PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — This weekend in Philly: Family-friendly events abound in and around the city. Lace up your skates to roll with Santa at Dilworth Park, which will be decked out for a Christmas in July celebration. At Penn’s Landing, Hispanic Fiesta returns with music, dancing and cuisine with a Latino flair. Chester County brings back Blobfest at the historic Colonial Theatre, where you can run from a giant, gooey monster or enjoy the rest of the three-day festival. And the Cumberland County Fair returns to South Jersey. There are plenty of fun things to do this weekend in and around Philly.
EVENT: Cumberland County Fair
DATE/TIME: Thursday, Friday 4 - 11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. - Midnight
WHERE: Cumberland County Fairgrounds, 3001 Carmel Road, Millville, N.J.
DETAILS: The Cumberland County Fair returns to the Cumberland County Fairgrounds for its 150th year. There’s something for everyone at the five-day festival, featuring amusement rides, games, crafts, demolition derby, the Little Miss and Mister Pageant, fireworks, a pie-eating contest, music, livestock exhibits, a summer craft fair, 4-H barbecue platters, face painting, food concessions and much more. Find the full line-up of events here.
PRICE: $5 admission, cash only. Free for kids under 3, seniors over 65, and attendees with a military ID.
EVENT: Down the Shore Pop-up Experience
DATE/TIME: Thursday and Sunday, 12 - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 12 - 10 p.m.
WHERE: Craftsman Row Saloon, 112 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia
DETAILS: Craftsman Row Saloon brings the Shore to the city with their new Down the Shore Pop-up Experience. Great for those craving the sweets and treats of the boardwalk without the drive. Find boardwalk-themed decor and a menu based on classic boardwalk favorites like tiki-themed drinks, chicken and funnel cake, and an “everything but the boardwalk” milkshake. The family-friendly pop-up experience is free to enjoy, with food and drink for purchase.
PRICE: Food and drink is pay as you go
EVENT: Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway: Circus Week
DATE/TIME: Through Sunday; Weekdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Weekends, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia
DETAILS: For one week only, the Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum will transform for Circus Week. Visitors will enjoy watching colorful railroad cars filled with miniature elephants, clowns, and bears navigate 16 rail lines of loops, tunnels and bridges.
PRICE: Free with admission: Adults, $20; Seniors (65+), $18; Youth (3-17), $10; Kids under 3, free. Reserve tickets for timed entry.
EVENT: Blobfest
DATE/TIME: Friday - Sunday, times vary
WHERE: The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, Pa.
DETAILS: Re-enact the famous “The Blob” run-out scene, experience a live stage show and dance the night away at the Blob Ball. Blobfest returns to the Colonial Theatre for a three-day event. Festival attendees can enjoy a unique street fair featuring live music in the heart of downtown Phoenixville, participate in a costume contest and other competitions, and enjoy a full day of sci-fi double features. The fun continues Sunday with the Blob Run and a driving tour of filming locations featured in “The Blob” and other movies.
PRICE: Prices vary. Purchase tickets in advance here.
EVENT: Tiny Room for Elephants Festival at Cherry Street Pier
DATE/TIME: Friday through July 24, times vary by day
WHERE: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
DETAILS: Watch art get made — then revel in it. The Tiny Room for Elephants Festival comes to Cherry Street Pier. The art-and-music fest begins with a series of painting days, where guests can watch as artists create art and enjoy live music played by local DJs. Then, the works will be on display during a four-day festival that includes live performances, art workshops for kids and adults, and an all-day dance party. Find the full schedule here.
PRICE: All events are free and open to the public, except for festival premier tickets, which are $35 for July 21.
EVENT: Murder In The Jazz Age: A Walking Tour Murder Mystery
DATE/TIME: Friday and Saturday evenings, through Sept. 24.
WHERE: Tours begin and end at the Liberty Bell Center in Old City
DETAILS: Sleuths are invited to test their skills with a walking murder mystery experience in Old City, set in the roaring ‘20s. Participants will gather at the crime scene to meet their guide, then take off to encounter suspects played by professional actors, clues and QR codes along a walking journey, while working to solve the murder mystery. The walk is about an hour long, so wear comfortable shoes.
PRICE: $25 per guest
EVENT: Christmas in July Skate
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, on the west side of Philadelphia City Hall
DETAILS: Celebrate Christmas in July this weekend with a summertime Santa, who traded his sleigh for a pair of skates. Skate with Santa, and be sure to grab photos with the big guy. Find crafts, holiday-inspired snacks, faux flurries and a visit from the Phillie Phanatic. Get festive by trading your ugly winter sweater for your ugliest holiday T-shirt. Santa hats and sunglasses will also be distributed to skaters while supplies last.
PRICE: Starting at $8 for children and $15 for adults. Advance tickets for timed entry can be purchased here.
EVENT: Hispanic Fiesta
DATE/TIME: Saturday and Sunday 2 - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Great Plaza at Delaware River Waterfront, Penn’s Landing, South Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street
DETAILS: Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta returns this year to celebrate its 40th year and Concilio’s 60th anniversary at the same time. A part of the PECO Multicultural Series, Hispanic Fiesta features entertainment, local vendors offering guests Latino flair in foods, music, clothing, and much more. Headliners include Oro Solido and Charlie Aponte, along with live performances from Charlie Santos, Edgar Joel, Jay Aponte, Mariachi Pedro Villasenor, NINA, Nova La Amenza, and Swing de Guille. Find the full line-up of events and performances here.
PRICE: Free
EVENT: Dead & Co. Summer Tour 22
DATE/TIME: Sunday, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park
DETAILS: The Dead rise at CBP. While the Grateful Dead called it quits after their 50th anniversary tour, legendary former members and some new faces are keeping the band’s spirit alive. Dead & Company comes to Citizens Bank Park with Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, and Bill Kreutzmann, along with John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge and Jeff Chimenti. Concertgoers will be treated to modern music and classics like "Sugar Magnolia" and "Scarlet Begonias."
PRICE: Varied. Find tickets here.
EVENT: Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
DATE/TIME: Daily, through Aug. 7, 6 -11 p.m.
WHERE: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia
DETAILS: The dragon is back! The fan favorite 200-foot-long lighted dragon is back in Franklin Square, a highlight of the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Find all-new lanterns this year, including a walk-through giant-panda bamboo forest, interactive installations and a whale! Guests may also enjoy a new song for the Franklin Square Fountain Show, featuring choreographed lights and fountain jets. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.
PRICE: Adults: $20, Sunday – Thursday; $23. Friday and Saturday
Senior (65+) and Youth (13-17): $18, Sunday – Thursday; $21, Friday and SaturdaynChildren (3-12): $12 Ages 2 and under: Free