Don’t Blow it Philly: 10 Ways to Enjoy Your Sizzling Summer Nights

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On First Fridays, art lovers roam Old City streets schmoozing with peers and gazing at exhibits displayed in various spots. Needless to say, there’s also the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While the museum’s front steps are known for Rocky’s famous run (and used by many for exercise), people actually walk up those steps to see one of the world’s finest art collections. The Art Museum is always available for your enjoyment for an admission fee, but on Wednesday nights from 5:45 p.m. until 8 p.m., the museum offers a “Pay What You Wish” option for patrons.

Movies are always a great summer respite. However, maybe you don’t want to see what everyone else is seeing. Maybe the movies that are out don’t really appeal to your taste. Not to worry because Philadelphia has you covered. First, every Monday at The Trocadero, a ’90s movie is screened for $3 admission, which goes towards concessions. There are also movie festival options this summer. The first is The Awesome Fest Outdoor Movie Series, which is a collaborative effort by Awesome Fest and the University City District (UCD) that’s now in its fifth year. For eight weeks, in West Philly’s historic Clark Park, indie films, throwback films, and Hollywood blockbusters centered around the theme of “The Soundtrack of Awesome” will be projected on a 30-foot screen. There is also the Black Star Film Festival, which features often overlooked cinematic works by and for people of African descent, though everyone is welcome to attend. Screenings take place at various locations throughout the city, kicked off with a reception and ending with an awards ceremony. Besides the films, there are also information panels and enrichment programs for interested parties to participate in.

Another way one can enjoy a summer night in Philadelphia is to bust a gut. Everybody likes to laugh for the most part, and you can do this at one of many comedy clubs located throughout Philly. If you want to see the next Kevin Hart in action so you can tell your friends you were “up on them” before the fame, you can catch an amateur night where aspiring comics show their chops much like KH did on his come-up. There are also some great well-established acts coming in to town. Shows include Don “D.C.” Curry, Kevin Nealon, and Steve-O. Also, the incomparable Wayans Bros. tour will touch down in Philly this summer, where Keenan, Damon, Marlon, and Shawn will all be performing stand-up together for the first time.

Sometimes folks just like to shoot the breeze, but doing so with the same people can get redundant. A story slam is the perfect way to hear new stories and be entertained at the same time. Maybe you’d like to get on stage and tell your own story. At a story slam, storytellers get up in front of a crowd and try to regale them with a five-minute story based on a central theme. The best story generally wins a prize. You can do this at one of the many story slams in the area. Every second Tuesday, First Person Arts holds a slam with a $100 prize. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, you can venture a little bit out to suburban Delaware County for one of the Delco Story Slams.

It’s tradition for Philadelphians to load up the car and head “down the shore” or go to the beach in Jersey during the summer. For those who don’t have the time or means for a beach trip, the city has introduced Spruce Street Harbor Park this year. It is an added attraction to the already-popular Penn’s Landing area. Spruce Street Harbor Park is touted as an “urban beach” with sand and a boardwalk equipped with concession stands and games. Hammocks, along with beach chairs and tables, are set up among the trees and outstretched over the bank of the Delaware River. Should you get hungry, you can “bust a grub” at the Blue Anchor Restaurant. If thirsty, the restaurant has a full bar, or you can even choose from the Beer Garden’s selection. On Saturdays, the Art Star Pop Up Shop will be popping with items made by some of the Illadelph’s best artisans for under $50. Enjoy it while you can. The experiment ends on August 31.

All around the city, you may see grills set up out on the front porch. Yes, people will use that grill right where you see it. It’s commonplace for Philadelphians to get their burgers, dogs, sausages, chicken, ribs or what have you and have an impromptu cookout for the people in the household. The only complaint you’ll get from your neighbors is that you didn’t offer them any of your vittles. If you’re feeling lazy on a summer night, just take a few steps out to your porch, grill, and be merry. If you don’t have a porch, find someone who does. 

The summer is always the best time to enjoy a good concert. It’s great to listen to your favorite artist on your iPod or computer, but nothing beats the live experience because you never know what you’ll get. This summer, the likes of Kanye West, Pharrell, J. Cole, Kings of Leon, Ziggy Marley, Keyshia Cole, August Alsina, and many more will grace the stages of the area’s best concert venues and festivals. You can also catch up-and-comers of all genres at local showcases throughout the city on any given night.

If you ask someone what to do in Philadelphia and they tell you to “go to the club,” you might respond with “DUH.” Though, the reality is that when all else fails, the club is always there. If the club is too much, you can turn down at a bar or lounge for a more low-key experience. Philly has plenty to choose from. From South Street to the Waterfront to Old City and scattered all throughout, are a wide variety of nightlife venues filled with women and men dressed to the nines, get ready to have a good time and mingle. If partying isn’t your thing, look out for networking events, such as Philly Sound Sessions, to build your brand, business, or product with others in a relaxed atmosphere.

As if you couldn’t tell by all of the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, and Sixers fan gear donned on streets all over the Tri-State area, Philadelphia loves (and hates) its sports teams. While the Sixers and Flyers are enjoying the offseason, the Phillies are competing, and the city waits with bated breath for August so that they can see what the “Iggles” are going to do on the gridiron. Due to the diehards already grabbing the seats you want, you may not be able to watch the actual game in the stadium. If that’s the case, your fandom urges can be satisfied by turning up in the stadium parking lots.

Enjoying a beer by yourself or with friends can be a great way to spend a summer evening. Instead of drinking the night away at the crib, stop by one of Philly’s renowned beer gardens. In case you aren’t familiar, beer gardens are open-air watering holes setup throughout the city. They can serve as a stop on a night out with friends, a happy hour spot or a place to be if you simply want to go enjoy a drink outdoors. It’s definitely a stress-free, relaxing way to spend a summer night in Philly.