Summer’s in full swing, and whether you’re wanting to soak up as much of the sun as you can, or you’re looking for ways to beat the heat, we’ve got you covered — here’s our monthly guide to the best August activities and events in Philadelphia.
😎 More Festivals? Yes Please!
Catch a film screening (or five!) at the annual BlackStar Film Festival this weekend. Now in its 13th year, this festival celebrates the work of Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers. Go on a road trip with three Black queer femmes in the narrative feature “Dreams in Nightmares,” follow Palestinian director Mohamed Jabaly’s story of getting stranded in Norway in the documentary “Life is Beautiful,” or watch one of the 90 other films screening at the festival August 1-4. Virtual and in-person tickets are available, starting at $18 for a single, in-person screening ($7.50 for virtual). You can also get a five-ticket bundle or an all-access pass. And don’t miss the free panels!
The PECO Multicultural series is also continuing this month, with free cultural festivals along the Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier. Don’t miss the ACANA African Festival on Aug. 4, the Festival of India on Aug. 17, the Caribbean Festival on Aug. 18, and Celebrate Asia on Aug. 24.
A Novel Idea is one of dozens of bookstores participating in this year's Philly Book Crawl. (Abby Fritz/City Cast Philly)
📚 Celebrate Philly’s Bookstores
Book lovers, mark your calendars! On Aug. 24, more than 30 bookstores are taking part in the second annual Philly Bookstore Crawl. These shops will be hosting a variety of special events, from giveaways and discounts to author readings, book signings, and more. You don’t have to visit all the bookstores, or even follow a designated route around the city, but it’s the perfect day to stop by your favorite haunts or visit a new-to-you bookshop. Check out this interactive map to see which places are participating, and what events they’re hosting.
🥟 Try One of These Hot New Restaurants
The Los Angeles-based restaurant Luscious Dumplings is now in Philly! It has a machine that can make 6,000 dumplings per hour, and the original location was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand (for offering “exceptionally good food at moderate prices”). Needless to say, we have high expectations!
Ever wanted to open a big, red refrigerator door and just … walk inside? You can now do that at the Rittenhouse gelato shop Vita! Behind the door, you’ll find a speakeasy-style Italian restaurant.
And if you’re into Polish food, you don’t want to miss the 4th Annual Port Richmond Pierogi Festival on Aug. 10. While you’re there, check out Mom-Mom’s Kitchen’s new digs.
