Pub & Kitchen: Your New Secret Spot

This cozy, off-the-beaten track spot feels like visiting a friend's house for dinner. Except for the price, that is. Pub & Kitchen is fairly expensive: appetizers run $7 – $14 and entrees run  $11 – $22. The menu changes slightly from month-to-month, featuring seasonal specialties, but reliable standbys include slow-roasted pulled pork sandwiches and grilled hanger steak. Many locals swear the Churchill Burger ($18) is the best in town. And the kitchen stays open late to satisfy late-night cravings. Along with food, Pub & Kitchen offers a well-curated beer list, wine, and inventive cocktails.

Pub & Kitchen
1946 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-0350
www.thepubandkitchen
.com

The Philadelphia Orchestra: Classic Concerts

The Philadelphia Orchestra makes its home at the breathtaking Kimmel Center, and strives to deliver fabulous classical concerts to the Philadelphia public. The orchestra was started back in 1900, and has had an impressive history of renowned conductors, international tours, and countless popular recordings of classic masterpieces. The orchestra is currently under the direction of conductor Charles Dutoit, and continues to perform delightful symphonies from all eras and nations. With a goal to make music accessible, the orchestra offers reasonably priced package deals with ticket prices as low as $15 per concert. Also, the eZseatU ticket program offers an array of wallet-friendly options for college students. Though the Kimmel Center season officially begins in October, the Philadelphia Orchestra continues to offer free neighborhood concerts and educational programs to students all year long.

Philadelphia Orchestra
260 S. Broad Street
Suite 1600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 893-1900

2012 Bug Fest: August 11 and 12 at Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences

Fans of creepy crawlies and other creatures will be thrilled by the 2012 iteration of Bug Fest, a fun Philadelphia event hosted annually at the city's Academy of Natural Sciences Museum. The fifth annual Bug Fest takes place this year on Saturday August 11th and Sunday August 12th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bug Fest promises attendees the chance to go on a bug walk, see unique and interesting bugs from the museums collection, and even taste a bug or two — artfully prepared, of course! Bug fans can also meet real entomologists, and learn about butterflies, moths, and other bugs from around the world. It's a fun event for kids of all ages, and a great reason to visit the Academy of Natural Sciences, an interesting museum located right on Philadelphia's parkway.

Bug Fest
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103


 

BlobFest in Phoenixville (July 13-15)

The quaint little town of Phoenixville was, in the 1950s, the set for one of the greatest, goofiest horror movies of all time – The Blob. If you’re not familiar with it, it tells the story of an amorphous alien who crashes to Earth in a meteor and proceeds to engulf everything it can. It’s a classic of the genre, and every year since 2000, Phoenixville’s Colonial Theatre has hosted an annual celebration of the movie. BlobFest features a wide range of activities, the most famous of which include the re-enactment of the movie’s theater scene where a throng of moviegoers flee the Blob, as well as screenings of the movie paired with other corny horrors from the same time period, a rowdy street fair and more. Live music and hilarious diversions like the Fire Extinguisher Parade just put the cherry on top. Even if you’re not a big horror fan, this is very much worth dropping by Phoenixville to see. Click here to learn more about BlobFest.

CitySolve Urban Race (July 7): Run Your Brain

Most city races don’t require a lot of thinking – you start in one place, finish in another, and the route’s usually pretty clear. CitySolve is something completely different. Working in teams of 2-4 people, racers scour city streets following clever and witty clues from point to point. You need both brains and brawn to succeed here, but if you’re not a runner you can get around by public transportation. You’re not allowed to bring anything that would give you a speed edge like a skateboard, though. Each race typically takes between three and five hours, but the fastest solvers can get it done in two. Even better, winners get a $300 cash prize. There are also prizes given for funky costumes, family teams and more. Past races have taken place all over the country, and the fascinating historical landscape of Philadelphia will lend itself perfectly to the event. Tickets are $55 per person but there are discounts available. Click here to learn more about the CitySolve Urban Race!

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Color Me Rad 5K, June 17

Color Me Rad is a unique and exciting twist on a standard 5K road race that has been touring the country and is finally ready to make a stop in the City of Brotherly Love. The gimmick behind Color Me Rad is simple: runners show up in a white T-shirt and by the end of the race they’re covered in a rainbow of vibrant hues, courtesy of spectators throwing handfuls of non-toxic, brightly-colored cornstarch at them as they run. Sure, it’s silly and messy, but it’s also a ton of fun. At the finish line, a huge celebration tends to break out as sweaty, colorful runners drink, dance, and enjoy each other’s company, laughing at all the hues. A portion of the proceeds go to benefit a local charity as well – in this case, Special Olympics Philadelphia. Pre-registration is required, and races tend to fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute. Click here to visit Color Me Rad's website for more information.

Italian Market Festival, May 19 – 20: Celebrate at the Market

The whole family can have fun at the Italian Market Festival, a weekend full of food, fun, and entertainment taking place in the country's oldest outdoor market. This annual celebration features concert stages holding live performances, a Family Fun Zone where kids can make crafts and play games, and a Procession of Saints led by the St. Paul Parish. There will also be a number of artisan vendors selling jewelry, photography, and crafts. Don't forget the food that will be available, either. You'll find lots of items here to fill up on, from delicious little snacks to larger, meal-sized treats for people arriving with their appetite. The Italian Market Festival is like a huge block party, bustling with activity and full of revelry. Rain or shine, it's a great place to be.

Italian Market Festival
Saturday, May 19, 2012 2:00 p.m. – Sunday, May 20, 2012 5:00 p.m.
900 S. 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
http://www.yelp.com/events/philadelphia-italian-market-festival-2

The Prince Music Theater

Named for renowned Broadway producer/director Hal Prince, the Prince Music Theater is housed in a restored 1920’s movie house. A visit to the theater is a fantastic way to support the arts, enjoy the thrill of live performance, and spend time in a gorgeously updated historic venue. Upcoming shows include a screening of La Boehme filmed on opening night at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, a cabaret benefit of Broadway musical performances, and a comedy called Defending the Caveman. Visit the Prince Music Theater's website for performance schedules and ticket info. 

1412 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 569-9700

International House Philadelphia: World of Art

International House Philadelphia is a multicultural residential center that hosts visiting scholars and students from around the globe. It’s also a place where you can take language classes, take in a concert, or attend a lecture. All in all, it’s a distinctive cultural venue with a threefold mission, to host people from around the world and introduce them to American culture while allowing them to share their culture and traditions with others. It also showcases a wide variety of cultural events such as international film festivals, holiday celebrations, dance performances, and art shows. See their website for a roster of events. 

3701 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19195
(215) 387-5125

Are You Excited for these March Events in Philadelphia?

If you’re looking for an adventure this year as winter fades into spring, why not check out one of these upcoming events in Philadelphia? Philly and its surrounding areas present a plethora of wonderful March events and activities for people of all ages. Here are some of the most exciting March offerings, so be sure to mark your calendars:
 
The Philadelphia Flower Show, March 4 -11
This is a don’t-miss Philly event every year, widely celebrated as one of the oldest and largest indoor flower shows in the world. Whether you’re a flower aficionado or just someone looking to admire some beautiful blooms, you’ll love exploring the vast showcase of traditional and exotic flowers. 
 
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 11
Philly takes great pride in its spectacular St. Patrick’s Day parade, a high-spirited city tradition since 1771. Elaborate floats, traditional Irish music and dance, bagpipe music, and green everywhere – a perfect way to celebrate Irish culture in a city with a long history of ties to the people of Ireland.
 
Philadelphia CineFest, March 22 – April 1
This eleven-day film festival extravaganza showcases some of the best works in independent and foreign cinema in theatres throughout the city. There are movies for every taste, including shorts, features, and documentary films, exciting special guests, and a series of fun festival-hosted social events around Philly.
 
Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show, March 23 – March 25
This nationally renowned event presents a dazzling exhibit of one-of-a-kind home furnishings. The show features some of the most cutting-edge design innovations side by side with more traditional furniture pieces – something for every taste. 
 
15th Annual Philly Fur Ball, March 31 – April 1
This wonderful event, which raises money for the Morris Animal Refuge, is a perfect outing for pet lovers. Attendees enjoy a delicious dinner, music and dance, a silent auction, an open bar, and a beer tasting menu, among several other fun activities throughout the night. 
 
 

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