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Read the news of the day in less than 10 minutes — not that we’re counting.
Between Star Wars Day, the Kentucky Derby, and the real start to block party season, there’s a frankly irresponsible number of events coming up in Philadelphia.
We’ve got all the Cinco de Mayo events listed here, but there’s plenty else going on. Here’s a guide to top food, fun, and festivals you might want to stumble into when you step out of your house this weekend.
The Grove at Assembly Rooftop Lounge
It’s Portofino via the Parkway with the return of this seasonal pop-up. The Logan Hotel’s rooftop bar — pricey, but with unbeatable views — has been transformed to evoke coastal Italian summers (or the second season of White Lotus). New menu highlights include halibut bionchetti limon ($18), salmon fritto ($16), and a lobster roll with chive aioli and local chips ($21), with dessert selections in the form of a candied mango, pineapple, and Chantilly cream rum baba ($12) and gelato pops ($8) from Homemade by Bruno. Tickets to Thursday’s 21+ launch party cost $100 and include perks like a preview of the season’s new aperitivo happy hour offerings; regular hours begin on Friday.
1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday | $10 cover | Reservations recommended.
May the 4th Quizzo at Other Half Brewing
Think you know your banthas from your wampas? Prove it for a chance to win prizes. This Brooklyn-based brewery’s Fishtown taproom has 20 beers on tap to pair with tacos ($15), burgers ($16-17), and a crispy mushroom banh mi ($14).
1002 Canal St. | 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 3 (yes, we know)
May the 4th Party at Kick Axe
Who needs lightsabers? Swing your axe at a Death Star bullseye, or settle for any of a wide range of classic board and card games. The menu leans towards shareable meals with flatbreads ($11-14), wings (4 varieties, $15) and mac and cheese bites ($8) but also includes a range of tacos ($11-15) and sliders ($14-15) for those going Solo. Costumes encouraged.
232 Market St. | 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday, May 4
Star Wars Jawn: May the Fourth Art Show
Not sure what a 21+ Star Wars themed art show looks like? Neither are we, but you can find out with this group exhibition by Philly artists Bell Crash Collective. It’s on a Thursday at Tattooed Mom’s, so you’re gonna want to load up on those 75-cent vegan pierogies and $3 Tecates.
530 South St. | 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, May 4 | RSVP
Vinyl Happy Hour at The Trestle Inn
Find heartfelt grooves at this Callowhill tavern with Michelle Freeman (Amplify Philly, Girls Rock Philly), who will be spinning five album sides from a collection of 60s and 70s records and sharing the special meaning they hold for her, along with a few other favorite tunes. Happy hour specials include a Neshaminy Creek Ultracush IPA and the “Groove” cocktail with Jim Beam Black.
339 N. 11th Street | 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 5
South Street Spring Festival
With over 30,000 annual attendees and a smorgasbord of international cuisines to sample, you’ll want to arrive early to this block party festival. Returning favorites include Bridget Foy’s, Banh Mi & Bottles, Puyero Venezuelan Flavor, and Bistro Romano, as well as Brauhuas Schmitz’s Maifest with biers, brats, and Maypole dancing (free to the public, $100 VIP passes available here). Drinks and snacks will be available from Wooly Mammoth and MilkBoy in addition to fresh juices, seasonal beers, and custom cocktails from vendors and Stateside Vodka stations. Federal Donuts adds to the festivities with a rainbow nonpareil-topped sweet cream cheese glazed chocolate cake donut — available for one day only.
South Street from 2nd to 8th | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6 | Rain or shine | Free to attend, pay as you go
Kentucky Derby Party at The Twisted Tail
This Derby party takes over much of Headhouse Square with raffles, giveaways, live music, and a Maker’s Mark Mint Julep Tent serving freshly mixed juleps ($8), while an outdoor bar tends to your other libation needs. Besides grilling up chicken skewers ($6), BBQ glazed meatballs ($8), cheeseburgers ($8), Kobe beef hot dogs ($6) with bacon jam, and chorizo tacos ($8), the restaurant will also be bringing back its “What’s the Catch” menu for the day, focused on fish n’ chips ($19/$25). Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with the racing action, unmissable on a jumbotron screen, kicking off at 6 p.m. Come in your derby best for a chance to win Best Ladies Hat or Most Dapper Gent.
509 S. 2nd Street | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6 | Free to attend, pay as you go | No reservations
Girard Avenue Street Festival
Brewerytown restaurants and bars (and a new cat cafe) are coming out for this community street fair that also serves as a platform for neighborhood organizations and civic engagement groups. There’s a free, all-ages karate class (12:30 p.m.), and the Snacktime brass band performs. Food vendors Spot Burger and Otto’s Taproom will be on the scene, as well as Ryebrew, The Monkey & The Elephant, and Brewerytown Food Hall. Ice cream lovers can choose among flavors from Harpers, Over the Moon, and I Scream for Ice Cream.
Girard Avenue from 26th to 29th streets | 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6 | Rain or shine | Free to attend, pay as you go
Rittenhouse Row Festival
Another one! But this time square-shaped. Take a three-course loop around Rittenhouse Square Park to get a sampling of everything on offer. Ceviche from Tequilas, lobster rolls from Happy Rooster, and shrimp cocktails from Oyster House, who will also be shucking on site, should keep seafood lovers satisfied; others can enjoy offerings from Patchwork, Spice Finch, Hip City Vedge, Pizzata Pizzeria, and “Best of Philly” burgers from a. Kitchen.
On the 1800 block of Walnut, a VIP tent showcases of Starr restaurant selections from Barclay Prime, Butcher & Singer, Continental Mid-Town, El Rey, Parc and The Dandelion. Cocktail gardens throughout come courtesy of Bar Bombon, DiBruno Bros., Wilder, and Jet Wine Bar, along with spirit tastings from BOTLD. Returning to Rittenhouse after a three-year absence, this year’s festival will likely be heavily attended — previous editions attracted over 50,000 visitors.
Walnut Street from 15th to 19th streets, 18th Street from Locust to Sansom | 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 6 | Rain or shine | Free to attend, pay as you go.
Hittin’ Season Phillies tailgate with Billy Penn
Oh hey there. Meet the team behind Billy Penn’s newest podcast, Hittin Season’. We’ll be hosting trivia, playing corn hole, and giving out swag over free pizza and hoagies from South Philly’s Slice and Nipotina, as well as free beer courtesy of Evil Genius Beer Co. Join us for baseball-themed fun and a chance to be featured on the podcast.
Citizens Bank Park, Lot M-N (Jetro lot) | 3 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6 | Free
