10 of the best things to do in Philly this weekend and next week
Beer garden at the Mütter Museum, waterfront wine tastings, Philadelphia Taco Festival, monster trucks and more.
📅 Our calendar is updated every Thursday with the best events for the week. You can always find it at inquirer.com/calendar. Submit an event to our calendar here.
‘Despicable Me’ at Cliveden Park
(Movies) Pack your favorite movie snacks, chairs, or a blanket and bring the family for a movie night under the stars. This month’s Midnight Movie will be Despicable Me, a PG-rated family comedy bound to make everyone laugh out loud. Neighborhood Reading Captains will be on site to give away books and host a story time for kids. (Free, July 29, 8:15 p.m., 6415 Musgrave St., mtairycdc.org)
Mid Summer Beer Garden
(Community) Head to the Mütter Museum’s Benjamin Rush Medical Garden for an evening of music, snacks, sangria, and beer. A live funk DJ will provide the backing track for the night, or head inside to explore the Mütter’s medical marvels. Your ticket includes admission to the museum and one drink ticket. ($20, July 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 19 S. 22nd St., muttermuseum.org)
Wine on the Waterfront
(Community) Nothing says summer like a relaxing day at the waterfront. Grab a picnic blanket and a group of friends, and head to Washington Crossing Park for live jazz music, wine tasting, and delicious foods. A dozen local wineries will serve pours of the state’s best vino. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Washington Crossing Park. ($15-$40, July 30, 3-7 p.m., 1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing, washingtoncrossingpark.org)
Smörgåsbeer
(Community) Get ready for a Swedish-inspired boozy party at FDR Park. The night will feature Swedish bites, beer and cider tastings, games, and more. DJ Robert Drake will be spinning music all night. Tickets include a sampling glass, drink samples, food, and admission to the museum. ($15-$40, July 30, 6-9 p.m., 1900 Pattison Ave., americanswedish.org)
Monster Trucks Live
(Kid-friendly) Watch your favorite Hot Wheel trucks come to life like you’ve never imagined. This live tour features over-the-top crashes, flips, transformations, and more, pushing the limits of what you thought these trucks could do. Before each performance, stop by the Crash Zone to get a better look at the size and design of these epic trucks. (July 30 & 31, wellsfargocenterphilly.com)
Philadelphia Taco Festival
(Community) Taco lovers, this one is for you. Come hungry and ready to indulge in over 75 varieties margaritas, mariachi music, and more from more than 20 of Philly’s best restaurants and food trucks. Kids 10 and under are free, with a paying adult. ($20-$65, July 30 & 31, 1100 Pattison Ave., tacofests.com)
Gumbo Pot Market
(Shopping) Whether you’re looking for unique vintage finds or handmade art and jewelry, this market is for you. Dozens of vendors and Black-owned brands will featuretheir art, home goods, apothecary needs, and more. Come out to shop, eat, and support local Black artists and creatives. ($5-$10, July 30, Noon-5 p.m., 1023 Hamilton St., stayhappening.com)
Annual Car Show and Street Festival
(Community) South Philly’s largest summer block party and car show is back. Two hundred antique, show, and classic cars and motorcycles will be on display, not to mention live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Registration for participating cars is $20, but the event is free to spectate. (Free, July 31, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m., East Passyunk Avenue between Broad & Dickinson Streets, visiteastpassyunk.com)
Aura Photoshoot at Tattooed Mom
(Community) As astrology buffs know, Leo season is upon us, so prepare to get in alignment. Bring your own tarot deck and hang out with other enthusiasts. Or, book a 15-minute reading with a professional tarot reader and grab an aura portrait by Inner Light Aura. No matter what the cards say, trust that great drinks and good food will be available for purchase all evening. (Free, July 31, 4-7 p.m., tattooedmomphilly.com)
PHL Innovation Picnic
(Outdoors) Want to connect with Philly’s thriving entrepreneurial and tech community? Head to the PHL Innovation picnic for an afternoon of games, food, and plenty of networking. You’ll have a chance to meet members of the area’s tech scenes from various backgrounds and leadership levels. (From $25, Aug. 4, 5-8 p.m., 4801 S. Broad St., sciencecenter.org)
» READ MORE: How to do everything better right now: A collection of our most useful stories
Calendar contributors
Amber Burns is a writer and content creator living in Philadelphia. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her holed up in a coffee shop with a good book. Find her on social media @byamberburns.