12 Things To Do In Philly This Weekend: Franklin Flea, MilkBoy’s Birthday Bash, Robin Williams Film Series, and More
Get our weekly picks of what to do this weekend and the latest on Philly's arts and entertainment scene.
Philadelphia Folk Festival
The Philadelphia Folksong Society has gathered over 100 performers for its 53rd Annual Philadelphia Folk Festival, which will last all weekend long. Musicians like Old Crow Medicine Show (pictured), Jason Isbell, Steep Canyon Rangers, Janis Ian, and Tempest will highlight the festival, which features seven music stages. For the full lineup, and tickets go here. Friday to Sunday, August 15th to 17th, Old Poole Farm, Upper Salford Township.
WetLands Opening Reception
Philly’s new futuristic floating pop-up community, WetLand, created by FringeArts and Brooklyn-based artist Mary Mattingly, is set to open Friday evening. The new communal space-slash urban farm, ecological hub, and art installation–will host an opening reception, featuring locally grown food from its own gardens, plus a wine bar. The event is free and open to the public. Friday, August 15th, 5 p.m.- 7 p.m., WetLand, Independence Seaport Museum Pier, 211 South Columbus Boulevard (at Dock Street).
Brandywine Brings The Blues
Catch an al fresco concert at The Brandywine Museum of Art this Friday evening. Guitarist and singer/songwriter Steve Cal—who hails from Philly—will perform some bluesy rock along with his band. The music will begin at 7 p.m., but guests are invited to come early and relax in the courtyard. A cash bar will be serving f00d and drinks. Tickets are available for purchase online. Friday, August 15th, 6 p.m., $25 for adults ($20 for members & $10 for students), Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman's Mill Road, Chadds Ford.
Timeframe
Northern Liberties skate shop Exit Philadelphia will bring a group of talented local photographers together on Friday evening for a special exhibition. Timeframe will display the unique work of several Philadelphians who are all bound by their shared love of skateboarding, though their snapshots all capture very different themes. The photo show will include work from Chris Mulhern, Walt Wolfe, Theo Constantinou (pictured), and Jakob Heid, among others. Friday, August 15th, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., Exit Philadelphia, 825 N. 2nd Street.
Milkboy's 3rd Anniversary
True to form, Milkboy is celebrating its third anniversary this weekend by hosting a solid lineup of bands that your less-cool friends have probably never heard of. On Friday, you can catch The Ataris' Kris Roe, Cheerleader, Alright Junior, and Strap, and Saturday night The Lawsuits, Mo Lowda & The Humble, and Our Griffins will play. Admission is free, but you'll still need tickets, which are available online. Plan on getting there early if you want to squeeze in. Friday, August 15th & Saturday, August 16th, both shows at 8:30 p.m., Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut Street.
Franklin Flea
Indulge in some retail therapy this Saturday at Franklin Flea, a curated vintage and antique market selling clothes, furniture, jewelry, and handmade goods from over 50 unique vendors. If you've been before, you can look forward to several new vendors joining the lineup, including Hummingbird Vintage and Love.Honor.Upcycle. Plus, popular food trucks will be serving up eats for those who shop up an appetite, or to distract less than enthusiastic market-goers. Happy shopping! Saturday, August 16th, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., McCall Schoolyard, 325 S. 7th Street.
Jazz on the Ave
North Philly is hosting a free, all day jazz festival this Saturday, with over ten live performances. Jazz on the Ave will bring two music stages to the street, featuring performances from multiple local jazz artists, including Chris Washburne & Syotos (pictured), Carol Riddick, Mozaic Flow, Jeff Bradshaw, and Music Over Matter. An array of food and merchandise vendors will be onsite, and kids will be occupied with face painting, rock climbing, a moon bounce, and more. Don't hesitate to bring chairs and make yourself comfortable–the music lasts all day. Saturday, August 16th, 12 p.m., Broad Street & Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
GreenStreet Coffee Roasters' Block Party
From FooBooz: Alter Street prepare yourselves, because it’s almost time for GreenStreet Coffee Roasters’ third annual block party. On Saturday, August 16th, the Philadelphia-based, fair trade coffee company will be hosting a day devoted to beer, barbecue, music, games and of course, their coffee. Saturday, August 16th, 1 p.m.- 7 p.m., $10, Alter Street (1900 Block, Point Breeze).
Robin Williams Film Series
The ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks is hosting a Robin Williams film series that starts this weekend and runs through August 30th. On the slate are some of the late comedian's best films, running the gamut from his silly to serious roles: Dead Poets Society (August 16th), Good Will Hunting (August 17th), Hook (August 23rd), Good Morning Vietnam (August 24th), and Jumanji (August 30th.) It's an hour drive to get there, but a great chance to see some of these greats on the big screen again, plus proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. August 16th to 30th, various times, Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.
The Five Dollar Festival
Get your dance on to some electronic and dub step sounds at Hard Rock's all day concert this Saturday, The Five Dollar Festival. For five bucks you can jam to five bands: Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, The Manhattan Project (pictured), Fear Nuttin Band, The Underwater Sounds, and Reef'd. For more information about the festival and featured bands, click here. Tickets are available for purchase online. Saturday, August 16th, 5 p.m., $5, Hard Rock Cafe, 1131 Market Street.
Pancakes & Booze Art Show
Short stacks and cocktails can make an art enthusiast out of anyone, right? Underground Arts is hosting a Pancakes & Booze Art Show, with over 75 emerging artists with work on display, plus music, liquor, live body painting, and an all-you-can-eat pancake bar (!). Need we say more? Admission is 21+, and tickets are available online. Saturday, August 16th, 8 p.m., $5, Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street.
Possible Memoir Titles Cabaret
L'Etage presents Possible Memoir Titles Cabaret, a musical comedy starring Caroline Dooner, an actress and self-proclaimed "absurd songwriter." Desperate to stumble upon the title of her future memoir, she'll explore her options through stories and songs, guaranteed to provide enough comic relief to help you forget it's almost Monday. Tickets are available for purchase online. Sunday, August 17th, 7 p.m., $10 online or $15 at the door, L'Etage, 624 S. 6th Street.
What to See in Movie Theaters
Our resident film critic Piers Marchant weighs in on the new movies opening in Philadelphia this weekend, including The Giver (pictured), Land Ho!, and Stallone's Expendables 3 (really, Stallone, a third one?!) Check out trailers and his capsule reviews here.
Submit An Event
Have an event you'd like featured in an upcoming "Things to Do" post? Send information to ksordjan@phillymag.com.
