FunTimes Fun Events Education & Entertainment!
The dog days of August are living up to its reputation. But going to the dogs is a good thing when it comes to exploring the community, despite the steamy weather. Here are some pawsome pet-friendly activities (free or low cost), plus other refreshing events featuring Taiko drumming, Quizzo, a cultural festival, talent showcase and parenting workshop. Please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual event-attending instructions with the organizers.
An event that makes your tail wag!
August 7, 14 & 21, 2022. Is your young Fido acting up? Take a Sunday stroll and train your puppy at an educational, interactive group-play with a certified professional dog trainer. All Canines and Philly Rescue Angels are hosting a weekly puppy-socialization class in a supervised turf room. Sundays, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., $28. Fire for Effect Athletics, 123 Leverington Ave., Manayunk. Eventbrite.com
Something to bark about….
August 20, 2022. Take your pet pooch for a walk. Take your paws over for a dog day in Manayunk. It’s sort of a block party for canines. The Manayunk Development Corporation is hosting the return of Dog Day of Summer! – a pop-up sidewalk celebration of Manayunk’s growing canine community. If you are in the neighborhood to get a dog, you can; pet adoptions will be held, too. Non-pet owners as well can enjoy the activities like giveaways and food, which are designed for the whole family. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free. Main Street, Manayunk. 215-482-9565, manayunk.com
Pups at the pier.
Through September 9, 2022. Go for some “relaxed bites” at Yappy Hour at Morgan’s Pier. Enjoy a pet-perfect day of local brews, food, giveaways, adoptable dogs (or bring your own dog = B.Y.O.D.). Get a free specialty cocktail if you adopt a pet. Part of the proceeds go to to the Pennsylvania SPC. For those 21+ only (under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). Admission free, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the first Monday of the month, Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Columbus Blvd., 215-279-7134, bringfido.com or email gkocher@psca.org.
A pet project for you
August 27, 2022. Check out some adorable kittens and pups at an adoption event. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Petco, 270 E. Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, Pa., 610-658-9710, petco.com. Facebook Page
Paint a portrait of the pooch!
August 28, 2022. Painting with a Twist hosts Paint Your Pet with art instructor Jackie Rosenzweig. Submit a close-up high-resolution photo of your pet in advance by August 20; $60, register, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 611 South St. Visit Painting with a Twist’s website, for details: paintingwithatwist.com.
Celebrating the joy of African culture
August 7, 2022. African music and dance artists will shine at the ACANA African Festival, part of the PECO Multicultural Series. Enjoy 6 hours of music, food, games and family activities celebrating African culture. Sing along with two of Africa’s top performers — Chidinma Ekile and Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known as 2baba Idibia. Local talent features Sharon Katz & The Peace Train, Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble and more. Established in 1999, ACANA is a cultural organization supporting African artists and musicians in an effort to preserve African culture. Free, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Chestnut Street at the Delaware River. 101 S. Columbus Blvd., delawareriverwaterfront.com.
Quizzo Night is all about food
August 10, 2022. The Free Library’s Culinary Literacy Center will host “Kitchen Quizzo: a Night of Trivia Covering All Things Culinary.” Must be the ripe age of 21 to compete. Answer questions about ethnic foods, Philly-related fare and other types of cuisine. Win or lose, you can’t beat this: You get free soft pretzels and beer. You may also be eligible to win free tickets to a future class at the Culinary Literacy Center. The Yards Brewing Company is the proud event partner. Indicate your team name, how many team members (from 1 to 4 maximum) at pre-registration, $15 per person, 6 p.m., Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, 4th Floor, Eventbrite.com.
Get your Taiko beat in the heat
August 6, 2022. Taiko drumming is a nice way to release some pandemic steam. Under the direction of local instructor Mac Evans, check out a weekly series of repertoire-learning workshops. Develop your Taiko skills with a view of the cherry blossom trees in the scenic backdrop of Shofuso’s historic 17th century architecture in West Fairmount Park. Wear comfortable clothing fit for outdoor weather. Leave jewelry at home. Drums and bachi (drumsticks) will be provided; no experience is required. Free, 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Shofuso Japanese House and Gardens, Lansdown and Horticultural drives, japanphilly.org.
In-home learning educational workshop for parents
August 8, 2022. Parents: if navigating remote learning is still a challenge, it may be time to take your own virtual class. SocietyX: How To Navigate Virtual Learning at Home may help you get ahead of the class, or at least up to speed. If you are experiencing the home-education blues with your kids (ages K to 12), educator Brandielee Johnson will share tools and techniques. She can connect you with other parents, resources, useful coaching and “goal-driven achievement tracking.” Johnson has been an educator for more than 12 years, teaching various grades and subjects including theater classes in South Africa. It will be an hour well spent. Free, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Register at eventbrite.com
A call to all of the creatives out there…
August 7, 2022. Share your creative musical, visual arts, poetry or theater talents at the “NU Sounds of Philly” Showcase, a talent search, which is part of the Freedom Flea Market. Artists who are chosen to perform will also participate in the upcoming Million Woman March and other activities. Event organizers also are recruiting vendors, merchants and service providers of color. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Uncle Bobby’s Coffee & Books, 5445 Germantown Ave., 267-636-3802, or e-mail to: nationalmwm@aol.com
