The spring edition of West Craft Fest is set to return to The Woodlands on Saturday, April 27 after a two-year break. (Rain date is Sunday, April 28). Over 100 local artists and makers will showcase their unique, handmade wares: jewelry, ceramics, home wares, accessories, original art, prints, stationery, clothing, candles, soaps, stickers, and much more! Check out the vendors list here.

The popular event also features live music and entertainment, food from local vendors, craft activities (make & take crafts), and acrobatic performances by Tangle Movement Arts. It is free and open to the public.

Here’s the performance schedule:

Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of Fairmount Park Conservancy.

This month, Fairmount Park Conservancy will host three public tours in West and East Fairmount Park that highlight Philadelphia’s history, including one on Philadelphia’s role in the Underground Railroad. The tours will include hikes and interactive conversations with experts in the neighborhoods’ past.

Walking in William Still’s Steps: Guided Hike and Community Conversation will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, followed by Discover Strawberry Mansion: Neighborhood and East Park Walking Tour on October 22. The series will conclude on October 28 with Parkside Past, Parkside Present: Neighborhood and Centennial District Walking Tour.

Continue Reading

October is here and we’re happy to share some interesting and spooky events for adults and children alike happening in the neighborhood. Here’s what will go down at the historic Woodlands cemetery and mansion, Penn Museum, Bartram’s Garden, local libraries, and more locations.

The Woodlands (40th and Woodland)

Nature Nights: Raptor Night
Thu, Oct. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Explore The Woodlands after dark and learn about the hawks, owls and other raptors who live there. Meet live birds with Courtney Douds, aka Raptor Jawns, and discover some of the mysteries of the urban wildlife that calls The Woodlands home. This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is recommended. Click here for more info.

Continue Reading

There are more chances this month to see free outdoor movies in Clark Park’s “Bowl” (43rd and Chester) while the weather is still warm but less humid.

University City District‘s annual Movies in Clark Park program will return for the final time this Friday, Sept. 15 with a screening of the recent blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick (2022). The program is usually held in August, but one rain date is reserved for September. The film will start promptly at 7:30 p.m.. Registration is not required but recommended for this event in case there are any weather-related updates. Go here for more info.

Continue Reading

Bartram’s Garden.

September is almost here, and while the weather is still very warm, it’s nice to spend time under the tree canopy at two beautiful historic green spaces in West Philadelphia – The Woodlands and Bartram’s Garden. Both places are hosting some great, free events for all ages next month, including nature nights and walks, craft and food fests, meditations workshops, biking classes, and more! Here are more details:

Events at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland):

Nature Nights: Bat Night
Fri., Sept. 8, 6 – 8 p.m.

Explore The Woodlands after dark (during a full moon!), look for bats, and learn how to become a Citizen Scientist. You can also learn about birding and maybe even spot an owl! This family-friendly event includes a storytime from the Walnut Street West Library, a bat walk, and an opportunity to visit the Philadelphia Orchard Project Learning Orchard at The Woodlands. Pre-registration is recommended (click here).

Continue Reading

The West Philly-based Black theatre company, Theatre in the X, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month by presenting Zooman and the Sign, a rarely-staged work by the legendary late Philadelphia-born playwright Charles Fuller. The performances will be offered to audiences for free at Malcolm X Park from August 17-20.

In the play set in Southwest Philadelphia in 1979, Zooman senselessly terrorizes his community. When he kills a 12-year-old Black girl on the street, all witnesses refuse to talk. Bereaved and infuriated, the dead girl’s father posts a sign accusing the entire community of cowardice in the face of escalating violence. The play was first presented off-Broadway by Negro Ensemble Company at Theater Four in New York City on December 7, 1980.

Theatre in the X company members said they feel that their play is relevant to the issues of community violence currently taking place throughout the city.

Continue Reading