Happy August! This is your friendly reminder that summer isn’t technically over until mid-September, so we still have an entire month to make the most of it.
Chow Down on Cemitas
August is National Sandwich Month, so what better way to celebrate than to go to a festival dedicated to one? A cemita is a sandwich associated with Puebla, Mexico, and Cantina La Martina is inviting local restaurants and chefs to put their own spin on the iconic sandwich at its Cemita Festival across from Mural City Cellars on Aug. 9. The sandwiches are pay-as-you-go. Mural City Cellars will be providing wine and other drinks. There will also be traditional folk dances.
Scream for Ice Cream
The Reading Terminal Market is hosting its annual ice cream festival on Aug. 15. Pay-as-you-go and enjoy cold treats from ice cream vendors. You can also participate in contests and kid-friendly activities. Want the scoop on where else to get the best ice cream in the city? Check out these recommendations.
Support Women’s Sports
Philly’s sporty summer isn’t over. The Professional Women’s Lacrosse League is coming to our area for its championship game on Aug. 15. The top teams will compete at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union, just outside the city in Chester, PA.
Let the Music Move You
North Philly has a rich jazz history, once home to several jazz clubs and social halls that saw legends such as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald. That legacy is being honored at Jazz on the Ave on Aug. 15. Cecil B. Moore Avenue will be closed to traffic and filled with live performances, a Kidz Zone, and community resources.
Celebrate Caribbean Cultural Pride
Not all of us can catch a flight to the Caribbean this summer, but luckily the Caribbean is coming to us. The Philly Caribbean Festival is celebrating its 40th year on Aug. 16. The party is at Cherry Street Pier. It will have live entertainment by international Caribbean artists, fashion shows, cultural exhibitions, and of course, the best Caribbean cuisine.
Check Off That TBR List
If you’re falling behind on your summer reading, now’s the time to bounce back. The Philly Bookstore Crawl returns Aug. 22, encouraging readers to support independent bookstores around the city. Participating stores will offer discounts, autographed books, and giveaways.
Be Bald and Beautiful
After Robert Capron shaved his head last June, he said it was “one of the best months of my life.” To spread the joy of a hairless scalp, Capron organized Bald Fest, inviting the bald and bald-at-heart to come together. Now he’s bringing it back, this time at The Lawn at uCity Square on Aug. 29. Shave your head, bring a bald cap, or come as you are. The day will have live music, vendors, and raffles.
