Out and about with the family at Spruce Street Harbor along the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Check out the array of riverside activities in August.
Photo by Maria Young courtesy of https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
FunTimes Magazine: ‘Culture & Entertainment’ column, week of August 11, 2025
“August is a time of growing up, of being forgotten forever, full of the sweetest intent.”
— Writer Meka Boyle
August has been described in many ways. One fetching description refers to the month as the “last flicker of fun and heat” before the summer fades into fall. That may be, but there’s plenty of time to enjoy the final days of summer, as the best is yet to come. Embrace the last flicker of fun with these entertaining free or low-cost activities.
Celebrate Caribbean Culture & Freedom
Saturday, August 16, 2025. It will be a glorious cultural showcase and resource expo of shopping, music, food, historical recognition, and culture at the All U.S. Caribbean Emancipation Celebration. Caribbean nations around the United States are observing 191 years since the Abolition of Slavery Act was enacted in the British Empire, closing a dark chapter of centuries of slavery. The celebrations signify the hard-fought struggles and sacrifices of enslaved Africans. It is traditionally celebrated in August with parades, cultural performances, and other events highlighting ancestral tributes and Caribbean heritage. Free, noon to 7 p.m. EST. Liberty Bell Plaza, Participate in kickoff activities: A noon ceremonial program at Philadelphia City Hall, followed by a procession on Market Street at 2 p.m. EST. Visitor Center Grounds & Liberty Bell Plaza, 101 S. Independence Mall W in the historic district. Email: alluscaribbean@gmail.com, 856-281-8318 or https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=688633093941439&set=pb.100083842623934.-2207520000&type=3
Feel The Beat At Arte en las Calles: Fiesta de Verano
Saturday, August 16, 2025. The rhythm will move you at Arte en las Calles Fiesta de Verano featuring the Dendê & Band, Forrópera (Chrystal E. Williams & Felipe Hostins), and Blaze Born (AMLA Rock Band). Feast on Latin food, and enjoy live music, dancing, a merchant fair, and- around festive time. The festival will be hosted by Rumba 106.1 Radio’s Johanny Rodriguez. Free but pre-register. 6 p.m. EST to 9 p.m. EST, Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 N. 5th St. Email: patronservices@esperanza.us, 215-324-0746 or https://www.esperanzaartscenter.us/event/arte-en-las-calles-fiesta-de-verano-dende-macedo-band-chrystal-williams-felipe-hostins/
The Sky’s Not The Limit
Saturday, August 16, 2025. Do you want to get lost in space? Here’s your chance. Check out Space Day Saturday at the Please Touch Museum, a hands-on activities that explore cool rockets, planets, and the stars. Enter a whole new universe; travel on a cosmic journey with the Science History Institute. Learn about astronomy and space, telescopes, diffraction glasses, astrolabes, and armillary globes. Make your own “luminary bags” that can light up in the night sky. Adults & kids; $24, military, police officers & firefighters: $22; 10 a.m. EST to 2 p.m. EST. Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic. Email: info@pleasetouchmuseum.org, 215-581-3181 or https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org or https://www.sciencehistory.org
Jazz It Up!
Saturday, August 16, 2025. The 16th Annual Beech Jazz on the Ave. The Music Festival will be an ideal way to wind down your summer fun. Hosted by She ‘J’dee, chill to the grooves of Susanne Christine, Safa, Domenic Patrick, Queen of the Pen, Imani Lauren, Peyton “Ms. Drumz” Bailey, and Mad Beatz Philly. Enjoy a special guest performance by Gab’ Amour, as well as food, activities for the kids, craft’ shopping, and health-wellness screenings. The community event is produced by Beech Community Services and the Philadelphia 22nd Police District. Bring a lawn chair. Free but pre-register, Noon to 8:30 p.m. EST. (Kidz Zone: 1 p.m. EST to 5 p.m. EST. Email: jazzontheave.philly@gmail.com, 215-763-8868 or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-on-the-ave-tickets-1424357875749?msockid=3366ef1bbdb4667e3161e647bc336791
Seriah Nicole
Soulful Seriah In Concert
Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Check out the powerful punch of Seriah Nicole’s vocals, a stirring blend of poetry, hip-hop, and soul. Nicole is an international performing artist. The Philly-born songstress has shared the world and national stage with Maui The Writer, AJ McQueen, LA Russell, Sa-Roc, DMC, Kid N Play, Jeffrey Osborne, Frankie Beverly & Maze, and a host of local sports and community events. The concert will be part of a free series sponsored by Philadelphia City Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. and Jazz Bridge in public parks across Philadelphia’s 4th Councilmanic District. Free, 6 p.m. EST to 7:30 p.m. EST. Rose Playground, 1300 N. 75th St. Email: info@jazzbridge.org, 215-517-8337 or https://www.jazzbridge.org/calendar/seriah-nicole-at-rose-playground/
Be In The Running For An UNCF Scholarship
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is offering free regional and national scholarships and job opportunities. The deadline is fast-approaching in August. Go online to find out more about UNCF scholarships and internships. High school and college students can check out some of these opportunities that can assist them in getting to and through college. Free to apply. UNCF.org/Scholarships or https://uncf.org/the-latest/scholarships-for-august-at uncf
