Blocktoberfest: Saturday on South Street

While thousands will be in Philadelphia for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, there’s more than one event in the city this weekend. On the West Side of South Street, that’s South Street between Broad and 17^th streets, this Saturday, October 14, Blocktoberfest kicks off at 12noon.

The outdoor, all day event is free to attend. Food at Bloktoberfest is pay-as-you-go, and drinks are available via drink tickets and passes, which can be purchased for a discounted rate, online, ahead of time, or in cash, at the event.

Check out all the event details and ticket links below.

FOOD

Restaurants all along the festival’s three blocks will be selling their delicacies curbside, from venerable South Street institutions like Jamaican Jerk Hut to relatively new additions like Indian Restaurant, Sweet Freedom Bakery, and Quick Fixx. Food trucks will include The Dapper Dog and Nomad Pizza

Food at Bloktoberfest is pay-as-you-go.

BEER

Beer will be available at several different locations, provided by Bella Vista Beer Distributors. Beer passes are required. Passes are cheaper, if purchased in advance here. Additional tickets are $5 each and Cash ONLY. Beer pours will be 12 oz, so not tiny tastes here.

A Basic Beer Pass is $15 online/$20 day of, and comes with 3 drink tickets.

A Bonus Beer Pass is $25 online/$30 day of, and comes with 5 drink tickets.

1 drink ticket = 1 beer of any kind on tap at Bloktoberfest.

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MUSIC 

There will be two stages set up within the event, One at Jamacain Jerk Hut, and One at Tritone. Music runs from noon – 10pm. The lineup can be found here. 

ART

In addition to the beer, food and music, Blocktoberfest will also be hosting a pop-up art gallery open from noon – 8pm offering selected works of art and festival souvenirs. Paradigm Gallery & Studio, will be hosting a children’s arts and crafts area, as well as artists including The Studio’s Sean Montorana who will be onsite with original watercolor and ink paintings, STUDiO necklaces and a few hand-painted/hand-dyed tote bags for sale, as well as some give-aways like stickers and flyers.

KIDS

There will also be a Family friendly zone with face painters, balloon artists, and other all-ages entertainment planned throughout the afternoon.

Battle of the Canvas Saturday at the Piazza

Live music, live art, live entertainment, family friendly and free. This is the kind of event that rounds out the summer of 2011 perfectly. On Saturday, August 27, from 12pm – 10pm, The Piazza at Schmidt’s is hosting The Battle of the Canvas, a live art competition where local artists will be creating on site.

There will be djs and bands playing throughout the 10 hour event, food and drinks for sale, and there will even be a kids corner with arts and crafts, animal balloons, face painting and activities.

Artists will not only be creating, but selling their pieces as well.

Screening Under the Stars: Michael Jackson's This is It

With just weeks to go before September hits, there are only so many chances to catch an outdoor movie, not like there haven’t been about 50 chances to see one this summer in Philadelphia.

On Thursday, August 11, at The Great Plaza on Penns Landing, catch This is It, a backstage look at the preparations for a Michael Jackson’s sold-out London tour. It’s a compilation of interviews, backstage footage and of course music, giving a peek into the final rehearsals of Jackson’s career and life.
When the King of Pop died in 2009, This is It became his final adieu.

The free movie screening, sponsored by NBC10 and B101.1 begin at dusk, around 8:30. B101 will be onsite to host the event, playing games and giving out prizes.

Screening Under the Stars: The Social Network

Each week, Penn’s Landing hosts Screenings Under the Stars on the River Stage at the Great Plaza at dusk, or about 8:30pm. Tonight’s film is The Social Network. This Oscar winner chronicles the founding of Facebook and stars Jessie Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake.

Radio station B101 will be hosting the screening and bringing along games and prizes. Don’t forget to bring some snacks, and get there early for a good seat. Maybe bring a pillow to sit on too. The Great Plaza’s concrete construction can get a little tough to sit on after a while.

RiverStage on Great Plaza at Penn's Landing Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut St. Philadelphia PA 19106

Tonight’s Outdoor Movie: The King's Speech

Philly’s free outdoor film scene has been popping this summer, with a movie pretty much every night. Tonight, Thursday, July 14, the screening will be at Penn’s Landing’s River Stage on the Great Plaza at dusk, or about 8:30pm.

Tonight’s film, The King’s Speech, took home four Oscars (Best Director, Best Motion Picture, Best Actor and Best Screenplay) and was nominated for many more.

Radio station B101 will be hosting the screening and bringing along games and prizes. Don’t forget to bring some snacks, and get there early for a good seat. Maybe bring a pillow to sit on too. The Great Plaza’s concrete construction can get a little tough to sit on after a while.

RiverStage on Great Plaza at Penn's Landing Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut St. Philadelphia PA 19106

Movie Night at Headhouse Square

Tonight in Headhouse, catch the 2011 Indie Film Series. Tonight’s screening will be Blender Animated Shorts. Blender is an animation program used to produce 2D and 3D animated graphics. This is not a Tug-boat Willie cartoon. It’s very modern and very popular with animators.

Each Wednesday throughout the summer in Headhouse, guest speakers and industry pros like local film-makers, stylists, makeup artists, directors and producers will introduce the night’s feature film at 2nd & Pine. Tonight, Wednesday, July 13, the show begins at 8pm and don’t forget to bring your own chair.

Both before and after the screening, local South Street businesses are offering specials for those who attended the movie including Steaks on South, Bistro Romano and Headhouse Café. A full listing can be found below.

Mention the South Street Headhouse District Indie Film Series and receive discounts at these participating shops, before or after the movie.

Tallcow Cards & Goods (616 S. Third Street)
10% any one item purchased through Indie Film Series promotion

Steaks on South (308 South Street)
Free Fries with purchase of any sandwich on evening of Film Series (with mention of series)

Bistro Romano (120 Lombard Street)
Five at $5 Happy Hour, 5 - 7pm prior to the Film and enjoy FREE FOOD and discounted drinks;
Vino, Champagne & Mixed (well drinks) $5, Domestic Beer $2.50

Siglo Accessories (644 South Street)
15% Discount during evening of the Summer Indie Film Series (with mention of series)

Headhouse Cafe ( 122 Lombard Street)
$1 off all drafts, $4 wine, and $5 well drinks with the mention of the Indie Film Series

Tonight’s Outdoor Movie Lineup

The good thing about outdoor summer movies is that when you stop off at the corner store for candy before the show, you don’t feel quite as cheap. Grab some snacks, a blanket and chairs, get the kids and take advantage of the warm weather and head to one of the outdoor movie screenings this evening.

Fishtown’s Penn Treaty Park will be showing Despicable Me at dusk tonight, Tuesday, July 12. There will even be free refreshments available for children.

Northern Liberties will be hosting its own movie night, screening Something to Sing About at Liberty Lands Park at 8:30pm.

Family Game Night at Penn Treaty Park

Just because Waterfront Wednesdays are on hiatus, doesn’t mean that Penn Treaty Park is off the grid. Each Thursday during the month of July, gather the fam and join in on Family Game Night.

Family Game Nights:

Thursday, July 7, at 6:30pm.

Thursday, July 14, at 6:30pm.

Thursday, July 21, at 6:30pm.

Rocky Horror Picture Show tonight at Headhouse

The 2011 Indie Film Series continues tonight at Headhouse Square with a screening of one of the most famous cult classics of all time: The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Each Wednesday throughout the summer, guest speakers and industry pros like local film-makers, stylists, makeup artists, directors and producers will introduce the night’s feature film at 7:30pm at 2nd & Pine. Tonight, Wednesday, July 6, the show begins at 8pm and don’t forget to bring your own chair. Being that it is the Rocky Horror Picture Show, get nostalgic and bring along some rice for the wedding scene!

After the screening, local South Street businesses are offering specials for those who attended the movie including Steaks on South, Bistro Romano and Headhouse Café. A full listing can be found below.

Mention the South Street Headhouse District Indie Film Series and receive discounts at these participating shops, before or after the movie.

Tallcow Cards & Goods (616 S. Third Street)
10% any one item purchased through Indie Film Series promotion

Steaks on South (308 South Street)
Free Fries with purchase of any sandwich on evening of Film Series (with mention of series)

Bistro Romano (120 Lombard Street)
Five at $5 Happy Hour, 5 - 7pm prior to the Film and enjoy FREE FOOD and discounted drinks;
Vino, Champagne & Mixed (well drinks) $5, Domestic Beer $2.50

Siglo Accessories (644 South Street)
15% Discount during evening of the Summer Indie Film Series (with mention of series)

Headhouse Cafe ( 122 Lombard Street)
$1 off all drafts, $4 wine, and $5 well drinks with the mention of the Indie Film Series

Philly Kick's Off 11 Days of Events at Penn's Landing

Catch a ceremonious balloon cutting at the newly expanded gates of festival pier before The Taste of Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, beginning tonight, Friday, June 24 at 5pm.

There will be music, food trucks and tables with tastes from some of the city’s best chefs. Entertainment and admission are free, but the food does cost.

Check out the waterfront and enjoy a free jazz concert with a performance by contemporary bassist, Gerald Veasley.

PSA: Front & Chestnut streets will be closed until 9am tomorrow morning, Saturday, June 25.

Singing Fountain Re-Dedication & Block Party

The fountain at Passyunk and Tasker has been home to farmers markets, outdoor seating and an iron fence, there to obstruct direct contact or possible vandalism / bathing bums. But over the past few months, the fountain has been revitalized with the removal of the fence and the installation of benches chess tables.

Tonight, Thursday, June 23, the Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation is throwing a rededication / block party to celebrate the grand unveiling. A ceremony will begin at 7pm, followed by a block party from about 8pm – 10pm. And according to Passyunksquare.org, there will be food and drinks compliments of Izumi and Paradiso. Btw, no one calls it that.

Farmers Market & B-Town BBQ at The Marathon Farm

When Marathon Farm officially opened on that rainy cool morning a few months back, its influence in Brewerytown was undeniable. Local politicians, students, and community leaders joined press, investors and the farmers themselves to welcome Marathon Farm to Brewerytown.
Now, just a few months later, Marathon Farm at 27th & Master is growing, not just its produce, but its activities as well.

According to Brewerytown Living, this Saturday, June 25, from 3 – 7pm, Marathon Farm is hosting the first of three neighborhood barbeques with food, shopping and activities for the whole family. Plus, their poster promises an open mic…

The event will take place right after the weekly farmers market that runs from 10am – 2pm and it seems that those looking to sell their handmade goods are welcome to come and set up shop alongside the produce.

Night Market Heads to Mt. Airy

That's right - the increasingly popular Night Market has set its latest destination. Mt Airy!
THe folks from the Food Trust, the non-profit organization who coordinate the Night Market have just released the next locale for their outdoor food fair.

On Thursday, August 4, from 6pm - 10pm, Night Market will roll into Mt. Airy and set up shop on Germantown Avenue from Sedgwick to Mt. Airy Avenue.

This Weekend: WaWa Welcome America, Taste of Philadelphia & Fireworks at Penn's Landing

Ok Philly - prepare for the tourist onslaught. Believe it or not, July 4th celebrations begin tomorrow here in the city. On Friday, June 24, the WaWa Welcome America Festival will kick off 11 days of events and activities.

There will be street closures, lines for cheesesteaks and of course, walking through Center City / Old City will become abominable.

On the bright side, for those of us who live here and simply pass by all the historical sights on our ways to and fro, it may be just the reason we need to slow down and appreciate our fair city.

Start with the three-day long Taste of Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing this Friday, June 24 from 5pm – 9pm, Saturday, June 25 from 11am – 10pm, and Sunday, June 26 from 11am – 7pm. The event has grown so large that it’s now spilling out of the event area and down the Chestnut Street ramp to Front Street.

There will be music, food trucks and tables with tastes from some of the city’s best chefs. Entertainment and admission are free, but the food does cost.

Saturday will also bring the first of three fireworks displays, this one at Penn’s Landing around 9:30pm.

Manayunk Arts Fest: 2 Days & Over 200 Vendors

This weekend, Main Street Manayunk will surrender itself to crafters and artists alike. Over 200 different vendors from 22 different states will be onsite at the 22nd Annual Manayuk Arts Festival, selling their wares to locals, tourists and craft lovers.

On Saturday, June 25 from 11am – 7pm and Sunday June 26 from 11am – 6pm, wander the tents that will be lining Main from Green to Shurs Lane. You won’t have to worry about the the craftsmanship at this arts fest. This is no local yokel gig. The artists were actually screened by “ five notable jurors” to ensure the quality of the arts being offered?...

Parking will probably be horrendous, so skip it if possible and take the R3 Manayunk / Norristown line. Otherwise, there will be shuttles running from 11am – 8pm, and for $3, hot a round trip ride to one of the remote parking locations.

Tonight’s Outdoor Music Event: A Free Jazz Concert

What better way to spend a beautiful June evening, than sitting outside listening to a free concert. Tonight, Brewerytown is hosting a free jazz concert tonight, Tuesday, June 21, at the newly restored Veterans Memorial Park at 31st & Girard at 7pm.

Tonight’s performer will be Philadelphian and tenor sax player Daniel Loeb and his trio.

The Institute is Turning 3!

In honor of its loyal customers that have made the past three years possible, The Institute is throwing itself a birthday bash this Saturday from 10am – 9pm. Grill and chill while The Institute dishes out burgers and dogs, on them.

Plus, they’ll be rolling out an outdoor sprinkler room, just for the occasion. That’s right. Like any 3 year olds birthday party worth a salt, there will be a sprinkler to run through.

Bring Your Own Towel.

By the way, The Institute is also looking for local artists, crafters and vendors for its Sunday Brunch Flea Market. No charge to participate.

The Institute Bar 549 N. 12th St. (12th & Green) Philadelphia, PA 19123 267-318-7772

Waterfront Wednesdays at Penn Treaty Park

Though its first event was rained out, the Waterfront Wednesday Series at Penn Treaty Park continued on last week with its first event of the season. This Wednesday, June 15, the concert series continues with a Philebrity Ho Down at 6:30pm.

The concert is free and according to philebrity’s website, they’re “pretty stoked” about the acts including Blayer Pointdujour & Rockers Galore, who have a “dub/punk/live-band-mashup thing happening” and El Malito “the world’s only Puerto Rican grime rapper.”

Not too sure what’s so ho-downy about it, but hey – it sounds interesting.

2nd Saturday on the Avenue & Beer Week Throwdown

Each month East Passyunk Avenue celebrates Second Saturday with specials, deals, discounts, and music. This Saturday, June 11, stroll the avenue and check out the art, restaurants and shops that keep the neighborhood alive.

On the Beer Week scene, the ladies of The Bottle Show (1837 EPA) have an East Coast vs. West Coast throw-down planned with two separate sessions. $5 for one (1:30-4pm) or $8 for both (6:30 – 9pm). In the first round, Fegley’s BrewWorks and Magic Hat will go up against Breckenridge and Oskar Blues. And for the main event, Allagash and Pretty Things will battle it out with 21st Amendment and Elysian.

Check out a few more of the participating businesses below.

Green Aisle Grocery (1618 EPA) - Cold brew by start up ReAnimator, a small batch, local coffee roaster. "Like" our Fan page and be entered to win a $20 GC to the store! Drawing is June 13.

Sweet Jane Vintage (1820 EPA) - Opening reception for 'Olvidado |Uitat', a photography exhibit. Refreshments will be served. For previews of the work please visit: www.mdominguezjr.com and stefike.tumblr.com.

Mockingbird Salong (1822 S. 13th Street) - Framed water color painting and prints by Leah Sabatelli on display and for sale.

Fuel (1917 EPA) - $2 Cappuccinos and Lattes All Day. Free Coffee with brunch from 11-4, 3 Courses for $10 from 6-10pm (Soup, Salad, Panini).

Fringe Salon (1728 EPA) - Recent paintings by Robert Bender, Beach themed jewelry design by: Typhaney Shanker (www.typhaney.com), Gretchen Diehl: Bird Queen Designs (www.birdqueendesigns.com), Music: DJ Jesse Buehler with a secret live performance, wine and snacks.

Finding Flea Markets: 10th & South

During the spring months here in Philadelphia, you don’t have to look too far or too hard to find a flea market. This Saturday is no exception with an antiques and vintage flea market at 10th & South Streets from 9am – 5pm (early birds welcome).

There will be more than 75 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage furniture, jewelry, pottery, glassware, home furnishings and much more. The rain date is set for Sunday, June 12 and my trusty Weather Channel App says 50% chance of rain...both days...and you know how it's 100% reliable 50% of the time!