9 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend in Philly

Can’t make it to the shore this holiday weekend? Philadelphia’s got you covered. Here, we round up seven Memorial Day Weekend events to keep your mind off the fact that you’re not splashing in the sea. 

Picnic at the Pier

Head to the waterfront for a celebration of Philly’s parks. The Race Street Pier will be lined with picnic blankets, food baskets and lawn games for the whole family to enjoy. Free food and drinks will be provided. There will be live music, too. Friday, May 23rd, 6 p.m., Race Street Pier, North Columbus Boulevard at Race Street.

Memorial Day Weekend at the Constitution Center

The Constitution Center is looking to celebrate the patriotic holiday with a slew of events running all weekend. Among them is session on flag etiquette. Visitors will learn all the intricacies and protocols for handling the American flag, like raising and lowering the flag from its pole. Other events include a special program on the significance of our country’s memorials, and a Thank-a-Vet letter station. Patriotic Karaoke and numerous craft activities will be on site for a more lighthearted way to enjoy the holiday. Check the Constiution Center’s website for a list of the activities and their times. Saturday, May 24th – Monday, May 26th, All weekend, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street.

Summer Souvlas at Drury Beer Garden

From Foobooz: Just a reminder for those of you who haven’t yet finalized your Memorial Day Weekend plans.Cochon 555–the annual pork pig-out event–is coming to Philly on Sunday, May 25. We’re talking 1,000 pounds of heritage pork, being prepared by five of the best chefs in the city, for a competition which will culminate in one of them being crowned King of the Pigs (or something like that) and get them a slot to compete at the Grand Cochon happening at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. More info here.

Philadelphia Phoenix Memorial Day Celebration and Barbeque

The Phoenixes take Frisbee fun to a whole other level. If you didn’t know about Philadelphia’s professional ultimate team, this weekend is the perfect time to get acquainted. Join them as they take on the Montreal Royals on Saturday. Get fired up before the game with a large-scale barbeque, live music, and an in-door tailgate. Become part of the “phlock” this weekend for a day of action, food, and fun. Saturday, May 24th, 6 p.m., A.A. Garthwaite Stadium, The corner of 11th and Harry Street.

Sunset Wine Cruises

What better way to spend the holiday than on a boat with a wine glass in your hand? Pinot Boutique and Patriot Harbor Lines are teaming up for a two-hour excursion of wining and mingling while cruising down the Delaware River. This Saturday’s kickoff will feature sparkling wines from around the world, so skip the crowded shores and cramped restaurants to set sail with some bubbly. Saturday, May 24th, 7 p.m., Cruises leave from behind the Hyatt Regency, 201 South Columbus Boulevard.

Longwood Gardens’ Fireworks & Fountains Spectacular

Welcome the unofficial start of summer with a big (and colorful) bang. Longwood Garden’s annual fireworks celebration is back for the summer season with its first event this Saturday. "Big Band and Broadway" is the theme of the show, so expect a sing-along to accompany the extravagant firework display. Word to the wise: Head over early to reserve your spot before the sun goes down.Saturday, May 24^th, 9:30 p.m., Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square.

10^th Annual Teal Ribbon 5k: Race against Time

Join the fight against Ovarian Cancer by participating in a 5k run/walk through Fairmount Park. All money raised will go toward cure research, early diagnostic treatment programs, and improving the lives of survivors and their families. Participants can join up with a team or run solo. Sunday, May 25^th, Registration begins at 7 a.m., Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic.

Cochon 555 Hits Philly

From Foobooz: Just a reminder for those of you who haven’t yet finalized your Memorial Day Weekend plans.Cochon 555–the annual pork pig-out event–is coming to Philly on Sunday, May 25. We’re talking 1,000 pounds of heritage pork, being prepared by five of the best chefs in the city, for a competition which will culminate in one of them being crowned King of the Pigs (or something like that) and get them a slot to compete at the Grand Cochon happening at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. More info here.

Jam on the River

After a six-year hiatus, the Jam on the River music festival is back. Electronic artists Lotus, GRiZ, Papadosio, Conspirator, Zoogma and Grimace Federation round out the lineup for this year’s concert. Food trucks will be on sight as well as a visual light show on the waterfront that will use the lights of Philadelphia for an unofficial rave party. Sunday, May 25th, 9 p.m., Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street.