Goodbye April showers (and randomly hot-cold days) and hello May flowers! We’re at the peak of the spring season, which means it’s the perfect time to hit the trails, dance in the streets, and bask in the sunshine.
Learn Why We’re Still Obsessed With Rocky
The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s new exhibit, “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,” is officially open through Aug. 2. Though the fictional boxer is a central figure in the concept, the program explores how boxing has been interwoven in art and culture (with sculptures dating as far back as 475 BCE) and how real-life underdogs and legends inspired the Rocky story. Learn more about how the exhibit came to be in this episode of City Cast Philly.
Philly’s Favorite Pop-Up Returns
After a busy season last year, Frankie’s Summer Club is back starting May 1 and is expected to run until September. The seasonal hangout takes over the courtyard next to the historic Hamilton and Furness Halls, the former University of the Arts buildings recently redeveloped as the Village of Industry & Art. Sip on cocktails, listen to live DJs, and attend creative workshops. Frankie’s is open every Wednesday through Sunday.
Shop for Mom (or Yourself) at These Markets
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for Mother’s Day or want to reward yourself with a shiny new item, the best gifts are local! Support small businesses at the Art Star Spring Craft Bazaar on May 9 and May 10 at Cherry Street Pier. Or buy something like-new at the Resource Exchange’s reFlea Vendor Market on May 16. If you visit Cherry Street Pier on May 9, don’t forget to say hi to City Cast Philly! We’ll be tabling.
Show Philly Parks Some Love
May 9 to May 17 is Love Your Park Week. The nine-day celebration invites Philadelphians to take co-ownership of our local parks by participating in cleanups, plantings, and other beautification efforts. The week isn’t just for hard work – parks across the city will also host craft days, movie nights, tree walks, and boating.
Celebrate Spring at These Street Fests
Festival season is officially in full swing. Venice Island’s Sing Us Home Festival is three days (May 1-May 3) filled with punk rock and acoustic sounds and “working class wit.” Come back near the area the following Saturday (May 9) for Roxborough’s Spring Fest and Rockin’ The Ridge Show and check out the classic cars lining the avenue. If you’re on the other side of the city, Northern Liberties’ inaugural Spring Festival is that same day with live bands, a hot dog-eating contest, and an opera performance.
On May 13, dance around the May pole at The Spring Gardens’ May Day Festival. Speaking of pole, you can climb up a greased one to win cheese, meat, and bragging rights at the Italian Market Festival on May 16 and May 17. Over in Brewerytown, Girard Avenue will be blocked off for the Girard Avenue Street Festival. And on May 30, your porch becomes the stage at West Philly Porch Fest, where hundreds of musicians perform throughout the neighborhood.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Join the Wyck Historic House for its Celebration of Roses at the oldest rose garden (in its original form) in the United States. The day includes walking tours of the home and garden, botanical coloring, and a vendor market. Head up to Germantown on May 23 for the floral festivities.
🎧 Want more recommendations?Listen to our podcast where we give our top picks for major activities, freebies, food, and ways to give back.
