June 29, 2023 — This July, Philadelphia’s top restaurants, bars, venues, and parks have a jam-packed series of seasonal offerings, exclusive events, weekly happy hours, pop-ups and more in-store for locals and visitors. We’ve rounded up our most sought-after happenings around the city from locales including Philly River Stroll, SNACKTIME, MilkBoy, Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Forsythia, Royal Boucherie, Patchwork, Urban Farmer, Vanity TinType, Art in the Age, and Xfinity Live!.
—
ENJOY THURSDAY NIGHT FUN AT THE PHILLY RIVER STROLL
Locals and tourists alike can enjoy a plethora of outdoor (and indoor) fun at the Philly River Stroll every Thursday from 5 – 9pm, now through August 31, along the sweeping and bustling Delaware River Waterfront. The Philly River Stroll has returned following its 2022 debut with a fresh lineup of food and beverage specials from Morgan’s Pier, Moshulu, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, and more, discounted attractions, and free live entertainment.
Throughout the duration of Philly River Stroll, circus performers will bring whimsy and wonder to the waterfront at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, RiverRink Summerfest, and Spruce Street Harbor Park starting promptly at 6pm. The latter two venues will also feature live DJ sets provided by Q102, plus Cherry Street Pier will feature free resident artist pop-up workshops.
Some of the waterfronts most exciting attractions and activations are also on special during the Philly River Stroll. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfrest will offer buy one get one free tickets on the Ferris Wheel, carousel, and mini-golf. Skaters and roller rink enthusiasts can also book timeslots for free by using the promo code PHILLYRIVERSTROLL2023 when making an online reservation (skate rental not included). Those interested can make secure their reservations online HERE.
For more information on Philly River Stroll, upcoming events and happenings at the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, and more, click HERE.
THE OVAL POP-UP PARK IS BACK
SNACKTIME is thrilled to formally announce its participation in the inaugural Out of Sight at The Oval, a FREE live concertat Eakins Oval adjacent to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Friday, July 7 from 6:30 – 10pm. Out of Sight will feature headline performer SNACKTIME in addition to notable Philadelphia DJ Killsing and rap artist Eshu Tune, otherwise known for his acting and comedy as Hannibal Buress. The event is held in partnership with the Parkway Council as part of its “Parkway Presents” series and marks the return of the much-loved The Oval pop-up park, presented by WSFS Bank, which will run through August 20, 2023.
The Oval’s 21,000-foot beer garden is once again being managed by MilkBoy, and will feature a curated selection of brews, plus pastries and nonalcoholic drinks courtesy of Forîn Café. Attendees will be also be able to buy bites from multiple food trucks that will be on premises.
Out of Sight at The Oval is free to attend with no advanced registration required.
…
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER AT ART IN THE AGE FT. WEENIE MARTINI
This summer, experts at Art in the Age are serving up a wag-worthy rendition of a savory martini: the hotdog-inspired Weenie Martini($17). Crafted with ingredients that, frankly, belong on a hotdog, the unique libation is made with potato vodka (re: potato bun), tomato-infused dry vermouth, pickle brine, celery bitters, sesame oil, and topped with a skewered sliced tomato, cornichon, and a hot dog wheel.
The unique ‘tini is available exclusively during the Dog Days of Summer at Art in the Age, which take place during shop hours on the weekends of June 30 – July 2, July 28 – July 30, August 25 – August 27, and September 22 – September 24.
Visit Art in the Age for a Weenie Martini this weekend, Friday and Saturday 12 — 8 pm, and Sunday 12 — 6 pm.
SEASON 2 OF DRAG HIGH TEA CONTINUES AT ASSEMBLY ROOFTOP LOUNGE
Assembly Rooftop Lounge is continuing its second season of Drag High Tea on Sunday, July 16 from 10 am to 1:30 pm. The afternoon tea service, dubbed Courses and Corsets, will feature an all star cast of performers, four-course Christmas in July-themed brunch, festive tipples, and more!
This pha-bulous event will be hosted by the Geriatric Gem herself, Ms. Dominique Lee, alongside Philly Drag Stars Heaveans 2 Betsy, and Mandy Mango. Upon arrival, partygoers can spill the tea over a complimentary drink before being treated to a multi-course menu by Executive Chef Sonny Ingui, including:
- Bread Course: Inspired by Pineapple Upside Down cake
- First Course: Creole Deviled Egg – spicy buttermilk chicken
- Second Course: Christmas Arancini – turkey neck and chestnut risotto, cranberry-Christmas ale jam, turkey veloute
- Third Course: “Porchetta” – crispy pork belly pave, roasted garlic soubise, picked fennel, rosemary chicharron
- Dessert: Inspired by Bread Pudding
Those feeling extra slay can purchase tickets for $75 each on Tock (must be 21+ with valid ID to enter). In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved to an indoor space at The Logan Hotel. All ticket holders will be notified. Valet parking will be available through The Logan Hotel.
…
BASTILLE DAY FESTIVITIES IN OLD CITY
Forsythia is celebrating Bastille Day on Friday, July 14 with a one-day-only Bastille Day menu, drink specials, a vintage Citröen DS car, live entertainment, and other festive fun. The menu will be available starting at 5 – 7pm for $65 per person, and features Escargot à la Provençal, Tuna Niçoise Crudo, Softshell Crab BLT, and Baba au Grand Marnier.
Forsythia will also offer a host of thematic drink specials for the occasion, including Cinq a Sept ($12): comprised of cognac, Grand Marnier, absinthe, lemon, A Drama in Paris ($12) fashioned with vodka, cappelletti, absinthe, lemon, La Vie en Rose ($12) composed of gin, Lillet Rosé, Carpano Bitter, lime-thyme cordial, Kronenbourg 1664 ($6), and traditional absinthe service ($12).
Revelers partaking in the festivities at Forsythia can also look forward to the presence of a vintage Citröen DS, a legendary automobile produced by French car manufacturer Citröen between 1955 and 1975. This gorgeously maintained vehicle will be parked curbside in front of Forsythia from 4 – 7pm. The owners will also be available to engage with guests, including assisting in photography with the car.
On Bastille Day, Forsythia will not be offering à la carte service until after 7pm. Forsythia’s everyday beverage menu will be available however, in addition to the Bastille Day specials.
…
Royal Boucherie is throwing a multi-day Bastille Day bash replete with exclusive and elegant plates, spirited tipples, over-the-top burlesque performances, and other fun surprises from Wednesday, July 12 through Saturday, July 15.
It all kicks off on Wednesday, July 12 with Lelu Lenore Presents Versailles, a Bastille Day burlesque show from 7 – 11pm (doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8:30pm), hosted by The Maine Attraction and featuring the talents of Lelu Lenore, Ashantidoll, and Selene Rose. The show is 21+ and a valid form of ID will be required for entry. Tickets are $30 per person, include the burlesque show and a glass of bubbly, and are available for purchase via EventBrite HERE.
In honor of Bastille Day, Royal Boucherie will offer a curated menu of innovative, celebratory fare and libations from Wednesday, July 12 through Saturday, July 15. Highlights include Oyster and Champagne Shooter (foie gras consommé, caviar, quail egg yolk), Escargot and Brie Crépe, Foie Gras and Roasted Peach Tarte, A5 Wagyu Sirloin “Bourguignon”, and Goat Cheese Napoleon.
Guests will also be able to enjoy fine wines like Laurent Perrier ($20 per glass, split for $50), Francois Ducrot ‘Auguste’ Orange ($13 per glass), Domaine Barons de Rothschild Lafite d’Aussieres Chardonnay ($14 per glass), and Comtesse Marion Pinot Noir ($14). Additionally, lead bartender Eden Beschen has prepared two specialty cocktails for the occasion, the Parisian Sour comprised of brown butter washed cognac, peach, and a red wine float, and Marseille Martini mixed with blue cheese washed St. George Reposado Gin, blanc vermouth, and a blue cheese olive garnish.
…
ENJOY SWEET TREATS FOR NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH
Calling all cocktail and ice cream lovers! Patchwork is thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with Somerset Splits, Port Richmond’s purveyor of delectable ice cream, sundaes, shakes, floats, and other frozen treats in celebration of National Ice Cream Month. The result is a series of boozy ice cream floats featured every Wednesday in July from 5 – 7pm kicking off on July 5.
The four feature floats each pay homage to a classic cocktail or iconic dessert, expertly crafted by Patchwork’s bar team featuring Somerset Splits’ homemade small-batch ice cream:
- July 5 – Peach Bellini, based on a brunch favorite, built with peach ice cream, prosecco, peach syrup and soda
- July 12 – Mr. Handsome, a Manhattan Special-inspired float featuring vanilla ice cream, espresso, cola and Fernet
- July 19 – Bananas Foster, a drinkable desert with banana ice cream, spiced rum and whipped cream
- July 26 – White Russian, a float for all the dudes out there, featuring coffee ice cream, vodka, Kahlua and whipped cream
All four floats are priced at $18.
In addition to the boozy floats, Patchwork’s mouthwatering Fudge Brownie will be served with a generous scoop of Somerset Splits’ creamy vanilla or Milky Way ice cream, or both — all month long during dinner service. The brownie itself comes garnished with walnuts, dates and buttercream icing.
…
URBAN FARMER LAUNCHES CSA SUMMER SERIES
Urban Farmer Philadelphia has partnered with Lancaster Farm Fresh, a non-profit organic farmer’s cooperative located in Lancaster County, for a summerlong collaboration featuring a CSA pickup at Urban Farmer, weekly food and beverage specials highlighting seasonal ingredients and produce from the CSA, recipe cards, extended happy hours, and more. The CSA pickups, food and beverage specials, and extended happy hour will take place every Thursday this summer starting on June 29 and extending through the end of October.
Each week, Urban Farmer Executive Chef Sonny Ingui and Lead Bartender Chris Moran, will be featuring one food and one cocktail special highlighting produce and ingredients from the CSA. The specials will be available every Thursday for lunch (11 am – 2 pm) and dinner (4 pm – 10 pm). The first four weeks of specials, include:
June 29
- Banh Mi Chicken Sandwich ($10) with napa cabbage, kohlrabi radish slaw, cilantro, pulled chicken, aioli, baguette
- Strawberry Smash ($17) with strawberry, basil, rye, lemon, sugar
July 6
- Mixed Leaf Strawberry Salad ($8) with red leaf lettuce, lacinato kale, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, toasted sunflower seeds, strawberries, feta, strawberry chamomile vinaigrette
- Chamomile White Negroni ($18) with chamomile infused cocchi americano, salers gentian, Roku Gin
July 13
- Grilled Baby Fennel Salad ($8) with grilled baby fennel, red leaf romaine, chevre, orange segments, tamari sunflower seeds, orange citronette
- Fennel Mezcal Bijou ($20) with mezcal, green chartreuse, fennel infused vermouth, fennel bitters
JULY 20
- Nashville Style Chicken ($13) with radish braised collards, red scallion potato salad
- Red Scallion Gibson ($16) with Fords Gin, charred scallion vermouth, pickled red scallion
All CSA participants as well as guests dining for lunch or dinner on Thursdays will receive a recipe card with instructions on how to make the respective food special at home. Additionally, Urban Farmer’s one-hour happy hour will be extended to two hours every Thursday, 4-6 pm. Guests will enjoy $8 house wines, beers and select cocktails and mocktails, plus snacks such as Smash Burger ($9), Roasted Bone Marrow ($9) and Deviled Eggs ($12)
…
CAPTURE SUMMER MEMORIES IN TIN
Vanity Tintype is popping up outside of the Elfreth’s Alley Museum on Friday, July 14 from 12 – 4pm, offering mini photo sessions for locals and visitors alike.
Founded in 2021 by Owner Maurene Cooper, Vanity Tintype reimagines traditional portraiture, offering a profound reflection of contemporary society juxtaposed with technology popular in the mid-to-late 1800s. Participants in this Friday’s pop-up photo sessions at Elfreth’s Alley will get to experience one of the earliest forms of photography on America’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street.
Attendees will walk away with a one-of-a-kind 3×4 ($65) or 4×5 ($90) tintype. The photo sessions are first-come-first-served. The tintypes are created using the highly-technical 19th century wet-collodion process.
…
TAILGATE BEYONCE AT PHILADELPHIA’S SUPER -VENUE
Xfinity Live! is excited to host BeyGate, the ultimate Beyonce concert pregame party, brought to you by Q102. This event will take place on July 12th, prior to the concert performance, at the Outside Plaza & Bud Light Seltzer Stage at Xfinity Live!, and will run from 4pm to 8pm. Attendees will be met with an exclusive experience featuring BeyGate’s official DJ, themed cocktails, 360 photo booth & photo activations, Bex and Buster from Q102, best dressed contest, giveaways & more!Tickets ($50) will include admission and access to complimentary food buffet and a free first drink. Tickets to the stadium concert are not required to attend the BeyGate experiences. Attendees must be 21+ to purchase tickets.
Complimentary buffet will include Beef Brisket, Pulled Pork, Barbecued Chicken, Baked Beans, Mac & Cheese, Cole Slaw, Brownies & Cookies. Unlimited waters and soft drinks.
Themed ‘Yard Stick’ Cocktails will be available for $20 (first is free) including- Don’t Hurt Yourself (Whiskey Lemonade), Drunk in Love (Watermelon Margarita), The Beyhive (Pineapple Mimosa), We Like to Party (Tropical Crush).
– Tristan Kim