June 16-22: Al fresco all week

This week it’s all about being outside: for literature, supper, entertainment, and exploring green spots. Here’s what’s on:

READ: Bloomsday

Monday, June 16, 9:30am-11:30am at the Free Library Parkway Central branch (19th and Vine), 12:30-1:30pm at Rittenhouse Square, and 3-7:30pm at 2008 Delancey Street. This year the Rosenbach Museum & Library take their annual all-day reading from James Joyce’s Ulysses out into the city using three different locations to host readings and song by some Philly’s best and brightest talents. Review the reader schedule online. Free.

SAMPLE: Baltimore Ave Dollar Stroll

Thursday, June 19. Baltimore Avenue between 42nd and 51st streets. Enjoy $1 deals from some of the finest vendors on Baltimore Ave – including LIttle Baby’s, Milk & Honey, Dahlak, and Dock Street Brewery. Check the map. Pay as you go.

CHOW: Night Market West Oak Lane

Thursday, June 19, 6-10pm. Enjoy the bounty of more than 50 food vendors along Ogontz Avenue from samosas to lobster rolls, ice cream to kebab. Line dance in the street and enjoy mobile fashion too. Pay as you go.

WATCH: Despicable Me 2

Thursday, June 19, 8:30pm. Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade, near Schuylkill Avenue and Wharton Street. The Schuylkill Banks summer movie series moves downstream to show Despicable Me 2. Bring a picnic and settle in for an evening on the river. Free.

STROLL: Manayunk Arts Festival

Saturday, June 21, 11am-7pm and Sunday, June 22, 11am-6pm. For the 25th year running Main Street Manayunk will become an outdoor art gallery and craft showcase. (If you want to get things started early enjoy the solstice fire on the water the night before.) Pay as you go.

PLAY: Make Music Philly

Saturday, June 21. Citywide. All over Philly there will be free concerts, from lone guitar players in your neighborhood park to harmonica jam sessions, from big names to local upstarts. Check the full schedule online. Free.

PREVIEW: Pier 53 Park

Saturday, June 21, 10am-1pm – exploration tours at 11:30am and 12:30pm. Washington Avenue Green. Enjoy a “hands-in” Delaware Waterfront event. Experience the history and ecology of Washington Avenue Green up close and get a sneak peek of Pier 53 Park under construction. Free.

EXPLORE: Community Gardens Day

Saturday, June 21, 10am-3pm. Citywide. [map] Get inside 28 of the city’s most beautiful community gardens to meet gardeners, talk shop, and appreciate the power these places possess. Many of the featured gardens are part of the Neighborhood Gardens Trust while others participate in the PHS City Harvest program. Free.

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