PHILADELPHIA
Memorial Day is the official kick-off of the year's summer festivities and Joonbug's got you covered. There are a bunch of great concerts, parties and events this weekend so be sure to check them out. So, whether you're heading to the shore or staying in Center City, we've got you covered!
May 25
Morgan’s Pier – Philly’s first waterfront Beer Garden (25th-27th)
Jade Alston+Raheem DeVaughn+Damarco @ Prince Music Theater
This week is buzzing with parties! Here are a few ideas to get your weekend started, and don't forget that Sunday is Mother's Day. Showing up to family functions aren't usually best spent hungover, at least not in the beginning.
Thursday, May 10th
HELLO PHILADELPHIA! With the warm weather looming and festivals impending, we know you're in the mood for some musical love in the coming weeks. Youll be glad to hear you have a seemingly endless list of musical options happening soon, including Steve Aoki, The Weeknd, Bassnectar, John Legend, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Death Cab for Cutie, Acid Mothers Temple (which is obligatory), Andrew Bird, Spriritualized, M83, and tons more. Also, the Spring Edition of the Punk Rock Flea Market is coming up on May 13, which is always a great time, so don't miss it! As always, if we forgot a show or you want something listed, comment below.
Leave the city. Physically, spiritually, et al. Brush off that car that’s been parked three blocks away for months and hit the gas. Wander up to Midtown, purchase a round trip ticket, listen for the next departing NJ Transit line and bolt to the tracks. Within two hours beyond the threshold of the Five Boroughs are assortments of adventures to be had and the best time to cash in is now.
Those trees you see on occasion, there are more of those. Try Harriman State Park. Watch the landscape transform on a northbound train to this beautiful state park ripe with hiking trails and camp grounds, making this day trip is worth a weekend. For the explorer in you, there is Civil War era copper and silver mines littered through out the region and plenty of lakes open for swimming or, with the right permit, boating. Harriman State Park is also connected to Bear Mountain State Park which hosts a fun Octoberfest every year that is highly recommended. You’ll likely run into Appalachian Trail hikers who, if not too exhausted, will share further insight on the parks wonders.
Happening on Saturday, April 7th is the 11th Annual Young Professionals Ball at Trust in Philadelphia. Located at 249 Arch St. in the Old City neighborhood, this event is sure to be a great experience for all the city’s young nurses, grad students, doctors and scenesters.
From 8pm to 2am enjoy beer, wine, and mixed drink specials as you explore Trust’s multiple party floors, dance areas and non-stop DJ, not to mention the chance to party in a 10,000 square foot bi-level neoclassical event space.
On Saturday, April 21st at 8:00am, join the Parkinson Council for the Stamp Out Parkinson's Walk 2012. Held in Philadelphia's beautiful Fairmount Park, the event includes a post-walk celebration with music from DJ TW, food from Cosmic Catering and kid-friendly balloons and face painting.
Attracting over 1,000 people last year, the Stamp Out Parkinson's Walk has raised $1.2 million over the last ten years and funds essential support services for patients in the Delaware Valley region. Learn more and register here.
Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease affecting 1.5 million people nationwide. The Parkinson Council, an affiliated chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation, conducts research and outreach aimed at improving the quality of life for patients and their families.
Date and time: April 21st from 8:00am-noon
Location: Lloyd Hall at Kelly Drive, Fairmount Park, 1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, PA
Drink, eat, and dance the night away for our furry friends! On March 31, The Morris Animal Refuge is hosting an event to benefit animal rescue. The event will feature a five hour open bar, elegant hors d’oeuves and carving stations, live DJs, and jazz trio to keep you entertained all night.
There will be a silent auction and raffle featuring fabulous prizes, all in order to raise money and awareness for the abandoned pets of Philadelphia. All proceeds go directly to The Morris Animal Refuge, which provides basic care, protection, and adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned animals.
If your new year’s resolution is to eat healthier, then Vedge is the next place you should go for a meal. This vegan eatery opened in late 2011 and is the brainchild of Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, the husband and wife team that brought us Horizons. Together they crafted a menu that even avid meat-eaters can appreciate, if not adore.
Located on Locust Street inside a beautifully rehabbed home, Vedge offers both a vibrant bar scene along with an inventive menu. The interior is modern but warm with exquisite hardwood floors and crown molding throughout. If you’re lucky, you’ll snag a table back by the kitchen where you can witness the creations coming to life.
Ah, Philly. Known for your schools, history, and our favorite faux boxer, Rocky. We know what you’re thinking: another ode to the culture of Phila. But don’t worry- we understand that while you love the constant attempts at mastering the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, on weekends you’d much prefer to master the Dougie. So here they are, hot off the electrified kite (we had to throw in a B.Franklin reference somewhere), your top 4 dance hotspots.
4. National Mechanics
There’s something about walking up the steps of National Mechanics, an old columned bank, dressed, not in your sweats, but in some swanky little dress, readying your high-heeled feet for the dance party pounding within. Tucked in the recesses of Old City, you feel like you’re entering a piece of history as you pass the huge Romanesque columns, and walk inside. Among the tiled ceiling, dim mood lighting, and simple oak restaurant tables, is a small dance floor. There, you’ll bump and grind to a range of music, from house to hip hop, while drinking specialty crafted cocktails like the Jalapeno Margarita- or absinthe from the mason jar absinthe fountain. We don’t know whether it’s dancing under the glint of the vault on weekends, or the fun Karaoke Tuesdays (Quizzo Wednesdays, for the savants), people are always buzzing at National Mechanics. And if you’re hungry, they’ll satisfy your palette with tasty treats like the Frito Taco Extravaganza and the National Burger. Did we mention the Sunday Brunch make your own Bloody Mary bar?
Top Chef has churned out some impressive culinary heavy hitters since its start in 2005. And Philadelphia was proud to call Jennifer Carroll of Season 6 their own. Well, that is until she stepped down from her position at Eric Ripert’s 10 Arts. But don’t fret, Philly foodies, another Top Chef contender has set up shop just a few blocks south.
Kevin Sbraga’s quiet confidence and incredible culinary talent are what defined his win of Top Chef’s Season 7. But Sbraga is far from a reality show one-hit wonder. Before Top Chef, he held notable positions in impressive kitchens all over the place including the Ritz Carlton in Naples, La Mas Perrier in Wayne, and a bevy of Jose Garces’ eateries dotting center city.
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