FunTimes Fun Fact: 

June has the longest daylight hours of the year in the Northern Hemisphere but the shortest daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.

June's birthstones are the pearl, the Moonstone and Alexandrite. Just as there are many gems to celebrate, there are many precious stories that weave the colorful and textured tapestry of Philadelphia’s immigrant history. For the rest of this month, learn about those diverse narratives and explore Philadelphia’s rich mosaic during National Heritage Month. You’ll be amazed to find that Philly indeed “lives” a good story. Also, there is no grass growing under the month of June’s feet. Enjoy a host of other free or low-cost neighborhood indoor and outdoor activities. But before venturing out (into the blades of the June grass), check with the event organizers to confirm hours and inquire about their updated COVID-19 safety protocols regarding mask-wearing and proof of vaccination.

Uplifting stories of immigrant Philadelphia

Through June 30, 2022. June shares many cool themes including national Immigrant Heritage Month, as previously noted. The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Immigrant Affairs celebrates the observance by spotlighting the shared diversity of the story of America locally. Learn about the key role of immigration in the U.S. and contributions immigrants have made. Featuring the theme “Looking Back to Move Forward,” prepare to be amazed by the stories of public servants of immigrant heritage,. Witness “how they draw strength from their history to inform their current and future service.” Follow @PhillyOIA on social media to read the inspiring melting-pot stories of immigrant heritage in Philadelphia. Visit the calendar of events on the OIA spotlight page for Immigrant Heritage Month and share your own story of immigrant heritage, 215-686-0876, phila.gov

Channel your thoughts to cultural fun on TV and online

The City of Philadelphia’s pubic art office – the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy offers enlightening and entertaining programs through Arts Access TV each week. Tune in to discover performances and programs to explore the diversity of Philadelphia’s local cultural organizations and artists. The program air online and on local Channel 64 PHLgovTV (Comcast channels 64 and 1164, Verizon channels 40 and 41). 6 p.m. Free. 215-686-8446, Creativephl.org

Answer the call in the name of art!

Now through July 22. If you can incorporate the history and culture of the Paschall and Elmwood communities in Southwest Philadelphia into art, then this is your jawn. The City of Philadelphia is calling on creatives to submit an idea/proposal (the deadline is July 22 at 5 p.m. EST) to furnish outdoor public art piece for the Paschalville Library’s “Story Circle” on Saybrook Avenue in Southwest Philly. The concept is to create a gathering space with “permanent, outdoor fixed seating using materials that are appropriate and durable for exterior application and will be a part of the Story Circle.” The commissioned public art will be part of the library’s interior and exterior renovation project. Read and Download the Call for Artists and Submit an Artist Application Online 215-686-8446, creativephl.org

A modern movie in a place of Quaker history

July 1, 2022. Do you enjoy blockbuster summer movies? We thought so. Get lost in a screening of Independence Day at the Arch Street Meeting House. It’s a huge movie in an intimate space. Bring beverages, blankets, chairs and snacks. Enjoy the historical location smack in the heart of Old City. The facility is an historical gem of many purposes -- a museum, National Historic Landmark and active Quaker sanctuary of worship. It was built in 1804 (its phone number’s last four digits are1804, cool) on two acres deeded by William Penn as a burial ground to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Almost free, 8:30 pm. (opens at 8 p.m., if you just can’t wait.) Free but a $5 (suggested) donation would make the organization $5 happier. Arch Street Meeting House, 320 Arch St., 215-413-1804, Wooderice.com or historicasmh.org

 

African American Museum rounds out June events at the Square 

June 25, 2022. Join the good folks at the the African American Museum in Philadelphia at its neighborhood park at Franklin Square for an afternoon of culturally relevant and educationally-rich programming. Relax to the sounds and sights of musicians, lyricists, community leaders, teaching and artists. It’s a family affair. BYOB = Bring Your Own Blanket. Chow down at Franklin Square and simply enjoy a casual Saturday in the park. 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free as the birds in the Franklin Square Park sky. 215-574-0380, aampmuseum.org

 

Lanier Park hosts the Philadelphia Freedom Band

June 25, 2022. If gardening is your cup of tea, join the Grays Ferry Tree Tenders and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society plant flower from the recent Philadelphia Flower Show. Enjoy pop music by the Philadelphia Freedom Band and the Brazilian samba featuring Elaine from pHonk Philly. The South Philly event is hosted by Philly Thrive! and Lanier Park, 29th and Tasker streets, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., musical performances at 1 p.m., free. Philadelphiafreedomband.com