Film still from Rashaad Newsome’s Assembly, the Closing Night feature film of Under the Stars 2025. Courtesy of The Film Collaborative.

UPDATE: The opening night has been postponed to Saturday, May 24 and changed location. It will take place indoors at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (801 S. 48th St), beginning at 6:30 p.m. Follow cinéSPEAK on Instagram for updates.

The 5th annual independent film festival, Under the Stars at Clark Park, is returning to 43rd and Chester this Friday, May 23. Every Friday through June 13, cinéSPEAK will present city premieres of independent films from around the world, live music from local artists, viral food pop-ups (including Manna Bakery and Darnel’s Cakes), and more.

This year’s program includes six Philadelphia premieres and a special repertory screening of legendary Palestinian filmmaker Elia Suleiman’s It Must Be Heaven, which makes one of its first U.S. appearances since its festival tour in 2019, and live musical performances in honor of West Philly Porchfest 2025. This year’s themes include Palestinian cultural preservation, Indigeneity and environmental stewardship, and Black and queer liberatory futures.

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A petting zoo will return to Clark Park on May 10 as part of the Spruce Hill May Fair (archive photo).

A beloved Spruce Hill tradition is returning this Saturday. The 67th Annual Spruce Hill May Fair, hosted by the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), will take place on May 10, from 12 to 6 p.m. in Clark Park (43rd and Chester Ave). This free, family-friendly celebration is one of West Philadelphia’s longest-running community festivals and a highlight of the spring season.

This year’s May Fair will once again transform Clark Park into a lively hub of local culture, family fun, and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy:

• Live music all day from local performers

• A petting zoo, inflatable slide, face painting, and outdoor games

• A wide variety of food vendors offering tasty local eats

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A great West Philly tradition, the Peoplehood Parade & Pageant, is returning on Saturday, Nov. 9. The family-friendly event, featuring giant puppets created by Spiral Q as well as drumlines and banners, will kick off at 1 p.m. at the Paul Robeson House (4951 Walnut St). The line-up begins at 12 p.m.

The parade will proceed to Clark Park at 45th and Kingsessing, where performances will take place, starting approximately at 2:15 p.m.

The annual event, which has been held since the 1990s, promotes diversity, civic engagement and creativity. The longtime organizer is the West Philly-based arts organization, Spiral Q, which works with artists, activists and community members and groups to create the giant puppets and banners for the event.

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Bark in the Park, the outdoor party for dogs and their owners, will return to 43rd & Chester beside the Bowl in Clark Park this Saturday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m. This frolicsome fall affair will be held by Friends of Clark Park in honor of Fran Byers, founder and longtime organizer of the event, who passed away earlier this year.

A host of silly contests will give every kind of dog a chance to compete for prizes, treats and toys! And a raffle will give one lucky winner a bag of goodies to bring home.

The party will last an hour. As always, it’s free. See the flyer below with more details. For questions, contact anthony.abbott.west@gmail.com.

The Friends of Clark Park will also plant a memorial tree for Fran Byers this Sunday, Nov. 3, at 10 a.m. in the Dickens Garden. All are welcome to join.

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The Friends of Clark Park, the volunteer-run organization that oversees much of the management of the park, is gearing up for the 2024 Parktoberfest, which will take place next Saturday, Oct. 19, 2-8 p.m.. Parktoberfest is a family-friendly event and a great opportunity to spend time with your friends and neighbors at the park, located at 43rd and Chester. The event will include live musical performances by local bands, food from neighborhood restaurants, and beer from Carbon Copy. The event is suitable for all ages!

Parktoberfest is a fundraiser for the Clark Park Master Plan, which was approved by the City last year. This new plan aims to expand the park’s impact on the community through multiple improvements and renovations.

“We are currently working to fund its final design and implementation,” says the Friends of Clark Park board member Cameron O’Grady. “The plan serves as a vision document, outlining substantial renovations to Clark Park to rejuvenate Park B. It includes plans for new playgrounds, a social gathering space near 45th and Chester, and other amenities and improvements.”

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The Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month and invites community members to Clark Park at 43rd and Chester for the annual Ethiopian Day Festival. The event, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 12-7 p.m., will include DJ music, vendors, children’s games, food, a raffle and more.

The event is co-sponsored by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District).

The festival is a great opportunity to celebrate Ethiopian culture. West Philly is home to many residents of Ethiopian heritage and many Ethiopian businesses are located in the area, such as Abyssinia, Dahlak, Alif Brew & Mini Mart, Doro Bet, and more. The Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia is located at 44th and Chestnut Streets, where the Ethiopian Day Festival used to take place for many years.

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