FunTimes Fun Events Education & Entertainment!

As we squeeze every ounce out of the final fading days in summer, these August entertainment options will have you rocking the reggae, swooning to opera, kissing the summer wind with Sinatra, seeing the cool in the hot wheels of the Hero Thrill Show and chilling to a few pop-ups and fantastic family fun festivals (say that three times!). And remember, in the spirit of there’s a special day celebrating every theme imaginable: August 28th is Crackers Over the Keyboard Day. Get out your vacuums first, though! Before participating in these activities, please respect the ongoing pandemic safety protocols, and check individual event-attending instructions with the organizers.

Raise your hand for Family Fundays!

September 10, 2022. Looking for neat ways to entertain your kids? Out of the house, that is. Try Family Fundays. Young art lovers will enjoy engaging hands-on activities and stage performances featuring music, storytelling, visual arts and history -- opening a world of creativity. It’s part of the FREE Plaza Series. Kimmel Cultural Campus (Plaza Stage), 300 S. Broad St.,10 a.m.. to noon on Fridays, free. 215-790-5800, kimmelculturalcampus.org.

Pop-up pasta with Sinatra on tap

August 29, 2022. Enjoy the musical breeze of the Summer Wind with Pasta with Sinatra at the family-owned Wissahickon Brewing Company, a diamond in the ultra- competitive beer scene. It’s better than dinner theater. Ol’ Blue Eyes sings on through the velvety pipes of vocalist Steve Ritrovato who nails the notes from the Big Band-era to Broadway. It’s a spot-on throwback of vintage Sinatra pristine in his prime. The gravy on top is -- what else -- but traditional Italian cuisine by Le Bus (all you can eat, mangia, baby!) just like Frankie’s mother Dolly made it back in Hoboken. The Philly finish is a taste of the award-winning beer – a full tap list -- from Wissahickon Brewing Company, of East Falls. It’s a hot ticket. Reserve in advance: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., $60, $120/table of 4 for all-you-can-eat. Plus, toast it off with classic cocktails and select table wine service. Wissahickon Brewing Company, 3705 West School House Ln., 215-483-8833, wissahickonbrew.com or happeningnext.com.

 Photos Courtesy of Philadelphia Fire Department

Spend lunch at a sneak preview of the Hero Thrill Show 

August 31, 2022. Enjoy a cool performance of hot wheels at the Hero Thrill Show Pep Rally, a preview of the September 10th carnival-style extravaganza. Center City will be sizzling at lunchtime with the dazzling daredevil maneuvers of the Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol Drill Team and fire engine displays. The police and fire departments will give you a preview of the boardwalk-inspired Hero Thrill Show that has been entertaining the wide-eyed masses for 67 years.  What other event gives you a sample taste before you buy? And it’s all for a smart cause: Supporting the post-high school educations of the families of Philadelphia-area police and fire personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. This includes the children of valiant African-American firefighters such as Vencent Acey, 42 who died battling a church fire in South Philadelphia in 1994. His four children’s college educations were funded by the Thrill Show. Acey, a Mayfair resident, served the community for 17 years in the Philadelphia Fire Department. Noon to 1 p.m., free, on Market Street, between 18th and 19th streets. 

As for the actual September 10th Hero Thrill Show in the Wells Fargo Center parking lot near Broad Street and Pattison Avenue: Tickets onsite at the entrance gates, or in advance: $15, single purchase, $35 for families of up to 5 people; available at Philadelphia police and fire stations, or eventbrite.com.

The art of empowering kids

August 27, 2022. It’s never too early to inspire the young. Artists in Time, an art history class for pre-schoolers hosted by All for one, a global children’s educational nonprofit, is proof-positive. Any 3-to-6 year olds would love this class. Explore a famous artist followed by an art project. The class focuses on history, literacy, science, math and art skills -- and each project is individualized. Siblings who are older or younger than this preschool age range are welcomed to attend; artists under the age of 3 must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re dropping off young artists but not attending the class yourself, let the instructor know in advance. 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., free (but donations accepted). One for All, 4751 Woodland Ave., 267-292-5611, e-mail: [email protected], or www.oneforallartists.com.

Rock to reggae

September 3, 2022. Philly Reggae Wine Food & Music Festival 2022 Vibe to DJ sounds, live reggae bands and socca music including the Eclipse Band; enjoy great authentic food, wine tastings and “merch” from vendors. Bring chairs and snacks.1 p.m. to 7 p.m., $20 (if tickets are bought in advance) Fishers Glen Driving Range, 4717 E. Fishers Ln. For tickets, text to 240-581-0655, or eventbrite.com. 

Unknown stories of history

August 24, 2022. Even if you know Philly, you may be surprised to hear some of the unheralded hidden stories inside historic Philadelphia sites and attractions including Independence Hall, the Barnes, Mt. Pleasant, Washington Avenue Pier, etc. Interesting Twists on Places you Know – part of the growing Philly History Pop Ups series -- takes you there. Test your knowledge and learn obscure tales about the city where the nation’s story was conceived! There's no official RSVP, but secure your spot: Contact Cara Schneider Bongiorno in advance. 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., free, Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market St., (2nd-floor terrace). 215-206-2034, [email protected].

A cosmic experience

August 27, 2022. Who’s down for a day of creative writing games, readings by talented young writers and some free books and school supplies? The nonprofit Cosmic Writers, champions of creative writing programming, has your back. Cosmic Carnival is a cool time of games, food and fun in a last blast of summer. For kids of all ages, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free but reserve tickets at eventbrite.com. FDR Park, Broad St. and Pattison Ave., in South Philly, https://www.cosmicwriters.org.

On a lark, see opera in the park

August 25, 2022. The Arts on Center Stage with Opera Philadelphia & ePOP, part of The Arts on Center Stage Series. returns to Dilworth Park with East Passyunk Opera Project (ePOP) for a lively concert starring soprano Ashley Marie Robillard (Musetta in 2019's La bohème), tenor Aaron Crouch (Gondolier in September’s production of Rossini's Otello) and baritone Benjamin Dickerson, accompanied by pianist Aurelien Eulert. Bring a blanket and chair.  Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street (west side, City Hall), 6 p.m., to 7 p.m. free, no registration required. Seating on the Greenfield Lawn is limited. Opera Philadelphia, 215-893-3600, operaphila.org.

Festival on the lawn

August 27, 2022. It’s a festival with a lot of X’s in the name. But that’s just a sign of just how unique experience it is. Lemonade & Company will host the third annual 1800SAFESEXXX Music Festival celebrating “the creative community and raising awareness about mental health and connectivity.” The theme this year is Summer Camp encouraging folks to camp out at the event. Enjoy live music from artists and DJ's, unique brands, exclusive merch and more. The festival is supported by The Lawn and REC Philly. Noon to 9 p.m., $45, The Lawn at uCity Square, 3701 Filbert St., 832-418-8277, https://1800safesexxx.com/.