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

Winter holidays are approaching fast, so here’s our little guide to where you can celebrate and buy locally-made gifts. These past two years have been very hard for small businesses, so please remember to support them this holiday season.

Also, please check out the 3rd District Holiday Shopping Guide recently released by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s Office and the West Philly Favorites campaign organized by the University City District. More information is below.

Handmade Holidays

When: Saturday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Bartram’s Garden (54th and Lindbergh)

Bartram’s Garden is inviting families to celebrate Handmade Holidays with them this Saturday. Some of the planned events and activities include: a local vendor marketplace, pie-making contest, winter tree ID workshop, a Faulkner demo, wreath and holiday greens sale, campfires and seasonal refreshments. Please note that Bartram’s signature wreaths were for pre-sale only and all sold out, but there will be a wreath making workshop where attendees can make their own wreath. Some holiday greens and plants (poinsettias, Christmas cactus and houseplants) will be available for sale on Saturday. Masks are required for this event. Click here for more details. Continue Reading

As the Delta variant began spreading earlier this summer, some Philadelphia area businesses, mostly restaurants, started requiring proof of COVID vaccination for entry. Other businesses, who do not require proof of vaccination, have to ask their customers and staff to mask up, according to updated citywide rules. In West Philly, the following businesses and event organizers are currently requiring proof of vaccination (and some of them masks, too):

• World Cafe Live is reopening its indoor space at 30th and Walnut for in-person events on September 29th after hosting events online for more than a year. The popular West Philly music venue has recently posted an update on its COVID-19 policy, which now includes proof of vaccination:

“Until further notice, all guests will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry to World Cafe Live. Negative tests will not be accepted at this time.” Continue Reading

World-renowned trombonist Dan Blacksberg is presenting four weeks of West Philly Music Gems at Trolley Portal Gardens (40th and Baltimore). This week, join drummer Nazir Ebo and his band for an electric evening of music. This project features Simon Martinez on guitar, Russell Gelman on guitar, and Tone Whitfield on bass.

Free event.

In addition to the Holiday Gift Card Promotion (running through Dec. 24) and West Philly Forward Fundraising campaign where you can donate directly to local businesses and organizations, University City District has recently launched another campaign supporting West Philly businesses – West Philly Favorites.

The new campaign features a curated series of gift packs filled with handcrafted and locally produced items from small neighborhood businesses, including VIX Emporium, Renata’s Kitchen, Jezabel’s Cafe, Metropolitan Bakery, Snapdragon Flowers, and more. All proceeds from sales of West Philly Favorites packs go to participating businesses.  Continue Reading

Booker’s Restaurant is ready to welcome outdoor diners on Baltimore Avenue (Facebook photo).

Starting today, Philadelphia restaurants and cafes can re-open for outdoor dining as part of the City’s Phase 1 (Yellow) coronavirus re-opening plan.

Some West Philly restaurants that have outdoor seating have already announced their plans to re-open. For some, customers will have to reserve their table in advance, but for others, reservations are not required. All restaurants have to follow the City’s guidelines on how to serve customers safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited seating, 6-foot distance between tables, wearing masks for both customers (unless they are seated) and staff.

Restaurants that don’t have an outdoor dining licence can request an application. Go here for more information.  Continue Reading