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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Piffaro, the Philadelphia-based and internationally renowned Renaissance wind band, New York City’s TENET Vocal Artists, and projection artist Camilla Tassi are collaborating to transform Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. Artwork and poetry will be projected on the interior architecture of the historic building while the sounds of 16th century Italy will fill the sanctuary. The concert takes place at the Cathedral, located at 38th and Market, on Friday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m., and the band is offering West Philly Local readers a special 50 percent discount off regular ticket prices with code WPL.

The occasion of the concert is the 650th anniversary of Francesco Petrarch’s death. The most influential poet of the Italian Renaissance, he wrote hundreds of poems grappling with his thwarted love for the lady we only know as Laura, who died young of the plague. Love, Chastity, Death, Fame, Time, and Eternity all make appearances, embodied by the superlative singers of TENET. The music will run the gamut of 16th century Italian musical styles, from Carnival songs to sacred hymns to yearning madrigals.

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West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC), the non-profit that promotes literacy programs to local schoolchildren in grades K-4, will lead hundreds of kids and their families on a fun literacy journey at the first-ever West Philly Literacy Village Reading Promise Festival.

This family-focused event, in partnership with Reading Promise (a Read by 4th initiative), will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 12-3 p.m., at Saunders Park (39th and Powelton).

The event’s goal is to promote a love of reading, books, and literacy. Folks will enjoy free kids books and giveaways as well as free food, games and crafts. Guest authors and entertainers, including Monica Allison, Thembi Palmer, Tony Cruz, and Charlotte Blake Alston, will present on the main stage.

Each child will receive a passport upon entry and will be encouraged to visit at least four literacy program partner tables for activities. Children will receive a special prize for their “travels” on the literacy journey. Also, the WePAC partner school (see the list here) with the most student attendees will receive a water ice party!

WePAC promotes childhood literacy by engaging volunteers in Philadelphia public schools through re-opening and operating libraries. WePAC has partnered with A Book a Day, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Free Library of Philadelphia, HopePHL, Lift Every Voice Philly, Penn Libraries Community Engagement, and other local organizations to present this event.

Here’s a unique opportunity to visit and learn more about some of the most interesting but often forgotten historic and cultural places along 52nd Street, aka “The Strip.” A walking tour titled West Philly’s Main Street: A Walk Through Time, will take place Saturday, Oct. 5, and is organized by All That Philly Jazz, a public project exploring the history of jazz in Philadelphia. The 52nd Street stroll and talk, led by All That Philly Jazz Director Faye Anderson, will uncover the Strip’s hidden past as an entertainment destination for African Americans.

The 52nd Street Stroll dives deep into the Strip’s social and cultural heritage. Uncovering hidden landmarks, it will revisit forgotten stories and remember the iconic figures who shaped the historic corridor.

Here are some of the stops during the stroll:

• Nightclub frequented by celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Cab Calloway, Joe Frazier, Teddy Pendergrass and Stevie Wonder.
• First-ever Walk of Fame memorializing African American artists of stage, screen and television.
• Oldest Black-owned bookstore on the East Coast.
• Sites featured in the 1972 Blaxploitation film “Trick Baby.”
• Restaurant where President Bill Clinton ordered soul food.

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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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Photo courtesy of UCD

One more time this year, community members and guests have a chance to enjoy deals from local businesses at the bi-annual Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, which returns this Thursday, Sept. 5.

The second and final Dollar Stroll of 2024 will take place from 5-8 p.m. when guests are invited to stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets for one-night-only $1, $3, and $5 deals on food, drinks, merchandise, and more from local businesses and neighborhood vendors.

While strolling along Baltimore Avenue, also don’t miss on fun and entertainment, which is a big part of this event. Here’s what’s happening this Thursday:

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