FunTimesEvents Education, & Entertainment!
Bike giveaways, magic mirrored gardens, Juneteenth children’s stories, sidewalk libraries, block parties, entrepreneurial youth workshops and more free or low-cost stuff. This family-friendly column is for the kids, with a few activities sprinkled on top of this cool ice cream cone of summer entertainment for the young at heart. Please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual in-person event instructions with the organizers. Confirm dates, times, dates, and if the event will proceed as planned.
Santa in the summer
Jul 15, 2022. What happens when Santa trades in his sleigh for a bike? The Philly POPS celebrates Christmas in July is what happens! Bring out the bicycles, instead. The event features photos with the man himself, music from the world-known The Philly POPS, Victorian carolers, holiday treats and a whole lotta of family fun. And as part of their Salute Series, The POPS and Comcast NBCUniversal will distribute 150 cool bikes to kids of local first-responder families. 10 a.m., free, Comcast Center Plaza, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd., https://www.phillypops.org/
Meet Opal Lee, “The Grandmother of Juneteenth”
Opal is a gem
July 21, 2022. Educator and activist Opal Lee, fondly known as “The Grandmother of Juneteenth,” will visit the Free Library. She is credited for her efforts that led to acknowledging Juneteenth as a national holiday observance. She will read from her book Juneteenth: A Children’s Story in the library’s “Story Hour Room.” The Children’s Department, Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St., 11 a.m., free but you can buy autographed copies of her book, 215-686-5369, libwww.freelibrary.org
Take your passion and make it happen!
Through August 11, 2022. It’s never too early to start forging a career path. Try a Mighty Entrepreneurs workshop on Thursdays for kids, ages 7-11. Led by host Maurice Williams, explore business plans and learn skills to turn your passion into making a living. The virtual at-home summer program is organized by Mighty Writers youth literacy group, which is designed to mentor young minds and build esteem. 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., free. mightywriters.org or e-mail: gbernicker@mightywriters.org
A lot of bling in a mosaic world of recycled mirrors
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is purely a Philly experience. It’s described as “a folk art environment and gallery space” created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. The Magic Gardens, a non-profit, stretches three city lots with a fantasy land (picture the Wizard of Oz meets the Mummers or a carnival funhouse) of creative indoor galleries and a large colorful mirrored maze on South Street. Many of the items – ceramics, bike spokes– are recycled. Wednesdays to Mondays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reserve tickets in advance: $8 (kids) to $15 (adults), 1020 South St., 215-733-0390, phillymagicgardens.org
Not too cool for old school
July 16, 2022. The All Love Block Party is described as All live, all local and all love. For more than five years, this spin on the back-in the-day community street party has featured acts like TameArtz, DJ Aktive, Uniiqu3, Asher Roth, Chuck Inglish, Just Frenchie, DJ Suga Shay, Noel Scales, Sunnie. It’s a classic all-day Philly-style block party, and then some. The event is part of the Black Soul Summer project comprised of African American and Latino creatives — event curators and project managers who produce culturally-based entertainment in Philadelphia. The block party was started by Temple University students Saleem Taaj Sabree and Melvin Powell in 2012. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., free but register in advance. Sunflower Philly, 1725 N. 5th St.,https://www.blacksoulsummer.com/
July Jazz in South Philly
July 16, 2022. Jazz Bridge Project and Friends of Hawthorne Park present Mid-Summer Jazz Fest hosted by Rhenda Fearrington, Jazz Bridge President. Actually they are calling it a mini jazz festival. But it will have a big sound! It features Chelsea Reed & the Fairweather Five and V. Shayne Frederick Culture. The event is supported by a grant from the city’s The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., free, Hawthorne Park, 1200 Catharine St , https://www.creativephl.org
Want to be in a movie?
July 16, 2022. It’s time for your close-up! Take part (as an extra crew member, dancer or actor) in the filming of La Gran Fiesta — La Guagua 47’s final movie scene celebrating Philadelphia’s Latinidad. According to promotional materials: “The scene will represent community, unity, Latino culture, arts, and finding home in one another.” The Latino community is invited to dance, wear traditional clothing reflecting their cultures; bring native cultural flags and musical instruments to play along with the music. Be part of this realism-inspired film experience highlighting Philadelphia’s thriving Latino community. The event is organized by the La Guagua 47 Community Film and Arts Project. 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., free but the capacity is limited; registration required: laguagua47.com or eventbrite.
