The University City District (UCD) has recently announced the dates for its popular summer events, from the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll to Movies in Clark Park. Each summer, UCD partners with local businesses, restaurants, arts and culture organizations and performers to bring these fun events to community members. So mark your calendar with these dates and stay tuned for more details.

• The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will return on Thursday, June 5 and Thursday, Sept. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. During this unique event, Baltimore Avenue businesses and community vendors offer $1, $3, and $5 bargains between 40th and 51st Streets.

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Pop-Ups at the Portal returns to Trolley Portal Gardens at 40th and Baltimore on Thursday, May 8. University City District (UCD) is teaming up with local performer and curator Gretchen Elise to present five weeks of free, interactive, all-ages entertainment. Pop-ups will run every Thursday from May 8 through June 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are fair-weather only.

“Our goal with Trolley Portal Gardens is to bring programming for the neighbors, parents, and commuters who use the space every day,” said Margaret Starke, UCD’s Senior Manager of Events and Community Partnerships.

Denise King, an international jazz vocalist and recording artist, launches the series on May 8.

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West Philly Bizarre, a non-profit vendor market organizer known for its Clark Park People’s Market, has opened a pop-up shop in an empty storefront 0n the 40th Street commercial corridor.

The store, located at 22 S. 40th Street (between Market and Chestnut Streets), had its soft opening today and will be open Thursdays-Saturdays 12-8 p.m. and Sundays 12-6 p.m. during the month of May. The programming will include a regularly changing roster of West Philly Bizarre curated vendors.

The space is provided by University City District (UCD) and was activated by Meantime, a Philadelphia-based non-profit working to turn empty, street-facing spaces into opportunities for creativity, connection, and local economic growth.

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Piffaro, the Renaissance Band at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (Photo by Hoffer Photography)

Now is the Month of Maying
May 9 at 7:30 p.m. – Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 19 S 38th St.
Tickets & information at piffaro.org/tix

Piffaro, the Renaissance Band brings spring to West Philly with an all-instrumental program, “Now is the Month of Maying.” The concert takes place on Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. Information about the concert can be found at piffaro.org/tix or by calling 215-235-8469.

“There is so much springtime music from the Renaissance,” says artistic director Priscilla Herreid. “Imagine living through a cold, dark winter in a time before electric lighting or central heating. Now it’s May and you’re emerging into warm sunlight. You want to celebrate being alive and being together again! You want to dance, maybe have a little wine, listen to birds sing, and strike up a tune yourself!”

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UPDATE: Due to rain in the forecast for Saturday, West Craft Fest has been postponed to Sunday, April 27.

Here are some details on the annual spring edition of the popular West Craft Fest, which will be held this Sunday, April 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland).

Over 100 local artists and makers are expected to participate in this year’s Fest and to showcase their unique handmade wares, including jewelry, ceramics, home wares, accessories, original art, prints, stationery, clothing, candles, soaps, stickers, and much more! The list of the vendors is available here.

The Fest is also a great opportunity to spend time outdoors at a beautiful historic setting, which is in full spring bloom right now, enjoying live music and aerial dance performances by Tangle Movement Arts (see photo below). If you get hungry, there are some great food truck choices this year (see more here). Just bring your picnic blanket or chair! Children are invited to take part in art & craft activities.

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We’re sad to report that West Philly’s Curio Theatre Company has cancelled the final show of their 20th anniversary season due to unfortunate circumstances. The new production, A Funeral Farce, was scheduled to run from April 30 to May 17, but has been postponed indefinitely after a few key staff and family members were diagnosed with serious illnesses, according to an announcement posted on social media.

“After many hours of talks and weighing many options we must, with heavy hearts, cancel our last production of Season 20,” the announcement reads. “We have quite unexpectedly been hit with multiple serious family illnesses. Three of us who are deeply involved in many aspects of the show have been profoundly affected by cancer.”

The show is co-written by Jared Reed and Curio’s artistic director Paul Kuhn and directed by Curio’s managing director Gay Carducci-Kuhn. Curio members hope to do this show in the future, “hopefully with the same cast and crew.”

Purchased tickets will be reimbursed, but in its continuous effort to never turn away a child for financial reasons, Curio is asking to consider donating your purchased ticket to Curio’s Spotlight Fund which gives scholarships to children who cannot afford to attend Saturday classes and camp.