Northwest Weekender: Softball, moonlight movies and food tours

Looking for something to do in and around Northwest Philadelphia this weekend?  Here are our top picks.  

Secret Cinema at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue

Is there a more appropriate (or perhaps sinister) place to be than a cemetery on Friday, the 13th? Secret Cinema is hosting the first ever movie screening in Laurel Hill Cemetery. For those who wish there was a “Halloween in July” moniker rather than Christmas, this is the spot to be. The screening includes a short exhumation film shot at the cemetery in 1937. The main feature is a 1950s science fiction cult thriller called Planet 9 From Outer Space. Admission is $10. The movie starts at 9 p.m. It is recommended to bring some beach chairs or blankets.

Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy, 6945 Germantown Avenue

If a thriller film in a cemetery doesn’t sound appealing, fear not. Summer in the city also means an abundance of outdoor movie screenings. The Free Library Lovett Branch sponsors the Moonlight Movie series every Friday. This week’s movie is To Kill A Mockingbird. The screening takes place at 8 p.m. in the neighboring Lovett Memorial Park. Bring chairs or blankets.

Farmer’s Markets

Teens4Good Farm Stand at North Light Community Center, 175 Green Lane 

        Teens4Good is a youth-centered group that transforms vacant lots into urban gardens. The program                 also employs youth to tend the garden. Every Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the North Light Community         Center they sell some of the produce grown in the gardens. When the summer gets in full swing, so do           the fresh fruits and veggies. Area farmer’s markets are a real treat to both the eye and the stomach.               Right now, the vibrant colors fill the market with items like zucchini, summer squash, and blueberries.             Pick up some produce while supporting local growers.

Gorgas Park Farmer’s Market, Ridge Avenue and Gates Street, Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
East Falls Farmer’s Market, 4100 Ridge Ave. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friends of the Wissahickon Horses and History hike 

Meet at the parking lot at the bottom of Kitchen’s Lane in West Mt. Airy for a three-mile hike with Diane Garvey and Carmella Clark on Saturday at 1 p.m. Learn about horses in the park, the history of the Manastery Mansion and Stables, and steps taken to protect the environment. You’ll take the Orange trail between Kitchen’s Lane and Mt. Airy Avenue and the White trail on the return to the historic Monastery Mansion and stables. The route will take you through shady woods and a breezy meadow. To register, contact Sarah Marley at 215-247-0417 ext. 109 or email marley@fow.org. 

Manayunk Saturday Summer Concert Series at Canal View Park, Main Street

Talk a walk in the park and enjoy live music throughout the day. The Manayunk Concert Series occurs every Saturday throughout the summer. The concert runs from 12 p.m. through 5 p.m.

Slow-pitch softball at Penn Charter, 3000 West School House Lane 

Interested in a friendly game of slow-pitch softball? Join a 40-year tradition at 10:15 a.m. this Sunday at Penn Charter on School House Lane. For more information, call Bill Epstein at 610-505-6105. 

Chew Philly Food Tours

Perfect for Philly foodies! Get a tour of various bakeries and restaurants in Manayunk. The ticket price is $45 for adults, $25 for children. This includes a large lunch and dessert from several food venues along the tour. The tours are offered Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m to 2 p.m.

Second Saturdays at Wyck Historic House,  6026 Germantown Ave.

The launch of the Second Saturdays starts at Wyck Historic House this weekend. It includes workshops, live music, and tours of the gardens and farm. This event series is held on the second Saturday of every month through October. The theme of this Saturday’s event is titled “Trinket’s, Tales, and Tomatoes–Things We Treasure”. It’s completely free to anyone! The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.