Photo courtesy of UCD

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is returning this Thursday, June 6, from 5 – 8 p.m.. The first Dollar Stroll of 2024 will bring deals, music, arts, and more to Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Streets. Just a reminder, that local businesses and vendors now offer $1, $3, and $5 deals during this event.

The Dollar Stroll is a great opportunity to enjoy some of your favorite items from well-known businesses, like VIX Emporium, Renata’s Kitchen, Desi Village, Loco Pez, Vientiane Cafe, Booker’s Restaurant & Bar and more. The event is also a chance to check out new businesses like Manzanita (42nd and Baltimore), Milkcrate Cafe (45th and Baltimore), Third Wheel Cheese Co (50th and Baltimore), and more.

The list of performers and entertainers includes Gretchen Elise at 40th and Baltimore (5-7 p.m.), Orchestra 2001 at Clark Park and HMS School Block Party, and Hip Hop Fundamentals at 50th and Baltimore.

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Join us at The Woodlands for a party in celebration of one of West Philadelphia’s most active, significant, and well-loved places. Enjoy bites from local chefs, a silent auction, and the opportunity to fund critical needs at the cemetery. This event is made possible by the generosity of our Benefit Sponsors and Partners.

About the Benefit:

When: Thursday, June 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where: The Woodlands, located at 4000 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104

What: You are invited to one of Philadelphia’s most active, significant, and well-loved places, where you will explore the Hamilton Mansion, historic cemetery grounds—and even a mausoleum—while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and drinks in support of The Woodlands. Enjoy bites from local chefs, including Tabachoy, Pitruco, Lil Pop Shop, Local 44, and Third Wheel Cheese Co., a silent auction, and the opportunity to fund critical needs at the cemetery.

Registration: www.woodlandsphila.org/benefit

Sponsorships, Individual and Young Friend Tickets are available. If you have any questions, please contact info@woodlandsphila.org

– The Woodlands Team

cinéSPEAK, a local independent cinema that celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, is returning next week with its outdoor film screening series, Under the Stars at Clark Park.

The popular event kicks off Friday, May 24 in the park’s “Bowl” located near 43rd and Chester. The weekly program, which runs every Friday through June 14, features independent films from around the world, local DJs, food trucks and more. All events are free and open to the public.

At the opening night on May 24, cinéSPEAK and community partner, Free Library of Philadelphia, will present screening of Butterfly in the Sky (2022) and The ABCs of Book Banning (2023). The evening will kick off at 6:30 p.m. with a Drag Storytime, followed by DJ Mariyama⁠ at 7 p.m. Film screenings begin at 9 p.m.

Rain dates for this year’s series are on Saturdays – May 25, June 1, June 8 and June 15.

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Two popular outdoor “do-it-yourself” music festivals are returning to Philadelphia next month. Both of these events are free and give a chance to local musicians to showcase their talent.

The 2024 West Philly Porchfest will be Saturday, June 8 from 12-6 p.m. Dozens of porch owners have already signed up to host solo artists and groups/bands performing in various genres, including folk, jazz, rock, rap, R&B and even opera music. Shows are usually divided into three groups depending on their location – from 12-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. All shows are free and anyone can host or play a show. For more details, go to: https://westphillyporchfest.com.

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The annual Spruce Hill May Fair, organized by Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), returns this Saturday (May 11) to Clark Park from 12-6 p.m. The popular community event features children’s games, including the popular petting zoo, scores of vendors and community service information tables, food trucks, and more.

There will also be a full day of music and entertainment from some local musicians, including:

• Paulette Branson & Mixed People
• Willy Wonka presented by Penn Alexander Musical Cast
• Kelvin Cochrane and the South Philly All Stars
• Steady State

Also, the University City Garden Club will hold an outdoor plant sale at the Fair. It will offer a variety of veggies, herbs, and annual and perennial flowers and flower baskets.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, SHCA have some amazing raffle items to give away this year. Stop by the Spruce Hill booth this Saturday to purchase your tickets. Tickets are $5 for a book of six tickets, or $1 per ticket.

Gretchen Elise performing at a Pop-up at the Portal (Photo courtesy UCD).

Free, all-ages music performances, Pop-Ups at the Portal, are returning to Trolley Portal Gardens at 40th St. and Baltimore Ave. For five weeks starting May 9, University City District (UCD) in partnership with local musician Gretchen Elise will present inclusive musical performances featuring local talent every Thursday evening (from 5 – 7 p.m.)

“Our goal with Trolley Portal Gardens is to bring programming for the neighbors, parents, and commuters who use the space every day,” said Margaret Starke, UCD’s Senior Manager of Events and Community Partnerships. “Gretchen has deep connections with the neighborhood and other local musicians and made a great fit to collaborate with again as both a presenter and a curator.”

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