May 13-17: Mighty Writers benefit | Archaeology in Philly | Night Market Fairmount | Civic Horticulture Conference

In addition to lots of Love Your Park Week events (see our picks here), there’s lots to do this week – from eating in the street and helping young writers to digging deep into civic horticulture or urban archaeology.

SUPPORT: Mighty Writers benefit

Monday, May 13, 5:30-8:30pm. McGillan’s Old Ale House, 1310 Drury Street. Members of Leadership Philadelphia are hosting a benefit for Mighty Writers, a program that teaches kids in Philly to “think and write with clarity, so self-esteem grows and success is achieved at school, at work and in life.” Tickets cover an open bar, roast beef and pasta buffet, and the occasion to learn more about Mighty Writers. $40, purchase online.

LECTURE: Building Philadelphia: Digging in the City of Brotherly Love

Tuesday, May 14, 6-8pm, Center for Architecture, 1218 Arch St. As part of the 10-part lecture series about the architecture, history and politics of Philadelphia, archaeologist Rebecca Yamin (John Milner Associates) will present on urban archaeology in Philly. Individual lectures cost $20, $15 for AIA and Preservation Alliance members, $10 for students/AIA Associates. $75-$135, register online.

Feast: Night Market Fairmount

Thursday, May 16, 6-8pm. Fairmount Avenue and 22nd Street. It’s the Food Trust’s first Night Market of the year, and more than 50 of the city’s fine food trucks and many of the neighborhood’s restaurants will take over a stretch of Fairmount Avenue, inviting us to feast in the street while exploring the neighborhood. Be sure also to pop into Eastern State Penitentiary for an art exhibit and check out circus performers in the street. Pay as you go.

Conference: Civic Horticulture

Friday, May 17, 9am-5pm. University of the Arts, 401 South Broad Street, Gershman Hall, Levitt Auditorium. The Cultural Landscape Foundation and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society have put together an all-day exploration about civic horticulture – covering topics like streets, parks and plazas, and landcapes of production through the lenses of health, urban economics, placemaking, and the environment. Register online.