Guide to Memorial Day Weekend Events Philadelphia

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Here is the Guide to Memorial Day Weekend Events Philadelphia. It’s Memorial Day weekend and if you’re like me, you have no connections to a beach house and need stuff to do in the city. That’s what this is for. I actually love the city on weekends like this because everyone heads to the beach and the city is chill and quite enjoyble.

For starters….FUCK YEAH! Beer Garden season is open and, most importantly, SPRUCE STREET HARBOR PARK is back…bigger and better than ever. There’s more drinks…Yards has a special IPA. There is more food…Distrito Taco truck. There’s a ROLLER SKATING RINK. I will probably be here 4 nights a week at a minimum. There is also gonna be ice cream from Franklin Fountain folks and candy from Shane. Good stuff.

So, at the bare minimum, do a beer garden a day for the entire weekend and you’ll be cool. Hit up Spruce Street Harbor Park on Friday only because all the cool kids will be there for opening day. Saturday, wander of to the POINT BREEZE BEER GARDEN at Point Breeze Avenue and Tasker Street. This Garden is brought to you by the wonderful people at South Philadelphia Tap Room and American Sardine Bar & Brew.

Then, you got FERGIES BEER GARDEN next door to the actual pub. It’s a cool, quaint, little spot in a great location to wander around the city.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) returns with multiple beer gardens. The original at 1438 South Street is back. I like it, though it can get a little cramped depending on the crowd. The beer menu here is by Barren Hill Brewery.

They also have a pop-up garden at 829 Wharton Street, directly across from Pat’s Steaks. This is probably the unoffical hipster beer garden. The decor is supposed consist of reclaimed wood and recylcled bicycle parts. The crowd will probably resemble a Garage bar crowd, which is nothing to complain about. Beer and food is being handled by the peeps at Royal Tavern, Cantina, and Triangle Tavern.

Don’t forget about the INDEPENDENCE BEER GARDEN next to the Liberty Bell & Independence Park. The actual garden is out front the Rohm & Haas building. This is supposed to be 22,000 square feet. It’s perfect for some food and drink and a walk through the historic district.

We are geeked up on the beer gardens because it’s a great way to venture into a part of the city and get a real sense of the local community. And, it’s great to be outside with good people just chilling.

If you’re not into the beer gardens, we got some other picks for ya.

Oh, it’s also SUPER HERO WEEKEND all weekend at the Please Touch Museum. So, if ya got kids and they dig super heroes, there is probably an event that for you to take in.

The SUNDROP MUSIC & ARTS FEST runs Friday through Sunday and is centered around The Fire on Girard Ave. This gives you 3 days to drink beers and check out some good local music. Upwards of 30 local, indie bands will perform through the weekend.

It’s like Festival weekend. Philly LOVE Dance Fest is happening Friday and Saturday night at the Kimmel Center. 23 dance works take place from 11 different companies. This is brought to you by Regional Dance America.

FRIDAY

Pig Iron Theater, the coolest theater company in the city, premieres I PROMISED MYSELF TO LIVE FASTER Friday night at Fringe Arts. The premise centers around a broken-hearted gay guy going on a journey through outer space. The premise doesn’t really matter because eveything these guys do is killer. Tickes are like $29-36, cheaper if you’re a member of the Fringe. This play is going on all weekend so it applies to every day, not just Friday.

JOHNNY SHOWCASE & THE MYSTIC TICKET take the stage Friday night at Boot & Saddle. Johnny Showcase is a bit of a Philadelphia legend or hero, depending on who you ask. As his website says, Johnny Showcase toes the line between performance art and psychedelic soul revival. Sometimes acts like this can be a bit cheesy, but that’s not Johnny Showcase. This is an act that needs to be seen to be understood.

SATURDAY

I love the MORRIS ARBORETUM. It’s an oasis in the city, such a peaceful and relaxing get away. In addition to the crazy selection of trees, plants, and kid activities, they also have a railroad running through portions of the grounds. This Saturday, they unveil their Philadelphia-themed garden railway display. The Arboretum is the ultimate family/kids location.

SUNDAY

Festivals….see above.

MONDAY

The entire reason for this party weekend to kickoff summer is the remembering of veterans who were lost in the line of duty. On Monday, at 12:30 p.m., there will be a re-dedication ceremony at the Vietnam War Memorial atFront & Spruce Streets. Ralph Galati, who spent 14 months as a POW during the Vietnam War will be the keynote speaker of the event.