Delaware<\/p>\n
Descendants<\/p>\n
How many rock bands can claim a biochemist among their members? Well, in the case of Descendents<\/a>, the pioneering California punk band formed in Manhattan Beach in the late \u201870s, vocalist Milo Aukerman fits the bill. It\u2019s one of the reasons the band, which includes drummer and songwriter Bill Stevenson, bassist Karl Alvarez and guitarist Stephen Egerton, took several lengthy breaks over time. After remerging in 2016 with \u201cHypercaffium Spazzinate,\u201d<\/a> in 2021 they released their eighth studio album \u201c9th & Walnut,\u201d<\/a> a collection of songs the band wrote between 1977 and 1980, newly recorded and featuring classic songs and early tracks like \u201cRide the Wild\u201d and \u201cIt\u2019s a Hectic World.\u201d They head to Delaware<\/a> for a journey through their catalogue and more.\n<\/p>\n New Jersey<\/p>\n 9th Annual Cooper River Dragon Boat Regatta<\/p>\n Hosted by the Cooper River Dragon Boat Club<\/a> near Cherry Hill, this is one of two<\/a> competitive dragon boat regattas in the area this weekend. It brings together a mix of recreational and competitive sport teams for races along Cooper River Park. Teams of paddlers, guided by a steersperson and energized by a drummer, race long, dragon-adorned canoes over 200- and 500-meter courses, all in accordance with Eastern Regional Dragon Boat Association<\/a> rules. Along with the races, spectators can enjoy vendors and family-friendly activities. Pro tip: Parking is free.\n<\/p>\n Special Events<\/p>\n BlackStar Film Festival Philadelphia\u2019s premier showcase of Black, brown and Indigenous filmmakers from around the world returns to multiple venues this weekend, including the Kimmel Center and the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Founded in 2012 by Maori Karmael Holmes<\/a>, this year\u2019s schedule includes more than 90 independent films from over 35 countries, including numerous premieres. Beyond screenings, programming includes live pitch competitions, artist panels and conversations with creators such as filmmaker and director Kahlil Joseph<\/a>, Nigerian-British director Jenn Nkiru<\/a> and \u201cBlack Panther\u201d actress Letitia Wright, whose directorial effort \u201cHighway to the Moon<\/a>\u201d makes its North American debut. Other immersive events over the four-day fest include panels, parties and workshops, part of BlackStar Projects\u2019 year-round ecosystem, which includes a filmmaker lab, a magazine, seminars and exhibitions.\n<\/p>\n Rally the Troops<\/p>\n On Sept. 11, 1777, Brandywine Battlefield was the site of the Battle of Brandywine<\/a>, the largest land battle of the Revolutionary War. Although the British ultimately forced a retreat, it demonstrated the growing strength and determination of the patriot forces. This event brings that history to life<\/a> right where General George Washington and the Continental Army once stood. Walk through a recreated patriot encampment and meet soldiers, militiamen and colonial townspeople who will immerse you in the daily life of 18th-century America. Included in the day are musket-firing demonstrations for adults and kids, a chance to be \u201crecruited\u201d into the Continental Army and tours of two historic homes on the site.\n<\/p>\n Southeast Asian Water Festival Organized by Khmer Naga, Discovery Pathways<\/a> and Friends of FDR Park<\/a>, the second of two dragon boat races<\/a> this weekend includes activities on and off the water. Dancers and musicians from Khmer, Burmese, Indonesian, Laotian and Chinese communities will perform, and vendors will be on site for the all-day festival. Though the dragon boat teams are already registered, free kayaking is available from 9:30 to 11 a.m.\n<\/p>\n Freedom Now Fest On Aug. 3, 1965, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<\/a> held a Freedom Now rally in West Philadelphia, addressing a crowd of around 10,000, advocating for social justice and equality in education, housing and voting rights during a tour of Northern cities. Dr. King\u2019s rally happened at the intersection of Lancaster Avenue and 40th Street, where the commemorative block party<\/a> will take place this weekend. It features a then and now photo installation, a Black Bottom neighborhood storytelling exhibit, performances by musicians and DJs, pop\u2011up shopping, free wellness services and youth activities that connect civil rights history to contemporary activism.\n<\/p>\n 17th Annual ACANA African Festival<\/p>\n Philadelphia\u2019s array of cultural festivals used to be held at the Great Plaza on Penn\u2019s Landing. But the plaza is now a piece of Philadelphia history, as the I-95 park construction will ultimately replace it. Part of PECO\u2019s Multicultural Series, and organized by the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA)<\/a>, the annual free summer fest<\/a> brings the energy and diversity of the African diaspora to Cherry Street Pier. Expect live performances from African artists and local talent, along with African, Jamaican, soul food, vegan\/vegetarian and tropical beverage vendors.\n<\/p>\n Arts & Culture<\/p>\n Beetlejuice<\/p>\n Based on Tim Burton\u2019s 1988 cult classic film starring Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, the stage production earned multiple Tony nominations in its Broadway run, including Best Musical. Since then, it has toured across the U.S. and internationally. Now in Philly for a brief run<\/a>, the show is known for its innovative set design, which Entertainment Weekly once called \u201ca pure fan service for the Burton stans.\u201d<\/a> The enduring themes of the story \u2014 grief, death, feeling invisible and uncomfortable with others \u2014 have led \u201cBeetlejuice\u201d to new fans via TikTok<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Final Notice<\/p>\n Local playwright Blair Victoria<\/a> stages her second play under her own Blair Victoria Theater Company. In this latest comedic work<\/a>, 20-something Maria Blackwell must enlist her friends group of Ty, Manny and Chris, to help her avoid eviction now that she\u2019s gotten a final notice. Can they help her keep a roof over her head? Regardless of the outcome, expect to laugh.\n<\/p>\n Collected Stories<\/p>\n Pulitzer Prize\u2013winning playwright Donald\u202fMargulies<\/a> penned an introspective drama<\/a> that explores the fraught relationship between an established writer and her ambitious prot\u00e9g\u00e9. Think \u201cAll About Eve,\u201d but the writer\u2019s version, and on stage. First produced in California and subsequently staged Off-Broadway with celebrated actresses like Maria Tucci, Debra Messing, Sarah Paulson and Linda Lavin, the two-character play has become one of Margulies\u2019 most produced works. The Philadelphia staging marks its local premiere.\n<\/p>\n First Fridays roundup<\/p>\n August is here, and it\u2019s coming in hot with an array of First Friday events throughout the city. Here are several events to choose from.\n<\/p>\n Krisha Reddy: The Movement of Life Indian-born printmaker and sculptor Krishna Reddy<\/a> is renowned for co-developing the revolutionary color viscosity printmaking technique during his tenure at Atelier 17 in Paris. Trained initially in sculpture under masters such as Nandalal Bose<\/a>, Henry Moore<\/a> and Ossip Zadkine<\/a>, Reddy later embraced printmaking to explore the interconnected energy of nature, incorporating seeds, flowers, water and the human body into his work. This new exhibition<\/a>, assembled from a gift of 63 prints from the Gaur Collection<\/a>, highlights Reddy\u2019s belief that art should constantly evolve. Pro tip: On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy the museum\u2019s Summer on the Steps<\/a> before or after you see the exhibit.\n<\/p>\n Philadanco\u2019s Founder\u2019s Day celebration<\/p>\n The company hosts its Founder\u2019s Day celebration after rescheduling it from an earlier date, marking its 55th anniversary with a dance and music showcase<\/a>. The program features signature Philadanco repertory highlights, including Francisco Gella\u2019s \u201cThe Seasons,\u201d George Faison\u2019s \u201cSuite Otis\u201d and Christopher Huggins\u2019 \u201cEnemy Behind the Gates.\u201d Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble<\/a> and Grace Dance Theater <\/a>will also perform, along with house music stalwart Lady Alma<\/a> and classic R&B band Gerald Alston and The Manhattans<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Zoo Done It? A night of mystery at the Philadelphia Zoo<\/p>\n The Philadelphia Zoo is a multipurpose venue these days, hosting diverse events after hours. This one features a Victorian\u2011era murder mystery<\/a> set in 1874, just as America\u2019s first zoo was getting ready to open for the first time. Participants explore the historic grounds of the Philadelphia Zoo, navigating clues, interacting with costumed actors, and immersing themselves in the narrative of \u201cMurder by Gaslight\u201d as they solve the crime. This immersive scavenger hunt culminates in a grand prize \u2014 either a behind\u2011the\u2011scenes zoo experience, a tour of the possibly haunted Solitude House<\/a> or passes to the Red Rum Theatre. The adults\u2011only event includes free parking and tiered extras, including access to otherwise off-limits areas of the zoo.\n<\/p>\n Food & Drink<\/p>\n Sweet Corn Festival<\/p>\n This weekend-long celebration of locally grown sweet corn at the Bucks County farm features corn-themed fun for all ages, from shucking contests and cornhole to corn-eating competitions and a corn pit where kids can dive into kernels to their hearts\u2019 delight. Attendees can also enjoy a giant jump pad, barrel cart rides and a petting zoo, while live local music, food and drinks from regional vendors like Ashlynn Distillery and Broad Street Brewing add to the festive atmosphere.\n<\/p>\n 2nd Street Festival<\/p>\n Founded in 2008 by neighborhood restaurateurs Owen Kamihira of El Camino Real<\/a>, William Reed of Standard Tap<\/a> and Oron Daskal with North Bowl<\/a>, the festival was created to showcase the retail and restaurants in Northern Liberties. It\u2019s now one of the city\u2019s biggest summer attractions<\/a>. There will be 200+ vendors and 12 beer gardens, along with food trucks and retail and restaurant specials. Nik Greeley<\/a> is hosting the day\u2019s musical performances, which include Sophie Coran<\/a>, Slomo Sapiens<\/a> and Max Swan<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n PHS Pop-Up Garden Manayunk Pig Roast<\/p>\n The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society<\/a> turned a vacant lot in Manayunk into a pop-up community refuge. On Sunday, it\u2019s the outdoor venue for its signature pig roast<\/a> featuring a full buffet with live music, neighborhood vibes and kid-friendly fun. Your ticket includes the roasted pig buffet with sides, dessert, a choice of adult beverage or mocktail and a performance by Ray Cat Jazz<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Comedy<\/p>\n Tony Rock The Brooklyn\u2011born comedian and actor brings his sharp wit and charismatic stage presence to Philly<\/a>. Though he\u2019s not as well known as his older brother Chris Rock, he\u2019s starred on sitcoms from \u201cEverybody Hates Chris\u201d to \u201cAll of Us,\u201d appeared in films like \u201cThink Like a Man\u201d and \u201cRedemption of a Dog,\u201d and hosted \u201cApollo Live\u201d and \u201cAll Def Comedy Live.\u201d His most recent special, \u201cRock the World,\u201d was released last year.\n<\/p>\n Music<\/p>\n The Weeknd: After Hours \u2018til Dawn tour with Playboy Carti and Mike Dean Abel Tesfaye wants to reclaim his given name<\/a>, but as The Weeknd, he\u2019s become a global superstar. Once a quirky mixtape sensation out of Toronto, he now has six studio albums under his belt and is selling out arenas and stadiums. He\u2019s currently on the After Hours \u2018til Dawn stadium tour, a theatrical presentation that combines tracks from \u201cAfter Hours,\u201d \u201cDawn FM\u201d and his latest album, \u201cHurry Up Tomorrow,\u201d released in January. <\/a>His Philadelphia show<\/a> comes near the end of his U.S. stadium tour, which he says may be his last as The Weeknd.\n<\/p>\n Eric Roberson<\/p>\n R&B singer-songwriter Eric Roberson<\/a> is a Grammy-nominated neo\u2011soul singer, songwriter, producer and Howard University alum. The Rahway, New Jersey native has established a long-running solo career while writing for several Philly-based artists like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Vivian Green and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Now on his Beautifully All Over the Place tour, Roberson comes to Philly in support<\/a> of his latest release of the same title. His latest single is \u201cOver You\/Under You\u201d<\/a> with Najee and Jayshawn Champion.\n<\/p>\n Ginuwine<\/p>\n Since rising to fame in the mid\u201190s with his debut \u201cGinuwine\u2026The Bachelor\u201d and the smash hit \u201cPony,\u201d he\u2019s released a string of platinum records, including \u201c100% Ginuwine\u201d and \u201cThe Life,\u201d that cemented his status as an R&B mainstay of the era. His most recent release, a 2024 deluxe edition compilation titled \u201cI Apologize And Best Of Both Worlds (Golden Age Of R&B Deluxe Edition)<\/a>\u201d is a double album with 16 curated tracks from him and fellow 90s star, Mya<\/a>. Ginuwine\u2019s longevity has been extended by his live performances, so expect his tour stop in Philly<\/a> to include high-energy renditions of his biggest hits, including \u201cSo Anxious\u201d and \u201cDifferences.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Goo Goo Dolls Summer Anthem Tour with Dashboard Confessional<\/p>\n Buffalo\u2011born alt\u2011rock mainstays the Goo Goo Dolls<\/a> bring their Summer Anthem Tour<\/a> with Dashboard Confessional<\/a> as co-headliners to Philly, offering a setlist blending timeless hits like \u201cIris,\u201d \u201cSlide\u201d and \u201cName\u201d with fresh material from their most recent studio album,\u202f\u201cChaos in Bloom.\u201d<\/a> Fans will also get an exclusive preview of their brand-new single, \u201cNothing Lasts Forever,\u201d released this summer just ahead of the tour.\n <\/p>\n\n
\n![\"Maori](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2019-02-23-r-wisniewski-maori-karmael-holmes-kimmel-theater-constitution-center-3.jpg\")
Maori Karmael Holmes, founder and executive director of BlackStar Film Festival, poses for a portrait in the Sidney Kimmel Theater at the Constitution Center on Feb. 23, 2019. (Rachel Wisniewski for WHYY)<\/p>\n\n
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\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/09-26-2022-k-paynter-gerneral-meadowlands-FDR-park-meadowfest.jpg\")
FDR Park in South Philadelphia. (Kimberly Paynter\/WHYY)<\/p>\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/2025-01-20-e-lee-philadelphia-mantua-dedication-of-martin-luther-king-jr-triangle-plaque.jpeg\")
A plaque commemorates Martin Luther King Jr.\u2019s August 3, 1965 address in Mantua during his \u201dFreedom Now\u201d tour. (Emma Lee\/WHYY)<\/p>\n\n
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\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/bigstock-Benjamin-Franklin-Parkway-and-102644417.jpg\")
A traffic light on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway next to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (H.Tea\/BigStock)<\/p>\n
\n![\"Tony](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/tony-rock-2017-file.jpg\")
File \u2013 Tony Rock pictured in 2017 (AP\/Jason Clark)<\/p>\n\n
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File \u2013 The Weeknd performs on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo\/Chris Pizzello, File)<\/p>\n