19 free events in Philly this weekend and next week

📅 Our calendar is updated every Friday at inquirer.com/freecalendar. For more great events, check out our full events calendar and kids calendar. Submit an event to our calendar here.

(Wildwood / festival / in-person / kid-friendly) The 36th-annual Wildwood Kite Festival, one of the largest in North America, features kites from makers across the globe. Whether you’re learning to fly a kite or are ready to sail the skies like a pro, there’s an activity here for you. You can buy yourself a kite, take part in the illuminated night kite fly, join in on silent auctions, and more. The festival ends with a World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday where competitors attempt to fly their kites with no wind. (May 27-30, throughout Wildwood, wildwoodsnj.com)

(Music / in-person / kid-friendly) Kick off your summer with the Philly POPS as they put on a free concert to honor Americans who serve. This year’s concert features guest conductor Byron Stripling, vocalist Sydney McSweeney, and violinist Jennifer Orchard. The night will end with a fireworks show high above the Mann Center. (May 27, 7 p.m., 5201 Parkside Ave., phillypops.org)

(Ocean City / in-person) You’ve never seen beachgoers quite like this. Participants dress in business wear as they jump into the cool ocean water. A local band plays tunes to provide some background music for this epic sight. It’s a great chance to meet local business owners and celebrate the summer season in Ocean City. (May 27, noon-1 p.m., Moorlyn Terrace St. Beach, Ocean City, oceancityvacation.com)

(Community / in-person / outdoors) Historic Wyck House is best known for it’s stunning garden and Heritage roses. This weekend, you can celebrate these stunning blooms with lectures, a vendor marketplace, music and more. Attic Brewery and 2nd Street Sammies will also be there to keep your plates and cups full. (May 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 6026 Germantown Ave., wyck.org)

(Shopping / in-person / community) Whether you’re shopping for vintage fashion finds or unique home decor, this market has something for you. The market at Cherry Street Pier is free to attend and features some of the region’s best makers and artisans. (May 28-29, 10 a.m., 121 N. Columbus Blvd., cherrystreetpier.com)

(Seasonal / in-person / music / kid-friendly) Nothing says summer on the Delaware River like a brilliant fireworks show with a great soundtrack. This year, Visit Philadelphia hosts a free fireworks show over the river, which can be viewed from Race Street Pier, RiverRink Summerfest, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and more points along the Delaware River near Old City. Head to the Garden at Cherry Street Pier for a great view of the show, followed by a free concert by Liberty Vibes, the 78th Army’s band. (May 28, 9:30 p.m., 121 N. Columbus Blvd., cherrystreetpier.com)

(Wildwood / art / in-person / community / kid-friendly) Shop unique pieces from dozens of local makers and vendors right on the boardwalk in Wildwood. Admission is free to explore a wide range of creative and high-quality handmade goods. Tents will be set up directly on the boardwalk just south of the convention center. (May 28-29, 9 a.m-5 p.m., 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, boardwalkcrafts.com)

(Community / in-person) Laurel Hill Cemetery was the site of the first Memorial Day observance in Philadelphia. This year, the community gathers and performs a traditional service honoring veterans who lost their lives in service. The event is free to attend, but a $5 donation is appreciated. ( May 29, 12 p.m., 3822 Ridge Ave., thelaurelhillcemetery.org)

(Atlantic City / in-person) Celebrate the start of summer and the grand opening of Bally’s new location with fireworks, live music, and giveaways. DJs spin all night, alongside live music acts, and there will be plenty of food and cocktail options. (May 29, DJs, 1 p.m.-12 a.m., Fireworks, 9 p.m., 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, ballys.com)

(Seasonal / in-person / kid-friendly / outdoors) Barnegat is set to host its annual Memorial Day parade to kick off the summer season. The event concludes with a remembrance ceremony at the lighthouse. Attendees can throw flowers along the parade route in honor of fallen veterans. (May 29, 6-7:30 p.m., W. 11th St., Barnegat, welcometolbi.com)

(Cape May / community / in-person) Head to Cape May for a ceremony honoring service members and fallen heroes. After the ceremony, join the Coast Guard as they present a rifle salute and launch a flower boat from the Gurney St. Beach in honor of fallen veterans. (May 30, 11 a.m -1 p.m., 714 Beach Ave., Cape May, capemay.com)

(Music / in-person / free) Bronx-born poet, beatboxer, and singer Navaja is a Def Poetry Jam veteran and the former host of the All That! Hip-Hop Poetry and Jazz showcase at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York. He performs with his band, the Razor Blades, at the Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center on Memorial Day. (May 30, 8 p.m., 300 S. Broad St., kimmelculturalcampus.org)

(Books / in-person / free) Have a story read to you, then write your own — and go home with a new book and an activity bag. Not bad for a mid-week, after-school haul. Event is in partnership with the National Liberty Museum. Ages 3-8. (June 2, 4 and 5 p.m., 4200 Wissahickon Ave., libertymuseum.org)

(Music / in-person / free) The artist dubbed “the Drag Queen King of Philadelphia” by the Inquirer will perform with the Yannick Nezet-Seguin-conducted Orchestra (as will Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot and the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus) in this free Pride Month concert celebrating the region’s LGBTQ+ community. (Free, but tickets required, June 2, 7:30 p.m, 300 S. Broad St., philaorch.org)

(Seasonal / in-person / kid-friendly) Those of us tired of waiting for a beach day can swing by these outdoor shops to watch four pro sand-sculpting teams build whimsical, gritty art. In a few weeks, the castles and such will be complete to wander among, and, sandboxes will be open to play in. Ages 2+. (building: May 21-June 4; on display: June 8-Aug. 31, 400 State Rd., New Hope, peddlersvillage.com)

(Education / virtual / multiday / kid-friendly) Through dad jokes, real talk, and superb listening, Mr. Maurice connects with his students — and connects students to each other. Each workshop appeals to specific audiences: Black boys, young teens, future entrepreneurs, sports fans, home cooks and more. Workshops teach some writing and lots of life lessons. Ages 8+ (Through May 28, mightywriters.org)

(Fitness / in-person / outdoors) Head to the Schuylkill Banks for a morning of zen movement. Bring your own yoga mat or towel and enjoy this all-levels instructor-led yoga class. Yoga classes take place (weather permitting) on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. throughout the spring and summer. (Pay what you can, various dates through October, 2500 Locust St., eventbrite.com)

(Art / in-person / outdoors) Magical Fantasy, a collection of bold and bright 3D art pieces by London-based artist Morag Myerscough, has transformed The Navy Yard into a colorful playground. Stop by to wander through the exhibit and escape into an abstract dreamland without leaving the city. (Through October, Broad St. and Constitution Ave., navyyard.org)

(Outdoors / multiday / kid-friendly) Philly’s oldest research garden has teamed up with the Bicycle Coalition to lend, repair, and teach kids about bikes every Friday after school. There are snacks, too. Ages 5-17. (Fridays through Nov., 3-6 p.m., 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., bartramsgarden.org)

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