FunTimes Magazine: ‘Culture & Entertainment’ column, week of June 2, 2025.
“June is the pearl of summer, shining with warmth and joy.”
— Author L.M. Montgomery (1874-1942)
It’s so busy, it will make you dizzy. Dizzy with joy. June is back — the crown jewel of the calendar and the envy of many of the other months! What other month has ever been called “a love song written by nature?” June’s when the world officially opens up for summer. Heck, June even has the most hours of daylight, to do stuff like have fun. So, go out there, explore, and have fun with these low-cost or free entertaining activities featuring student art, bay showers, ethnic films, and flea markets. And don’t forget: When event-going, consider taking precautions, especially when among groups and while indoors, with the risk of COVID-19 variants and other infectious health concerns.
All About The Immigrant Experience
Friday, June 6, 2025. To mark National Immigrant Heritage Month, the city’s Office of Immigrant Affairs is throwing a big cultural shindig. Check out the Immigrant Heritage Month kick-off featuring documentary screenings about the immigrant and refugee experience, panel discussions on mental health in the community, cultural festivals, food demonstrations, and conversations about the positive impact that immigrants have in the civic, economic, and rich cultural fabric of Philadelphia. The event will celebrate the closing weekend for The Philadelphians, a public art projection by artists Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib showing films about the city’s vibrant immigrant communities. Enjoy local food, beverages, performances by Cambodian American Girls Empowering, remarks from Alain Joinville, Acting Executive Director of the Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs, and other local organizations. As part of The Philadelphians project, Forman Arts Initiative and Mural Arts Philadelphia will be hosting “Conversations in the Kitchen: Cultural Storytelling Through Food,” at the Reading Terminal Market on June 3, free, 3 p.m. EST (RSVP here). Immigrant Heritage Month Kickoff: Free, but pre-register; 7 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST, LOVE Park, 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Blvd. RSVP here or on the OIA website.
Oh Baby, What An Event!
Saturday, June 7, 2025. Bring the whole family to the Cuddles & Clouds Community Baby Shower created for expecting families in Philadelphia. The event will be presented by the nonprofit Health Promotion Council (HPC) with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The fundraiser will benefit more than 200 local families. This huge group “baby shower” for families from marginalized communities will be a day of support and fun offering free baby-care items, parenting resources, community partner assistance, kids activities like face-painting, a bouncy house, and amusement games. The Center City-based Health Promotion Council is dedicated to improving health and preventing chronic disease through outreach, education, and advocacy. Free but pre-register; 10 a.m. EST to 3 p.m. EST. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 4601 Market St. 215-901-0622 or www.hpcpa.org
Network at ‘Black Men in Media Summit’
Saturday, June 7, 2025. As part of Bridging Blocks and the News & Information Community Exchange Program, WHYY News is sponsoring the “Black Men in Media Summit.” The professional development event will feature speakers from CBS3 Sports Anchor Don Bell and MSNBC Correspondent Trymaine Lee. In addition to media journalism, hear from experts in music and art. Take part in brand-building and career-counseling panels, and resume reviews, and get your professional headshot taken. The event offers how-to sessions on building a media career and creating an effective resume. Learn about how social media impacts mental health, the value of mentors, and how storytellers can dismantle harmful stereotypes. Students are encouraged to participate, and the event will include a light breakfast and lunch. Free but pre-register; 9 a.m. EST to 4 EST p.m. WHYY, 150 N. 6th St. Email: rstanley@whyy.org, 215.351.1200 or https://support.whyy.org/page/82257/event/1?
Your Flea Market Treasure Awaits…
Saturday, June 7, 2025. It’s free to get in the flea! For some vintage and essential finds, Friends of FDR Park Flea Market will be the big hotspot this Saturday. It will be a bevy of vendors selling everything from old wall clocks, and sports memorabilia to contemporary treasures like tools, toys, and home goods. Check out the plant sales and a raffle. Free entry; 10 a.m. EST to 1 p.m. EST. Swedish Museum parking lot, Franklin D. Roosevelt Park, 1900 Pattison Ave. Email: info@fdrpark.org or www.fdrparkphilly.org
Singer Ruth Naomi Floyd
Sounding The Bell For Anti-gun Violence
Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025. Organizers call Toll the Bell one of the nation’s biggest sound installations against gun violence. On June 6th, more than 40 faith-based and community organizations will take part in the gun violence awareness event to recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Day. Toll the Bell will call attention to the alarming issue that has griped communities nationwide. While community violence-prevention initiatives are making a sizable impact (Philadelphia has experienced a 42 percent dip in victims of gun violence), more action is needed. More than 45 “sound partners” will activate bells and other loud sounds citywide, at 1 p.m. EST. The event includes an Interfaith vigil at the Annenberg Center Outdoor Plaza, followed by a Reflective Walk from the Annenberg Center to Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, where Ruth Naomi Floyd will perform the soul-stirring Echoes: Shattered Flesh and Breathless Souls, created for the occasion. On June 7th, the singer-composer will perform an encore of her meditative song exploring the loss experienced by victims of violence. The program will include remarks by community leaders and performances by Omar’s Hat, a West Philly band, featuring a commissioned work about loss, community, and hope. The Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia is partnering with Penn Live Arts and other groups to host the event. June 6th activities: Free, 12:15 p.m. EST to 2 p.m. EST. Annenberg Center to Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 3680 Walnut St., & Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 19 S. 38th St. June 7th activities: Free, 2 p.m. EST, Tindley Temple United Methodist, 750 S Broad St. Email: jg@interfaithphiladelphia.org or https://pennlivearts.org/events/tollthebell.php
Own Your Story At ‘Vibrant Vibes’ Brunch
Saturday, June 7, 2025. Get ready for a life-changer. Get ready for Vibrant Vibes: Where Bold Moves Meet Clarity, a dynamic brunch designed to empower and inspire women. It will be a chance for female professionals and entrepreneurs who are prepared to “level up.” It will be ideal for individuals seeking clarity and confidence in their journey, as well as creatives, leaders, and visionaries eager to make bold moves. A licensed mental health professional and a women’s empowerment and trauma recovery coach will lead this engaging transformative storytelling event. Participate in sessions featuring strategies to develop or reclaim your confidence. Engage in exercises designed to help make strides to meet your goals and purpose. Learn from inspiring women who have transformed their lives, which may motivate you to embrace your power. Networking with inspiring high-level professional women. Take steps to achieve your dreams and purpose. Find out how to effectively own your story, and share it unapologetically. Be part of a thriving supportive community of women. The event is presented by Say Something Good LLC and Speak Life Transformation. Individual tickets: $92.55; 11 a.m. EST to 2 p.m. EST. Clique Socially, 30 Crown Point Rd. #8, in West Deptford, NJ. Pre-register at the Eventbrite Ticket Link
Entrepreneurs Pitch To Win $20,000
Saturday, June 7, 2025. Belmont Mansion, once a stop on the Underground Railroad, will transform into a lively oasis of innovation, culture, and celebration at the Future Forward: Garden Party Pitch Competition. It will be a twist on traditional business-pitch events designed to jumpstart financial liberation for Black and Brown entrepreneurs. Nine finalists will make a case highlighting their business concepts before a panel of judges and compete for more than $30,000 in cash and prizes, including a $20,000 grand prize. Inspired by the theme “Garden Party,” what is the business without pleasure? Enjoy live music, cocktails by Ki Rae Wines, and gourmet small bites on the lawn of the historic grounds. The Philadelphia-based Mom Your Business connects female Black and Brown entrepreneurs with the resources to build their businesses and wealth. Explains Mom Your Business founder Tanya T. Morris: “It’s about honoring our ancestors by creating pathways to economic freedom on land that once symbolized our journey to liberation.” Individual tickets: $23.18; 1 p.m. EST to 4 p.m. EST. 2000 Belmont Mansion Dr., Fairmount Park. To attend or be part of the competition: Email: info@momyourbusiness.com, 800-524-4934 or https://www.momyourbusiness.com/
Screenprint on fabric by Ethan Adorno, Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Courtesy of Fabric Workshop and Museum.
Student Artists’ ‘Patterns Of Promise’
Through Friday, July 25, 2025. More than a dozen high school students from diverse backgrounds show off their artwork using hand-screen printing applied to cotton sateen fabric in Patterns of Promise. The students’ newfound art and entrepreneurial skills are honed under the direction of professional artists and studio staff at The Fabric Workshop and Museum’s High School Apprentice Training Program (HSATP). The exhibit looks at themes of identity and personal expression. It is hosted by Creative Philadelphia’s Art In City Hall. Free, 10 a.m. EST to 4 p.m. EST weekdays. City Hall (2nd floor, northeast corner hallway), 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd. 215-686-8446 or https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org/ or https://www.creativephl.org
