Do Something: Boyz II Men doin’ a little east coast swing, craft beers at the Philadelphia Zoo and blueberries galore headline the first weekend of summer
South Philly
June 25
Colorful outing
The Color Run, also referred to as “The Happiest 5K on the Planet,” is an annual event now heading into year seven that has made for really great social media photos both before, during and at the completion of this 3.1-mile stretch of unicorn-themed goodness. $50. Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way. thecolorrun.com/locations/philadelphia.
June 24
The Total Package
New Kids on the Block may be getting the top billing, but they’re not the only act in town as Paula Abdul and CAPA grads Boyz II Men will be taking the Wells Fargo Center stage, too. $29.95-$249.95. 7:30 p.m. 3601 S. Broad St. 800–298- 4200.
Around Philly
Ongoing
Summerfest Midway open for the season
Come to the boardwalk for the opening of the Ferris Wheel. Take a turn on the wheel and see the Philly sights from up high. If you’re not a fan of heights, play some boardwalk-inspired games or go for a round of mini golf. 11 a.m. Free admission. Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Columbus Blvd. philly.carpediem.cd/events.
June 24
Island-like fun
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Day is the chance to let the Caribbean come to you! Watch food demos, including “Bahama Papas making Bahama Mamas” with Remy Duncombe and Chet Morley. There will be face painting, shopping and calypso music, too. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free to attend. Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th St.
June 24
Biz is in town
Legendary hip-hop artist Biz Markie joins the Summerfest Midway opening weekend festivities with a free concert at the rink from 9–11 p.m. Yes, we said free. This one is open to the public, rain or shine.
June 24
Craft beers in the Wild
The adults-only Summer Ale Fest at the Philadelphia Zoo will have live music, games, food trucks, and unlimited beer samples from the region’s breweries. 7–10:30 p.m. $35-$75. Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave. philadelphiazoo.org/SummerAleFest.
June 24–25
Head on up to Main Street
The 28th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival is the tri-state’s largest outdoor, juried arts festival. With 300 hundred artists showcasing their arts and crafts along Main Street, the two-day festival is the perfect place for art lovers. The festival will also have an Emerging Artist Tent. Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. 4312 Main St.
South Jersey
June 25
Red, White and Blueberry
South Jersey geography question: Who can name the Blueberry Capital of the World? The correct answer is Hammonton. Sunday, those sweet and tasty blueberries will be the talk of the town at the 31st Annual Red, White and Blueberry Festival. This fun-for-the-whole-family affair will include great food, live music, classic cars, arts and crafts and a blueberry pie-eating contest. Free admission and parking. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hammonton High School, 566 Old Forks Road.
Jersey Shore
June 23
Spend Friday Night with Mr. Saturday Night
Heading to Wildwood, N.J., this weekend? You may run into Mr. Saturday Night on Friday Night. South Philly’s own Bob Pantano kicks off his expanded Jersey Shore presence at 6 p.m. as the grand marshal of the North Wildwood Italian-American Festival, leading the official opening ceremonies of the three-day gathering of great food, family fun, and Italian-American heritage along Olde New Jersey Avenue. Expect to do a little dancing, too, as Pantano will also be hosting a tribute to The Trammps with Night Fever featuring Jimmy Lee at 7 p.m.
June 23–25
Celebrating Italian-American heritage
The North Wildwood Italian-American Festival is so big that the fun is spread out over three days.The festival will feature more than 40 authentic Italian-American food and merchandise vendors, meatball relay races, Little Miss Italy contest, grape stomping, live entertainment and more. Hours are 4–10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
