June 7-9: Grid release party | Penn Treaty Park concert | Prison food at Eastern State | West Park Arts Fest | Fete Day | PrideDay | Preservation Alliance tours

Happy weekend! 

PARTY Grid Issue #51 Release Party

Friday, June 7, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Grace Tavern, 2229 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia. Join Grid this Friday for the release of its Cheese Issue at Grace Tavern, where Saucony Creek Brewing Co. will also be unveiling its new Stonefly IPA. This issue includes a profile of Philly Bread, lots and lots of cheese, and the 10th annual Local Food Guide. While you’re at the party, make sure you check out the recently restored fountain outside of Grace Tavern in the northern Grays Ferry triangle. 

LISTEN Fantastic Fridays Summer Concert Kickoff

Friday, June 7, 6pm – 8pm, Penn Treaty Park, 1341 N Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA. Penn Treaty Park kicks off its Fantastic Fridays Concert series with Sensational Soul Cruisers, one of the region’s premier dance bands. Bring your cooler, your beach chair or blanket and your dancing shoes.  Parking is limited so take a stroll through the neighborhood down to the Delaware, and don’t forget to visit a local business before or after.  

TASTE Prison Food Weekend @ Eastern State Penitentiary

Saturday, June 8, All Day, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. What did prisoners eat nearly 200 years ago? What do prisoners eat today? Visitors to Eastern State Penitentiary will sample meals served to prisoners from three periods in the prison’s history, including “Indian Mush” from the 1830s and Neutraloaf, a “food product” that is still issued as punishment in many prison systems today. Standard admission prices: Adults $14, Seniors $12, Students & Kids $10.

FEST West Park Arts Fest 2013

Saturday, June 8, 11am-5pm, West Fairmount Park at the School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. The 6th Annual West Park Arts Fest will celebrate student achievement in the arts and the rich cultural offerings of the Centennial District this weekend. The event is expected to draw more than 100 artists and 200 children and youth performers. The festivities are made possible by a collaborative effort among several West Park institutions aims to feature the arts and cultural resources available to the community, engage children and youth, bring cultures together and highlight the Fairmount Park Centennial District. 

TOUR Fete Day – Elfreth’s Alley Annual Open House Festival

Saturday, June 8, Noon – 5pm, Elfreth’s Alley (between Second and Front Streets, North of Arch Street). While it sees its fair share of foot traffic each day, guests of the historic street hardly ever have the opportunity to discover the homes of the 60 residents. On just a few select days of the year, the homes of Elfreth’s Alley open their doors to guests for Fete Day, an annual open house celebration. This Saturday a dozen of the street’s residents will give guests a look into their homes for a peek at the modern updates, or historic preservation, that have occurred in each. Cost: Adults $20, Students $10, Families $55

PARADE 2013 LGBT PrideDay Parade And Festival

Sunday, June 9, Noon – 10pm, Parade 13th and Locust streets to Penn’s Landing, where festival takes place. This weekend, join in the merrymaking of the 25th anniversary celebration of PrideDay, Philadelphia’s LGBT parade and festival, which takes place during International Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and features live music, DJs, food, drinks and a festive parade that runs from the Gayborhood to Penn’s Landing. This year’s event is expected to be bigger and better than ever with more than 160 vendors and groups already registered. Cost: Parade is free; festival is $10

TOUR The Preservation Alliance Walking Tours

Ben Franklin’s Philadelphia: Saturday, June 8, 10am – Noon, Meet at entrance to Franklin Court, 316 Market St. Celebrate the 300th anniversary of Ben Franklin’s birth with a tour beginning at the site of his home and print shop. 

Bella Vista: Saturday, June 8, 2pm – 4pm, Meet SE corner of 10th & South Sts. Learn how Bella Vista “beautiful view” lives up to its name with lively and historic neighborhood architecture.

Old City: Sunday, June 9, 2pm – 4pm, Meet at the benches, N. 2nd St. at Elfreth’s Alley. Explore colonial Philadelphia, the history of the walking/mercantile city and the Victorian structures that emerged a generation later. Learn how the area was the center of commercial, retail and government activity until the city moved west to Center Square in the mid/late 19th center. 

Enjoy!