Saturdays just got more interesting.
Sign upFile photo: Austin Bauman jumps her horse Miracles Happen at the 122nd annual Devon Horse Show on May 27, 2018. (Brad Larrison for WHYY)
The Memorial Day weekend starts early with multiple food festivals on Thursday. The Devon Horse Show and its popular annual hat contest are back, and Haim, Nelly, and Prince – via a screening of one of his classic concerts – are among the musical highlights.
Food is always the main draw during Philadelphia’s festival season, and several festivals are on the menu as the holiday weekend gets started on Thursday night. Old City Eats will continue every Thursday night through Aug. 25. Night Market highlights the eateries and businesses on N. 2nd St. in Northern Liberties and the Guac Off competition aims to find the best guacamole purveyor among local restaurants.
The highlight of the Main Line social season, the Devon Horse Show is an equestrian competition, a country fair and an excuse to show off your most exclusive finery in the annual hat competition. Billed this year as ‘Feathers and Frocks’ we’re sure the most fashionable ladies of the Main Line will be drippin’ in both. Other events include Children’s Day, Family Days, and the Itty Bitty Tea Party. Proceeds from the fair benefit Bryn Mawr Hospital, which has been the recipient of $18 million since the fair began in 1919.
David Acosta and Beatriz Vieira founded the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival in 2012 to provide exposure to Latinx American filmmakers. This year’s eight-day hybrid festival offers both virtual screenings and in-person events. On the schedule is Monday’s free opening night party and concert with Flaco Navaja and the Razor Blades, a youth salon with workshops, several movie premieres, a First Friday/PHLAFF event at the Barnes and the second El Bembé event.
The Delaware Art Museum is a worthy place to visit at any time, but its Copeland Sculpture Garden is even more gorgeous in the summertime. If you’re seeking a low-key happy hour away from bros elbowing their way to a place at the bar and loud EDM music that inhibits conversation, this is the place for you. And, the museum has conveniently scheduled its DelArt Readers book club meeting on the same day and at a time conducive to participating in both.
When African American birdwatcher Christian Cooper was falsely accused of threatening a white woman in Central Park in 2020, people were outraged. But Black birdwatchers were not just angered, they were inspired to create Black Birders Week, a series of virtual and in-person events. One of them is hosted by Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences, which brings prominent Black birders together for a panel that includes scientists and birders Jason Hall and Corina Newsom.
Need another reason to hang out with family and friends and enjoy music and fireworks? The Philly POPS is celebrating Memorial Day with a repertoire of patriotic-themed songs and a fireworks display. Under the direction of guest conductor Byron Stripling, guest vocalist Sydney McSweeney will belt out the tunes, joined by violinist Jennifer Orchard while the POPS provide the accompaniment. Fireworks will ensue. Free tickets will be provided to active and former military, police, firefighters, and first responders through their bases and affiliated organizations.
Fireworks displays are most commonly associated with the region’s massive Welcome America Fourth of July celebration, but there’s always a good reason to go see them. The reason this weekend is to kick off the holiday or celebrate the unofficial start of summer, or preview Welcome America. But really, does it matter? They had us at free, fireworks and concert.
Thirty-five years after its release, Prince’s concert film “Sign of the Times” is being appreciated anew for its look at the musical icon’s showmanship and genius. Fans can see the original 1987 version directed by Prince at an outdoor screening in West Philly’s Clark Park sponsored by cinéSPEAK.
The decommissioned battleship USS New Jersey has some stories to tell after 50 years of service in three wars. Some of its more risqué history is now being shared on a special guided tour geared to an audience of grown folks. Per the website, the tour will showcase “mature” sailor artwork and include “adult” content.
Singer/songwriter Conya Doss has established a loyal following over her two-decade career as an indie artist due to her jazz-inflected R&B song stylings. The Cleveland native released eight studio albums in that span, and her ninth, “Through Rose-Colored Glasses” came out in 2021. Its first single was “Not Trading You,” and she collaborated with prolific artist/songwriter Eric Roberson on “It Ain’t Easy.”
Sisters Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim have made their mark on music history as not just one of the few female bands with longevity but also as a band composed of three sisters. (Alana also recently starred in the film “Licorice Pizza.”) Though the sister act has only released three albums since their 2013 debut, “Days Are Gone,” they’ve generated a following that includes comparisons to Fleetwood Mac, management by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, and an apparently devoted fan in Drake. Their latest release, “Women in Music Pt. III” came out in 2020 but they released an expanded version in 2021.
The most successful hip-hop artist to come out of St. Louis, Cornell “Nelly” Haynes Jr. has remained successful by being genre-flexible. The three-time Grammy winner has crafted hits in the rap, pop and country categories. His 2002 album “Nellyville” yielded the smash “Hot in Herre” as well as “Dilemma” with Kelly Rowland. In 2004, he scored a hit with country star Tim McGraw on “Over and Over” and in 2020, he teamed up with Florida Georgia Line for “Lil Bit.” His eighth release, “Heartland” was released in 2021.
Stay safe during your holiday weekend, and please consult our coronavirus updates to keep up with the latest information in our region.
Saturdays just got more interesting.
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