offering complimentary admission during the festival. The list of museums can be found here. Plan your visit with family and friends and enjoy this fabulous, free festival!

The Odunde Festival Returns!

Stop by the annual Odunde Festival on Sunday, June 12, 2022, located on South Street from 10am to 8pm. This event is one of the Nation’s Largest African American street festivals in Philadelphia. 

Visit with your friends and family and enjoy this day-long authentic celebration of African Culture. A variety of vendors will include food, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and more. There will also be a live performance from rapper Doug E. Fresh on the main stage at 6:30pm that you don’t want to miss.

Take part in this cultural event to celebrate the coming of another year of African Americans and Africanized people around the world.

Dad Vail Regatta 2022

Stop by the Schuylkill River Friday-Saturday, May 13-14, 2022, for the annual Dad Vail Regatta. It is the largest collegiate regatta in the US with over 100 teams coming from the US and Canada! 

To watch the racing, make your way down to the Schuylkill River Trail, to the grandstand located between the Columbia Bridge and Strawberry Mansion Bridge. From there you’ll be able to see the last few hundred meters of every race. Be sure to cheer on our local Philly schools including Drexel, Temple, and Jefferson.

Also swing by the vendors located up and down Boathouse Row to purchase food, gear and more. Enjoy this super fun multi-day free event while you take part in this Philadelphian tradition!


Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride

The 12th Annual Philadelphia Naked Bike Ride is back! All you need is a mask and a bike, so leave your shirt, pants and even underwear at home. Join the city of Philadelphia on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 5 pm, by participating in this one-of-a-kind event to promote body positivity, advocate for the safety of cyclists and protest dependence on fossil fuels. 

Body painting will be available until 4:30 pm so don’t forget to arrive early! The ride is free, no registration is needed, and will be 9.21 miles long, starting at FDR Park and ending at Eakins Oval. For more information visit PNB’s Facebook here!

 

Made in America

Celebrate the return of live music with The Made In America festival, back for it’s 10th anniversary! This two-day outdoor music experience will take place again on the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Make your Labor Day plans now to see this amazing lineup on Saturday, September 4 and Sunday, September 5, 2021. This festival, created by Jay-Z, will close out the summer with live music, food, and drinks! There will be a ton of top performers, including headliners such as Justin Bieber and Lil Baby. You will not be disappointed! Get your tickets here today before it’s too late! 

 

Manayunk Arts Festival 2021

Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Calling all art lovers! Take a trip to Manayunk to enjoy the 32nd Annual Manayunk Arts Festival Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 11 am – 7 pm and Sunday, June 27, 2021 from 11 am – 6 pm. Serving as the tri-state’s largest outdoor, juried arts festival, there is an endless amount of artwork to mosey through as you enjoy everything from handcrafted jewelry to wood and sculpture work.

Enjoy a day filled with food, drinks, music, crafts and art. No matter your art niche, the Manayunk Arts Festival has everything you could imagine! (Don’t forget to bring your mask!) Cost: Free.

PRIDE. By Come Alive 215 x Meet Philadelphia

Meet Philadelphia x Come Alive 215 is bringing Philly an event that has it all — fitness, drag, and brunch! Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 9:15 am head to The Lawn at Park Towne Place to sweat, dance, eat and enjoy drag show performances by Vinchelle, Iris Spectre and Poochie. Kim Harari and Shannon Brennan will lead a 45 minute workout that welcomes the participation of all fitness levels. Celebrate pride month at this event with Michael Solomonov. BYO yoga mat, water bottle, picnic blanket, and mask! Proceeds will be donated to William Way LGBTQ Center

VIP and general admission tickets can be purchased here! 

 

 

The Philadelphia Navy Yard’s Drive-In is Open!

Are you looking for something fun to do in Philly this weekend? Do you miss the movie theater experience? Check out the drive-in theater at the Philadelphia Navy Yard! This weekend A Quiet Place II and Cruella will both be making their debut. Catch either one of them after sundown May 27 through May 31, 2021. Get your tickets now! Be sure to have your confirmation email or printed ticket when you arrive!

 

 

 

Center City District Restaurant Week is Back!

Center City District Restaurant Week is back this year from May 17 to May 28, 2021. Things are a little different this year, with restaurants offering their Restaurant Week deals for indoor, outdoor, and even takeout dining. Participating restaurants are offering multi-course prix fixe menus for $20 at lunch and for $35 at dinner. You can try new restaurants or stick to your favorites all while helping local Center City businesses and their employees. Additionally, participating restaurants will be mixing up special cocktails using Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon and Roku gin.

Some of the participating restaurants include Philly favorites such as Abe Fisher, D’Angelo’s Ristorante Italiano & Lounge, Little Nonna’s, Pumpkin BYOB, and Veda.

CCD asks that you keep yourselves and restaurant workers safe by practicing social distancing, wearing masks, washing your hands, and not going out to eat if you’re feeling under the weather.

Check out a full list of participating restaurants and more details about Restaurant Week here.