Summer comes alive with signature University City events

Thursday, May 4, 2017

For Immediate Release
Contact: Alissa Weiss, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Communications Manager, [email protected] or 215-243-0555x251

 

Summer comes alive with signature University City events
University City District holding more than 30 free, family-friendly events all summer long!

 

Philadelphia, PA - May 4, 2017 – University City District (UCD), the economic development organization in West Philadelphia, is pleased to release our 2017 Summer in University City schedule. This year marks UCD's 20th anniversary, and we are looking forward to celebrating with our community throughout an action-packed summer event season. Below are details for University City Dining Days, the 40th Street Summer Series, Movies in Clark Park, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, and PECO Performances at The Porch at 30th Street Station. UCD will present over 30 free events over the course of the summer, our most robust season to date! From movies to concerts to dining, UCD’s events offer something for everyone and appeal to residents in the neighborhood as well as people throughout the city and region.

 

University City Dining Days will return this year from Thursday, July 13th to Sunday, July 23rd. Now in its 13th year, Dining Days is the "3 courses, 3 prices" promotion at many of University City's most popular dining destinations. Over 30 of University City’s top restaurants have already signed up to participate this year, including first-timers CO-OP, Dim Sum House, and Clarkville. As a special promotion for UCD’s 20th Anniversary, UCD will be publishing some favorite recipes from local participating restaurants as Dining Days approaches, and hosting a kick-off party at The Porch at 30th on Thursday, July 13th. The diversity of University City’s dining scene mirrors the diversity of our neighborhood and is reflected in offerings from around the globe. The full list of participating restaurants and price points will be made available later this spring. Visit our Dining Days website for updates on restaurants, events, and surprises.

 

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, presented in association with the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA), will return for two nights this summer on Thursday, June 15th and Thursday, September 7th, both from 5:30-8:30 pm. During this unique event, University City’s Baltimore Avenue between 43rd and 52nd Streets showcases its charm and businesses with $1 bargains from neighborhood favorites, ranging from bites from signature restaurants to pet supplies to theater tickets. The event also highlights new and diverse businesses along the constantly growing commercial corridor.

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll has become a signature event for the neighborhood, routinely attracting crowds into the thousands. To go along with the dollar deals are live music, family entertainment, and more. Full details on participants and live entertainment will be announced soon. Visit our Dollar Stroll webpage for updates on vendors, performances, and more.

 

The 40th Street Summer Series, co-produced by University City District, Penn, and The Rotunda, will once again enliven the green area behind the Walnut Street Library at 40th Street with free monthly concerts. This year the programming will run from May through September, with performances on five Saturdays throughout the summer. Confirmed headliners include Sun Ra Arkestra, Brian Sanders' JUNK, Dan Blacksberg's Heisser Klezmorim, the West Philadelphia Orchestra, and Worldtown Soundsystem. Jugglers, face-painters, and free ice cream and other giveaways make this event great for kids and adults alike. See our Summer Series page for more information on dates and performers.
UCD, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Friends of Clark Park, will once again present Movies in Clark Park, five weeks of free outdoor movies. Beautiful Clark Park (43rd and Chester Ave) transforms into an outdoor amphitheater to showcase a great lineup of films projected on a giant screen for the entire family to enjoy.
Audience members are invited to bring chairs or blankets for the films, and can enjoy food offerings from a rotating list of trucks and vendors. Additionally, UCD will partner with local businesses and organizations to provide extra activities and promotions for the screenings, including dance performances, science and space presentations, arts and crafts activities, and more. Bookmark our Movies in Clark Park page to stay updated on details.

 

All summer long we’ll be presenting PECO Performances at The Porch at 30th Street Station. From May through September, a wide array of performers will sing, dance, drum, act, and entertain at weekly performances at The Porch. The series, made possible by PECO, kicked off with an electrifying lunchtime performance by New Sound Brass. Each week will feature a different group, including Volume Quartet on June 20th, Hip Hop Fundamentals on July 13th, and the West Philadelphia Orchestra on July 18th. The Porch also hosts two trucks for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2 pm, plus breakfast on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 am to 9:30 am. All summer we’ll be updating our Porch page with details about performances and food trucks.

 

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