OK, seriously, spring is here, so it’s time to get outside! To help you celebrate, this week’s Top 5 Events are all outdoors. So you can take a stroll through an outdoor market or festival, get your daily exercise in next to City Hall, or just take a minute to smell the flowers. Get out of your dorm or apartment, and be sure to catch some of these great spring events!
Mural Arts Scavenger Hunt
When: April 11, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia Cost: FREE!
Philadelphia is no stranger to the mural game. The city has a rich history surrounding the art form, and beautiful murals continue to be created across the urban setting. To celebrate its 2015 Mural Arts Program Tour Season, the renowned Philadelphia Mural Arts Program will be hosting its first-ever interactive scavenger hunt. Participants will download an app that has individuals or teams compete in challenges that include photos, GPS check-ins, and questions & answer sessions while exploring the murals along Center City Mural Mile North and South tour routes (which comprise the world’s largest outdoor art gallery!). The scavenger hunt runs from 11am – 1pm, and a reception featuring food from Tableau will run until 2pm. While the event is free, be sure to register beforehand. Don’t miss this chance to participate in the free scavenger hunt and spend a day appreciating the stunning urban artwork of Philadelphia!
Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival
When: April 12, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Where: Main Street, Manayunk, Philadelphia Cost: Pay as you go
Main Street in Manayunk will be transformed into a culinary bazaar on Sunday, featuring food trucks, vendors, and farm stands to kick off Manayunk Restaurant Week. A stroll through the heart of the neighborhood will give you the chance to taste the fare from over 40 Philly food trucks, or you can check out the restaurants in the area that will be offering three-course meal samples at discounted prices. While the eats are great, this festival isn’t just all about food; you can shop sidewalk sales too! Gourmet food vendors will be selling everything from homemade oils to jams, and local businesses will host sales and promotions for festival goers. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the new beer garden this year on Cotton Street, where samples of local brews will be on tap (21+). This event is the perfect chance to hang out with friends, enjoy good food, and to celebrate spring. (Another awesome food festival devoted to local food to check out: Philly Farm & Food Fest)
Clover Market Spring Opening
When: April 12, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Where: 25 W. Highland Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia Cost: Pay as you go
Flea market doesn’t aptly describe the Clover Market; maybe outdoor vintage market is more fitting. Over 100 vendors will be showcasing collectibles, jewelry, clothing, and original art at this perennial market-style favorite. Stylish antiques and vintage wares line the lot, with experienced artists, designers, and craft-makers ready to share their work with you, rain or shine. You can just peruse the beautiful work, or you can pick up the perfect, unique gift for someone, or add the finishing touches to your dorm or apartment. And if you get hungry, food trucks and local businesses will be offering you tasty snacks or meal options. Check out the complete list of vendors here!
Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens
When: Until May 31 Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square Cost: $10
Spring is all about the flowers. Leaves grow back, grass gets greener, and buds bloom into colorful springtime flowers. And whether you enjoy flowers/gardening or not, Longwood Gardens is one of the best places to appreciate the new season. You can stroll through a garden of over 200,000 tulips, explore the seven-acre woodland garden with a brook and wildflowers, or wander across three miles of trails with flowering trees and plants. There are so many highlights of this sprawling nature and garden center to experience! You can enjoy a tranquil afternoon by yourself, or bring some friends and experience the beauty of nature right outside the streets and concrete of Philly.
Zumba and Yoga at Dilworth Park
When: Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m; Wednesdays 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Where: Dilworth Park, Broad and Market Streets, Philadelphia Cost: FREE!
Dilworth Park has brought us fun nights of music, an outdoor ice skating rink, and other great events next to the beautiful City Hall. Now you can get your daily workout in the park too! Wednesday afternoons are when you can get your yoga poses on, and Thursday evenings are the time to get dancing with Zumba. So whether you’re looking to breathe and quiet your mind or burn calories to Latin and pop hits, Dilworth Park has you covered. Be sure to bring your own mat for yoga sessions, and have fun!
