🚲 The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back | Things to do

Is it just me, or has the month of August (and the summer) flown by?

It feels like the season is already nearing its end, despite there being several weeks before its official end.

Still, some of the region’s best summertime offerings are indeed closing up shop after this week. Let’s enjoy what little time we have left.

Read below to find the best events and last-minute attractions happening this week:

— Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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After a decade-long hiatus, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back for the first time since 2016.

Some of the world’s swiftest cyclists, many of whom have competed in races like the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, will compete on the 14-mile course.

The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to around 4:45 p.m., giving spectators plenty of time to explore the course. And best of all, as ex-cyclist John Eustice pointed out to reporter Jason Lo, watching will “cost you nothing except your picnic food.”

The Fan Fest will coincide with the bike race. It will go from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Race organizers recommend taking public transportation to the event, because there is no designated parking and there will be numerous road closures.

For additional race information and travel recommendations, read Jason Lo’s story here.

🌏 Celebrate Asian cultures: Kampoeng Indonesia will take over Cherry Street Pier on Saturday with performances, family-friendly activities, and food representing cultures from across Asia.

🍽️ A restaurant week debut: The first Graduate Hospital Restaurant Week will roll out special three-course prix fixe menus for $30 and $45. Participants include Chateau Rouge, a selection in last year’s 76 Dining GuideSaigon Grace Cafe, The Sidecar Bar & Grille, and other South Philly restaurants.

🚘 Wheels up in smoke: Don’t miss out on motorsport glory during Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire this weekend. Bigfoot, Mega Wrex, Bone Shaker, and other massive trucks will strut and stunt at Xfinity Mobile Arena starting Saturday.

📅 My calendar picks this week: Twilight in the Gardens, Illumination 250 Festival, Ethiopian Day at Clark Park. Here’s our full list for the week.

There are signs that fall is beginning to knock on summer’s door.

Philadelphia schools are back in session, the heat is easing, and seasonal attractions are starting to close up shop.

This week is the last chance to enjoy Passyunk Passeggiata, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, and Reading Terminal Market’s Pop-up Plaza — among others.

Don’t wait until next year. Stop by these attractions and citywide offerings before the week’s end.

🚩 A greased-up climb: Visit Spruce Street Harbor Park on Saturday for a full-on sprint up a greased telephone pole at the Red Bull Championship Run. Whoever captures the flag takes the crown.

🍃 Nature in full color: This weekend, discover art and handmade treasures at the Philadelphia Zoo’s After Hours & Wildest Art Festival. There will be live music, light bites, and the work by more than 30 local artists.

🍴 A new Fishtown eatery: Cannonball Cafe is a new, members-only social club located in Fishtown. The alluring cocktail lounge features a restaurant, private bar, and car collection inside a spacious storage garage.

🎨 Take an exclusive guided art tour: Tour Brandywine Workshop and Archives’ latest exhibitions, printmaking studios, archives, and collections during a guided art tour on Saturday.

Here’s pop music critic Dan DeLuca’s list of the best concerts this weekend.

🎤 Friday: Remember 2025’s “Wu Tang Forever” tour that was supposedly the supergroup’s last? Well, RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah, and their musical brothers are back for a show at Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Live.

🎸 Friday and Saturday: Eleven-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton brings his rugged country hits to the region for back-to-back nights at Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

🎙️ Sunday: Cleveland-born indie band Cloud Nothings, fronted by locally-based guitarist Dylan Baldi, will hit the Ruba Club stage on Sunday alongside Philly band Knifeplay.

🪩 Tuesday and Wednesday: Bruno Mars, Mr. 24K Magic himself, is joined by British singer Raye and DJ Pee. Wee, who is Mars’ disguised Silk Sonic bandmate Anderson .Paak, for a two-night stay at Lincoln Financial Field.

Check out Dan’s full concert list here.

Which athlete won the first Philadelphia Cycling Classic in 1985?

A) Eric Heiden

B) Megan Guarnier

C) Greg Lemond

D) Roberto Gaggioli

Here’s the answer to last week’s question: The 2004 blockbuster ‘Natural Treasure’ was filmed inside Independence Hall. But the film also filmed inside a replica of the landmark building — where? Answer: Los Angeles

Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

Pedal over to these late-summer offerings before they wrap up and enjoy the other regional attractions available this weekend.

– Earl Hopkins

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