August 17, 2016

The Piazza at Schmidt's Commons Celebrates New Chapter with Ultimate Summer Cookout

August 17, 2016/ Kory Aversa

The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons (1001 N 2nd St) celebrates a new chapter with The Ultimate Summer Cookout in Northern Liberties on Sunday, August 21, 2016 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Get ready for the grand finale of summer with a brand new, all-day, backyard party featuring summer eats and sips, live music, DJs, sand pits, lawn games, hand-made shopping, end-of-summer sales and more. Plus, look for surprises in the water and up in the air with a slip n slide, water slide and zip line. All ages are welcome for this family friendly event. Twenty-one and up to drink, with identification only. Admission is free, with food and drink pay as you go. Rain or shine. For information, call 267-246-0618 or visit www.theschmidtscommons.com.

August 05, 2016

Theatre Exile World Premieres Tommy and Me by Award-Winning Sports Writer Ray Didinger

August 05, 2016/ Kory Aversa

After a sold-out world premiere reading in May 2015, Barrymore Award-winning Theatre Exile plans to bring you a full-scale production of Tommy and Me by Ray Didinger. This autobiographical play recounts a seminal time in Ray Didinger's life as he helps his boyhood hero, Tommy McDonald, reach his goal of induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

July 22, 2016

Celebrate DNC History in the Making at Walnut Club's Women Making History Awards

July 22, 2016/ Kory Aversa

The first annual Women Making History Celebration and Awards Ceremony takes place on Sunday, July 24, 2016, from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Water Works (640 Water Works Drive, Philadelphia). The event will bring together some of the most accomplished women in all aspects of business, media, arts, and politics to champion each other’s achievements. Attendees can mix and mingle with award winners, guests from across the country as well as those in legislation who are making history in our country’s capital. This non-partisan event is open to the public. Tickets are $100-175 and include an open bar, a raw bar, endless food and live entertainment. Proceeds from the event benefit Vision 2020: Equality in Sight. In Philadelphia during the year 2020, the organization plans to convene the largest gathering of women leaders in U.S. history. For tickets and details, visit www.WomenMakingHistory.us

July 19, 2016

South Street Hosts Closing Dance Party for Democratic National Convention

July 19, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Get out those red, white and blue dancing shoes! South Street Headhouse District, with Society Hill Dance Academy, celebrates National Dance Day on Friday, July 29, 2916 with a Post-DNC Dance Party Under the Shambles. Free and open to the public - all ages!

July 18, 2016

Bartram's Garden Unveils New 19th Century Public Garden

July 18, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Visit Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) this summer to see a new feature: the Ann Bartram Carr Garden, the only 19th-century flower garden in Philadelphia. The Ann Bartram Carr Garden is the result of a transformative $2.7-million project and marks the first major garden restoration at Bartram’s Garden in nearly a century. Bartram’s Garden, including the new Ann Bartram Carr Garden, is free to those who wish to explore on their own from dawn to dusk. Bartram's Garden is open year-round, with the exception of City-observed holidays.

July 05, 2016

5,000 Guests Expected at Diner en Blanc Philadelphia on August 18, 2016

July 05, 2016/ Kory Aversa

From global phenomenon to highly sought-after “secret,” Dîner en Blanc returns to Philadelphia on Thursday, August 18, 2016 for an unforgettable evening filled with food, wine, fashion, culture and music. In honor of the event’s fifth anniversary, the très chic picnic will expand to 5,000 guests in 2016, tying New York City as the largest in America. Dressed in white from head to toe, attendees will celebrate and re-purpose an unexpected public space that is revealed only moments before the event begins. Past locations have included Logan Circle, JFK Bridge, Avenue of the Arts and The Navy Yard. Where will Diner en Blanc Philadelphia pop-up in 2016? Stay tuned for the biggest secret of the summer!

June 28, 2016

Chef Luke Palladino Debuts New Pop-Up Restaurant at Valley Forge Casino Resort

June 28, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Chef Luke Palladino debuts his second restaurant, Fianco, in time for summer. Chef’s second culinary endeavor at Valley Forge Casino Resort is timed to open just for the region's summer season, which also sees the opening of Valley Beach Poolside Club.

The comfortable and intimate dining spot will not only showcase Chef Palladino’s modern seasonal Italian favorites, it also features his new interpretations of more classic Italian-American fare. Fianco shares a bar with LP Steak and includes a selection of California and Italian wines, as well as new cocktails designed specifically to pair with the chef's Italian cuisine.

June 28, 2016

Valley Beach Brings Surf and Sand to Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia

June 28, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Valley Forge Casino Resort (1160 First Avenue) brings back the surf and sand with the return of Valley Beach Poolside Club. Dip your toes in the 50 tons of sand surrounding the 22,000 gallon pool, as you feast on shore-eats from a brand new food truck, sip on cocktails and craft beers at the open-air bars, relax under the shade of your own private cabana, find inner harmony with poolside yoga, jam to live entertainment on the stage, and splash the summer away. Skip the shore traffic and find your oasis right in King of Prussia, just two miles from the King of Prussia Mall.

Valley Beach officially launches for summer with seven-day a week hours starting June 27, 2016, in time for July 4th Weekend. Valley Beach is open to all checked-in hotel guests, day pass holders ($10), beach tag holders or elite casino members. For season tag information, menu, hours and entertainment line-ups, visit valleybeach.com.

June 15, 2016

Old City District Debuts Old City Eats at 32 Top Philadelphia Restaurants

June 15, 2016/ Kory Aversa

Old City District showcases its thriving dining scene with the debut of the largest restaurant program in at least 20+ years. Old City Eats debuts June 16 and runs every Thursday through August 25, 2016 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Thirty-two participating restaurants and bars will offer a selection of small plates for half off, plus five dollar drink specials, off-menu dishes, seasonal cocktails and even chef collaborations. The full list of participating top philadelphia restaurants, along with their menus, is found at oldcitydistrict.org/dine/oldcityeats.

June 10, 2016

New Stage Comedy "Muddled" by Josh Piven Makes World Premiere in Philadelphia

June 10, 2016/ Kory Aversa

New York Times best-selling humorist Josh Piven brings his unique brand of comedy to Philadelphia with the world premiere of Muddled, A Stage Comedy, from June 16 through June 26 at Drexel URBN Annex (3401 Filbert St). Penned by the author of The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook and directed by William Steinberger, Muddled gives theater audiences a best-case scenario for what happens when a group of hot-headed headbangers meet the home-grown hipsters of Brooklyn. In this craft brewed comedy, Piven trades navigating alligator pits for navigating mosh pits, and surviving frostbite for surviving the frosty bite of a quick-witted hipster. Muddled is Piven’s second play, following 2013’s hit No Reservations.