Bruce Springsteen returned to Philadelphia after canceling his tour last year due to illness. He tops the musical bill this weekend, but alternative rock band Wallows is also in town. House music is celebrated at a festival in South Jersey.
Beer, its brewers and its lovers are in full swing at two festivals, one in the city and one in the suburbs with a historic backdrop. The Oval, the pop-up space on the Parkway, closes this weekend and wraps up with a series of events including a show by Snacktime – these people come around!
New Jersey | Delaware | Special Events | Arts & Culture | Food & Drink | Kids | Comedy | Music
New Jersey
2nd Annual South Jersey House Music Festival
- Where: Burlington County Fairgrounds, 1990 Jacksonville Jobstown Road, Columbus, NJ
- When: Saturday, August 25, Sunday, August 26, 12 – 20 o’clock
- How much: Free, parking $5
Need house music? Then head to New Jersey, where the second annual South Jersey House Music Festival is taking place. There, several DJs will play the music that will free you for two days. The genre originated in black and LGBTQ clubs in Chicago in the ’80s. Although many of these artists were unknown and unpaid, the music they created inspired EDM, whose prominent DJs now make millions.
Delaware
Art + Nights at Contemporary
If you’re in Delaware and looking for a relaxing evening, we have just the event for you. Art + Nights at Wilmington’s only contemporary art museum offers a beautiful setting with music, dance, improvisation, art projects and more. On the bill this Thursday: The Jon Coley Brand plays a tribute to ’60s stars Dionne Warwick and Carole King.
Special events
Bookstore stroll through Philadelphia
- Where: Multiple venues
- When: Saturday, April 24, various times
- How much: Free, pay according to how you consume
Book lovers, here’s your chance to join a traveling group of literature lovers as they trek through the city as a merry band to discover new books. The self-guided Philly Bookstore Crawl offers a map of special events at various bookstores in the city and suburbs that have special events, readings and promotions planned to encourage you to visit.
The Oval Final Weekend
It’s the last weekend for the Oval, the summer parkway pop-up of music, wellness and kids’ activities. The final Yappy Hour and community yoga session are on Thursday, Mad Beatz Philly takes to the Oval’s main stage on Friday, Snacktime performs on Saturday, and Sunday sees Family Festival Day and a final quiz in the Oval Beer Garden.
Naked bike tour through Philly
- Where: Location will be sent after registration on Friday, August 23rd
- When: Saturday, August 24, 5 p.m.
- How much: Free
Although it’s called the Philly Naked Bike Ride, you don’t have to ride in full gear — unless you want to. The motto is “as naked as you dare.” If you come early, organizers offer body painting if you prefer a temporary covering. Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that the ride is a 12-mile route that takes up to two hours to complete.
Ukrainian Folklore Festival
- Where: Tryzub Ukrainian-American Sports Center, 1 Lower State Road, North Wales, Pa.
- When: Sunday, August 25, 12 – 8 pm
- How much: $15, children under 14 free, tickets only available at the entrance
Although their homeland remains under siege, the Ukrainian Folk Festival offers a small respite to war-affected Ukrainian Americans. For others, it is a celebration of the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Music, food and live performances by artists such as singer-songwriter Iryna Lonchyna, the Vox Ethnika Orchestra and the Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from Philadelphia are on the day’s agenda.
Art & Culture
A monkey does not stop appearing
- Where: Theater at the X (Malcolm X Park) 5100 Pine St.
- When: Thursday, August 22nd, Friday, August 23rd, 7pm Saturday, August 24th, Sunday, August 25th, 5pm
- How much: Free, bring your own chair
West Philadelphia’s Theatre in the X brought theater closer to the community with its outdoor shows in Malcolm X Park. Their latest production, “One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show,” is set in the ’70s and follows a series of events that unfold when a “smart” niece from the South moves to live with her family in Philadelphia.
Food & Drinks
Beer Festival at Fonthill Castle
Beer festivals in Philly are nothing new, but this one features the atypical setting of a historic castle. Fonthill Castle Beer Fest uses its many acres to host a tasting tent featuring local and regional breweries, a specially designed VIP experience, and live music for a unique festival experience.
Beer festival for the 20th anniversary
The entire West Philly concert hall becomes the setting for the 20th Anniversary Beer Festival. This festival is also defined by the atmosphere of its location. Hosted by Raheem Manning, Philly’s Director of Nightlife, more than 30 breweries will offer tastings of their beers, ciders, sparkling water and canned cocktails. Small plates from Chef Rob and music from Oluwafemi make for a more intimate festival experience.
Children
Ready Set School
It’s back to school time! If your child is having trouble adjusting to the upcoming schedule change, Ready Set School can help. The free event includes several story times, interactive art and music activities, and a performance by Philly Children’s Theater. It ends with a parade, so dress the kids accordingly.
Live Glow Party with Hot Wheels Monster Trucks
What a glow-up! At the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow Party, expect appearances from the big boys, including Bone Shaker, Big Foot and Gunkster, plus a brand new 5-alarm mega fire truck. The trucks come with a laser light show, special effects and the opportunity to dance at the dance party. They say this event is for kids, but we think adults will have fun too.
comedy
Craig Robinson
- Where: Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.
- When: Thursday, August 22nd, 7pm, Friday, August 23rd, 7pm, 9.30pm, Saturday, August 24th, 7pm, (sold out), 9.30pm – Sunday, August 25th, 7pm
- How much: $48.58 – $58.93
Comedian and actor Craig Robinson is probably best known for his many roles in film and television over the years, including the role of Darryl on The Office. He started out as a music teacher in his hometown of Chicago, but after honing his improv skills, he started getting hired for more frequent roles and, well, the music world lost an educator. Robinson is taking to the small stage for four shows this weekend, so catch him while you can. He’s probably polishing new stand-up material that you’ll see later in a Netflix special.
Music
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
The Boss promised to come back, and he has. After the last tour stop in Philly was canceled due to illness, he said he would return in 2024. He’s already made up a show on Wednesday, so Friday’s concert is your last chance to see him in person on this tour. Tickets for the make-up shows are scarce, so try resellers if you’re willing to pay the price. But it’s Springsteen — that’s you.
Lyfe Jennings
Lyfe Jennings is the R&B prodigy who rose to stardom after serving his prison sentence with hits like “Must Be Nice” and “Hypothetically.” In the midst of his success, he returned to prison after an altercation with his girlfriend led to a police chase. Now all the drama seems to be behind him and his life experiences have inspired passionate live shows. He’s making a stop in Philly on his summer-fall tour.
Wallows: Model Tour
- Where: Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave.
- When: Saturday, August 25, 7.30 p.m.
- How much: 25 USD and more
Dylan Minnette wants you to love him — if not on the big or small screen, then as the frontman of LA alt-rock band Wallows It’s a rare feat to be both a believable actor and a rock star, but so far he’s managed it. The band is in town to promote their latest release, “Model.”
Lady B’s basement party
Be prepared to stand for most of the evening, because longtime Philadelphia radio host Lady B will have you sitting still at her annual Basement Party. EU featuring Sugar Bear (the guys behind “Da Butt”) Adina Howard, Doug E. Fresh, Special Ed and Kurtis Blow are among the stars who will run through their hits from the ’80s and ’90s that “everybody knows.” Lady B celebrated her 44th year on the radio in 2024, so it’s safe to say her party will rock.
Elements of the Hip Hop 10th Anniversary Celebration
If you were disappointed by the breakdancing at the last Olympics, then the 10th annual Elements of Hip Hop celebration might be a better experience. It celebrates all four pillars of hip hop – breakdancing, DJing, emceeing and graffiti. This year, organizers are welcoming New Jersey rap icon Rah Digga. Music isn’t the only priority at the event; there will be opportunities to register to vote, a mobile gaming truck and free legal advice.
