How do we know that spring is here? Yes, beautiful flowers and blossoms are all around, but also so many cool events now happen every weekend – parties, community fairs, markets, concerts, exhibitions and more! This weekend’s round up is below. For more events, please visit our Events Calendar.

Friday, April 17

• ‘The Imaginary App’ Book Launch with DJ Spooky

The Slought Foundation, 4017 Walnut Street

Global software company ThoughtWorks is sponsoring the launch of ‘The Imaginary App’, a new book about digital apps and the way they have changed our world, featuring essays and articles by writers, artists, and theoreticians. Co-editor DJ Spooky (pictured right), who is also a composer, performer, professor, and activist, will spin music and discuss the cultural and technical shifts that have accompanied the emergence of mobile app technology. 6:30 p.m. Free. More info. 

• Jewish Voice for Peace Fundraiser

The Bar(n) on Baltimore, 4901 Catharine Street

Join Jewish Voice for Peace – Philadelphia for a night of music, dancing and miscellaneous fun to raise money for JVP Philly projects in Palestine. 8 p.m. $10 admission. 21+. More info.

Saturday, April 18

• Uhuru Health Festival & Flea Market

Clark Park, 43rd and Chester

The Uhuru Health Festival & Flea Market is back again for 2015! This Saturday (rain date Sunday, April 19), head over to Clark Park to participate in one of the best events this Spring. There will be no shortage of entertainment and information, including free health resources, free exercise programs, live music, yoga, dance, vendors, and more. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. More info.

• Rome’s Birthday

Penn Museum, 3260 South Street

Celebrate Rome’s birthday (April 21, 753 BCE) with a trip through time to explore Italy during the ancient Roman Empire during this afternoon of activities. Attendees can enjoy gladiatorial bouts, try on helmets and shields, and reenact battle formations, as well as enjoy music, food, and arts and crafts. Free with Museum admission ($15; $10 children). 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. More info.

• West Philadelphia Wellness Day

LIFE Building (Living Independently For Elders), 4508 Chestnut Street

Penn Nursing’s “Healthy in Philadelphia” program hosts the fifth annual West Philadelphia Wellness Day with free health screenings and chair massages, lunch, children’s activities, exercising, and dancing to the samba drums of Unidos da Filadelfia. Free. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. More info.

Click to enlarge.

• Soil Kitchen 2015

The Rotunda, 40th and Walnut

If you’re thinking about putting in a new garden, make sure to test the soil first! Soil Kitchen is returning to West Philly this Saturday AND Sunday for: Art, Soil Testing and Free Soup! Bring a pint-sized plastic bag of dried, homogenized soil (without rocks) to be screened for soil contaminants like lead, cadmium and arsenic (see the flyer for sampling protocol). Soil screening is free and the results are ready while you wait. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. More info.

• “Bartram’s Garden” by Eleanor Stanford: Reading and Book Release Celebration

Bartram’s Garden, 54th and Lindbergh

Eleanor Stanford will read from her newly-released volume of poetry, inspired by none other than Bartram’s Garden. Followed by a reception with light refreshments and live music by Slowey and The Boats. Stanford’s poems and essays have appeared in Poetry, Ploughshares, The Harvard Review, The Georgia Review, The Massachusetts Review, Brain, Child Magazine, and others. This event is free, but go here to RSVP. 4 – 6:30 p.m. More info.

• Concert by Yale Russian Chorus Alumni

St. Mary’s Church, 3916 Locust Walk

More than 40 singers from the Yale Russian Chorus Alumni will perform a full-length concert of Russian and Slavic religious songs, folk songs, and composed songs. Expect powerful music, thrilling solos, exceptional ensembles, and top-notch musicianship. $15; $10 students. 7 p.m. More info.

Sunday, April 19

• Soil Kitchen 2015 (see above)

• Elena Moon Park: Rabbit Days and Dumplings

International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut Street

Korean-American musician Elena Moon Park brings her wonderfully unique family folk album Rabbit Days and Dumplings to Philadelphia. Rabbit Days and Dumplings is a celebration of folk and children’s music from all over East Asia. The album mixes different styles, traditions, languages, stories, and feelings for a inspirational and fun musical experience the whole family can enjoy. Join afterwards for Asian folk crafts with local artisans. $15; $8 children/students. 2 p.m. More info.