For Fathers Day
American Helicopter Museum and Education Center: The Bell UH-1 Iroquois “Huey” became a symbol of the Vietnam War. One of these helicopters, that is now an artist’s sculpture entitled “Take Me Home Huey,” will be the focus of a presentation by three of her original crew members at 10:30 a.m. June 17 and 11 a.m. June 18, and the star of this year’s FatherFest on June 18, including screenings of a documentary. For details, call (610) 436-9600 or see www.americanhelicopter.museum.
Museum of the American Revolution: On Father’s Day, celebrate your “founding father” June 18 with presentations on Revolutionary-era arsenal, a performance and demonstration by a historical musician, and artifacts and exhibits highlighting father figures who played a role in the Revolution. Located at 101 S. Third St., Philadelphia, admission is $19; $17 for seniors, students, and active or retired military; and $12 for children 6 and up. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days. Visit www.amrevmuseum.org or call (877) 740-1776.
Under the Lights Car Show: The Fairmout Fire Company, 100 Vine St., Lansdale, hosts the 27th annual show from 7 to 10 p.m. June 17. The rain date is June 18.
Spirit of Philadelphia: Take a Fathers Day brunch or dinner cruise June 18 along the Delaware River. Enjoy summer inspired fare, musical entertainment, waterfront views and outdoor games on the top deck. The brunch cruise boards at 11:30 a.m. and the dinner cruise boards at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $54.90, $32.95 for children 3-12. Go to https://www.spiritcruises.com/philadelphia/cruises/holiday/fathers-day?loc=home.
Chestnut Hill: Check out Wissahickon Valley Park and explore some of the park’s 50+ miles of hiking trails like Forbidden Drive. Or surprise dad with a tour of the Morris Arboretum and immerse yourselves in the arboretum’s various garden areas, architecture and sculptures. End your day at the brand new Chestnut Hill Beer Garden and Chestnut Hill Brewing Co. Look into it at https://chestnuthillpa.com.
Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours: Get on the daytime hop-on hop-off loop, beginning at Independence National Historic Park, and journey with dad on a tour of the City of Brotherly Love with Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours. Travel more 16 miles of the city and enjoy access to over 100 sites and attractions throughout Philadelphia. You and Dad can review the route map beforehand to see what city landmarks you can easily visit throughout the tour’s 27 stops! Learn all about Philadelphia’s history aboard an open top double-decker bus, and enjoy the sights of the city alongside the best guy around. Tours depart hourly. One-day open top Loop tickets are $32, $30 for seniors, $10 for children. Visit www.philadelphiasightseeingtours.com.
Old City, Philadelphia: Explore the world of crafts alongside dad in Philadelphia. Check out some of CraftNOW’s Old City galleries that deliver ways to experience Philadelphia’s prestigious craft community. At the Fabric Workshop and Museum, check out one of their current exhibitions like Lenka Clayton’s “Object Temporarily Removed.” Or take him on a tour through the National Liberty Museum to admire their collection of glass and contemporary art, and pay homage to the Museum’s Heroes of 9/11 Memorial. Refer to https://craftnowphila.org/explore.
Live music
A.A. Garthwaite Stadium: The inaugural Conshohocken Music Festival starts at 1 p.m. June 24 at East 11th Avenue at Harry Street, Conshohocken. There will be a Kids Section featuring bounce houses, instruments to play with and more. Performing will be The First Notes, Lolly & YoYo, Sparkle Pony, The Boatloads, Coast to Coast, The Sofa Kings and Marah, with Vince Zeller performing between each of the last three acts. Bring your own seating. There will be beer, wine and food for sale. Tickets are $25, $10 for children 5-17. Get more at www.conshohockenmusicfestival.com.
Havertown Irish Festival: The first Havertown Irish Festival runs noon to 9 p.m. June 24 in the Manoa Shopping Center rear parking lot, Eagle Road near West Chester Pike in Havertown. The outdoor festival will have Irish associations, guilds and clubs; food; sports and performances by Runa, Galway Guild, The Scott McClatchy Band, John Byrne Band, Across the Pond, Dylan McGuire Band, Maura McKinney Mastro and Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band. Admission is free. See www.havertownirishfestival.com.
Make Music Upper Perk: It’s a wide variety of free live music at multiple venues in Red Hill, Pennsburg and East Greenville June 21, with the first notes at 9 a.m. and the final concerts beginning at 9 p.m. See a map and detailed schedule at https://valleyartscene.wordpress.com.
Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve: Natural Lands Trust invites you to get your groove on with “Field Jam,” featuring live music by Black Horse Motel, beer by Victory Brewing Co. and food truck fare 4 to 7 p.m. June 24 at 640 Swedesford Road, Upper Gwynedd. Tickets are $40, includes two beverage tickets and you must be 21 or older to attend. Go to www.natlands.org/fieldjam or call (610) 353-5587, ext. 243.
Arcadia University: The Kiwanis Club of Norriton Circle presents a benefit concert with Joe Woodson and Richard Woodson, the Chuck Woodson Jazz Ensemble with Kenny Davis and Tom Lawton, and percussionist and music educator Matthew L. Woodson at 6 p.m. June 24 in the Stiteler Auditorium, 450 S. Easton Road, Glenside. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/kiwanis-concert-tickets-33732872931.
Church of the Holy Spirit: At 7 p.m. June 17 a concert of music for violin, cello and piano by the BLT Trio – Keoni Bolding, Peter Lockman and Seth Trumbore – will be presented at the church at 2871 Barndt Road at Sumneytown Pike, Upper Salford. A reception follows the concert. For information, call (215) 234-8020 or go to www.churchoftheholyspirit.us.
Mann Center: Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra join the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Boys Choir at 7:30 p.m. June 24 to present “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in Concert.” Tickets range from $25-$100. Go to www.manncenter.org or call (800) 745-3000. The Mann is at 520 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia.
The Phelps School: Jazz on the Main Line, a fundraiser for Home of the Sparrow, an organization helping women and children in Chester County, is held 6 to 10:30 p.m. June 17 at the school, 583 Sugartown Road, Malvern. The theme is “Amore – An Evening in Italy.” Highlights include hors d’oeuvres and a buffet dinner and entertainment by City Rhythm, and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $150, $75 for guests 31 and younger. Call (610) 647-4940 or visit www.homeofthesparrow.org.
Knauer Performing Arts Center: Bernard Purdie & Friends – led by a studio sideman with King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Paul Butterfield, Larry Coryell, Miles Davis, Hall & Oates, Al Kooper, Herbie Mann, Todd Rundgren, Cat Stevens, Isaac Hayes, Donny Hathaway, B.B. King, Joe Cocker and more – is in concert at 7:30 p.m. June 24. Tickets are $32 in advance, $37 at the door, $55 for VIP tickets. The center is at 226 N. High St., West Chester. Call (610) 356-2787 or visit www.uptownwestchester.org.
Get outside
Indian Creek Foundation: The annual Roll and Stroll now has a 5K run. Scheduled for June 17, this charity event typically draws nearly 300 participants and volunteers. With courses of 64, 39, 20 and 10 miles, this event has something for cyclists of a variety of skill levels. There is also a 5K and 1K course for walkers or runners. Afterwards participants can enjoy an all-you-can-eat picnic buffet, music by The Mango Men, and other activities starting at 11 a.m. Get full information at www.indcreek.org/roll-and-stroll.
Brandywine Valley Garden Tour: Organized by the Brandywine Valley Water Garden Association, the June 24 Chester County-wide event, which runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., also features a pig roast from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost is $45. Call (610) 380-1119 or visit http://brandywinepondtour.com/brandywine-valley-garden-tour-2017-in-chester-county.
Norristown Farm Park: At 10 a.m. June 20 get “Knee Deep in the Creek” and examine the creatures that are adapted to life in the water. Wear sturdy water shoes or old sneakers. If you have a net, bring it along. This free program is suitable for adults and children 6 and older. Pre-registration is required by call (610) 270-0215. Norristown Farm Park is at Barley Sheaf Drive and Germantown Pike, East Norriton. Meet in parking lot No. 3 by the kiosk.
Lorimer Park: Explore the park and Bethayres Swamp, an official Audubon Important Bird Area during an Audubon Bird Town Bird Walk at 8 p.m. June 20. All are welcome, including new birders. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars. Meet at the Welsh Road/Pennypack Trail parking area, near the intersection of Welsh Road and Terwood Road This free program is suitable for adults and children 12 and older. Pre-registration is preferred by emailing lorimerpark@montcopa.org or calling (215) 947-3477.
Tex Mex Connection: The 28th Race for Open Space 5K is held 7 to 10 p.m. June 21. Cost is $50, with proceeds benefitting local green initiatives. A “Party Under the Stars” follows the race. The restaurant is at 201 E. Walnut St., North Wales. Call (215) 699-9552 or email 5k@texmexconnection.com.
New Garden Flying Field: The 11th annual Chester County Balloon Festival features hot air balloons and balloon glows, live music, children’s activities, a fireworks display, helicopter rides, a wine and beer garden and more June 23-25 at 1235 Newark Road, Toughkenamon. Admission is $15, $5 per child 6-12. There is an additional fee for tickets for hot air balloon rides, tethered balloon rides and helicopter rides. Bringing your own seating is a smart idea. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday, 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday. Get more information at www.ccballoonfest.com.
Historic Germantown: “Freedom’s Backyard: A Garden Reclaimed” is a cocktail reception held 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 22 for a new green space at 5501 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. The keynote address will be given by Matt Rader, President of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and the evening will feature live music by Monnette Sudler. Tickets are $75. Go to www.freedomsbackyard.com/shop.
Slither, swim and hop
Upper Schuylkill Valley Park: It’s a Reptile and Amphibian Jubilee 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24, with games, hands-on activities and more. Kyle Loucks, the Southeast Regional Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey, will have a live animal presentation. Suggested donation is a $2 per person. Participants should come prepared to get wet during some of the activities. The park is on Route 113, Upper Providence. For further information about this program, call (610) 948-5170.
Historical perspective
Fort Mifflin: Imagine the production crew filming a Revolutionary War soldier fighting to hold the fort, as you sip a cocktail and listen to the band while the sun dips into the horizon along the Delaware River. On June 22, it’s “A Call To Arms, Molly – Ready, Set, Shoot.” Actors, dignitaries and guests will get the chance to fire off a shot from the fort’s cannon as “live patriots” mingle with guests in the Colonial Beer Garden. Proceeds go towards the production of “Molly,” a feature film about Molly Pitcher, which will be filmed in the Philadelphia area. There will also be a silent auction, a raffle and a chance to explore the historic fort, where spirits reportedly still roam. Tickets are $25. Visit www.themollyfilm.com or www.molly-productions.ticketleap.com. Fort Mifflin is on the Delaware River at Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia.
Penn Museum: “Moundbuilders: Ancient Architects of North America,” a new exhibition opening June 24 at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South St., Philadelphia, tells the story of more than 5,000 years of Native American moundbuilding through photographs, archival excavation records and more than 60 artifacts excavated at mound sites throughout the eastern United States. The exhibition runs through December. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, till 8 p.m. the first Wednesdays of the month. Admission is $15, $13 for seniors 65+, $10 for children and students, free for military, members and children 5 and younger. Visit www.penn.museum or call (215) 898-4000.
Independence Seaport Museum: You may know that Cruiser Olympia was Admiral Dewey’s flagship at the Battle of Manila Bay, but probably not that the ship carried the body of the Unknown Soldier from France to the United States in 1921, or that she is the second oldest surviving U.S. naval ship afloat, largely rebuilt for use in World War I. A World War I exhibit opening June 16 will focus on the role the Cruiser Olympia played, including coastal patrol and ship escort; intervention; peacekeeping and humanitarianism. Between noon and 5 p.m. June 17, take part in an adult-oriented Seaport Scavenger Hunt linked with the museum’s new World War I exhibit. The museum is at 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia. Admission is $16, $12 for Seniors 65+, children 3-12, students and active and retired military. The scavenger hunt challenge is for adults 21+. Teams can consist of up to three people. Cost is $35 for individuals, $50 per couple, $65 per trios.
Musical drama
Labuda Center for the Performing Arts: The theater at DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave., Center Valley, opens the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival with “Evita” June 16-July 2. Performances are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. June 18 and 2 p.m. matinees June 18, 21, 24-25 and 28 and July 1-2. Tickets start at $25, with youth, military and group discounts available. The festival also includes “The Ice Princess,” which is running now through Aug. 5) and “The Hound of the Baskervilles” June 21-July 16. Call (610) 282-WILL, ext. 1 or visit www.pashakespeare.org.
Summer treat
Linvilla Orchards: From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 24 celebrate the raspberry harvest with pick-your-own raspberries, entertainment by Silly Joe and costumed characters, face painting, train rides and more. Visit www.linvilla.com for more information. Linvilla Orchards is at 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media.
Literary odyssey
Delancey Place, Philadelphia: The Rosenbach’s annual Bloomsday celebration happens noon to 8 p.m. June 16 – the day the world celebrates Leopold Bloom’s fictional journey through the streets of Dublin, as imagined in James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” The recital is free and open to everyone and is a day-long reading of “Ulysses” featuring artists, public figures and familiar personalities from Philadelphia and beyond; musical performances from and inspired by the novel; free admission to the Rosenbach exhibitions and historic house; a beer garden; food from vendors like Foolish Waffles and 2 Street Sammies. Check https://rosenbach.org/events/bloomsday-2017.