West Philly Porchfest, the annual DIY music festival, is returning this Saturday, May 31. Dozens of free shows featuring a variety of music genres will take place from Noon-6 p.m. The festival keeps growing and adding new porches every year since it started in 2016.

You can check out the interactive map and list of the performers here and follow @westphillyporchfest on Instagram for updates.

Pop-Ups at the Portal returns to Trolley Portal Gardens at 40th and Baltimore on Thursday, May 8. University City District (UCD) is teaming up with local performer and curator Gretchen Elise to present five weeks of free, interactive, all-ages entertainment. Pop-ups will run every Thursday from May 8 through June 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are fair-weather only.

“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.

Denise King, an international jazz vocalist and recording artist, launches the series on May 8.

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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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University City District’s popular summer concert series is set to return next month after a few years’ hiatus and will be held at two new locations. The University City Summer Series features family-friendly evenings of free entertainment at standout public spaces in the neighborhood.

This year, UCD is partnering with World Cafe Live to present two concerts – on Thursday, Aug. 15 and Thursday, Sept. 12. The August 15 concert, featuring house music mainstay Lady Alma and Vertical Current, will be held at the Lawn at uCity Square (37th and Filbert). The September 12 concert, featuring Indie pop singer/songwriter Marielle Kraft, will take place at Drexel Square (3025 Market St).

The University City Summer Series shows run from 5 – 8 p.m. DJ AfrVbz kicks things off from 5 – 6:30 p.m., and then headliners perform from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Both shows are free to attend, but RSVPs are recommended to guarantee your spot. Click here for more details and to RSVP.

Also in August, outdoor movie fans are invited to Clark Park to enjoy free weekly screenings at sundown. More info is available here.

Also, don’t forget to check on this year’s University City Dining Days, which kicks off Thursday, July 18.

Free, Live and Family-Friendly

The 2024 Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival promises to be the best one yet, as it returns to Saunders Park Greene (39th & Powelton) on Saturday, July 20 from Noon to 7 p.m. The Festival celebrates West Philadelphia and jazz musicians with spectacular live performances, local vendors, fun children’s activities, and delectable treats from food trucks.

The all-day event is free and open to the public, organized by HopePHL (formerly People’s Emergency Center and Youth Service, Inc.), The Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and a committee of community members, with technical assistance from Nu Millennium Media Productions.

“We are very excited about this year’s Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival,” said Bernadine Hawes, HopePHL Community Development Corporation Board Chair, “it’s guaranteed to be an enjoyable day out for anyone in or near West Philadelphia on July 20.”

This year’s headline act is Jamaaladeen Tacuma Quintet featuring Odean Pope. Other performers include Joe Block Quintet, Timothy Vaughan Inside Outside Ensemble, Mollie Ducoste, Deborah Smith, and returning audience favorite, Glenn Bryan & Friends.

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The Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival is keeping live music alive with a series of four pop-up events presented by HopePHL and partners leading up to the Festival later this month! HopePHL’s team will be at 4017 Lancaster Avenue on Friday, July 12 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature a jazz performance by Justin Bowden. Everyone is welcome to listen and tap their feet to the music during the two-hour performance, curated by Leo Gadson at the Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia.

All are welcome to celebrate summer and jazz music – deeply rooted in West Philadelphia’s music scene –  at this free event, while talking to neighbors and making new friends. Other pop-up events this season featured performances by The Brent White Band, Wayne Smith Jr. Quartet, and Mervin Toussaint Quartet (pictured).

The Community pop-up series precedes the Lancaster Avenue Jazz  & Arts Festival on Saturday, July 20 from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. at Saunders Park Greene, 39th & Powelton Avenue. The Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival has been nominated for Metro Philly’s Best Annual Event/Festival and HopePHL has been nominated in the Best Not For Profit category.

You can vote once a day until August 9th. Vote daily in each category and share!

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