Some major Juneteenth celebrations will be held in West Philly this Sunday. The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival is returning after the pandemic-related hiatus. The 2022 Juneteenth Parade participants will march along 52nd Street – from Jefferson to Pine. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and will conclude at Malcolm X Park where the festival will take place (from 12-8 p.m.).

The Juneteenth Parade will include non-profit organizations, youth groups and schools, local politicians, as well as dance and music groups. The festival at Malcolm X Park will feature music and dance performances, local merchants, food vendors, and more. Residents can also get tested and vaccinated against COVID. Continue Reading

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (archived photo).

The popular neighborhood event, Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, will return Thursday, June 16 after a two-year hiatus.

This year, the event, organized by University City District (UCD), will feature $1, $3, and $5 deals from local businesses along Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 52nd. Over 25 local storefronts will participate, with additional community vendors, performers, and musicians providing entertainment and fun along the way.

Deals range from bites of tasty food and beverages offered by popular local businesses (Renata’s Kitchen, Dahlak Paradise, Mariposa Food Co-op, and more) to preview theatre tickets and merchandise offerings. Greensgrow West (5123 Baltimore Ave.) will be offering plants and planters ranging from $1-$5, as well as merchandise and children’s books. Continue Reading

West Philly Porchfest, the annual DIY music festival where anyone with a porch can host a show, is back this Saturday, June 4. The festival kicks off at Noon with most performances scheduled south of Baltimore Avenue from 40th to 54th Street. Then from 2 to 4 p.m., most shows will take place north of Baltimore from 42nd to 48th Street. Finally, from 4 to 6 p.m., most performances will be held north of Baltimore, from 48th to 52nd (see the full map here).

West Philly Porchfest provides an opportunity to local musicians to play and to West Philly residents and guests to enjoy free shows in various music genres. For the full list of performers and schedule, visit the West Philly Porchfest website.

After taking a two-year break due to the pandemic, a popular live music event, Cedar Park Jazz Fridays, is set to return this week. The annual series, presented by Cedar Park Neighbors, features free outdoor performances by the area’s finest jazz musicians and bands at the park located at 49th and Baltimore. The 2022 series kicks off June 3 at 6 p.m. with a performance by The Dirk Quinn Band.

Here’s the schedule through July 22:

June 3: The Dirk Quinn Band
June 24: The Philadelphia Clef Club Ensemble
July 8: Bobby Zankel and The Wonderful Warriors of Sound
July 22: Nasir Ebo and Friends

All shows are held from 6 to 8 p.m. in fair weather.

The series is sponsored by local businesses and individual donations from neighborhood residents.

The annual outdoor independent film festival, Under the Stars at Clark Park, is returning this spring with four screenings scheduled for May, June and July. The festival, hosted by West Philly-based cinema cinéSPEAK, features city premieres of independent films from around the world, plus local DJs, food trucks and other activities. All events are free to attend.

Screenings take place on Fridays or Saturdays at 9 p.m. through July 9 (weather-permitting). The pre-show starts at 7:30 p.m.

The festival was scheduled to kick off on May 20, but the opening night was postponed due to rain. Here is the schedule for this Friday (May 27): Continue Reading

University City District has announced the return of its popular summer events, most of which were not held during the past two years due to the pandemic.

From the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll to Movies in Clark Park, here’s what’s happening in the district this summer. Also, check out events and activities at The Porch at 30th Street Station and Trolley Portal Gardens (40th and Woodland).

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will return on Thursday, June 16 and Thursday, Sept. 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. During this unique event, neighborhood businesses and community vendors will present $1, $3, and $5 bargains – everything from bites from signature restaurants to pet supplies to theater tickets and much more. Plus enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and more fun! Read more about the 25+ participating vendors for the June 16th Dollar Stroll here. Details for the September Dollar Stroll will be available later this summer. Continue Reading