University City District (UCD) has announced the return of their signature summer events this summer, including Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll and 40th Street Summer Concert Series. UCD has released their 2018 “Summer in University City” event schedule, so check out what’s happening this spring, summer and early fall:

40th Street Summer Series

The 40th Street Summer Series, co-produced by University City District, the University of Pennsylvania, and The Rotunda, returns to the green area behind the Walnut Street Library at 40th Street with free monthly concerts and
performances. This year’s programming offers a wide array of musical styles and performers and will run on five Saturdays from May through September.  Continue Reading

Jane’s Walk, the annual festival of free, citizen-led walking tours inspired by the American-Canadian journalist, author and activist Jane Jacobs, returns to Philadelphia on May 4-6 with 27 walks around the city! Three walks will be held in West Philly and University City – all on Friday, May 4th and all new. Here are more details:

• 3 – 5 p.m.: The Gardens of West Philadelphia walk and conversation with Jeff Barg of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will begin and end at UCity Square PHS Pop-Up Garden (3601 Filbert St.). Join PHS on a walking tour of one of Philadelphia’s most garden-rich neighborhoods. This two-hour walking tour will explore the gardens of Powelton Village and West Powelton, some of which boast decades of history. Kids, dogs and bicycles are welcome. Event Facebook page.  Continue Reading

Who said poetry doesn’t go with beer? There’s a chance to try it out this Saturday (April 28) at the West Philly shop of Philly Homebrew Outlet where the Spring 2018 edition of their book reading series will be held. Local authors James Hoch, Rachel Howe, Steven Kleinman and Susan Barr-Toman will read from their work.

Also, enjoy some popcorn, and homebrew beer and wine, of course.

The event, which will be held from 5:30 until about 7:45 p.m., is free and open to the public. You can RSVP here. The shop is located at 1314 S. 47th St.

Also, on Saturday, but a little earlier – from 2-3 p.m. – PHO West will present a Sourdough Bread workshop on the basics of creating and maintaining your own sourdough starter. This event is also free and open to the public. More info can be found here.

Science in the Park was held April 21 at Clark Park (Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Science Festival).

The Philadelphia Science Festival kicked off Friday, April 20 with tons of fun and educational events being held around the city. The goal of this annual event is to “educate, inspire, and engage the region with the science and technology that surrounds our everyday world.”

In West Philadelphia, West Philly Star Party and Science in the Park were held last weekend. This Friday (April 27), West Philly STEM-A-THON will take place at White Rock Baptist Church. More details are below.  Continue Reading

The Woodlands historic grounds is hosting the Spring edition of Go West! Craft Fest this Saturday (April 28), 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The popular West Philly festival and craft market will feature handmade items from about 100 local makers, plus live music, food trucks, children’s activities, and acrobatic performances.

This is a great opportunity to spend a nice spring day outdoors and also shop for unique Mother’s Day gifts. There will be a lot to choose from, including artisan jewelry, ceramics, home wares, clothing, cards, candles, soaps, scents, sweets, toys, tinctures, treasures, and works of art! You can check the vendor list before heading out to the Fest here.

Also check out the entertainment schedule:  Continue Reading

Heritage roses, historic boxwoods, vegetable and herb starts, native perennials, shrubs, trees and more will be available for sale at this year’s plant sale at Bartram’s Garden. The popular annual event will be held on Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. It is also a great opportunity to visit the 1731 Bartram House which will be open all day.

Throughout the day, horticulturalists will be on hand to answer questions and share garden-planning advice.

Bartram’s Garden members are invited to check out this year’s fabulous selection of plants during a Member Preview Party on Friday, April 20, plus enjoy discounts on plant and Welcome Center purchases.  Continue Reading