Weekly 'Things To Do' Lineup: Juneteenth commemorations, Manyanuk art extravaganza, 'Kidchella' and more!
Get ready for an incredible weekend in the Philly area! Here's a taste of what's happening from June 19-21:
Delaware
38th Clifford Brown Jazz Festival
- Where: Rodney Square, 1000 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.
- When: Through Saturday, June 21
- How much: Free
Pay tribute to jazz legend Clifford Brown at this four-day outdoor festival, featuring performers like Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers, Chante Moore, Eric Benet, Maya Belardo, Carmen Lundy, and Esperanza Spalding. Grab a chair or blanket and enjoy the great music and atmosphere!
New Jersey
TD Bank Music and Food Truck Festival
- Where: New Jersey Motorsports Park, 8000 Dividing Creek Road, Millville, N.J.
- When: Saturday, June 21, 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- How much: Free, pay as you go
Food and music come together at this nine-year-old festival, with over two dozen food trucks and more than 20 local vendors. Arsenal, a band that covers '70s and '80s music, takes the stage at 6 p.m., and dogs are allowed to join the fun, but must be leashed. nearby, you can explore the Vintage Motorcycle and Swap Meet event, which runs Friday through Sunday (separate ticket required).
Special Events
Juneteenth Celebrations
- Where: Multiple venues
- When: Thursday, June 19 - Sunday, June 22
- How much: Various prices
June 19, 1865 marks the day that the last enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth, now considered Black America's Independence Day, has become a federal holiday in 2021. Philadelphia's Juneteenth Festival is one of the nation's largest celebrations, but there are also events commemorating the day throughout the area.
Thursday, June 19
- African American Museum in Philadelphia Juneteenth Block Party - live performances by Lady Alma, Keke Wyatt, and Slick Rick, along with vendors and speakers.
- Millennial Juneteenth - a celebration at 48th and Woodland playground that incorporates activism and encompasses a heritage festival.
Saturday, June 21
- Third Annual Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival - rain or shine celebration at Cherry Street Pier focusing on Black artists and Black-owned wineries in the area.
- Philly Juneteenth Festival at the Oval - multiple deejays, a Black vendor marketplace, and performances by Lady Alma (she's everywhere this Juneteenth).
Sunday, June 22
- Juneteenth Festival - now in its ninth year, and one of the largest celebrations of its kind, it includes a marketplace, parade, and pageant.
- Juneteenth Jubilee - workshops, games, and storytelling at Bartram’s Gardens.
- Jawnteenth - Pride meets Juneteenth at SilkCity in a culturally inspired drag and burlesque show (21 and up only).
Wawa Welcome America
- Where: Multiple venues
- When: Thursday, June 19 - Friday, July 4
- How much: Various prices
Welcome to America events encompass the Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum, the pre-Fourth of July Kidchella Music Festival, and the Avenue of the Arts Block Party in the two-week run-up to Independence Day. June 19 also marks the kickoff of Free Museum Days, where participating museums waive admission fees on selected days.
Kidchella Music Festival
- Where: Smith Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive, East Fairmount Park
- When: Friday, June 20, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
- How much: Free, with registration
Let your kiddos rock out at the outdoor music festival for children featuring live performances by Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill, Jams for Junior Jawns, and hip-hop artist Hezekiah. Kids can explore the instrument petting zoo, watch circus performances, or just chill in the rest and recharge zone. The fest ends with a fireworks show set to a DJ Ghost-curated playlist of Kidz Bop hits.
Friday Night Lights
- Where: ChesLen Preserve, 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pa.
- When: Friday, June 20, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- How much: $47 and up
Get outside at the ChesLen Preserve featuring live performances by folksters David Wax Museum and Pawnshop Roses, accompanied by local craft beer and wine, food-truck fare (veggie and vegan options available), stargazing with local astronomy clubs, and s’mores around cozy fire pits.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
- Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.
- When: Friday, June 20 - Sunday, August 31, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. nightly, closed on July 4
- How much: $16 - $27, children 2 and under are free
The annual event transforms Franklin Square into a nighttime showcase of traditional Chinese lantern art. This year, nearly 40 immersive displays, including over 1,100 handcrafted lantern sculptures and interactive components in over half the exhibits, are part of the fest. Programming includes acrobatics, juggling, teeter-board shows, plus choreographed fountain light shows and cultural workshops.
Manyunk Arts Festival
- Where: Main Street, Manayunk
- When: Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday, June 22, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- How much: Free, pay as you go
Now in its 36th year, the 300 artists and craftsmen from across the region and country bring their creations to Main Street in Manayunk. The fest includes work across eight disciplines – fiber, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, painting and drawing, photography, wood and sculpture. The event happens rain or shine, so be prepared if the forecast is sketchy.
Family Fest!
- Where: American Helicopter Museum, 1220 American Blvd., West Chester, Pa.
- When: Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- How much: General admission $20, children under 2, free
Frank Sinatra once said “Come Fly With Me,” and you can do just that at this aviation-themed annual event. Helicopter enthusiasts can take rides with licensed pilots, but tickets are first-come, first-serve and available onsite only on the day of the event. Kids can explore the museum, partake in food, drink, music, and kid-friendly activities.
This weekend in the Philly area offers a mix of entertainment and sports events. On Saturday, June 21, catch the TD Bank Music and Food Truck Festival in Millville, NJ. Enjoy live music from Arsenal and over two dozen food trucks, along with vendors and activities for your furry friends.
For sports fans, schedule some time to visit the 38th Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in Wilmington, DE. While the festival is primarily about jazz, this four-day outdoor event is a great opportunity to join the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy outstanding music performances.
