Nature Nights, the annual family-friendly event, is returning this week to The Woodlands. The first event in the popular series, Firefly Night, will be held Friday, June 21, to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

The night surely promises to be entertaining: you not only get a chance to spend time at the historic cemetery grounds after dark and watch for fireflies, but you can also enjoy ballet and acrobatic performances.

BalletX will be kicking off the evening at 6:30 p.m., and Tangle Movement Arts will follow them up with a firefly inspired aerial performance around 7:30 p.m. Sweet treats will be served by Lil Pop Shop. Also, don’t forget to pack a picnic and a flashlight!  Continue Reading

Happy Juneteenth! The celebration of America’s “other Independence Day” kicks off around the city today (if you need background on the holiday that marks the end of slavery see the video below from The Root). The epicenter of the city’s Juneteenth celebration will be in West Philly this Saturday, June 22, with a parade down 52nd Street and and a festival in Malcom X. Park complete with vendors, food and lots of music.

The day kicks off with an “Honor Our Ancestors” breakfast. The parade begins at noon at 52nd and Jefferson and proceeds south on 52nd Street, which will be renamed “Muhammad Ali Way” during a ceremony in Malcolm X. Park (3 – 4 p.m.). The Juneteenth Musicfest will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the park. The featured performer is Kindred The Family Soul. Their performance is scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. Continue Reading

The 40th Street Summer Concert Series returns Saturday, June 15 with a free performance by Philly rock group Stargazer Lily and opener Ashley Phillips. The event also includes kid-friendly activities, and free samples of Ben & Jerry’s (while supplies last)!

Before heading to the show, which begins at 6 p.m., check out the map. Due to construction near 40th and Walnut, the event will now be held at 39th and Walnut Streets, just near Locust Walk.  Continue Reading

Dear West Philly Local editors,

Last week, in a City Council member’s office, I was told they got more calls from West Philadelphia about funding libraries than from any other part of the city! Probably because of you running my library story earlier this year – thank you!

Here’s another announcement:

Join Free Library ‘Friends’ and Staff, before City Council’s Budget Vote Thursday, June 13th. We will gather INSIDE of City Hall on the 4th floor, at 9:30 AM. Please bring your ID to get into the building. All are welcome!
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Over 90 porches are participating in this year’s West Philly Porchfest. Check out the full map on westphillyporchfest.com.

West Philly Porchfest is returning Saturday, June 8, with free music performances taking place around the area from 12 – 6 p.m. This year, 95 porches are hosting shows featuring musicians and groups representing a variety of musical genres.

Just like last year, all performances are divided into three groups. From 12 to 2 p.m., shows will be held on porches on and south of Baltimore Ave. between 43rd and 52nd Streets. From 2 to 4 p.m., performances will be held between Baltimore Ave. and Walnut St. from 41st to 50th. And finally, from 4 to 6 p.m., check out performances between Baltimore Ave. and Market St. from 46th to 59th streets.  Continue Reading

This summer’s first Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will be held Thursday, June 6, from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Stroll the avenue from 43rd to 52nd Streets and enjoy $1 deals – food, drinks, dessert, merchandise, theatre tickets, and even a 15-minute business consultation!

Before heading to the Stroll, check out the map below for more info on participating businesses and their offers. University City District will also have paper maps available at the two UCD tents located at 50th and Baltimore, and at 43rd and Baltimore near the entrance to Clark Park.

Also, don’t forget about live music and entertainment. While strolling, check out performances by The Ramblers at 48th and Baltimore, playing your favorite 90s songs as Mardi Gras Jams, Clancy and Lolli’s face painting & balloons at 49th and Baltimore, and Positive Movement Drumline at 50th and Baltimore (shows at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.).  Continue Reading