FRIDAY, JULY 4
Special Events
10TH ANNUAL SUPER SCOOPER ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT ICE CREAM FESTIVAL, Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Walnut Street and Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia. Beat the summer heat and Pediatric Leukemia with some delicious ice cream. The festival takes place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, July 4 through Sunday, July 6. There will be extended hours on Saturday, July 5 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. Vendors include: Haagen-Dazs, Ben and Jerry's, Philadelphia Water Ice and many more. All proceeds benefit the Joshua Kahan Fund and the Children's Hospital Oncology Division. www.jkf.org, (215) 310-JOSH.
BETSY'S INDEPENDENCE DAY BASH, 239 Arch St., Philadelphia. Join the staff at the Betsy Ross House for their traditional Independence Day celebration. Visitors can take part in the annual naturalization ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Attendees are also encouraged to see Let Freedom Ring, the ceremonial nationwide bell-tapping event scheduled to commence at 2 p.m. There will also be a variety of daylong performances, as well as make-and-take crafts for folks to enjoy. The Betsy Ross House is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, April through October and Tuesday through Sunday during the winter. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and children. Visitors can also opt for an audio guide for $5, which includes admission. www.betsyrosshouse.org, (215) 686-1252.
BRANDYWINE "BIG BANG" BARBECUE, Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, Route 1 Southern Chester County, Pa. Tour six neighboring wineries, take part in wine tasting demonstrations, enjoy evening concerts, art shows, an assortment of refreshments provided by Nick's Chicks and much more. Participating wineries include: Chaddsford Winery, Chaddsford, Pa.; Kreutz Creek Vineyards, West Grove, Pa.; Twin Brook Winery, Gap Pa and many more. Take in an evening performance by the "Red Alert Band," as they play the best dance sounds from the 60s and today. The concert is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., admission is $20. Wine tasting sessions range from $5-$7. If you are in the mood to take in a few area sights, visitors can venture to Longwood Gardens, wonder around the exhibits at Winterthur, stroll through the local antique shops and art galleries or experience one of the area's fine eateries. Barbecue runs from July 4-July 6 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily. www.bvwinetrail.com, (866) 390-4367.
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Special Events
ART EXHIBIT: LIBERTY DAYS, National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St., Philadelphia. Declare freedom and celebrate independence with an assortment of crafts, tours and exhibits. Visitors are invited to tour the new "DNA Gallery," "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Acts or "CAREtoon" exhibits. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students and $2 for children ages 5-17, permitted they are accompanied by an adult. Families with two adults and children are $15. The exhibit will be available through July 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. www.libertymuseum.org, (215) 925-2800.
ART EXHIBIT: INTIMATE SPACES: NEAR AND FAR, 500 Block of High St., Millville. Part of the Third Friday Event, an exhibit showcasing the artistic talents of Verna McClain and Maryann Cannon. A fascinating display of eloquent courtyards and passageways situated in France and Italy as well as, doorways and windows. The exhibit also includes a selection of intimate interior spaces. The exhibit will be setup in the Associates Artist Alcove of the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts (RRCA). Closes July 12. Admission is free. www.riverfrontcenter.org, (856) 327-4500.
ART EXHIBIT: READING RAILROAD DAYS, The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Route 741, Strasburg, Pa. Celebrates the history of the Reading Railroad with a scale model railroad that is built, assembled and operated by the members of the Reading Company Technical and Historical Society. Attendees may also partake in demonstrations of the Museum's 1928 Reading Company turntable in the outdoor restoration yard. Showtimes are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. There will also be a couple of Reading Railroad FP7 diesel locomotives on site for observers to inspect from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The featured locomotives were once a part of the General Motors Electro-Motive Division. Capable of reaching up to 89 mph, No. 902 and 903 were part of an elite unit of pure passenger diesel trains, which were once assigned to the Reading's premier passenger train, the Crusader. The exhibit will be open through July 6. Museum admission is $8 for adults ages 18-59, $7 for seniors 60 and over, $6 for children ages 6-17 and kids ages five and under are free. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. www.strasburgpa.com, (866) STRSBRG.
SUNDAY, JULY 6
Special Events
SPORTS MEMORABILIA MANIA, Gloucester County Historical Society Museum, 17 Hunter St., Woodbury. Over 100 items from the private sports memorabilia collections of Gloucester County's Gar Miller will be shown, including pieces from baseball, football and golf history. The museum is open Mon., Wed., and Fri. 1-4 p.m., and the last Sunday of each month from 2-5 p.m. Adult admission is $4, children from 6 to 18 are $1. Children under 1 and members of the museum are free. Exhibit open until July 27, (856) 845-4771.
THE KUTZTOWN FOLK FESTIVAL, Kutztown Fairgrounds, Route 222 Kutztown, Pa. Open until July 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Celebrates Pennsylvania Dutch folklife. Recognized as one of three "must see" festivals in the region by the Washington Post. Visitors can enjoy folk art and crafts by over 200 authentic Pennsylvania German and early American craftsmen, a large assortment of beautifully, hand-made Pennsylvania Dutch quilts, historical reenactments, antiques and much more. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and children ages 12 and under are free. Parking is free. www.kutztownfestival.com, (888) 674-6136.
ART EXHIBIT: "JOURNEY THROUGH IMPRESSIONISM," Ocean Galleries, 9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor. Closes July 6. This exhibit offers its observers an in-depth look at 17 master impressionists including: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Mary Cassatt, Paul Cezanne, Edouard Manet and many others. Special guest, Alexandre Renoir, the great-grandson of Renoir, will be in attendance at the weekend receptions from 7p.m. to 10 p.m., to shed light on the value and significance of the artwork, as well as demonstrate his highly skilled artistic techniques and showcase his one of a kind collection of oil paintings. Ocean Galleries is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily during the summer. www.oceangalleries.com, (609)368-7777.
MONDAY, JULY 7
Special Events
"THE COLOR PURPLE," Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets., Philadelphia. A musical about hope and the healing power of love which opened on Broadway in Dec. 2006. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and was made into a Hollywood film by Steven Spielberg. An empowering story about Celie, a woman who triumphs over a variety of obstacles to discover the power of her voice. Closes July 13. Tickets on sale from $28 to $87.50. Premium box seats are available in limited quantity for $100 to $138. Groups of 20 or more people are eligible for a discount. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. There are also matinee performances on Saturdays at 2 p.m., Sunday at 1p.m. There will not be a performance on Friday, July 4. www.colorpurple.com, www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, (215) 731-3333, (215) 790-5883 or (866) 276-2947 for group discounts.
TUESDAY, JULY 8
Special Events
ART EXHIBIT: LILLI GETTINGER: MEMORY TRANSFORMED, Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine St., Doylestown, Pa. The exhibit of pastel drawings and polychrome relief sculptures illustrate both the physical and emotional struggles endured by Lilli Gettinger, during the Nazi invasion of Berlin in War World II. Sponsored by Mary Lou and Andrew Abruzzese of The Pineville Tavern. Exhibit will be open until August 3. Museum hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Open on Wednesday on select evenings and on the first Friday throughout the year until 9 p.m. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for students and children ages 6-18. Museum members are permitted to visit its exhibits free of charge. www.michenerartmuseum.org,(215) 340-9800.
Music
THE 17TH ANNUAL SUNSET JAZZ SERIES, Mickle Boulevard, The Riverstage at Wiggins Waterfront Park, Camden. Come see legendary saxophonist "Marion Meadows" kick off this magnificent concert. Showtime begins at 8 p.m., admission is free. Other musicians will be featured throughout the summer including: Euge Groove, The Kenny Garrett Quartet, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and many more, www.CamdenCounty.com or www.randexpr.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9
Special Events
ART EXHIBIT: MARK DION: "TRAVELS OF WILLIAM BARTRAM-RECONSIDERED," Bartram's Garden, 54 Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pa. Showcased at America's oldest botanic garden. Closes December 6. Free parking. Limited viewing available. (215) 729-5281 ext. 115, rsvp@bartramsgarden.org, include guest names, mailing address, phone and e-mail. E-mailed confirmation will include exhibition entrance time. House tours are available are available from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. www.bartramsgarden.org,(215) 729-5281.
CAPE MAY KIDS PLAYHOUSE, Cape May Convention Hall, Beach Dr., at Stockton Place, Cape May. A fun attraction for kids and adults alike. Enjoy high energy performances by jugglers, magicians, puppeteers, storytellers and more. Performances will run until August 11 from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays. $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-12. Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC.) www.capemaymac.org, (609) 884-5404.
Music
"DON'T CALL ME FRANCIS," Washington Lake Park, 626 Hurffville Cross Keys Road, Sewell. "Don't Call Me Francis," will play at 7 p.m., as part of the summer concert series presented by The Gloucester County Board of Freeholders and Washington Township. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs. Admission is free. Rain date is July 10. For rainout cancellations, (856) 523-0047. www.gloucestercountynj.gov, (856) 251-6710.
THURSDAY, JULY 10
Special Events
ART EXHIBIT: FASHIONING KIMONO: ART DECO AND MODERNISM IN JAPAN, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Fairmount and Pennsylvania Avenues, Philadelphia. Step into early 20th century Japan. This exhibit will feature 85 Japanese Kimonos from international acclaimed Montgomery Collection of Lugano, Switzerland. The display an assortment of formal, semi-formal, and casual kimonos worn by men, women and children. The showcase will also include a variety of other attire dated through the 1940s. Open until July 20. www.philamuseum.org.
ANNUAL BASTILLE DAY FESTIVAL, 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia. Step into an historic moment in French history. Open from July 10-13. The celebration begins with a French Fling Bar Crawl at 7 p.m. with Kronenbourg 1664 beer specials at local bars and restaurants. Vendors include: The Belgian Cafe, London Grill, Rembrandt's and many more. On July 11, London Grill will invite patrons to spin their French Trivia Wheel for an opportunity to win dinners for two, bottles of wine and much more. After feasting on some delicious French cuisine, visitors can enjoy a French-themed film sponsored by Friends of the Eastern Penitentiary. Movie screenings will be held on the lawn behind the Eastern State Penitentiary. Features include: Ratatouille at 7:30 p.m., Pepe Le Pew Cartoons at 9:30 p.m and Paris Je T'aime at 10 p.m. Other activities featured throughout the weekend will be the storming of the grim walls of "the Bastille," French champagne brunch and tours of the Eastern State Penitentiary. The Bastille Day Festival is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in costume, as French Peasants or Royalty. Penitentiary tours will run from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., admission is $12 for adults, $8 for students, seniors and children ages 7-12. Children under the age of 7 are not permitted to tour the penitentiary. Open year round from April 1 through November 30. There will also be a selection of twilight tours available from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. www.easternstate.org,(215) 236-3300.
"FOOTLOOSE," The Ritz Theatre Company, 915 White Horse Pike, Haddon Twp. This feel good musical, made popular in the 1980s by actor Kevin Beacon, tells the story of a group of teens in small town, Oklahoma. After dancing has been outlawed for years, the teens come together to petition the town council to allow the kids to celebrate their high school graduation with a spring dance. Opens July 10 through August 9. For tickets, visit www.ritztheatreco.org, (856) 858-5230.
Music
"COME RAIN OR COME SHINE," Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol, Pa. Enjoy a mix of legendary scores made famous in the 1930s and 40s by Harold Arlen, Gershwin, Porter, Berlin and more. Open July 10 through July 20. Showtimes are 8 p.m. on July 10, 11, 12, 18 and 19. There will be a matinee at 3 p.m. on July 13 and 20. There will also be 2 p.m. performance on July 16. Tickets are $29 for adults, $25 for subscribers, and $10 for students who provide a student ID. www.BRTstage.org, (215) 785-0100.
FRIDAY, JULY 11
Special Events
HAUNTED TROLLEY TOUR OF PHILADELPHIA, The Bourse, 111 S. Independence Mall, Philadelphia. Discover 20 riveting ghost tales believed to have occurred in the city of Philadelphia. Tours are available every Thursday through Sunday beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for children ages 4-12, if purchased online at www.ghosttour.com, or $30 for adults and $20 for kids ages 4-12, if purchased at ticket locations. Reservations are required. www.ghosttour.com, (215) 413-7000.
"KING LEAR," Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Center Valley, Pa. "King Lear" premiers at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. Proclaimed by many as one of Shakespeare's greatest literary masterpieces. The captivating tale of "King Lear", of Britain and the complex relationships he has with each of his three daughters; Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. After declaring that he is trading in his responsibilities as ruler of Britain for a life of tranquility, "King Lear" prepares to the affairs of his kingdom to his daughters. In order to inherit the largest share of land, each daughter must prove her love and devotion for their father. Previews of the performance will be on July 9 and 10. Showtimes are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $29 to $46. Discounts for subscribers, students, seniors, and groups will be available. Sponsored by Lutron Electronics Company Inc. Co-sponsored by Kathleen Kund Nolan, Timothy Nolan, Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth. Performance runs through August 3. www.pashakespeare.org, (610) 282-WILL.
Music
"LIBERATION," 1000 Riverwinds Drive, Thorofare. As part of Streetfest Outdoor Concert Series "Liberation," a Chicago Tribute band, graces the stage at the Riverwinds Amphitheater. Showtime begins at 8 p.m. and admission is free. www.riverwinds.org.