The Best Father’s Day Gifts and Events Around Philly
Treat Dad to a pampering session, a kid-friendly concert, and lots of food. And ... a Daddy Off?
Backcountry Cocktails: Civilized Drinks for Wild Places, available at Art in the Age, makes a great Father’s Day gift. / Photograph by Jenn Bakos
Father’s Day is coming up on June 18th, and whether you want to treat the dads in your life or enjoy some quality time with your kids, there are so many ways to celebrate. Here are some special events, meals, and gift ideas to make your entire weekend memorable.
Father’s Day Read-a-Thon
Philly author John Butler’s Chase Books hosts this event that celebrates “a love for literacy with father figures in our community.” There will be food, games, giveaways, and a new book release from the author, who goes by nom de plume Cousin John. The event is free, but you can pre-register online for a chance to win tickets to the Franklin Institute. Free; June 17th, 12:30-3 p.m., Braid Mill, 441 High Street.
Cubs & Clubs
The Lawn in University City is hosting a free pre-Father’s Day mini-golf pop-up during which you can play nine holes. Music and snacks are thrown in for good measure. RSVP online. Free; June 17th, 1-3 p.m., The Lawn, 3701 Filbert Street.
Dad Rock
Enjoy a kid-friendly concert at Ardmore Music Hall as the Rock and Roll Playhouse brings the music of the Grateful Dead with a side of fun (think glow-sticks, freeze-dance games and a parachute). A portion of proceeds will benefit the Rex Foundation, a nonprofit created by members of the Dead to fund the arts. $15-$20, June 18th, 11:45 a.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore.
Kids and their parents can rock out at a Rock and Roll Playhouse concert. / Photograph by Laura Swartz
Dad Bod
Treat your dad (or yourself) to some rest and relaxation with a spa package. Four Seasons Philadelphia (1 North 19th Street) has a “Mankind Facial” formulated to treat men’s specific skin concerns (like ingrown hairs). Rescue Spa’s new location in Rittenhouse (1811 Walnut Street) has a relaxation room you can book for 45 minutes with a steam sauna, shower and some quiet space for reflection (which might be just what a dad needs!), as well as men’s skincare gift sets.
Or book him at DAPR, with its speakeasy vibes, for a hot shave, Yume scalp massage, or just a really good haircut. 125 South 18th Street, second floor.
Herb’an Dad
FarmerJawn is hosting a special hands-on Father’s Day celebration. Head to their Greenery to make a Companion Planter. Why? “Just like dads, Companion Plants work together to feed, support, and protect our gardens!” Advance tickets are required. $50; June 18th, 2-3 p.m., FarmerJawn Greenery, 6730 Germantown Avenue.
A “Daddy Off”?
You don’t have to be a father to be a daddy, if you know what I mean. And Rex at the Royal sure does, because they have a Father’s Day eve event called Daddy’s Night, with drink specials. And at 11 p.m., there’s a “Daddy Off.” What’s that, you ask? Well, “creative attire is encouraged” as a panel of judges will name the night’s “Top Daddy.” Pay-as-you-go; June 17th, 9 p.m.-midnight, Rex at the Royal, 1524 South Street.
Sunday Block Party
Maybe, like Ariel, you just want to be where the people are. Well, you’re in luck: the Art Museum is hosting an all-day Sunday Block Party! This family-friendly day of art and community has live music by Snacktime, DJ sets, hands-on art activities, art-inspired mini golf on the museum’s East Terrace, storytelling with Thembi Palmer, and screen printing with the Fleisher Art Memorial. Free; June 18th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Chef Dionicio and his son, Beto — the chef and sous chef of Cantina La Martina — hold the “Para el Jefe” Father’s Day special platter. / Photograph courtesy of Cantina La Martina
Dine Like a King
Restaurants around town have special Father’s Day meals, deals and events for the dad in your life.
Cantina La Martina is throwing a huge Father’s Day barbecue party with games, live music, and, yes, lots of food. And it’s a family affair: It’s hosted by chef Dionicio and his son, Beto, who just happens to be the restaurant’s sous chef. Food specials include Para el Jefe (For the Boss), a tray with two whole fried red snappers, grilled octopus, ceviche mixto, shrimp chicharron, chicken wings, pork ribs and grilled ribeye. Pay-as-you-go; June 18th, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Cantina La Martina, 2800 D Street.
Looking for more special meals? Devon is serving a special three-course Father’s Day prix-fixe menu all weekend. Cicala at the Divine Lorraine is hosting a Father’s Day pizza pop-up on their outdoor patio (walk in or make reservations on Resy). Dolce Italian will be offering complimentary amaro tasting flights to dads from June 13th through June 20th. There’s even a Father’s Day dinner cruise on the Delaware.
But that’s not all: Order a cocktail with Jack Daniels whiskey at the Prime Rib at Live! Casino and get a whiskey glass that can be personalized by an etching artist who will be on-site from 5 to 8 p.m. They’ve also got a special Father’s Day menu.
Or just kick back at one of the many kid-friendly beer gardens around town!
Gifts and More Gifts
Hit up some local favorites like Open House in Midtown Village for curated Father’s Day collections to make your life a little easier. We love the gear at Shibe Vintage Sports — owned by some Philly dads, bonus! — who also put together some Father’s Day picks. And for the coolest elder millennial or Gen X dad in town, check out East Passyunk’s Latchkey, a haven for ’80s and ’90s vinyl and nostalgia.
Another favorite spot? Art in the Age is always a go-to for the cocktail lovers in our life. We recommend the new book, Backcountry Cocktails: Civilized Drinks for Wild Places, by booze-marketing guru Steven Grasse and food and travel writer Adam Erace. The book combines cocktail recipes with tips and tricks for the great outdoors. Where else can you learn how to mix up a “Maple Slush” and also learn how to escape a bear attack?
