UPDATE (5/8/26): The Spruce Hill May Fair is still a go for tomorrow, despite rain showers in the afternoon forecast. Organizers are prepared to work around any passing clouds and hope the community will join them regardless of the weather.

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair, the biggest fundraising event for the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), will be held in Clark Park (43rd and Chester) this Saturday, May 9, 12-6 p.m..

This year’s May Fair is expected to be “larger and livelier than ever,” according to the organizers. It will feature:

• Live music throughout the day, featuring Mad Beatz Philly, Ants on a Log, Settlement Music School Jazz Ensemble, Upholstery, and Steady State.

• Family friendly activities, including a Petting Zoo, moon bounce and obstacle course, free kids games, and Stacey’s Face Painting.

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Community voices will come together for candlelit caroling at dusk in Clark Park (45th and Regent) on Sunday, Dec. 21. This West Philadelphia family-friendly tradition of many decades comes with songsheets of familiar carols  – and mulled cider! Meet at 5 p.m. at the shed – with the Christmas tree on top. (Photos by Anthony West)

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Here’s some exciting news and events at Clark Park, one of West Philly’s most beloved community spaces.

The installation of the permanent public restroom, Philly Phlush, which began in August, is complete (see photo). The installation of this modular ADA-accessible bathroom was part of the Friends of Clark Park fundraising campaign and was included in the current Clark Park Plan, the outline for park development and investments approved by the city in 2023. A grand opening for Clark Park’s Philly Phlush is expected to be announced soon, pending an L & I inspection, which may take a couple of weeks. UPDATE (10/29/25): Clark Park’s Philly Phlush officially opened on Monday, Oct. 27. Check out this Instagram post.

One of the ways to support Clark Park and the Friends of Clark Park projects is to participate in Parktoberfest. The family-friendly event will take place this Saturday, Oct. 18, from 2-8 p.m. at 43rd and Baltimore and will include music from local bands, food, craft beers from neighborhood breweries, and a silent auction. $5 suggested donation at the event helps support park programs and upkeep. Friends of Clark Park members (21+) get a free beer. If you can’t make it to this event please consider making a donation on the Friends of Clark Park website. For more details about this event, follow the Friends of Clark Park on Instagram.

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The future site of the Philly Phlush public restroom in Clark Park, just east of the basketball court (Photo by West Phill Local).

So long Clark Park porta potties, bring on the Philly Phlush.

Construction is set to begin this week in Clark Park on the city’s latest “Philly Phlush” – the permanent public restroom – the Friends of Clark Park announced on Saturday.

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It’s hard to believe it but Movies in Clark Park, one of the most popular summer neighborhood events, is turning 10 this year. The event debuted in 2015 and since then has welcomed thousands of neighbors who enjoyed free screenings of family favorites, cult classics, and blockbuster hits under the stars at Clark Park’s “Bowl”.

The event is returning this Friday, Aug. 1 with a special 10th anniversary program featuring popular movies released in 1985, 1995, 2005. and 2015. The event kicks off with a screening of The Goonies (1985). Here’s the full program:

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The popular local theatre company, Shakespeare in Clark Park, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and inviting West Philly residents and guests to the park’s “Bowl” July 23-27 for the world premiere of “A Bottom’s Dream,” a “bold and joyful” musical interpretation of the classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The new show is a queer pop disco adaptation of the play starring Philly drag icon Lili St. Queer. It also features a Barrymore-studded cast (see below) and a Youth Ensemble of local performers. “A Bottom Dream” features original music blending Chappell Roan, Donna Summer, and Daft Punk vibes.

The adaptation is created by Richard Rodgers Award winner Jay Eddy, a composer, writer, performer, and sound artist, and directed by Shamus. Music direction is by Beatrice Quinn and choreography is by Jessy Gruver.

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