May 16-18: Trenton Ave clean-up | Kinetic Sculpture Derby | Garden workshop | Clark Park party | Stenton garden tour | Society Hill home tour | Dog park clean-up, repairs

Hey, Eyes on the Street! Today’s rainy forecast postponed Bike to Work Day, but the weekend promises clearer skies for the events below.

PREP: Trenton Ave Clean-up

Friday, May 16. 6pm – 8pm. Trenton Ave, between Norris and Dauphin streets. Help the East Kensington Neighborhood Association clean Trenton Ave in preparation for Saturday’s Arts Fest and Kinetic Sculpture Derby (see below). Bags and tools will be provided. Free. 

CHEER: Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby

Saturday, May 17. 12pm – 5pm. Trenton and Norris streets. One of Philadelphia’s kookiest neighborhood festivals returns this weekend. Beginning at noon, cheer on the kinetic sculptures as they race from Arts Fest at Trenton and Norris streets through the Kensington neighborhood. Around 2:30pm, the racers will end up back at Arts Fest where they’ll have to attempt to cross the mud pit finish line. An award ceremony will be held at 4pm. Free. 

DIG: Gardening Workshop

Saturday, May 17. 10:30am – 12pm. Donatucci Library, 1935 Shunk Street. Master Gardeners from the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners Program will lead this gardening workshop at Donatucci Library. Learn how to create your own garden and why they are important. Then dig around and create a pollinator garden at Donatucci Library. This family program is recommended for school-aged children, teens and adults. Free. 

CELEBRATE: 2nd Annual Clark Park Party

Saturday, May 17. 4pm – 8pm. Clark Park, 43rd Street and Baltimore Ave. This weekend marks the 2nd annual Party in Clark Park – complete with a Dock Street beer garden, food trucks (Foolish Waffles and Dapper Dog), live music, games for all ages and $1,000 in raffle prizes. Free. 

EXPLORE: Stenton Garden and Landscape Tour

Saturday, May 17. 1pm. Stenton, 4601 N. 18th Street. Explore the grounds of the Stenton estate with landscape architect Claudia Levy and horticulturist Denis Lucey. The Senton house was built in the 1720s by James Logan, secretary to William Penn. This tour, which coincides with the gardens’ peak-bloom period, will explore the history and evolution of Stenton’s culturally significant landscapes. Free.  

TOUR: Society Hill Open House & Garden Tour

Sunday, May 18. 1pm – 5pm. Old Pine Community Center, 401 Lombard Street. The 36th annual home and garden tour will offer attendees a chance to peek inside 10 private homes and gardens. Architectural and interior styles range from 18th and 19th century to contemporary designs. All proceeds benefit the Society Hill Civic Association. Cost: $30 in advance, $35 at the door. 

REPAIR: Mario Lanza Dog Park Clean-up

Sunday, May 18. 10:30am – 12pm. Mario Lanza Dog Park, 200 Queen Street. The brutal winter weather damaged the Mario Lanza Dog Park, so the Queen Village Neighborhood Association is banding together to clean and repair the park this weekend. Extra hands, rakes and shovels are requested. Light refreshments will be provided to volunteers. Free.