The 2019 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll (Photo by Lora Reehling).

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Strolls, typically taking place twice every summer, have always been very popular, drawing huge crowds of both West Philly residents and guests. But this year, the event is returning with a new take, after taking a break last summer due to the pandemic.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, from 12 – 4 p.m., visitors are invited to stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 52nd Streets to visit local small businesses and restaurants during the Baltimore Avenue Saturday Stroll. Although there won’t be $1 offers from most participating businesses like during the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, they will offer Stroll specials, discounts, and unique offerings during the event. Continue Reading

The annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival will return virtually this year and will be streaming live at lancasteravephilly.com/jazzfest beginning at noon this Saturday, Sept. 18. The festival offers a tribute to Grover Washington, Jr.

This is the 15th season for the festival, organized by staff at People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and a planning committee of neighborhood residents.

Musicians in the lineup must perform at least one piece by the Philadelphia-based saxophonist, known for hits like “Magic Man” and “Just the Two of Us.” The Grover Washington Jr. Tribute Legacy Band headlines the event. Other performers include Glenn Bryan and Friends, The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble, Denise King and Friends, Chris Aschman and Trinidelphia, TC THE 3RD, and Greg Moore and Actual Proof. The line-up was curated by Leo Gadson of The Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia. Continue Reading

Keni Jackson (Facebook photo)

Great news for local jazz music fans! After a two-year break the popular Thursday night jazz series, Jazz Heritage Series, will return to Malcolm X Park this summer. The series will kick off this Thursday, July 1 (weather permitting), with a performance by Southwest Philadelphia native Keni Jackson, a bass player and vocalist.

All concerts are free and held every other Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. Please bring your blanket or portable chair, and picnic! Please note that performances are not held in inclement weather.

Here’s the full schedule of performances through October 21st: Continue Reading

As the city is preparing to lift all COVID-related capacity restrictions on June 11, check out updates on these great outdoor events, all held in Clark Park at 43rd and Chester:

The next Uhuru Flea Market will be held on Saturday, June 12. It is an all-day (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) African marketplace featuring dozens of vendors showcasing a wide range of handmade goods, crafts, housewares, food, and more. Volunteers are always needed for this event, held monthly from May to October and vendor spaces are available. The Uhuru Flea Market is an economic development project of the African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF). For more information, visit: uhurufleamarket.blogspot.com or call 267-875-FLEA (3532). Continue Reading

The Under the Stars in Clark Park film series kicks off on June 4 with a short film program from the 2021 Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (Photo courtesy of cinéSPEAK).

After holding virtual film screenings for a year due to the COVID pandemic, cinéSPEAK is bringing audiences together for four magical evenings of independent cinema at one of West Philly’s most popular public spaces – Clark Park.

This new outdoor cinema series, titled Under the Stars in Clark Park, will feature incredible independent films, DJs, arts and cultural organizations, and food trucks every Friday in June (June 4, 11, 18 and 25).

“Doors”/Live DJ performances kick off at 7 p.m. and film screenings begin at 8:30 p.m. (sundown) at “The Bowl” at 43rd and Chester. Continue Reading

The annual West Philly Porchfest, which was cancelled last year due to the COVID pandemic, is set to return in June!

Flyers in different colors have been posted around the neighborhood announcing that it will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 12 to 6 p.m.

The outdoor DIY music festival, which was first held in West Philly in 2016, gives an opportunity to local musicians to play and to West Philly residents and guests to enjoy free shows in various music genres. The Porchfest’s motto is that anyone can perform or host a show.

Folks who are interested in hosting a show on their porch can sign up here. The organizers have also created a Facebook group where porch hosts can connect with musicians looking for porches to perform on. Continue Reading