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10 of the best things to do in Philly this weekend and next week

First Friday movie screenings, Northern Liberties block party, and a high-energy drag brunch to fill up your weekend dance card.

Enjoy beer, live music and great food at Northern Liberties annual street festival.
Enjoy beer, live music and great food at Northern Liberties annual street festival.Read moreCourtesy 2nd Street Festival

📅 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.


First Friday West Philly by Indie-Life Media

(Art) Head into the first weekend of a new month with great art, drinks, and beats from DJ Rocdaspot. This Friday, Indie Life will feature the work of artist Oluwafemi, a Nigerian-born rhythmist now based in Philly. (Free, Aug. 5, 5-9p.m., 4616 Baltimore Ave., eventbrite.com)

First Friday! Omar’s Hat & BlackStar Film Festival

(Art) Celebrate the first Friday of the month with drinks, light bites, and live music at one of the city’s most celebrated museums. You’ll hear live performances from Omar’s Hat, a collective of Philly musicians, and watch a screening of Blackalachia, followed by a conversation with the filmmaker. Your ticket also includes access to the The Barnes’ special exhibits and galleries. ($10-28, Aug. 5, 6-9p.m., 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, barnesfoundation.org)

First Friday Movie Night Under the Stars

(Movies) The Courtyard of the Betsy Ross House will host a movie night under the stars, featuring It Conquered The World, an alien sci-fi hit from the late 50s. Your ticket must be purchased online in advance, and includes the movie and a tour of the Betsy Ross House. ($8 Aug. 5, 8:30-10p.m., 239 Arch St., historicphiladelphia.org)

Peach Month at Peddler’s Village

(Kid-friendly) Did you know that August is National Peach Month? Head to Peddler’s Village to celebrate the sweet fruit of the season with peach pies, special restaurant menus and more. You can stock up on peachy products like jams, butters and double-crusted pies (which go fast) all month long in the village’s General Store. (Aug. 6-28, 2400 Street Rd., New Hope, peddlersvillage.com

Mead Fest

(Community) My Local Brew Works is inviting all beer lovers to visit their brewery and celebrate Mead Fest. Stop by to sample the brewery’s blueberry and raspberry flavored meads, paired with vanilla ice cream from Weckerly’s and chips with fruit-forward salsas from Anitas. Whether you’re a mead expert or just want to learn more, this event is for you. (Aug. 6, 12-2p.m., 4500 Worth St., mylocalbrewworks.com)

Northern Liberties 2nd Street Festival

(Community) Northern Liberties 2nd Street Festival, one of the largest block parties in the city, is back for another summer. Two stages will feature various performers and music artists for a full day of entertainment. Shop small and local at over 100 small businesses and local vendors for everything from artwork to house plants. And come hungry, because there will be dozens of local food trucks and drink brands to fill up on. (Free to attend, Aug. 7, 12-9p.m., 2nd & Girard Ave. to Spring Garden, 2ndstfestival.org)

Arianna vs. Mariah Drag Brunch

(Music) It’s a Battle of Vocal Range at this epic diva face off. Come cheer on an exclusive lineup of Philly’s favorite drag queens and sing your heart out to all of the hits. This isn’t your average brunch, so come hungry and ready to jam. ($40-100, Aug. 7, 12-2p.m., 1727 N. Front St., evil-genius-beer-company.ticketleap.com)

Philly T&T Rhythm Makers

(Music) The sounds of Trinidad and Tobago are making their way to Philly. Traditional island instruments come together to create smooth rhythms and beats to bring out feelings of joy, happiness and summer bliss. Stop by to dance, enjoy the great music, and get a taste of island culture in the heart of the city. (Aug. 10, 12-1p.m., 2955 Market St., universitycity.org)

Paint with Wine & 3-course Dinner

(Art) Ready to tap into your inner artist? This art class helps you explore a range of painting techniques using homemade wine pigments. A professional artist will guide you through the class so you walk away with the tools for creating a masterpiece. Your ticket includes art supplies, a three course meal, and all taxes and gratuity. ($95, Aug. 10, 5:30-8:30p.m., 14 N. Front St., oldcitydistrict.org)

Meet Me on South Street

(Community) Bring a friend or two and head to South Street for a summer of great deals. Some of your favorite shops and eateries will be offering food and drink specials plus unique shopping experiences on Thursdays. After a rough start to the summer, South Street’s vibrant small business community needs our support more than ever. (Aug. 11, Day Long, Various Locations, southstreet.com)

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Calendar contributors
  1. 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.