Party Politic

By the way, have you visited my new blog? I launched it earlier this month.

It's called Party Politic.

It's a good place for the politically inspired events and information I tend to come across. Be sure to check it out.

Parking Wars: Rittenhouse

There are so many events going on in the city this weekend, but if there is one that will totally screw up parking and driving on Saturday, it’s the Rittenhouse Fine Arts Show and Outdoor Street Café that’s planned.

The Fine Arts Show will encompass the square on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 16 – 18, beginning each day at 11am. No biggie there. Stroll the park and take in the art! Even buy some if you’re inspired.

It’s the Outdoor Café that’s really going to cause a traffic jam. From 11am – 10pm, Rouge, Devon and Parc will be serving not just curbside, but street side as well with 18^th Street being blocked off for traffic.

The forecast? 68 and Sunny. Hop on the subway, ride a bike, or walk. But whatever you do, Rittenhouse is off limits for cars. It’s not worth the road rage!

Moveable Feast: the Newest Idea in Philly Dining

When it comes to special dinners, there are so many trends in the Philly food scene. Pop-up dinners, wine dinners, beer dinners, farm to table dinners…one might think we have seen them all. But on July 20, Davio’s and the Wine School of Philadelphia are teaming up to bring the Philly foodie something new.

A Moveable Feast; two events, two locations, one ticket price.

The evening will begin at 6pm with a Northern Italian wine tasting at The Wine School of Philadelphia led by Founder Keith Wallace. After that, the event will move on to Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse for a dinner prepared by Chef David Boyle including Braised Beef Shortribs, Sweet Corn Polenta and Heirloom Tomato Salad. The full menu is below.

Tickets to the event are $65.99 per person. A wine flight pairing will be available with dinner for an additional $25.00. Reservations are highly recommended (215-563-4810).

First Course
Hawaiian Tuna Tartar, Avocado, Grapefruit, Baby Greens

Second Course
Heirloom Tomato Salad, Garlic Croutons, Aged Balsamic

Third Course
Braised Beef Short Ribs, Sweet Corn Polenta, Spinach, Thyme Jus

Fourth Course
Key Lime Pie

Escape Beer Week – Take a Winery Trip with Jet!

Though the beer week coverage has yet to hit its stride, the events have already begun to stack up and local beer lovers are looking forward to the abundance of celebrations. But for the hop-haters out there, there will be a reprieve - Jet Wine Bar is planning a winery tour and day-long tasting event, right at the height of all the sudsy hub-bub, Saturday, June 4.

The day will begin with a sparkling wine “bon voyage” at Jet Wine Bar on 15th and South Sts. at 10:45 a.m. A motor coach (not a school bus) will depart for Penns Woods Winery for the first tasting of the day. The trip will continue on to the Stargazers Winery for another tasting and a picnic lunch, wrapping up around 4:30 p.m. when the bus will make its final departure and head back to Jet Wine Bar for its 6 p.m. arrival.

This is an intimate trip, with space for only 28 wine lovers and there ARE tickets still available. For $79 per person this trip to the burbs could feel like an afternoon on a guided tasting through wine country!

Three different lunch options are available, and need to be specified upon reserving a seat. I say, make it a day, bring some snacks, some drinks and enjoy the afternoon out of the city!

Call 215-735-1116 and ask for Kevin or Jill for a reservation.

Nerd Nite Philly: May Edition!

Like the pied piper of nerds, this series has Philly’s intellectuals flocking to its monthly events. The May 2011 Edition of Philly Nerd Nite is upon us and on Thursday, May 12, MarBar will again host the drink and lecture series.

As usual, doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8pm. This month’s topics and speakers include bits about investigative reporting, the photography interests of Central Asian hipsters, Muslim elephants, music and comedy.

Here’s the full line-up:

“Investigative Science Reporting,” by Kerry Grens
“Real Lomos, Fake Lomos, and the Politics and Practice of Analouge Photography Among Central Asian Hipsters,” by Erica Pelta Feldman
“The Strange Case of Charlemagne’s Muslim Elephant,” by Paul M. Cobb.
Music by Kassie Richardson c
Comedy by Aaron Hertzog

MarBar 40th & Walnut 200 S. 40th St., Philadelphia, PA 215-222-0100

Darling’s Style

In the past month Darling’s Diner has gone from a neighborhood eatery to a 24/7 fully liquor licensed operation. As diners go, what more could you want? How about a night of free chair massages, sex therapy, boutique clothes, high end make up and more – and it all benefits a pedal powered cause.

This Thursday, October 14, Darling’s is hosting its first ever Fashion and Cosmetics Presentation with a one-hour free open bar from 6:30pm – 7:30pm as well as raffles and tastings for guests until 10pm. Advanced tickets are available online for just $15 but waiting to buy them at the door will cost $25.

Bringing the season's newest, hottest and trendiest trunk show clothes will be personal stylist Mary Harvey of Rack & Roll Clothing Co. Motives Makeup will have a selection of products and make-up artists on-site to help apply and explain all of the new fall colors.

Also on location will be two massage therapists offering chair massages, a sex therapist offering tips and advice, a personal trainer who specializes in marathon running, an interior designer and energy auditor to give advise on eliminating carbon footprints in the home and health and wellness product samplings. There will even be an anti-aging guru there to demonstrate a 3 minute non-invasive face lift.

Raffle prizes will include a full face demo by the guru, a two month membership to the Bellvue, tickets to the Walnut Street Theater, a handmade messenger bag, a bike helmet, private yoga and Pilates sessions and other prizes.

Live Loud, a network of wellness professionals, will be putting on the benefit, bringing with them their network of experts who encourage a balanced life in eight different areas – adventure, career, family, finance, social, spiritual, romance and health. Live Loud partners to market products and services, while giving back to the community through non-profits and charitable organizations.

The Darling’s Fashion and Cosmetics Presentation will benefit Gearing Up, a non-profit that helps women coming out of the cycle of abuse and addiction. Individuals get help while learning how to ride and maintain a bicycle, using bicycle safety as a metaphor for life. Live Loud is aiming to help raise $2,000 for their cause by donating the entire ticket price, raffle ticket sales and 20% of all of the products sold during the evening.

Darling’s Diner 1001 North 2nd Street Philadelphia, PA 267-239-5775

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

It’s Blocktoberfest Baby!

Tis’ the season for outdoor festivities and Blocktoberfest, the annual Christian Street block party is 100% into the festivis spirit. On Saturday, October 16th from 12noon – 8pm, celebrate the food, drinks and music of the fall between 20th and 21st on Christian. Blocktoberfest has been accumulating sponsors and vendors to make this second annual block party one to remember. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.

The Bites These days, every respectable outdoor event must include some of the cities best food trucks. Expect tasty treats from Koja, a U-Penn campus Korean and Japanese food truck, The Dapper Dog, the late night food truck usually stationed on 2nd and Poplar with the creative combo dogs and Coup de Taco another University City transplant. No Twitter stalking will be needed to find Honest Tom’s Taco Truck this Saturday – the coordinates are locked at Blocketoberfest. The Sugar Philly truck will be on location as well to satisfy everybody’s sweet tooth.

The Brews What goes perfectly with a fall festival? Some local brews, of course. With 11 different breweries rep-ing three different brews each and even some gleuten free selections, there will definitely be something for everyone including varieties from Bell’s, Blue Point Brewing Company, Dock Street, Ithaca Beer Co, Ommengang, Sly Fox, Troegs, Victory, Yards, Weyerbacher and more.

Beer passes are required and will be available in advance for $10 ($12 the day of the event) entitling festival-goers to three 12oz drinks - none of that half full, little plastic cup, tasting action. These are full, official, complimentary Blocktoberfest beer steins.

Beer passes can be purchased online or at one of the Blocktoberfest box office locations; Beauty Shop Café at 20th and Fitzwater or Sidecar Bar & Grille at 22nd and Christian.

The Tunes Headlined by The Budos Band, Blocktoberfest is bringing out nationally recognized and emerging artists and musicians including The Love Language, Cozy Galaxies, Allo Darlin’, Strange Engineers, New Pony and DJ Handsome Sam to keep it moving between sets.

Proceeds from Bloktoberfest go toward the architectural preservation of Shiloh Baptist Church at 2040 Christian St, a neighborhood landmark listed in the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and designed by Frank Furness in 1868.

The event is also bicycle friendly and will offer bike parking via bike racks donated by Bicycle Therapy, at 22nd and South.

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Reel Winners On The Big Screen

For many movie aficionado’s the thought of seeing the latest big money blockbuster on Delaware Avenue would make their skin crawl. They prefer the nice, cushy, reclining seats and clean, non-soda-covered floors of say, The Ritz rather than an AMC. And while action packed CGI created effects are great, these movie buffs would prefer a nice documentary any day of the week. Luckily, this week marks the start of the 19th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival, presented by the Philadelphia Film Society.

The 10day event begins this Thursday, October 14 and runs until Sunday, October 24, featuring 216 different screenings of over 100 different domestic and international narratives, documentaries and short films. The films will be featured on 11 different screens in 6 venues throughout Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr.

Though the star of the festival will be up on the big screen the festival will also be full of VIP receptions and events including a variety of panels with industry professionals and special guests. Tickets for all of the screenings are available online and festival organizers do suggest purchasing ahead of time. Print them out and take them with to avoid box office lines and sold out shows. There’s even a twitter feed keeping film lovers constantly in the know about sell-outs, changing schedules, special guests and event information. And for the next 10 days, the events are nearly non-stop (listed below) and even star studded.

Highlights include the Stewart Bradley Charity Event, a pep rally / cocktail party, that will be held at the Sumo Lounge at Raw on Tuesday, October 19, from 8:30pm – 10pm to support the Philadelphia Film Society’s Annual Fund. For just $25 at the door, that covers drinks and light hors d’oeuvres, mingle with Eagles Middle Linebacker, Stewart Bradley and support the cause that has brought Philadelphia this festival for the past 19 years.

There is also a 10th anniversary screening of M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable on Thursday, October 21 at 7:30pm at the Prince Music Theater. General admission tickets for the screening are just $12 each, followed by a Q&A hosted by the director himself.

There are also many free admission events that would be great for movie lovers or even film students like the Sigma Sound Industry Panels, which will be held this Saturday, October 16 and Sunday October 17 from 12noon – 2pm at Sigma Sound Entertainment on North 12th St, where industry professionals will give their insights on current hot topics of the film world – like Saturday’s panel discussion on "Making a Film in Philadelphia."

So check out the links, pick your poison, sit back, relax and enjoy the show. But FYI - there are no trailers before the movies, so assuming there’s time to grab some snacks and hit the head before the movie will leave you out in the lobby – there are no seating guarantees after the screenings begin.

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

The Midtown Village Fall Festival Is Bigger-Than-Ever!

Some like to call it the Gayborhood. Others call it the Midtown Village. But a rose by any other name is still a rose. This Saturday, October 2, the whole neighborhood is getting into the spirit and setting up for the “Bigger-Than-Ever” 2010 Midtown Village Fall Festival. The free to wander block party begins at 12noon and runs until 8pm, with the main hub at 13th and Sansom, the epicenter of the 6 blocks that will be closed down for the day and we have the rundown on the best of the festivities.

Bier Gardens - After a month of Oktoberfest celebrations, McGillin’s Old Ale House (the city’s oldest tavern) will be finishing strong, transforming Drury Street into a giant beer garden. The tented area will have with live entertainment, including karaoke, German food and beer.

Vintage and Time will have a beer and wine garden as well, offering cocktails, 60+ wines by the glass wines, and tons of beers on tap with live DJ.

Outside of Fergies Pub will be a forty-foot bar with beer and food for sale including Scotch Eggs, Bocodillos and Fish & Chips. They will also have a traditional Irish Music Session from 1pm - 4 pm and Soul Piece, a rock cover band playing from 4:30pm to 8pm.

New Eats On The Block – Making their inaugural appearances at Fall Festival, Tweed, Zavino, Barbuzzo, Sampan, Fuel, Jakes Sandwich Board and Bar will all be offering snacks to the interested crowds. Food lovers that haven’t been in to check these places out yet have the perfect opportunity to try, without having an entire meal to weigh them down for the rest of the afternoon.

Old Favorites - Lolita and Bindi, 13th Street’s staple Mexican and Indian BYO’s will be serving up pork carnita tostadas and fresh tamales or Chicken Tikka wraps and Saag paneer.

Share The Love – Ok, so maybe it doesn’t seem like sushi and sake fit into the beer loving festivities, but diversity is totally the name of the game in this hood and all are always welcome. Especially when they come correct like Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge, bringing what it does best to the party - sushi rolls, BBQ skewers and sake bombs!

On The 1’s & 2’s - Q102's DJ Richie Rich will be mixing it up from Noon – 3pm while raffling off tickets to upcoming events. From 3pm – 6pm 94WYSP Philly Rock Station will also be on the street, spinning and handing out prizes.

All For A Good Cause – The Loews Hotel is sponsoring Alex’s Lemonade Stand as well as the Little Villagers section with a free kids moon bounce and carnival games to benefit childhood cancer research.

Heart.Muscle.Mind will also have a Dunk-a-Trainer dunk tank to raise money for its project to build a fitness center for a local school in need.

FYI - Parking will be a nightmare, so find alternative means. Day drinking and driving is never a good combo anyway, so the phrase of the day for the 2010 Fall Festival is definitely public transportation.

With food, cocktails, wine, beer, shopping, art, live music, and even a dunk tank, the Fall Festival offers a little something for everyone. Come out and enjoy!

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Some Like It Hot 50’s Fashion Show At Valanni

If tailored pencil skirts, peep-toe shoes, and classic hair styles are your idea of a good time, you’re not going to want to miss the Some Like It Hot 2010 Fashion show at Valanni on Tuesday, October 5, at 10pm.

Like Mad Men incarnate, the runway will be stocked with some of the hottest fashions of the 50’s showcasing local designers; South Moon Under, Three Sirens Boutique, Sorella Boutique (of Media, PA), VAMP Boutique (of Manayunk), and Senor Custom Clothiers during the fourth annual fashion show hosted by Valanni.

The fashion event will close down Spruce St. from Camac to 13th, with a U-shaped runway set up to snake from one open window, through the sidewalk and back into the restaurant, allowing passer-by’s and guests to watch the show outside as well.

Manayunk’s L’Etoile Salon and Spa will provide hair and make-up for the models and Valanni’s staff, including man about town and philly2night’s favorite go-to-pho-lebrity, Arthur Kade.

The show is free to all who are out and about in the neighborhood - especially since a runway show on 13th and Spruce is kind of hard to miss. But Valanni will be offering drink specials to guests including $5 Martini's, gimlets and Manhattans as well as complimentary hors d'oeurves and party favor gift bags.

Valanni 1229 Spruce St. Philadelphia, PA 215.790.9494

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Will Jack Daniel's Birthday Be A National Holiday?!

Though turning 100 may get you on the Today show, nobody’s going to give you a national holiday. But if you were born in 1850 and you're still the life of the party, we might have to bend the rules. Though records of his birth are non-existent, its distillers know that Jack Daniels’ birthday is sometime in the month of September.

In celebration of his 160th birthday this September, 2010, the "Back Jack" campaign will call on the U.S. Congress to make Jack Daniel's birthday a national holiday and is seeking supporters through a nationwide petition drive and city tour via its grass roots, virtual and viral campaigns.

The Jack Daniels distillery is collecting signatures from California to Maine, Florida to Washington State and everywhere in between. On Monday, September 27, the Back Jack Campaign Bus will be rolling through Philadelphia on its way to Washington D.C. looking for local support from Jack Daniels fans in Philadelphia and stopping off in Rittenhouse Square from 12:30pm - 2:30pm.

Jack Daniels Distillery, the oldest in the United States (registered in 1866 but operational since 1850), is asking for support for a true independent, Jack Daniels, from its friends ages 21 and up by logging in at JDBDay.com and signing the petition through a special Facebook application or even by texting JDBDay to 68405.

The tour bus will be in Rittenhouse square right in time for lunch hour, so signing up in person is definitely a possibility. Jeff Arnett, the master distiller for the Jack Daniel Distillery and only the seventh in the history of the distillery will be onsite as well. But what day is JD looking to claim as its own?

“We’re ok with any day during that month,” said Arnett. “Every year in September we do Jack Daniels birthday promotions. We’ve begun celebrating the entire month.”

So in celebration of the art of birthday month, after checking out the Back Jack Tour Bus stop and maybe scoring some JD swag, head to your favorite bar, order the official Back Jack campaign cocktail, a Jack & Ginger and put one back for Jack.

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Ride A Bull, Save A Boobie

Whether or not bull riding qualifies as a boobie friendly activity is still up for debate but supporting boobies by bull riding is one of the most original concepts I may have ever heard of. So out of sheer intrigue, lets just say yes, bull riding IS boobie friendly.

That said, on Thursday, September 30, in preparation for October’s Rock The Ribbon campaign presented by breastcancer.org, a 10th anniversary celebration of cancer awareness, Buckhead Saloon on North 3rd St. will be hosting the Bull Riding for Boobies charity event.

With the mention of Bull Riding for Boobies, at the door, guests will be given free entry as well as a wristband, treating them to discounted beer towers for just $8, instead of the usual $15 and a $2 discount for the mechanical bull at just $3 a ride.

Buckhead is also offering its usual Thursday night specials including $1 domestic drafts, $3 well drinks, $4 Miller Light pitchers and $3 Soco lime and kamikaze shots. So saddle up and come out to save the boobies.

Buckhead Saloon 461 N 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 215-925-8170

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Hit The Red Carpet This Saturday At Fashion Up!

As New York’s Fashion Week comes to an end, Philadelphia’s is just heating up. This Saturday night, September 25, Fashion Up, the hottest fashion event of the season will be taking over one of the city’s most upscale hotels, The Park Hyatt at the Bellevue for a red carpet celebration at 9pm.

Hundreds of Philadelphia’s fashionistas will celebrate the city’s most dressed up, swanky, soiree showcasing the hottest looks in fashion. Local and international designers will show off the season’s hottest looks for nightlife, the office and formal wear.

Join the city’s hottest in the Rose Garden Ballroom from 9pm – 2am for light hors d'ouevres served and provided by XIX Restaurant, music by Philadelphia's DJ Adrock and DJ Savva, Master of Ceremonies G-N Kang, guest appearances by Kharisma McIlwaine and Todd Zolecki and red carpet interviews by Billboard Model, Rachel Day, MTV2’s Mena Heaven and celebrity blogger and philly2night contributor, Arthur Kade.

Tickets are available online and range from $15, for groups, to $40 for VIP access. The first 300 guests to purchase tickets online will receive a gift bag of goodies from sponsors. Guests will also be treated to complimentary massages provided by Hot Hands as well as exclusive offers and giveaways from additional sponsors.

Be sure to dress to impress because press and photographers will be on hand shooting you at your best. But don’t be more than fashionably late or you’ll end up feeling like last year’s boots – out of style.

Click Here For Tickets!

The Park Hyatt at the Bellevue 200 South Broad St. Philadelphia, PA

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

First Annual Ribbon Ball Brings Awareness to the Lowes

For some, awareness is wearing a colored plastic bracelet as a constant reminder. For others it’s running a race or walking a marathon. Individuals and organizations coordinate fundraisers for a cure while those who can afford it donate to a cause.

On Saturday, September 25, from 9pm - 12am, Fight For Cure is throwing its first annual Ribbon Ball in the Howe Room on the 33rd Floor of the Lowes Philadelphia. Fight For Cure, one of the largest cancer oriented non-profits in the Philadelphia area, founded in 2009, works specifically to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, education and patient care for the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Hospital.

This year’s fashionably formal event will include a night of dining and dancing as well as a live and silent auction. Guests are welcome to bid on items like an authentic Swiss Army Watch, a Philadelphia Eagles desk chair, a Philadelphia Phillies pre-game table and an authentic Michael Jordan Jersey, which was donated by Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Company.

Mike Jerrick, host of FOX 29’s, “Good Day Philadelphia,” will be the MC for the evening, DJ Prince T, aka Seismic, will keep the dance floor full and Dr. Richard Pestell, head of The Kimmel Cancer Center, will be speaking as well. Fight For Cure also has a vintage photo booth and a menu of butlered hors d'oeuvres and serving stations in store for its guests.

Tickets for the ball are $75 each. All Ribbon Ball and Fight For Cure proceeds will be donated to the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson Hospital to continue the fight against one of the deadliest diseases.

For more information and to purchase tickets go to the Fight For Cure website.

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Check Out The Young Pro's Expo!

Getting back into the swing of working all the way through a Friday afternoon is tough. Especially after a summer of cutting out early and heading down the shore. Well instead of spending your time watching the clock, plan to cut out of work just a little bit early and stop by the Shops at Liberty Place for the Young Professionals Expo next Friday, September 24, from 4pm - 9pm.

Sure you could catch it after work. But hey – why not start your Friday night a tad bit on the early side? You’re not some old fogey – you’re a young professional in Philadelphia and there’s an event made just for you and it’s calling your name.

Now don’t get freaked out. We’re not trying to lure you into some cheesy job fair. The Philadelphia Young Professionals Expo is a chance to try out some cool products and check out everyone else who’s down to do the very same thing. You can even call it social networking and justify it all.

Try liquor, beer and treats donated by companies like City Tap House, Mission Grill and Chaddsford Winery. Check out the photo booth and get a dance lesson if you’re feeling frisky. You can even join into a scavenger hunt for a chance to win some great prizes like concert tickets from the House of Blues in Atlantic City – because we all know you’re just looking for an excuse to get back to the shore.

Last minute decisions to attend will cost you $10 at the door, but thinking ahead will gain you access for free. You could also do something good for the world and donate to support local charities – gaining you extra chances to win more great prizes.

After the event, head over to Public House for the Official After Party. And since you were such a great sport, participating in the scavenger hunt and checking out all the cool products, The Young Professionals Expo will give you your first round for free!

So if you’re between the ages of 21 and 39, work or play in Philadelphia, like to eat and drink and possibly have a secret affinity for scavenger hunts, stop by the Shops at Liberty Place for the Fall 2010 Young Professionals Expo.

Click Here To RSVP & Get In For Free!

The Shops at Liberty Place 16th and Chestnut Philadelphia, PA

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Get Your Eco-Friendly Gear On At Green Fest Philly

You don’t have to compost coffee grinds and eggshells in your 3rd floor apartment to prove your into preserving the environment but these days, going green means more than just recycling. The green scene has spread into so many parts of our world and now, it’s crept into our closets!

On Sunday, September 12, from 11am – 6pm Green Fest Philly 2010 will be celebrating sustainable fashion with a fashion forward one-day street fair. The event will be held at Headhouse Square, on 2nd and South and will focus on supporting local thrift stores and buying vintage.

Last year brought together over 200 vendors. This year, pretty much everyone with ties to the green community will be set up – from Realtors and hair salons, to farmers and co-ops.

Papertrees will be playing on the main stage and the Headhouse Farmers Market will be going on from 10am – 2pm, as it does every weekend. So snacks and music will be available.

Between the eco-friendly fashion show, the Recessionista Fashionistas clothing swap and the eco-poetry contest at Jons on 4th and South, this event is chock full of carbon reducing, planet saving fashion goodness. And luckily, it’s evolved way past hemp and burlap.

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.

Ride Naked This Labor Day Weekend!

Usually, stripping down and riding your bike through the streets of Philadelphia would be looked at as, lets say, taboo. There are only a few scenarios in life that would even result in such an act of naked hysterics – for instance, a bet with your buddies that went terribly wrong.

But on Sunday, September 5, at 6pm it’s not some crazy wager that will bring nearly 1,000 area riders together but a cause to raise awareness for bicyclists in Philadelphia. The 2nd Annual Philly Naked Bike Ride will ride again after a jaw dropping showing at last year’s inaugural Philly ride.

Cyclists gather in this demonstration of bikes, butts and boobs to raise awareness for the vulnerability of cyclists while on the roads. The ride brings attention to the bikers hoping to keep their safety in the minds of others who share the tight city streets.

And these are not freaky activists either. These are your favorite bartenders, your trendy teachers, your hippie neighbors and everyone else in the city that has the cajones to bare it all and ride. Including you - if you’re up for it – especially now that you know you won’t be arrested.

The location of the ride will be announced at 11:59pm Friday night, along with a route map so if you can’t make it to the ceremonial opening, you can still join in mid-stream. The after party (location to be announced during the ride) is open to all riders. Drinks are available, as long as you’re over 21 but unlike the ride, minimum dress is required.

New this year will be a pre-ride bikini bike wash and lube station set up by local business and PNBR supporter Girl. Bike. Dog. to raise money for the cause.

So come dressed - but in the easiest access outfits you have and when the ride begins, drop your skivvies and hope you don’t miss your bike seat. Some riders tape up their important parts or cover up with tube socks, others rock out in Halloween costumes and president masks.

Like last year, the changing and body paint station will be set up for last minute messages and themes to promote. Organizers are asking riders to bring their own paints to share as well. Riders are encouraged to take up causes of their own that affect the riding community – bike ticketing anyone?

Philadelphia is not the only city involved in the Naked Ride. The Global Naked Bike Ride coordinates rides in cities across the world raising awareness for causes like eliminating oil dependency and lowering carbon emissions.

So grab your bike, ride tandem, or even rock the long board – if you so dare, but do something for the environment, do something for your fellow riders, be a part of something bigger than yourself, show off those tan lines and bare it all for a good cause.

Go to the Philly Naked Bike Ride web site and subscribe through the homepage to receive the route map and start location.

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.