The annual People’s Festival celebrates the legacy of reggae icon Bob Marley. Now in its 30th year in Wilmington, it’s headlined by Sister Nancy and Junior Toots. In New Jersey, Glassboro is gearing up for its Car Show & Food Truck Festival. In the suburbs, Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair has been held since 1943. By comparison, the Polish American Family Festival and Country Fair is nearly 50 years old. The musicians in town for the holiday weekend have a jam-packed lineup, including Usher, James Taylor, Avril Lavigne, Chaka Khan and house music queen Crystal Waters.
New Jersey | Delaware | Special Events | Arts & Culture | Comedy | Music
New Jersey
Avril Lavigne: The greatest hits
It’s not “Complicated.” Canadian-born singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne is on the road performing her biggest hits. As mentioned, one of them is the song that became an irresistible hit in 2002. Yes, that much time has passed. Lavigne stops in Camden to perform her other hits like “Sk8ter Boi,” “I’m With You,” “Happy Ending” and “Girlfriend.”
19th Annual Glassboro Car Show and Food Truck Festival
- Where: Glassboro Town Square, 1 High St. W, Glassboro, NJ
- When: Friday, August 30, 5 – 9 p.m.
- How much: Free, pay according to consumption
Vintage cars and food trucks? We’re in. Glassboro is hosting its 19th annual car show and food truck festival on Friday, with more than 300 vehicles on the lineup. The family-friendly, all-weather fest includes 21 local food trucks and live music. Come for the cars, but stay for the food and activities. Another perk: Parking is free, and not just for the exhibitors.
Delaware
30th Annual People’s Festival (Tribute to Bob Marley)
- Where: Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park, Rosa Parks Drive, Wilmington, Delaware.
- When: Saturday, August 31, 2 p.m.
- How much: 25 USD
“Get up, stand up” is the motto at the People’s Festival, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The festival is dedicated to the life and legacy of Robert “Nesta” Marley and has attracted top reggae talent and several members of the Marley family. Headliners this year include Sister Nancy and Junior Toots. There is also a healing garden, arts and crafts activities and a children’s village.
Special events
Cannstatter Labor Day, folk festival on the weekend
- Where: Cannstatter Volksfest Association, 9130 Academy Rd.
- When: Saturday, August 31st, Sunday, September 1st, 12pm – 10pm, Monday, September 2nd, 12pm – 8pm
- How much: $10 day pass, $15 two-day pass and $20 for all three days
The annual Cannstatter Volksfest on the weekend of May 1st is a tradition in the northeast. It is the oldest German festival in the country and will be celebrated for the 152nd time this year. The festival was created to support German immigrants and promote German culture. It includes authentic German food, beer and wine. DJ Heimatklänge and the band MX Reboot provide musical entertainment, while GTV Almrausch offers a traditional dance performance.
Polish-American Family Festival
- Where: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
- When: Saturday, 31 August, 1, 2, 7, 8 September
- How much: 15 USD
Polish Americans highlight their culture at the Polish American Family Festival, which has been held annually for nearly 50 years. The five-day festival takes place over two consecutive weekends, with a few weekdays in between. Expect: two music stages, polka and disco polo bands, and performances by local and regional dance groups. And don’t forget a selection of traditional German beers and foods like pierogi, kielbasa, potato pancakes, and stuffed cabbage rolls.
Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair
- Where: Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show, 1326 Pottstown Pike, Glenmoore, Pa.
- When: Saturday, August 31 – Monday, September 2, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- How much: $10 per car load, no charge after 4pm
Like the other festivals taking place this Labor Day weekend, Luigi’s Corner Horse Show and Country Fair has a long tradition – it’s been running for 81 years now. The show’s non-equestrian activities are similar to those of the Devon Horse Show in the spring, including the ever-popular pet parades and princess tea parties. (Unfortunately, Devon is the older show, having started in 1896.) But the equestrian competitions remain the focus of both shows.
The Kiss n Grind Festival
Popular local party promoter Stacey “Flyygirl” Wilson has organized a Labor Day weekend concert/party featuring local and national artists. The Kiss n Grind Festival will take place at one of Philly’s largest outdoor stadiums, featuring DJ Cash Money and DJ Mike Nyce. Artists include locally known artists Victor Duplaix, The Steve McKie Trio featuring Res, and Lady Alma. Crystal Waters of “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” and Mr. Cheeks of the Lost Boys are among the national artists coming to Philly to perform.
Dance parties on the holiday weekend
If you want to shake off the stress of another endless work week, spend the holiday dancing your way to a more peaceful place.
On Friday, you can join Popscene and DJ Baby Berlin at The Mint House to spin new wave, Brit pop, electronica, and more. On Friday, you can also join other members of the Beyhive at Underground Arts to sing songs from Beyonce’s “Renaissance” album, featuring RiotNerd host DJ Kira Bandan. And on Saturday, Grupo Hipnosis will perform at the all-white Labor Day Weekend party at Izla Latin Cuisine.
Art & Culture
The Misérables
The musical Les Misérables is back as part of Ensemble Arts’ Broadway series. Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, the musical premiered in Paris in 1980, beginning its reign as one of the most popular theater productions of all time. According to production notes, more than 130 million people have seen it in 53 countries and 438 cities in 22 different languages.
Cannonball Festival 2024
- Where: Multiple venues
- When: Sunday, 6 September – Wednesday, 11 September
- How much: Various prices
The Cannonball Festival is a continuation of the larger Fringe Arts Festival that begins next week. Formed under the umbrella of the Fringe, Cannonball offers eclectic productions in multiple indoor and outdoor venues. The folks at Billy Penn of WHYY offer explanations and a guide to both festivals and their many productions. At Cannonball, you can check out Black Circus Week, Cannonball Kids, and Cannonball Workshops.
comedy
Mary Lynn Rajskub
You know Mary Lynn Rajskub from her many acting roles, including “24,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “Mr. Show” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Considering how versatile she is in such diverse roles, it’s safe to assume that her stand-up act in Philadelphia is even more diverse, some of which she detailed in her memoir, “Fame-ish: My Life At the Edge of Stardom.”
Music
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, putting a definitive stamp on her five-decade-long career. Her extensive repertoire includes R&B, soul, funk, jazz and pop, both as a solo artist and as the frontwoman of ’70s funk band Rufus. She was one of Prince’s favorite singers, touring and collaborating with him while signed to his Paisley Park Records label. Khan is here in Philly this weekend to highlight the versatility that has given her such longevity.
usher
All hail the king. Usher has taken the crown from every other male artist of his generation with his consistent hits and dynamic live performances. And his voice still sounds as fresh as it did when he released his eponymous debut in 1994. He’s coming to Philly on his Past Present Future Tour. If you can’t see the show, there’s also a limited-release theatrical concert film of his Paris residency Sept. 12-15.
An evening with James Taylor and his all-star band
The Mann Center’s inaugural season was in 1976. James Taylor performed that first year and has returned 21 times since then, making him the musician who has performed here more times than any other. He will return for his 22nd performance and run through the extensive catalog of classics that made him a living legend.
