Labor Day Weekend is upon us and Philly is offering exciting events throughout the weekend from outdoor movie screenings to the massive Made in America Festival. Galleries and museums offer free admission and there are plenty of family friendly happenings as well. If you’re staying in town for the long weekend, check out our list below for exciting and inexpensive events.
Made in America: The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is again home to the fourth annual Budweiser Made in America festival from Sept. 5-6. As usual, Jay Z will co-present the weekend and bring in some incredible performers from Beyoncé to The Weeknd to Nick Jonas. Tickets for a two day pass run $150. To purchase tickets and to see the full lineup, visit http://a.madeinamericafest.com.
The Fringe Festival: Since 1997, FringeArts has highlighted experimental performances and art. Every September, they host the Fringe Festival, a 17-day long celebration throughout the city. The festival includes over 1,000 performances and works by independent artists. Every night food, music and drinks can be found at the FringeArts’ center on the Delaware River Waterfront. Catch dance, theater, visual arts, music and spoken-word performances held in both theaters and off-beat venues like street corners and restaurants. The festival runs Sept. 3-19. For a full list of performances and details about the late night parties, visit http://fringearts.com/.
Sesame Street Labor Day BBQ: Get out of the city with the family and celebrate the long weekend at Sesame Place. There will be a barbecue at Big Bird’s Riverside Pavilion at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 8:25. Both the barbecue and fireworks will take place Sept. 5 and 6. Adult tickets are $29 and children (2-9) are $18. Children under 23 months are free but reservations are required. Reservations required for all guests. Visit http://sesameplace.com for tickets.
Outdoor Movies: On Sept. 4, the Betsy Ross House is screening Wasp Woman (BYOB!), while you can see Little Shop of Horrors at Clark Park the same evening. Ghostbusters will screen at Franklin Square on Sept. 5. Films are free.
First Friday Gallery Crawl: Head to Old City to experience Philly’s art scene from 5-9 PM on Friday, September 4. The neighborhood has over 40 galleries between Front and Third streets and Market and Vine streets, most of which will be open until 9 PM. After taking in the art, stick around and enjoy Old City’s dining and nightlife. For more information, visit: http://www.oldcityarts.org/.
The Barnes: The Barnes offers First Friday events. On Sept. 4, check out “One World of Jazz: From Africa to Israel and Beyond.” While enjoying jazz, you can purchase cocktails and light fare as well. The event’s menu includes sweet and savory macaroons. Can’t make it on Friday? On Sunday, September 6 admission is free from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets can be obtained online starting at 9 a.m. and are available on a first come-first served basis. The day offers family entertainment and seminars.
Creating Camelot: Last chance! The National Constitution Center’s exhibition “Creating Camelot: The Kennedy Photography of Jacques Lowe” ends Sept. 7. The exhibit features photos taken by Jacques Lowe, JFK’s personal photographer. See 70 pictures of the Kennedy family, made all the more incredible because Lowe’s negatives had been stored in the World Trade Center and were lost during the 9/11 attacks. These 70 photographs were restored from 1,600 contact sheets and prints, all of which had been scratched or marked with dust or pen. General admission tickets are $14.50.
Temple vs. Penn State: College rivals, Temple and Penn State, go head-to-head at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, September 5. The game starts at 3:30 but feel free to tailgate in the parking lot beforehand. Tickets start at $50.
Blues Festival: Chaddsford Winery hosts their annual Labor Day Weekend Blues Festival from September 5-7 from 11-8 on Saturday and Sunday and 11-6 on Monday. The festival will feature live music by Alex and Shiloh and Shades of Silver. Also enjoy local wines and plenty of food. Keep an eye on http://www.chaddsford.com/ for more details.
Environmental Awareness Weekend: For the Tall Ships Tavern’s final Lost at Sea series weekend, learn how to dissect a squid and use squid ink to write. Also, test water quality with the museum’s staff. As usual, come for the family friendly programming and enjoy food and drinks at the pop-up beer garden as well.
