12 Things To Do in Philly This Weekend: Solstice Parties, Make Music Philly, Manayunk Arts Festival and More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup
If you’re beach bound this weekend, you may be interested in seeing what 20 of the world’s greatest sand sculptors can do with 500 tons of sand. The DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup is hitting the beach again, and the sculpting artists are ready to put your standard sand castle to shame. The sculptors - the top 20 from around the world - were recruited by professional sand carver John Gowdy, an Atlantic City local. The competition is running now through June 27th, but spectators are invited to check out the masterpieces on the beach from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day until July 6th, at no cost. If you thought you were good with a bucket and shovel, think again. Friday, June 20 - Sunday, July 6th, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m., Atlantic City’s Pennsylvania Avenue beach.
Where to Watch the World Cup Outdoors
From Foobooz: During the US’s World Cup game against Ghana, the broadcast frequently cut to reaction shots of people watching the game outdoors in Chicago, Bethlehem and a host of other locales. It got us wondering where we could watch the World Cup outdoors in Philadelphia. And with the weather coming around, this will be a great weekend to be outside and enjoying the sunshine and the soccer. Here are your hot spots to watch the games this weekend, outdoors:
Manayunk Summer Solstice Fire
Manayunk will be celebrating the solstice on Friday evening with blazing fire along the water. The Summer Solstice Fire promises 12 floating pontoons lit up and running the length of the canal, as well as live performances, a live animal show hosted by the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, and more. Come kick off the Yunk’s big festival weekend (and the start of summer!) with tons of free, family-friendly outdoor festivities. Friday, June 20th, 5 p.m., Manayunk.
King of Prussia’s West Elm is Hosting A Registry Event
From Philadelphia Wedding: Remember when we broke the news that West Elm was launching its own bridal registry? Well, as we mentioned, one of the perks of signing up for the registry is access to some really neat events, and we’re excited to announce that the company’s King of Prussia location will be hosting one this Saturday, June 21. ... Although the event, which runs from 10 am-5 pm, is geared to couples who have registered with West Elm, anyone is welcome to attend on Saturday, no RSVP necessary. So, if you know someone who is getting married or are just in need of some design inspiration, swing by to take a look at Kate's work. More here.
Kegs, Kapes, and Wizards, Oh My!
From Foobooz: Have you ever wondered what event involves beer pong, capes, and wizards? Well wonder no more. In celebration of Wizard World coming to the Convention Center, Field House is throwing a Kegs and Kapes party on Friday, June 20th at 7 pm. The event will be full of taps from DuClaw Brewing Company, beer pong tournaments and costume contests. So be sure to bring your A game (whether you’re playing pong or putting on a cape) and be ready to get down and nerdy. More here.
Make Music Philly Day
Hey music lovers: spend the first day of summer enjoying a full day of live tunes in locations all over the city. In honor of National Music Day, Make Music Philly will host free entertainment across Philadelphia from morning until night, with sets from talented local musicians playing all different genres. The celebration of music will commence at 10 a.m., and closing events - like a huge harmonica jam session and a concert featuring Lee Fields & The Expressions - will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. All performances are free, with indoor and outdoor venues. A full list of the locations and musicians is available here. Saturday, June 21st, 10 a.m., various locations.
Manayunk Arts Festival
Main Street Manayunk will welcome 300 artists this weekend for the 25th anniversary of The Manayunk Arts Festival. This Saturday and Sunday, art aficionados are invited to peruse collections of fine artwork and crafts from across the country at the tri-state’s largest, outdoor juried arts festival. Make sure to get your picture taken in the photo booth, and check out the emerging artists tent for a look at the up and comers. If you're overwhelmed by all the talent, there are many great restaurants and shops along Manayunk’s main drag, which will have their doors open for festival-goers. Saturday, June 21st, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. & Sunday, June 22nd, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Main Street Manayunk.
Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off & Music Festival
From Foobooz: Have no Saturday plans at the shore this weekend? How about giving this a shot. The second annual Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off & Music Fest is happening this Saturday 6/21, from noon until 10 p.m., and if you like gumbo as much as I do, this is something you’ll definitely want to hit up. More here.
Solstice in the City
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is celebrating the longest day of the year in the best way: with drinks, music, and a late-night dance party. Solstice in the City will feature live entertainment from 8 p.m.- 2 a.m. throughout the entire arts center, with performances from DJ MR BEST, Beverly, San Fermin, and Real Estate. There will also be live jazz playing all night long in the SEI Innovation Studio for those looking to mellow out after getting their dance on. Guests can also munch on bites and sip cocktails from the Garces Group, partake in games like foosball, ping pong, and skee ball, or sway in the hammocks hanging in the Solstice Lounge. Oh, and French performance troupe La Compagnie du Transe Express will be putting on quite the spectacle to wrap up the night. Your first night of summer might just be your best. Tickets are available online, and include all events and performances. Saturday, June 21st, 8 p.m.-2 a.m., Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street.
Mr. Gay Philadelphia 2012
From G Philly: This Saturday evening, 14 local heartthrobs will hit the stage at the Field House to compete for the title of Mr. Gay Philadelphia 2014. The event — a joint collaboration between prolific Philly party producers Bruce Yelk and Josh Schonewolf — will include performances bySongbird winner Jo Stones, burlesque diva Gemini Rose, drag queen Alexianna Leigh, and of course a showcase of some of the finest men our city has to offer.
MANNA’s 2nd Annual Guac Off is Back
From Foobooz: Get ready to rumble (or at least get your stomach’s rumbling) on Sunday, June 22nd, for MANNA’s 2nd Annual Guac Off. The event will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sonesta Hotel. Competitors from all over Philadelphia, young and old, pros and newbs, will be fighting for the title of Best Guacamole in Town. The competing bunch includes guac-connoisseurs Jose Pistolas’s Adan Trinidad, who was awarded with a People’s Choice Award 2013, andGuerilla Ultima’s Robert Leggett, who was awarded with a Blind Tasting Award 2013. And returning to the competition is MANNA’s youngest competitor, 9 year-old Allison Flam. More here.
La Petite Mort Cabaret Presents: The Education of a Woman
L’etage Nightclub will host an evening of theatrical debauchery this Sunday, June 22nd. The Education of a Woman - a mix of music, burlesque dance, and a little sass - was created by performers Jessy Gruver, Carly J. Mooney, and Rose Fairley. The cabaret takes a humorous look at what it means to be lady by exploring gender identity, promiscuity, and sexual expression. The event will feature door and raffle prizes sponsored by Burlesque Toy Shop. Audiences prepare yourselves, you’re in for a saucy evening. Tickets are available at the door, or online. Sunday, June 22nd, 8 p.m., $10-20, L’etage Nightclub, 624 S. 6th Street.
