Many local folks have hosted music shows on their porches since West Philly Porchfest, the DIY music festival, launched in 2016. And now there is an opportunity to connect with local artists and host an art show. The West Philly Porch Art Show will be held in June in conjunction with the 2023 West Philly Porchfest, and the organizers, the West Philadelphia Community Art Alliance (WPCAA), are looking for folks who would like to share their porch with an artist as part of this exciting community event.

“This is a totally free, inclusive event that celebrates everyone in our neighborhood,” reads their Instagram post. “BIPOC and Queer artists are strongly supported and encouraged to participate in the event.”

Both events will take place on June 3 from 12-6 p.m., and more details will be available by next month. If you would like to host an art show, please fill out this form or email: westphillycaa@gmail.com.

If you want to host a music show on your porch, check out the West Philly Porchfest website for more details.

University City Garden Club plants are available for sale.

Spring is here and the time to shop for outdoor plants, herbs and veggie starters has begun.

This year, there are not as many options to buy outdoor plants in the West Philly area, after Greensgrow closing. But many spring plant sale events have been scheduled in the area this and next month. Here are some spots where you can buy plants and also participate in workshops, tours, and other activities.

• The University City Garden Club Spring Plant Sale is taking place online through April 19, with an order pick-up event scheduled for May 6 at 517 Woodland Terrace. This is a great opportunity for University City residents to shop for plants. To shop for plants, click here. UCGC members will also be at the May Fair at Clark Park (43rd and Chester) on May 13 with more items for sale and some fun plant related activities from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition, UCGC will host a Mother’s Day Pop-up Plant Sale on Sunday, May 14, 12 – 6 p.m., at 519 Woodland Terrace near 40th and Woodland. For more information, visit: https://ucgcshop.square.site/. Continue Reading

Some exciting things are happening at The Woodlands this spring but first, here’s an important message from the staff: The Woodlands Cemetery grounds will be closed to all visitors on Monday, April 10 for tree maintenance. More than 1,000 trees are growing at The Woodlands, and it’s time for a much-needed refresh of the aging tree canopy. The mature trees at the cemetery make this place very special. If you would like to contribute to The Woodlands Tree Fund to help care for them, please click here.

Here’s a list of events happening this and next month. Please note that the Spring edition of the West Craft Fest will not be held this year due to some scheduling conflicts. The Fest will be back in September. Continue Reading

BalletX returns to The Mann Center with a world premiere by Amy Hall Garner, the return of Justin Peck’s Become a Mountain (2021) with LIVE music by recording artist Dan Deacon, and Trey McIntyre’s Big Ones (2016) set to the music of Amy Winehouse.

Pre-show performances and festivities begin at 6 p.m. Picnics are welcomed for this performance, as a part of the Mann’s Picnic Series. Outside food and drinks are permitted!

Click here for more info and to purchase tickets. Also, check out this video: Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of UCD

One of the most popular local summer events, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, is set to return, according to an announcement by the event organizer, the University City District (UCD). Two Strolls are being planned this year – on Thursday, June 15, and Thursday, Sept. 7, each from 5 – 8 p.m..

Over the years, the event has become a local business and community festival. As always, neighbors and visitors will be able to enjoy dollar deals from participating vendors. In 2022, the price levels for vendor offerings were expanded from $1 deals to deals for $1, $3, or $5. More details about participating businesses and music performances will be released closer to each Stroll. Continue Reading

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HopePHL, the non-profit organization that was formed at the beginning of the year as the result of a merger of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc., is hosting its first-ever community Program Fair on Wednesday, March 29. The fair will showcase all the programs and teams from PEC and Youth Service, Inc. that have combined into one organization.

Families, children, young adults and West Philadelphia community members are invited to attend this event, which features a wide range of programs that cater to different needs. From resources to computer classes, wellness to education, parenting support to employment opportunities, there is something for everyone. Participants can ask questions and enroll in programs on the spot, making it easier than ever to get involved.

The event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rowan House located at 325 N. 39th St. Participants will have the chance to meet the teams behind the programs, win special prizes, and enjoy snacks and fun.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.