Special Events Archives - Philly on the Cheap

6 Must Attend Philadelphia Festivals 2013

Posted by Leah Ingram Special Events Comments Off

Apr 302013

Music lovers crowd Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Budweiser Made In America, taking place August 31-September 1, 2013 for the second year. Acts include Beyonce, Nine Inch Nails, Public Enemy, Emilee Sande, Solange and more. Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC. (PRNewsFoto/Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation)

Besides history one thing that Philly is know for is its festivals. That’s because from spring until fall, Philadelphia hosts a variety of festivals that music fans and culture vultures will consider must-dos, must-sees and must-hears.

For music fans, there’s the second-annual Budweiser Made In America concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, headlined by Beyonce.

Literature lovers will swoon over the Celebration of Black Writing, one of the oldest African-American literary events in the nation.

And for movie buffs, the sophomore BlackStar Film Festival, a unique gathering of filmmakers and storytellers of the African diaspora, will be a two-thumbs-up experience.

Here are 6 must attend Philadelphia festivals 2013, listed in chronological order:

May 4-June 1. Marking its 29^th year in 2013, the citywide Celebration of Black Writing, hosted by Art Sanctuary, serves as one of the oldest African-American literary events in the nation. The month-long festival, themed Beautiful Without Permission: Celebrating the Literary Achievements of Black Women, features author readings and workshops for emerging writers and closes with a family day, complete with some of Philadelphia’s best food trucks, vendors, performances and more. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to playwright Ntozake Shange, author of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, and artist Nnenna Freelon. (215) 232-4485, artsanctuary.org
June 1. Philly’s own Grammy-winning hip-hop band The Roots bring together artists from various genres for a daylong concert at the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing. In its sixth year, The Roots Picnic includes all-star performances by Solange, Gary Clark Jr., Naughty by Nature, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and, of course, The Roots. Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, 601 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 629-3200, okayplayer.com/rootspicnic
July 1-7. There’s no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in its birthplace, and Philadelphia marks the Fourth of July with a free multi-day festival— Wawa Welcome America!—that includes a concert and fireworks extravaganza at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Last year, Common, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah and others graced the stage. Stay tuned for details about this year’s musical guests. 26^th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, welcomeamerica.com
August 1-4. Dubbed “the black Sundance” by Ebony magazine, the BlackStar Film Festival gathers filmmakers and cinema lovers for screenings and workshops that illuminate the global black experience. Helmed by honorary co-chairs Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter of The Roots, this year’s festival features a special transmedia performance with DJ King Britt. Also new this year: a ceremony that honors the legacy of the Howard University Film Program, screenings at the Barnes Foundation and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, a critical issues symposium, an international music showcase and more.
(215) 232-4485, blackstarfest.org
August 31- September 1. Last year, music lovers were thrilled when Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter stood on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, alongside Jay-Z, to announce that a two-day musical extravaganza would take place on the Parkway: Budweiser Made In America. After an enormously successful weekend, Made In America returns to Philadelphia for year two. Acts include Beyonce, Nine Inch Nails, Public Enemy, Emilee Sande, Solange and more. madeinamericafest.com
September 21-22. Philadelphia has a rich jazz legacy, and this fall, the city welcomes the first-ever Philadelphia United Jazz Festival and Celebration. The festival aims to show off the outstanding jazz music created, performed and exported from Philadelphia. The historic Clef Jazz Club will serve as the event’s home base with several satellite stages located on Broad Street. Clef Club, 738 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-9912, clefclubofjazz.org

New Joe’s Crab Shack in Deptford Offers Free Food

Posted by Leah Ingram Special Events Comments Off

Apr 152013

Joe’s Crab Shack is opening a brand-new location in Deptford on Tuesday, April 16, with free food offers and lots of celebrating. If you’re a fan of crab, seafood or just Joe’s Crab Shack in general, you’ll want to check this out.

The new Joe’s Crab Shack will officially open at 11 a.m., but fans will be lining up well beforehand to stake their claim as one of the first 100 guests to dine and win free crab for a year. All guests on opening day can enter to win a prize like none other – free crab for LIFE.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in Joe’s month-long fundraiser for Autism Speaks by purchasing coupons for free kid’s meals, appetizers and entrees in exchange for charitable donations to the organization.

For every $1 donation, guests receive a free kid’s meal
With a $5 donation, you’ll get a free Crazy-Good Crab Dip
With a $10 donation, you’ll enjoy a free Classic Steampot.

This newest Joe’s Crab Shack location is at 2000 Clements Bridge Road in the Deptford Landing shopping center.

I’ll Be At Princeton Public Library’s Local Author Day

Posted by Leah Ingram Philly on the Cheap News, Special Events Comments Off

Apr 102013

Local Author Day begins on Saturday, April 13, at the Princeton Public Library with workshops for published and non-published writers. At 10 a.m., author and Star Ledger columnist Mark Di Ionno presents “Writing a Novel: Formulating an Idea and Plotting the Story.” Following at 11 a.m. will be author Jon Gibbs on “Recognizing and Embracing Your Narrative Voice.”

The highlight of the day will be an author fair from 1-4 p.m. where 42 authors will display and sign their works. I am one of those 42 authors who will be on hand to talk about my two latest frugal-living books–Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less and Toss, Keep, Sell!: The Suddenly Frugal Guide to Cleaning Out the Clutter and Cashing In. Not only will I be signing books, but I will be selling them at a discount!

You may recall that last year I gave a talk on frugal living at the Princeton Public Library. They’re a great bunch of book lovers to work with, and I’m looking forward to being able to share my love of frugal living with those who attend the author fair this Saturday.

If you’re interested in attending, the Princeton Public Library is located at 65 Witherspoon St. in
Princeton, New Jersey.

Cheap Tickets to Kid Rock Concert

Posted by Leah Ingram Special Events Comments Off

Apr 092013

$20 for a concert ticket. It must have been way back when I was in high school in the 1980s that concert tickets were that cheap. So that’s why when I found out that Kid Rock is offering throwback prices for his upcoming concert with cheap tickets priced at $20, I had to share it with the Philly on the Cheap audience.

According to an announcement, “Kid Rock is breaking all the rules with his U.S. Summer tour by offering tickets in all sections (reserved seats and lawn) at an affordable $20 price point, using paperless tickets where possible, and lowering prices on everything from parking to beer to merchandise for every show in every city. Tickets go on sale to the public in select markets beginning April 12th on LiveNation.com.”

Says Kid Rock, “Everyone knows the economy is still hurting people across the country, but I didn’t want that to be a reason why everyone couldn’t get out and enjoy themselves on a summer night. So we’re going to throw the biggest and best party ever, with prices across the board that are reasonable and transparent. No hidden fees, no gimmicks. We’re not sparing any expense on this tour, we’re going over the top as always, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to ask the fans to pay more. If this works we’re going to play to packed houses of fans who appreciate what we’re doing. If it doesn’t, might be a long summer. But someone has to go out there and fight these high prices and change things up, and I’m lucky enough that I can afford to take a pay cut. $20. Best night ever.”

Paperless tickets are being used where possible to further help reduce scalping. Fans will have the option of paper and paperless tickets, but Kid Rock has chosen to use paperless tickets as it is a proven method of getting face value tickets directly into the hands of his real fans so they don’t have to pay an astronomical mark up by scalpers.

Participating Walmart and Live Nation box office locations will offer all-in $20 tickets. All tickets sold via other outlets will carry additional service fees and/or parking fees where applicable.

In the Philly area (or thereabouts), you’ll be able to see Kid Rock on the following two dates:

6/29/13 PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, with Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker
7/9/13 Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, New Jersey, with Kool & The Gang & Uncle Kracker

All dates subject to change.

For additional ticket and tour information visit KidRock.com and LiveNation.com.

Free Entertainment in Philly Starts Today in University City

Posted by Leah Ingram Freebie, Special Events Comments Off

Apr 032013

Today, April 3rd, kicked off the second year of free entertainment in Philly and other kinds of programming at The Porch at 30th Street Station in University City.

Once a congested parking lane and bland, barren sidewalk, The Porch at 30th Street Station has quickly become one of the most animated public places in Philadelphia, with amenities such as abundant and comfortable seating, sun and shade, trees and plantings, and a plethora of ongoing events beginning in April.

LUNCHTIME ACCORDION SERENADE | MONDAYS + FRIDAYS, NOON-1PM
Every Monday and Friday you can experience the beauty of solo accordion, from Eastern European to South American, Polka to American Jazz.

WXPN PHILLY LOCAL WEDNESDAYS | WEDNESDAYS, NOON
Live music every Wednesday from Philly’s rising stars.

April 3 – Dante Bucci
April 10 – The Fleeting Ends
April 17 – Christie Lenée
April 24 – The Splashing Pearls

GOURMET FOOD TRUCKS
WEDNESDAYS, 11:30AM-2:30PM
The Cow and the Curd
Cupcake Carnival
Lucky Old Souls
The Sunflower Truck Stop

FRIDAYS, 11:30AM-2:30PM
Just Jackie’s Food Truck
Say Cheese
Spot Burger
Sweetbox Cupcakes

BODYROCK FITNESS | THURSDAYS, 6PM
Put your lunch break to work for you with fitness programming from University City’s BodyRock Bootcamp.

April 4 – Bootcamp
April 11 – Bokwa
April 18 – Zumba
April 25 – Bootcamp

GIVE AND TAKE STREET PERFORMERS AND THE LITTLE CIRCUS

April 3, 11:30AM-2:30PM (Street Performers)
April 12, 11:30AM-2:30PM (Little Circus)

Enjoy the fresh air and live music, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the second busiest train station in America. For more information about events at The Porch at 30th Street Station visit http://universitycity.org/porch-events

Kids Learn to Fly For Free in Philly

Posted by Leah Ingram Special Events Comments Off

Mar 132013

Photo Credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Do you have kids who have expressed an interest in learning to fly? If so, there is a free program available in the Philadelphia area that lets kids learn to fly for free.

Through Young Eagles, a program that the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) runs, kids ages eight through 17 have the chance to experience the excitement of flight for free. Volunteer pilots take the interested kids and teens up on their first flight.

In fact, the whole experience is said to mimic what a real pilot goes through before, during and after a real flight–including a careful “walk around” preflight inspection of the airplane and identifying the parts that control the airplane.

According to the Young Eagles website, “most Young Eagle flights last between 15 and 20 minutes. Once back on the ground, there will be additional time for you to ask questions about the flight.”

The Young Eagle website includes a state-by-state directory of volunteer pilots. In the Philly area I saw pilots mostly in Upper Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania–I was surprised not to find one in Doylestown, since there is a small airport there–as well as Medford and Trenton in New Jersey.

Here’s what else the website has to say about the program:

Since 1992, more than 1.6 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by more than 42,000 volunteer pilots.

If your child is a Boy Scout or Girl Scout, it is possible for him or her to earn a badge from this Young Eagles experience. Make sure you check the requirements before booking your free flight.

I first heard about the Young Eagles program through a post on the Living on the Cheap network website, of which I am a contributing editor. You may want to check out that article yourself.

Wedding Gowns Cheap

Posted by Leah Ingram Special Events Comments Off

Mar 042013

Would you be willing to drive to Maryland to find wedding gowns cheap? If you’re a bride on a budget, chances are you would easily make that trip to save yourself a couple hundred, maybe thousand, dollars on a dress. Here’s how you can do that this Friday.

Loehmann’s, the discount department store, is holding a “Grab the Gown” event at the Chevy Chase, Maryland store only. The madness, er shopping happening begins on Friday, March 8 at 7:00 a.m. Brides are encouraged to arrive early to get their best pick of the pickings before they (the pickings) become slim.

Here are details from a recent Loehmann’s press release:

Brides-to-be will have access to an extensive collection of over 600 designer wedding gowns from names including Allure Bridal, Bellisima, Casa Mia, Christina Wu, Demetrios and others. Loehmann’s will feature the large boutique-like set-up of wedding dresses on the store’s 2nd floor. While the original prices of the gowns are an eyebrow-raising $500 to $12,500, at Loehmann’s, each one is priced between $300 and $1,000, adding up to truly big savings for a bride’s big day!

Loehmann’s is located at 5333 Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase.

$1 Deals in University City

Posted by Leah Ingram Special Events Comments Off

Jul 172012

Dollar stroll along Baltimore Avenue.

Every summer the University City District hosts a series of outdoor street festivals, including dollar deals along Baltimore Avenue. This year’s $1 deals will be available this Thursday, July 19th. (There will be other dollar days on August 16th and then again on September 20th.)

More than 25 participating businesses set up shop on their stoops to offer $1 specials, as attendees walk the streets enjoying live music, street performances, and additional vendors. Dollar deals range for $1 dog treats to $1 fountain drinks.

You can find a full list of participating businesses in the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll on the University City website.

Learn to Kayak for $20

Posted by Leah Ingram Special Events Comments Off

May 132012

Have you always wanted to learn to kayak? This spring and summer, you can take kayaking lessons for just $20 at the L.L. Bean store in Center Valley–in the Shops at Saucon Valley in the Lehigh Valley. This is part of the L.L. Bean Discovery Series Courses. You can even get your kids involved–children as young as age 8 can sign up for lessons, as long as mom or dad is along for the ride and lesson as well. Check out the schedule of kayak lessons on the L.L. Bean website.

Possible Free Medication

Posted by Leah Ingram Special Events Comments Off

Mar 262012

I just got this lead through one of my affiliate networks for a depression research study that could result in participants getting free medication and up to $800 compensation for their time. Here is the study’s criteria:

Male or female 18 to 65 years of age
Diagnosed with Depression
Depressed 8 weeks but not longer than 3 years
Already taking antidepressants but not experiencing full relief
Be otherwise healthy without serious disease such as HIV, Cancer, kidney dialysis, etc.

The reason I’m sharing this here on Philly on the Cheap is that 1) I thought it might help someone you know–and who wouldn’t want to get help for depression and earn some cash. And 2) the researchers are looking for study participants in specific places only, Pennsylvania and New Jersey being two such locations.

Good luck!

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