Community members are invited to support a local arts and education organization at a special family-friendly event. A Book a Day, a nonprofit based in West Philadelphia, is hosting a free fundraiser, titled Alphabet Soup, at the University City Arts League (4226 Spruce St.) on Saturday, Oct. 7, 1-4 p.m.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate A Book a Day’s efforts and achievements in elevating literacy, as well learn about their upcoming projects. Proceeds from the event, which will include a silent auction and raffle, will help ABaD with their efforts to continue providing free educational and art programs.

As always, readers of all ages are invited to join the host in the festivities. Kids’ focused band Ants on a Log is performing, authors Thembi Palmer and Kat Yeh will read and sign books, kid-friendly fun crafts can be made. Also, A Book a Day will unveil their new, one-of-a-kind project. 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

Heather Gardner Studio, a West Philadelphia-based music school, is launching a new program for young children, Music Together®. The goal of Music Together is to expose young children to a diversity of musical experiences, allowing them to realize their full musical potential as they grow. Young children and parents also develop strong bonds when they share musical experiences. Music Together is a program for the whole family, giving them the tools to continue their musical play throughout the week!

The program is intended for children ages 0-5 years. Babies are welcome and infant siblings under 8 months are free.

Classes begin September 13th and are offered at the studio, where kids and adults can take private Suzuki violin, viola or voice lessons. Classes are taught by a certified Music Together teacher. Free demo classes are being offered Saturday, Sept. 9 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. RSVP on Facebook here.

Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of UCD.

The popular community and business event, Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, is set to return for the second and final time this year. It will be held Thursday, Sept. 7, from 5-8 p.m., when visitors are invited to stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets for $1, $3, and $5 deals on food, drinks, merchandise, and more from local businesses and neighborhood vendors.

Due to this week’s heatwave, University City District (UCD), the longtime event organizer, urges all attendees to wear cool clothes and make sure to bring water so they can hydrate before and during the event.

Continue Reading

Scribe Video Center is hosting its annual Street Movies!, a free screening series for audiences of all ages that tours neighborhoods around the Philadelphia region, bringing a program of independent film – fiction, animation, documentary, and youth and community produced work – from around the world to local parks, lots, playgrounds, and community spaces.

This Saturday, Aug. 26, the Street Movies! series will make a stop in West Philly for a screening in Saunders Park Greene (39th and Powelton). The screening is co-hosted by Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, the Arab cultural organization based in West Philadelphia. The screening, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will include the following short films that focus on diasporic Arab experience:

Continue Reading

Made West, a West Philly hub of Made Institute, an independent fashion design and sewing school, is officially opening this week in Garden Court (4719 Pine St.). To celebrate the opening, Made West will hold a launch party on Friday, Aug. 18 (see the flyer below for more details).

Made West is “opening up a whole new world of sewing, fashion and crafts for the West Philadelphia community,” according to the announcement. Friday’s event is a great opportunity to learn about the upcoming classes, workshops, an afterschool program, teen fashion club and adult sewing classes.

Guests of all ages are also invited to tour the space, and check out the equipment and supplies. To register for the event, click here. Continue Reading