P!nk, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Boyz II Men and more in this week’s ‘Things To Do’
Aug. 15–18: Philadelphia Folk Festival, Boyz II Men in New Jersey and Super Trans Am: The Super ’70s Concert Experience in Delaware are among the weekend’s highlights.
This weekend, rain is in the forecast — and so are festivals.
Fortunately, most are happening regardless of inclement weather. So your festival attire may include a plastic poncho and some wellies. (We suggest checking event websites for the latest updates).
This year’s Philadelphia Folk Festival will feature more than 40 traditional and contemporary folk, Americana and bluegrass artists. John Oates and Gangstagrass are headlining the festival.
At the Cherry Street Pier, the Festival of India and the Philadelphia Caribbean Festival are celebrating two dynamic cultures on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, the Vegandale festival makes vegan food the centerpiece of music, art and community.
We may have mentioned a few times that nostalgic music reigns supreme, so take your pick of New Kids on the Block tonight at the Mann or P!nk on Sunday at the Linc. The Women’s Film Festival is weatherproof — Neighborhood Christ Church is the hub of the 12-day event.
New Jersey | Delaware | Special Events | Arts & Culture | Food & Drink | Comedy | Music
New Jersey
Boyz II Men
- Where: The Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J.
- When: Friday, Aug. 16, 8 p.m.
- How much: $80 and up
Philly’s own Boyz II Men head to South Jersey this Friday. Nate, Shawn and Wanya are no longer boys, but they’re still producing the feel-good concerts that made them the most commercially successful R&B group in the 90s. Expect to hear them run through their biggest — “End of the Road,” “Motownphilly” and “I’ll Make Love To You” — at their summer tour stop in A.C.
Delaware
Super Trans Am: The Super ‘70s Concert Experience
- Where: The Queen, 500 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
- How much: $28 and up
We’ve already established that the most consistent post-pandemic tours recreate the music of bands who haven’t played together in decades. Super Trans Am: The Super ‘70s Concert Experience dives deep into the era that produced so much good music that it bears repeating for a new generation.
- Where: Old Pool Farm, 1212 Barnbridge Dr., Collegeville, Pa.
- When: Friday, Aug. 16, Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. – midnight, and Sunday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- How much: $10 and up, tiered tickets include day passes, concerts only, camping and VIP tickets
The Philadelphia Folk Festival debuted in 1962, becoming one of the area’s most beloved annual music events. But it has experienced a fair share of challenges over time. After a hiatus last year, a scaled-down festival is making a return with John Oates and Gangstagrass at the top of the bill.
Urban Art Fest 52
- Where: 262 S. 52nd St. (52nd Street from Walnut to Spruce streets)
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, noon – 7 p.m.
- How much: Free but requires registration
The African Cultural Art Forum hosts Urban Art Fest 52, an inaugural block party and art festival on 52nd Street. ACAF, a Black-owned business, is leading a renaissance of the struggling commercial corridor which once was a thriving West Philadelphia spot. Local artists Kur, Dot52 and Blue W3rd are part of the lineup.
Vegandale Food Music and Art Festival
- Where: Philadelphia Navy Yard, Marine Parade Grounds, 4747 N. Broad St.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- How much: $30 – $130 tiered pricing. Not all tickets include access to stage area. Some events are BOGO free
It’s fair to say that veganism hasn’t always shown its sexy side. However, the Vegandale festival is changing that by combining vegan food vendors with art and music to reach a millennial audience. Local and global companies present their best eats, while Rick Ross, Polo G and Saweeetie take the stage. Tickets are available for the food area, the concert or both.
Dog Day of Summer
- Where: Main Street, downtown Manayunk
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- How much: Free, pay as you go
It’s a dog-eat-dog world, but it doesn’t have to be for our canine companions. Help them de-stress by taking them out to the Dog Day of Summer event. Vendors catering to dogs (and their owners) will highlight a range of products from accessories to pampering and medical items. There’s even a pool party! It’s a reminder that life doesn’t have to be so ruff, (wink, wink), for you or your canine family member.
Festival of India
- Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, noon – 7 p.m.
- How much: Free, pay as you go
The Festival of India this year celebrates the country’s 77th year of independence from British rule. If that wasn’t enough reason to party, there will be traditional and Bollywood dance performances, music, food and vendors celebrating and showcasing Indian culture.
Beech Jazz on the Ave. Fest
- Where: Cecil B. Moore Avenue and North Broad Street
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, noon – 8:30 p.m.
- How much: Free, pay as you go
Jazz on the Ave. is a longtime Philadelphia music festival that brings the community together. It uplifts the work of jazz giants such as John Coltrane, Christian McBride and Billie Holiday, who have called the city home. While honoring the legends of the past, performers such as Carol Riddick, Laurin Talese and Eric Roberson have provided a bridge for attendees to discover and appreciate new artists as well.
Philadelphia Caribbean Festival
- Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
- When: Sunday, Aug. 18, noon – 8 p.m.
- How much: Free, pay as you go
The 14 island nations in the Caribbean Sea, including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia and Cuba, are rich in diversity and culture. Musical genres such as reggae, soca, timba, jazz and Afro-Latin birthed or evolved on these islands. The Philadelphia Caribbean Festival draws on the islands’ cultures offering attendees a chance to taste the food and experience dance and other performances by perennial favorites the Philly PanStars and Philly T&T Rhythm Makers.
Arts & Culture
Art Under the Stars
- Where: Sculpture Courtyard, 1717 N. Hancock St.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- How much: $28.50
Fourteen artists convene under the night sky with a beautiful natural backdrop. Sounds poetic, doesn’t it? Well, that’s going to be the scene at Art Under the Stars. Performances by Dahi’s Divine Live Band, along with tunes played by live DJs, will contribute to the organizers’ promised ‘90s R&B vibes. Oh, and there’s BBQ, too.
The Women’s Film Festival
- Where: Multiple venues
- When: Thursday, Aug. 15 – Sunday, Aug. 25
- How much: $8 – $125
The Women’s Film Festival uplifts and centers films by and about women. The opening reception is tonight at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The screenings and panel discussion will happen at the festival’s hub, Old City’s Christ Church Neighborhood House. The festival showcases feature-length movies and shorts that highlight themes like Blackness, queerness, Philly and comedy.
Food & Drink
Upper Bucks Brewfest
- Where: The Park at 4th (Univest Performance Center) 501 W. Mill St., Quakertown, Pa.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 1 p.m. (VIP) 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- How much: $10 – $75, call 215-536-2273 for tickets or purchase at the door
Beer fests are as ubiquitous in the city and burbs as Eagles kelly green once the season starts. Upper Bucks enters the chat with Upper Bucks Brewfest. More than two dozen breweries will be on hand, along with a varied selection of beer and wine. Naturally, where there is beer, wine and spirits, there’s also pay-as-you-go food, including Bacon on a Stick, which seems like a good idea no matter what. Live music will be provided by The Philadelphia Funk Authority.
Second Annual Philadelphia Hot Sauce Festival
- Where: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co., 909 Ray Ave. Croydon, Pa.
- When: Saturday, Aug. 17, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- How much: $10
Got hot sauce in that bag swag? Well, so does the second annual Philadelphia Hot Sauce Festival. Forty vendors over two days will provide the hottest of hot sauces with the high Scoville ratings you need (or have always wondered about on “Hot Ones”). Naturally, food, beer, eating contests and live podcasts are on the schedule.
