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Taylor Swift’s coming to town this weekend, so all bets are off — this city might not even be called Philadelphia anymore by the time the tour rolls through.
The good news is that unless you’re looking for a hotel room for last-minute guests (forget about finding one under $500), the triple-sold-out concert at the Linc doesn’t have to affect your plans at all. Sure, there are Swiftie-specific specials at some restaurants and bars around town, but there’s a host of other cool events, too.
Check out our picks for this week, from new riverside beer options to a muddy food truck fest to pickled papaya at a rooftop bar.
Food trucks at Overbrook Night Market
Food, history, and health combine in this West Philadelphia street fest. Stroll through a historic district notable for elaborately designed gardens and ornate architecture as you grab snacks from one of many food trucks. Options include arancini from The Little Sicilian, sirloin and sausage from Rio Brazilian Steak Truck, jerk chicken cheesesteak from Grubaholics, and several types of spurrritos (spring roll burritos) from Papermill Kitchen. Drinks will be available from Two Locals Brewing and Top Dog Cocktails
Bonus: Community health and resource orgs are setting up booths to offer assistance and advice, and there’s a family zone through 9 p.m., with kids activities and a book giveaway.
Lancaster Avenue, 61st through 63rd streets | 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 11 | Pay as you go.
Riverside beers at Human Robot Schuylkill Banks
Just three years after launching, this Kensington-based brewery continues its expansion with a third taproom next to Spread Bagelry’s 24th and Walnut location . The indoor-outdoor space is large enough to accommodate strollers — and dogs!
Launch is Thursday at 4 p.m., with eight house beers on tap, more available in cans, and two wines by the glass. The opening drink menu will also feature $2 “milktubes” (glasses of beer foam made popular by Pilsner Urquell). A cocktail list is coming soon.
It’s BYO food at the moment, with brunch options from Spread Bagelry available on weekends through 3 p.m..
2401 Walnut Street | 3 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Tacos at Spruce Street Harbor Park
Spruce Street Harbor Park reopens for the season this Friday, which means Point Breeze’s Philly Tacos will be migrating to the Delaware River waterfront — and dangerously close to all those hammocks.
Choices include chicken tinga burritos ($13) or tostadas ($15), crispy potato or chicken tacos dorado ($12 each), wild Mexican mushroom quesadillas (2 for $16) or any of their 3-per-order tacos ($12-16), each make for a tasty prelude to an afternoon spent lazily swinging alongside the river, with the beer garden conveniently close by.
301 S. Columbus Blvd | 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, 11 to 12 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday | Pay as you go
Kensington Derby & Arts Festival
Now in its 15th year, this festival revolves around a race where people power their homemade vehicles through a neighborhood-spanning obstacle course that features a mud pit right before the finish line.
This year’s expanded, 3-mile track means there’ll be more food trucks than ever lining the spectacle. Look for burgers from Boomer’s Kitchen, ravioli from Molto Bene, hot chicken sandwiches from Blazin’ J’s, sweet corn from Husky Jawn, and shawarma and schnitzel from Moshava. Dessert options include the ever-present Mister Softee, Kona Ice, East Coast Mini Donuts, and a preview of Cloud Cups gelato ahead of the brick-and-mortar opening.
There’ll be plenty to drink as well, with Evil Genius, Interstate Drafthouse, Punch Buggy Brewing, and Philadelphia Brewing Co./Commonwealth Ciders serving beer, plus vodka cocktails from Stateside and hard seltzer sips from Two Robbers.
Circus performances, local crafts vendors, and twelve musical acts — none of whom are Taylor Swift — are all part of the day-long event, which kicks off with a parade.
Trenton Avenue from Norris Street to Frankford Avenue | 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 13 | Pay as you go
Port Richmond Pierogi Festival
Pierogies in both standard and tradition-shattering form appear at this festival, which presents takes on the popular Polish dumpling from over 20 different vendors. Regulars La Roma, Donna’s Bar, Pat’s Polish Deli, and Czerw’s Kielbasa will all be on site. Non-pierogi sweets will be provided by Hardy Funnel Cakes, United Crepes of America, and Shirley’s Fried Ice Cream, among others.
Hosted by Gaul & Co. Malt House, the indoor-outdoor block party will feature booths by local crafts makers, live music from the Polka Band, Ray Palmer, Ryan Beirderman, and the Polish American String Band, as well as carnival games, dart throwing, and a fun house.
2619 E. Indiana Avenue | 12 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 13 | Pay as you go
Tabachoy at Bok Bar
Bok Bar’s monthly chef residency continues with Chance Anies bringing a sampling of Tabachoy’s “light-hearted, heavy-bellied” Filipino cuisine to the South Philly rooftop venue.
Lighter fare includes the atchara ($6), pickled green papaya with carrots, onion, garlic, and bird’s eye chili, and the Tabachoy Caesar ($15), which is tossed in shrimp paste and topped with cured duck yolk. On the more substantial side, look to the longanisa, a sweet and garlicky pork sausage on a roll, and Grandma Gus’ LA cut beef short ribs in a soy and garlic marinade ($19).
The rooftop bar is on hand with an extensive list of cocktails ($11), beers ($6-$11), and wines ($9-$11) to help cap off your weekend with glorious views of the city formerly known as Philadelphia.
800 Mifflin Street | 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday, 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday, 5 to 11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday | Through May 29 | No reservations.
