Festival time
Manayunk Arts Festival: The 28th annual Manayunk Arts Festival runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 24 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 25 on Main Street from Shurs Lane to Green Lane and Cotton Street from Main to Cresson streets. There will be nearly 300 artisans with creations in jewelry, fiber, photography, glass and ceramics, mixed media, painting and drawing, wood, and sculpture. Visit www.manayunk.com.
St. Joseph Community Festival: The festival continues 6 to 11 p.m. through June 24 at 332 Manor Ave., Downingtown. Highlights include rides, live entertainment, bingo, a bake sale and a Friday night fireworks display (rain date Saturday). Ride wristbands will be available for $25. See www.stjoesfestival.com.
Mary Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church: The Mary Mother of the Redeemer Summer Festival continues 6 to 11 p.m. June 23 and 6 to 10 p.m. June 24 at 1325 Upper State Road, Montgomery Township. Enjoy rides and live music. Check out https://mmredeemer.org/summer-festival.
Mole Street, Philadelphia: In celebration of the summer solstice, it’s the annual free Mole-stice block party noon to 8 p.m. June 24 on the 100 block of Mole Street in Center City. The festival features live performances by Low Cut Connie, Killiam Shakespeare, Hank and Cupcakes, LoHai and more; food trucks; vendors; craft beer; cocktails and more. Visit www.molestice.com.
Lansdale Beer Tasting Festival: The festival for ages 21+ features both local and national craft brewers and is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. June 24. The entrance is steps from the new SEPTA parking garage in the football field near the corner of Fifth and Maple streets, Lansdale. Performing live music will be The Dirk Quinn Band and Mike Greer & Company. Tickets are $45, $10 for designated drivers, $75 for VIP tickets, $20 for VIP designated drivers. Get full details at www.lansdalebeerfest.com.
Folk life
Kutztown Fairgrounds: From July 1-9 the 68th Kutztown Folk Festival showcases traditional Pennsylvania Dutch culture through folk life presentations, a tinsmith shop, a 19-piece German brass band, a functional steam engine from 1910, Pennsylvania Dutch foods and beverages from five local wineries and “America’s Largest Quilt Sale” featuring more than 2,500 handmade quilts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 1-2 and 7-8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 3-6 and 9. Tickets are $14, $13 for seniors 55+, $5 for students 13-17, $24 for a weekly pass. For a full list of attractions and a $2 off coupon, visit www.kutztownfestival.com.
Art highlights
Barnes Foundation: Debuting June 30 and continuing through Oct. 2 is “Mohamed Bourouissa: Urban Riders,” the artist’s first major solo exhibition in Philadelphia. It brings together approximately 60 works inspired by his first project in the U.S., which focused on a North Philadelphia community’s efforts at neighborhood revitalization and youth empowerment. The Barnes Foundation is at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Monday, 6 to 9 p.m. every first Friday of the month and select Friday evenings. To book tickets, visit www.barnesfoundation.org or call (215) 278-7000.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: Opening June 27 is “Wild: Michael Nichols,” a retrospective on Nichols, an award-winning photographer and ardent conservation advocate. In the June 27-Sept. 4 Art Splash programming, children and grown-ups can experience gallery explorations, art making, and imaginative play inspired by the wildlife photography of Michael Nichols. The museum is at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. Admission is $20, $18 for seniors 65+, $14 for students and youths 13-18. Get more at www.philamuseum.org.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: “Subversion and Surrealism in the Art of Honore Sharrer” runs June 29-Sept. 3. Follow Sharrer’s rise in the 1940s and 1950s through approximately 45 paintings along with dozens of associated drawings, sketches, photographs and prints from public and private collections. The exhibition marks the first time a number of the works have been on public view. PAFA is at 128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Admission is $15, $12 for seniors 60+ and students, $8 for youths 13-18. Call (215) 972-7600 or see www.pafa.org.
Birthday bash
Pearl S. Buck International: The public is invited to join in a celebration of the 125th birth anniversary of Bucks County award winning author, humanitarian and activist Pearl S. Buck at 1 p.m. June 25 and 26. There will be complimentary abbreviated house tours available on the hour from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, call (267) 421-6203 or email clouden@pearlsbuck.org.
Celebrate heritage
Mount Hope Estate and Winery: The Celtic Fling and Highland Games celebrates both traditional and contemporary Celtic heritage from the Friday night kick-off, the Saturday Highland Games competition and Ceilidh with more than 1,000 Irish dancers, and finally the Sunday night concert. Held on the 35-acre site of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at 2775 Lebanon Road, Cornwall Township, Celtic Fling begins June 23 with a concert featuring The StepCrew, The Town Pants, Burning Bridget Cleary and Searson. June 24-25 will feature musical entertainment on six stages including Albannach, Enter the Haggis, Dublin 5, and Kilmaine Saints. In addition to the 100 resident Renaissance Faire shops, an array of guest artisans and merchants will be offering items. Kitchens throughout the site will serve a tasting tour of the Celtic nations with items including corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash and Scotch eggs. Swashbuckler Beers, Lancaster County Ciders and Mount Hope Wines will be available throughout the site as well. Single-day tickets are $26.95, $23.95 at www.parenfaire.com/celtic/about.php, $10.95 for children 5-11. Two-day passes are $35, $15 for children 5-11.
Tree-mendous
Norristown Farm Park: At 2 p.m. June 25 join Ranger Mike for a tour of the largest trees in the park. Learn about the natural history of individual tree species and why some can grow so much bigger than the rest. Forest ecology will be covered as well. This free program is suitable for adults and children 7 and older. Pre-registration is required by calling (610) 270-0215. Norristown Farm Park is at Barley Sheaf Drive and Germantown Pike, East Norriton. Meet at the park office.
Live music
SteelStacks: Three days of music, food and family fun – including free concerts by bachata star Kiko Rodriguez and salsa singer Herman Olivera – highlight the seventh annual Sabor! Latin Festival June 23-25. The weekend will also feature arts and crafts, children’s activities, Latin dance presentations, a mariachi Mass and a screening of the film “We Like It Like That” at the ArtsQuest Center’s Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas. For more information, visit www.artsquest.org/festivals/sabor-latin-festival.
Trocadero Theatre: Some of Philly’s most talented hip-hop artists hit the stage at the Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., Philadelphia, for a free concert at 7 p.m. June 25. Jam out to music by Kur, Recohavoc, DJ Diamond Kuts, Lee Mazin and more. To get free tickets, go to www.aidseducationmonth.org/event/hip-hop-for-philly-concert.
Haverford Concert in the Park Summer Series: Held in Haverford Township parks and presented by Kelly Music for Life, the Wednesday concert series begins at 6 p.m. June 28 with The Tim Williams Band and The Lauren Hart Band in the Coopertown/Highland Pavilion Highland Avenue, Bryn Mawr. Bring your own seating. Concessions are available for sale by the neighborhood associations at each concert. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 day of show, free to children 12 and under. Advance tickets can be ordered at http://kellymusicforlife.org/events/concert-in-the-park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Summer treats
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.
Norristown Farm Park: At 8:30 p.m. June 24 join a field biologist for an evening to discover the world of fireflies, also known as lightning bugs. Learn about their behavior and life cycle. Flashlights are suggested. This free program is suitable for adults and children 6 and older. Pre-registration is required by calling (610) 270-0215. The park is at Barley Sheaf Drive and Germantown Pike, East Norriton. Meet in parking lot No. 3. Also, visit www.montcopa.org/norristownfarmpark.
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.
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.
Classic cinema
Colonial Theater: Released four months after the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, “Marooned” orbited the public’s fascination of with space travel. It was also released five months before the Apollo 13 emergency in space. See it at 2 p.m. July 2 at the theater at 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville. For more information, call (610) 917-1228 or go to www.thecolonialtheatre.com.
One night only
Theatre Horizon: At Heartsville High, the captain of the chess team is a sex symbol, the quarterback is a nerd and almost everyone is gay. The musical “Zanna Don’t” is presented at 7:30 p.m. June 29 at Theatre Horizon, 401 DeKalb St., Norristown. Admission is “pay-what-you-decide.” Visit www.theatrehorizon.org.
Treasure hunt
Renningers: The Antiques Extravaganza continues June 23-24 at 740 Noble St., Kutztown. Browse furniture, glassware, jewelry, China, ceramics, paper, dolls, art glass, tinware, clocks, paintings, prints, toys, textiles and more. Doors open at 8 a.m. Admission is $6 Friday and $4 Saturday. Visit www.renningers.net or www.facebook.com/renningerskutztown.
