PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — This weekend in Philly: After a three-year hiatus, the Kensington Derby and Arts Festival is back. This year, it’s dubbed “Return of the Mud,” so get ready to get down in the dirt. Celebrate the grand opening of Ida’s Bookshop with events dedicated to acclaimed author Alice Walker. Or, put on your hiking boots for some educational walks showcasing Philly’s history and our natural world.
EVENT: Kensington Derby and Arts Festival
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 12 to 6 p.m., rain or shine
WHERE: Trenton Avenue, Frankford Avenue to Norris Street, in Kensington
DETAILS: After a three-year hiatus, the Kensington Derby and Arts Festival is back on Trenton Avenue. It will feature more than 100 vendors peddling whatever you need, from food to homemade goods. Derby competitors usually wear costumes as they race to the finish along a three-mile course, and more than 15,000 people are expected to come cheer them on.
PRICE: Pay as you go
EVENT: Hawthornes Beer, Booze and Bubbly Block Party
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
WHERE: 11th Street, between Fitzwater and Catharine streets
DETAILS: Hawthornes Beer Café’s boozy block party is back with more than 75 selections of beer, champagne, rosé, cocktails and margaritas. There will be live music, food trucks and more.
PRICE: Pay as you go (cash only)
EVENT: An Alice Walker Weekend
DATE/TIME: Thursday through Sunday
WHERE: Various locations, including Ida’s Bookshop, 734 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, New Jersey, and online
DETAILS: Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” celebrates its 40th anniversary and for the first time, edited journals from the literary legend are being released under the title “Gathering Blossoms Under Fire.” To celebrate and to introduce itself, Harriett’s Bookshop’s sister store, Ida’s, is having a four-day grand opening and ode to the author, including a movie viewing, ribbon cutting, workshops, an interview with Alice Walker and more.
PRICE: Prices vary by event
EVENT: Ardmore Restaurant Week
DATE: Through May 22
WHERE: Various restaurants in Ardmore
DETAILS: Participating restaurants in Ardmore will be offering a prix fixe three-course dinner menu at $20, $30 or $40. Restaurants will offer indoor dining, outdoor dining, takeout and/or delivery.
PRICE: Prix fixe
EVENT: Trolly Hike Trail
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
DETAILS: Take a four-mile hike and learn about the Trolley Trail, which operated in Fairmount Park from 1896 to 1946 as a way to access all of the park’s amenities. What remains is a hidden trolley network with stone tunnels.
PRICE: Pay what you can: $15, $20 or $25
CANCELLATION POLICY: Hike will take place in light rain or snow. In case of severe storms or other inclement weather, the event will be canceled and attendees are eligible for a full refund.
EVENT: Spring Fungi Hike with the Philadelphia Mycology Club
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Roxborough
DETAILS: Learn how to identify different types of fungi on this special two-mile hike along the Ravine Loop trail. Hiking shoes are recommended, and there will be some hills with rocky and uneven terrain.
PRICE: Free with registration
EVENT: Pups and Pints
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m. (rain date is Sunday)
WHERE: The Pour House, 124 Haddon Ave., Haddon Township, New Jersey
DETAILS: Bring your four-legged friend for an afternoon of beer and dogs at The Pour House. There will be pets up for adoption, pet photos, a costume contest, paw painting and more.
PRICE: Pay as you go
EVENT: AWA’s Paw & Feet 5K and Doggie Fun Day
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine
WHERE: 2140 Voorhees Town Center, Voorhees, New Jersey
DETAILS: Get active with your pup during AWA’s 5K race or smile mile walk. There will be plenty of activities after you compete, including doggie beverages at the “barktini bar,” contests, a kids zone and more.
PRICE: Regular advance price is $35; day of is $40