Aroundphilly.com Summer Fun Guide
Like a wayward teen or a fumbling football team, summer plans need guidance to achieve their full potential. Rather than have you spend your sunny days inside Googling “fun stuff to do” and “cool places to get drunk,” Aroundphilly.com put together this all-inclusive warm-weather guide, highlighting the best of summer in the city to keep you from sidewalk sunbathing and taking swims in the Schuylkill.
June 17: Mojito Fest 2009
Cool off this summer at Mojito Fest 2009 and sample 15 different rums while watching Philadelphia’s best bartenders go head-to-head in the Mojito Olympics. Basic admission offers a limited open-bar and light hors d’oeuvres while elite admission offers a full open-bar, tapas and V.I.P. access from 6 – 7pm. For tickets and more information, visit www.mojitofest.com. The event kicks off at 7pm in Center City at G Lounge: 111 S. 17th St.
June 18 and 20: Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band
Really who doesn’t love Jimmy Buffett? Come on the man’s creed is all about margaritas, relaxing and love making in tropical paradises. 8pm at the Susquehanna Bank Center
June 19: The Fray and Jack’s Mannequin
Without a doubt the Fray is sure to put on an outstanding performance, but we’ve heard from several concert goers that Jack’s Mannequin is a must-see. One of our readers is an avid concert-goer and has been known to go to the concert just to see Jack’s Mannequin and leave before the main performer comes on stage. 7pm at the PNC Bank Arts Center.
June 19: West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival
This three-day event lasts all day long, offering food, shopping, art and four stages of live music. With more than 50 musicians scheduled to perform, you can’t go wrong, especially because the festival itself is free. The Festival kicks off at 8:30am on June 19 with the main stage located on Ogontz Avenue & Middleton Avenue.
June 20: Taking Back Sunday
For an emo evening, head over to the Electric Factory and catch Taking Back Sunday at 7:30pm.
June 20: Popped Music Festival (left)
This year the Popped Music Festival will have all your old favorite attractions plus two new features, a pet adoption booth by ACCT and a Skate Ramp compliments of Exit Skate Shop. There will be an enter to win box contest for a brand new Vespa. 11am – 8pm on the 600-1100 block of Second Street Northern Liberties.
June 20: Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Beer Festival
The Garden State Craft Brewers Guild Beer Festival on the Battleship NJ features live music by the Cabin Dogs, a tour of the ship, food, a souvenir sampling mug and beer from 16 breweries throughout New Jersey.
June 23 – July 5: Sunoco Welcome America
For two weeks, beginning June 23, the Sunoco Welcome America will celebrate our nation’s birthday with live music, food, fireworks and an array of family fun. Get your Fourth of July started early, on Tuesday June 23 for a 7:30pm viewing of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen at The Pearl at Avenue North. Each day includes various activities such as an ice cream festival.
June 23, June 28, July 1: Poison, Def Leppard and Cheap Trick
At the Susquehanna, Toyota Pavilion and PNC, respectively. The only places this summer you’ll see these three bands perform together on their nation-wide tour.
June 24 – 25: Lager Lessons Live
Do you know how to do a "perfect pour"? How about telling the difference between a Lager and an Ale? Get to know your favorite beer a little better at Lager Lessons Live. Guests will head to Ladder 15 where they’ll be schooled on the art of the brew while enjoying ice cold Budweiser and the company of Bud-enthusiasts just like themselves. RSVP below to secure your spot–this is one class you won’t want to skip. The lessons are at 7 and 9pm both days at the Ladder 15: 1528 Sansom St. 
June 26: Beyonce
Attention! Beyonce is coming to the Wachovia Center for a one-night-only performance. Try your best to get a hold of tickets to this show at 7:30pm.
June 26: No Doubt and Paramore
If you’re not lucky enough to scramble up the last Beyonce tickets, don’t be too disappointed; No Doubt and Paramore are performing at the PNC Bank Arts Center at 7:30pm.
June 30: 311
Come to the Festival Pier at 7pm to check out 311 presented by radio 104.5.
July 3: Aerosmith and ZZ Top
Looking for a short get away? Look no farther than Hershey Park the weekend of July 3 where Aerosmith and ZZ Top will be performing together for some classic rock n’ roll goodness. Steven Tyler’s voice in person is more incredible than ever, and if you like classic rock and all of its quirks, ZZ Top will be bringing their guitar spinners without a doubt, so keep an eye out.
July 3: PEX Summer Festival
Gates open at 3pm July 3 and will remain open all weekend, for 24 hours of music and enterainment that is described as "an experiment in joyful self-expression through music and the arts."
July 4: Fireworks at The Casino
Head over to Philadelphia Park for an evening all your friends and family can enjoy. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale, the oldest and largest fireworks company in the U.S., will be featuring a fireworks display which will accompanied with music.
July 3-5: Brandywine BBQ
Head over to Chester County to celebrate the Fourth with an eventful BBQ weekend at the vineyards and wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Each winery will feature wine tastings, vineyard and cellar tours, live music, art shows, car shows, evening concerts, pig roasts and barbecue ribs, just to name a few. Consider spending the Fourth at the Chaddsford Winery from 6:3 0- 9:30pm. for Wine-by-the-Glass and Sangria Slushies, Nicks Chicks All-Season BBQ and a concert to close out the night featuring Red Alert Band. Visit the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail website for more information: www.bvwinetrail.com. Enjoy the BBQ from noon – 5pm at the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail: 8820 Gap Newport Pike.
July 5: Drinker’s Pub and Walnut Room BBQ and DJ
This is a double header event for Sunday July 5. Drinker’s Pub is doing a BBQ event from 1 – 10pm with $1 BBQ hamburgers, hot dogs and tacos; 35-cent wings; $5 Bud Light pitchers; and a Baggo tournament to win a Jager Machine. The second part of this event will be at Walnut Room with Sammy Slice DJing from 10pm – 2am with $3 Philly Specials (can of Pabst and a shot of Jim Beam) and $5 Cruzan Cocktails.
July 7: The Veronicas
Q102 presents the Veronicas at the Theater of Living Arts at 7pm. You won’t want to miss the fantastically avant-garde twin sister duo who found their fame in Australia and moved to the US where they advanced their glory through touring with Natasha Bedingfield and the Jonas Brothers.
July 11: Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary
Local businesses team up with Eastern State for a humourous reenactment of the Storming of the Bastille. Stay after for a French-themed street party.
July 12: Sun Tea Ceremony
Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony led by a local tea master at Shofuso, Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park. Learn about the history and principles of Chanoyu (tea ceremony), drink a bowl of matcha (green tea) and taste a seasonal sweet.
July 16: Screening Under the Stars, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The Great Plaza at Penns Landing is transformed into a unique outdoor theater. The film begins at dusk and is FREE.
July 17: Tattoo Arts Show at Top Hat
Tattoo artists from Old City Tattoo and various tattoo artists from all over philadelphia will be showing off their non-tattoo artwork like paintings and sculptures. Head over from 7 – 10pm and enjoy $1 PBR cans.
July 18: Gold Cup
Real football fans should already have this on their calendar. For soccer newbies, know that this 5pm match at Lincoln Financial Field will be hard to get tickets for. To win tickets to the Gold Cup, head to Tir Na Nog on Friday, July 17!
July 21: Green Day
Break out your black nail polish and rocker jeans for a Green Day concert featuring the Bravery at the Wachovia Spectrum at 8pm/ Go on, get in touch with your inner rocker.
July 22 – 26: Cirque du Soleil Alegria
The Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre will be hosting Cirque du Soleil this summer. If you haven’t seen Alegria yet, take a trip north for one of their many shows.
July 23: 2009 University City Dining Days
With 21 restaurants offering three-course meals for three separate prices, there is no excuse to not grab a bite with friends this July in University City. Featured restaurants include Slainte Irish Pub and Grill, Dock Street Brewery and Marigold Kitchen. For more information, check out www.ucityphila.org/diningdays. Prices range from $15-$30 and festivities begin at 7pm. University City Dining Days will last until July 30.
July 25: Dog Day Afternoon
Head to the Piazza at 10am for doggie contest (cutest overall, longest tail, etc.), dog toys, training demonstrations and an al fresco screening of Hotel For Dogs.
July 26: Sangria Sundays
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon at Chaddsford Winery with live music on the outdoor deck and sangria tastings.
July 30: Katy Perry
Don’t miss worldwide pop sensation, Katy Perry, perform hits off her album, "One of The Boys," at The Borgata in Atlantic City. The show starts at 8pm and tickets, which are only $39.50, are going very fast.
July 30-August 2: A.C. Food and Wine Festival
Whether you are looking to sample the area’s best pizza, taste wine or learn to eat healthy with Bravo channel’s Tom Colicchio, the Atlantic City Food and Wine Festival offers it all.
August 1: Keith Urban and Taylor Swift
If a night of down home country music is what you seek, then Keith Urban with Taylor Swift should do the trick. The two performers are coming to the Wachovia Center for one night this summer at 7:30pm.
August 7: Snoop Dog and Slightly Stoopid
At 6pm the Blazed and Confused Tour makes a stop at Festival Pier on Columbus Boulevard.
August 7: American Idols Live
The top ten finalists from American Idol Season 8 will gather to perform at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. We love you Kris.
August 8: 8th Annual Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge
Co-host Stephen Starr and four of his brilliant chefs will fire up their grills and put their best BBQ recipes to the test at Citizens Bank Park. Any barbeque enthusiast can compete in the Pit Master Division. The event culminates with Garry’s Rib Challenge, a final winner-take-all competition for a trip to the 2009 World Series.
August 9: Jason Mraz and G. Love
As the summer sun begins to set, allow Jason Mraz, G. Love and Special Sauce to keep the fun going with a live performance at the Festival Pier. The concert kicks off 7:00 pm and tickets are going fast.
August 16: Shopping for Supper
Supper’s chef Prensky will lead farmer’s market tours at 10 am and ask guests for their input in planning the menu for the 6:30pm family-style Sunday Suppers meal. $38/person.
August 18: O.A.R. and Brett Dennen
Showtime at 7pm on the Festival Pier at Spring Garden street.
August 18: Heroes of Woodstook
In honor of the 40th anniversary of the greatest rock concert of all time, the Mann Center will have 11 original Woodstock performers for this outdoor concert. Select lawn seats can be purchased for the original Woodstock ticket price of $18.
August 22-23: Livestrong Challenge
The Lance Armstrong Foundation, an organization established by Lance Armstrong to empower those afflicted with cancer, is holding a Livestrong Challenge at Montgomery Community College this August. It’s a wonderful opportunity to not only support those suffering from cancer, but a great way to get some exercise. You can ride, walk or run the multi-distance event.
August 30: The Last Brazilian Sunday
Today from noon – 6pm at Rum Bar you’ll be able, for the last time, to get two authentic Brazilian dishes, $10 carafes of Sangria, $5 and Leblon caipirinhas. Bye bye summer.
Still have nothing to do? Check out our tips for surviving Summer In The City.
AroundPhilly Staff
