Philadelphia has been under an international spotlight lately because of the upcoming visits of Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama this fall, so it’s no surprise that we’re feeling a lot of pride in our City of Brotherly Love. To end your summer with a bang, we’ve compiled a list of some of the greatest events happening this week that are only specific to our city — so get ready to have some fun while celebrating your Philly pride!
Local Seafood Week
When: August 17-22, various times. Where: Oyster House, 1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia. Cost: $14.
One of the main things Philly is known for is our delicious and unique food scene, so a great way to celebrate your Philadelphia pride is by taking advantage of one of the many food and restaurant deals the city has to offer. Fair Food Philly and Oyster House are teaming up to bring you Philly’s first-ever local seafood week, and you don’t want to miss this deliciousness. Guests can enjoy half a dozen local oysters and clams for only $14 at Oyster House, among other special deals, and 50% of all proceeds will support Fair Food Philly. Fair Food is a nonprofit organization aiming to bring healthy local food to the marketplace and promoting a human, sustainable agriculture system for the region.
Religious Liberty Exhibit Opening Weekend
When: August 21-23, various times. Where: The National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Cost: $13.
In honor of these two huge guests coming to the City of Brotherly Love, Philly’s own National Constitution Center is opening a new exhibition called Religious Liberty and Founding in America. This new exhibit will highlight how freedom became a right in our country through 20 historical documents, highlighting three different themes: Religious Liberty in Colonial America, Religious Liberty in the Constitution and The Legacy of Religious Liberty. The price to visit the new exhibition will be included in general admission, which offers a discount for students.
GayFest Closing Weekend
When: August 21-22, 7pm. Where: Plays and Players Theater, 1714 Delancey Place. Cost: $25.
Presented by Quince Productions, Philly’s thriving LGBTQ community takes the theater world by storm with their fifth annual GayFest. The series began on August 7 and featured an entertaining lineup of live music, staged live readings, Philadelphia premieres, meet-and-greets with the playwrights and cast and more. The series will end on a high note this weekend with some interesting acts you don’t want to miss — Mother Tongue, The Secretaries, From White Plains and a staged reading.
Smooth Jazz Summer Nights
When: August 21, 7:30-11pm. Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Cost: Free.
Philly has produced some amazing and talented musicians, specifically jazz musicians, so what better way to show your city pride than supporting live (and free!) music shows? Every Friday evening of August, smooth jazz musicians will take the stage at the scenic Delaware River Waterfront and give audiences an enjoyable night of jazz music for free. Each Friday will host a new nationally-renowned act, and each concert is free and open to the public. This Friday’s show will feature the talented trio Jazz Attack. Smooth Jazz Summer Nights is sponsored by WJJZ, WDAS FM and CBS 3 and The CW Philly.
Philadelphia Bead Fest
When: August 21-23, various times. Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks. Cost: $12.
Among all the other exciting events happening this year, Philly has the honor of hosting the largest bead show on the east coast. For art-lovers and the crafty kind, this jewelry-making extravaganza is super exciting and a great learning experience. The event offers hands-on workshops for all skill levels taught by experienced artists/instructors. There will also be a shop where guests can buy tools, beads, gems and other jewelry-making tools, or finished pieces of beautifully handmade jewelry. This crafty event is held just a short and simple train ride outside of the city at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.
