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Author: Earl Hopkins

  • ⚽ Post-World Cup blues? Fill that soccer-shaped void | Things to do

    ⚽ Post-World Cup blues? Fill that soccer-shaped void | Things to do

    I’m not going to lie, I’m still recovering from Argentina’s loss and the end of the FIFA World Cup.

    I watched Spain shutout the Lionel Messi-led team on the world stage, right next to five Spain fans at Old City Beer Garden. Their La Roja jerseys flew into the air, as they leaped from their seats like a weight-absorbed spring.

    In the days that have seemed empty since, I’ve barely mustered up the energy to go looking for events and attractions happening in the region this weekend.

    But like Spain’s late-game rally, I fought through the heart ache and delivered anyway. (I can at least get a point for that, right?). Let me know how you’re coping with your World Cup blues.

    Read below to see what’s happening in the region.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Jill Scott takes over the Met starting Friday

    Jill Scott takes to the stage for One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Philadelphia.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Jilly from Philly is coming home! After a brief but riveting performance at the One Philly Unity Concert for America stage on Independence Day, Jill Scott is coming home to North Philly.

    In support of her new album, To Whom This May Concern, the iconic singer will headline four shows at the Met Philadelphia.

    Her run begins Friday night, followed by a show on Saturday, July 27, and July 29.

    Learn more from about her upcoming performances here.

    The best things to do this week

    Anchor, a beloved hammerhead shark from Camden’s Adventure Aquarium, passed away on Sunday.Photo Courtesy of Adventure Aquarium

    🎵 The orchestra strikes a chord: Watch the classic, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, but with the Philadelphia Orchestra playing the soundtrack to the space epic at the Highmark Mann Center.

    🎭 A love story across time: Experience the best-selling novel, turned beloved romance flick, on the theater stage. The Notebook is playing at the Academy of Music through Aug. 2.

    👣 Do like the Romans: Walk the streets of South Philly before you dine. The Passyunk Passeggiata, inspired by the Roman tradition, invites folks to an evening stroll before they enjoy speciality food and drink deals.

    🦈 Sip with the sharks: Head to the other side of the Delaware River for an undersea exploration, with a cocktail in hand. Adventure Aquarium’s Sunset with the Sharks offers views of the Philly skyline and the ocean’s apex predator.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Jazzing on Ridge Festival, Liberty Flea Market, and Arte en Las Calles. Here’s our full list for the week.

    Make the World Better Weekend at the Dell Music Center

    Twisted Tens will open for Kurt Vile & the Violators and They Are Gutting A Body of Water at Connor Barwin’s Make The World Better Concert Weekend at the Dell Music Center in Strawberry Mansion on July 25.Courtesy of the Artist

    Former Philadelphia Eagle Connor Barwin’s two-night fundraising concert, Make The World Better Concert Weekend, launches at Dell Music Center on Friday.

    The annual festival’s lineup includes acts such as Pavement and Ratboys on Friday, and Kurt Vile and the Violators on Saturday.

    The proceeds will go toward Barwin’s Make the World Better Foundation, dedicated to improving local parks, rec centers, and playgrounds.

    Learn more about MTWB Concert Weekend here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    At the Colored Girls Museum, vanessa german stands next to “The Oracle” and “The Table,” two characters in her exhibit “The House, The Oracle and The Table.” She built and curated the exhibit for the Colored Girls Museum.Zamani Feelings

    🧵 A thread of history: Franklin Thread, a new 375-foot-long art installation, explores Benjamin Franklin’s foray into early agriculture. The flax-based thread was developed by Temple University professor Jeff Richards. It’s on view beginning this Thursday at Maya Park.

    🎨 Colored Girls Museum is transformed: Renowned artist vanessa german’s new art show, “The House, The Oracle and the Table,” adorns the Colored Girls Museum’s first floor. It’s a three-piece exhibit in honor of the museum’s 10th birthday.

    📚 From ‘micro bookshop’ to storefront: Little Yenta Books started as a pop-up shop at South Philly bars, but its new, expanded storefront boasts triple the number of titles – which means all the more fun for us book nerds.

    🍲 South Philly bites: Feast on specialty bites and dining deals at 20 restaurants during Queen Village Restaurant Week. If you miss this week’s opening, don’t fret. The South Philly celebration lasts until Aug. 9.

    Staffer picks

    Shakira performs during halftime during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)Matt Slocum

    Here’s pop music critic Dan Deluca’s list of the best concerts this weekend.

    🪕 Thursday: Country star Tim McGraw, fresh off performing at Taylor Swift’s wedding (or so we think), will perform his timeless classics and recent singles at Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

    🎸 Friday: Hannah Cohen, who released 2025’s Earthstar Mountain, is bringing her dreamy, pastoral collection to Wayne’s 118 North on Friday.

    💃 Saturday: The Colombian superstar Shakira, who performed her global hit “Dai Dai” at the FIFA World Cup final, is dropping into the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday.

    🎤 Saturday and Sunday: Electro-jam band Disco Biscuits is set to perform at King of Prussia’s Heuser Park Saturday and Sunday.

    Check out the full concert list here.

    ❓Pop quiz

    North Philly’s Jill Scott says her favorite cheesesteak is at Ishkabibbles. How does she take it? (Here’s a hint: Fried onions is a must, and the rest is a delicious mess.)

    A) Fried onions, whiz, mayo, hot sauce

    B) Fried onions, provolone, relish

    C) Fried onions, marinera, mozzarella, mustard and mayo

    d) Fried onions, hot sauce, hot peppers, mayo

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: DJ and record producer Diplo largely grew up in Miami, but what local university did he graduate from? Answer: Temple University

    Ask Earl anything

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I got you. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    That’s all for this week’s edition, folks. Enjoy another weekend of theater, music festivals, restaurant specials, and interesting art installations.

    – Earl Hopkins

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of G
  • If J. Cole’s Xfinity Mobile Arena tour stop is anything to go by, there is no ‘falling off’ in the cards

    If J. Cole’s Xfinity Mobile Arena tour stop is anything to go by, there is no ‘falling off’ in the cards

    What’s a “fall-off” exactly?

    In the NBA, it’s when a player loses his burst or first-step. Eventually, the player’s statistics dip, injuries pile up, and the calls for retirement become unavoidable.

    Rap superstar J. Cole, whose latest album is called The Fall-Off, loves the sport. His music is coded with basketball references, begging comparisons between an athlete’s dedication on the court to Cole’s in the studio. He, being a basketball player himself, understands how the game can force you to hang up your jersey, even when you feel there’s more to give.

    The same rules don’t apply to the rap game, and Cole knows that. At 41, Cole made a brief pro basketball run in China in April, when most athletes his age have either retired or are in the twilight of their careers.

    The Grammy-winning rapper J. Cole brought Fayetteville to Philly on his “The Fall-Off World Tour” stop at Xfinity Mobile Arena on July 20, 2026.MIKE JONES

    Sure, his new song claims “the fall-off is inevitable,” but unlike an aged NBA star, there’s nothing that points to Cole’s musical decline.

    His first of two shows at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Monday night for “The Fall-Off World Tour” was enough proof.

    Despite his initial claims that The Fall-Off would be his last studio album, the man isn’t showing signs of retiring. He’s relishing the moment, enjoying the ride he’s taken with his fans since 2007’s The Come Up, and occasionally taking personal detours along the way. And to his fans’ delight, he doesn’t let his foot off the gas.

    Cole’s journey to the Xfinity Mobile Arena stage began amid the crowd. Dressed in an unassuming black sweatshirt, he appeared sitting in the stands, in the middle of an arena spotlight. . A video of him appeared on the stage’s LED screen; a title card identified Jermaine Lamarr Cole as the director of the show we were about to witness.

    With “39 Intro” blaring in the arena, Cole walked through the crowd shaking hands with everyone in his path.

    The battered Honda Civic that Cole has kept from his college days, and later drove across the country to promote The Fall-Off’s release, descended onto the stage.

    From then on, Cole was in the driver’s seat.

    With a replica of Fayetteville, N.C.’s historic Market House in the background, he transitioned to hard-hitting odes to his hometown.

    When he performed “Two Six,” a reference to the 26th county in North Carolina where his city lies, the crowd swung their tour-branded towels in the air like fans at an NBA playoff game.

    “We’re only a few songs in, and I can tell this [is] one of them ones,” Cole said less than 10 minutes into his setlist, before breaking into “Safety,” followed by a five-minute monologue about Disc 29, the first half of The Fall-Off.

    The Grammy-winning rapper J. Cole brought Fayetteville to Philly on his “The Fall-Off World Tour” stop at Xfinity Mobile Arena on July 20, 2026.MIKE JONES

    These moments allowed Cole to delve deep into his creative choices and concepts, but it was at the expense of the show’s momentum. He halted tracks like “Life Sentence” to express how much he wants his fans’ marriages to succeed, all to little effect.

    Those lengthy spiels aside, the sequencing of his songs provided a window into Cole’s mind. And with every changing record and shift in the emotional weight, the stage backdrop changed hues — from bright amber on “Two Six” to deep blues and violets on “Poor Thang.”

    The smoke intensified as Cole bounced from 2014’s “A Tale of 2 Citiez” and “Fire Squad,” before pausing to ask the crowd for a quick favor. “Philly, I know y’all don’t play about your sports teams … Whether you’re from PA, Philly, or Jersey, can y’all pretend y’all from Fayetteville for this one song? Is that cool?”

    It didn’t take much convincing.

    He broke into “Old Dog,” and the crowd obliged – erupting as the booming record sprung into rotation.

    As a note of thanks, Cole played a medley of one-off singles and collaborative hits, including “MIDDLE CHILD” and “a lot,” his Grammy-winning collab with 21 Savage.

    He polled the audience to see which of his fans could spit his verse on Benny the Butcher’s “Johnny P’s Caddy,” and one lucky Altoona, Pa., native was handpicked to join him on stage.

    Cole then moved to early mixtape favorites like “Lights Please” and “In the Mourning” before leaping to radio jams like “Work Out” and “Nobody’s Perfect,” all with seamless execution. .

    The crowd rose to their feet for “Wet Dreamz” and hoisted their phone lights to “Love Yourz.”

    Then, after singing “Power Trip” and “Planez,” Cole proceeded to spoil the show’s end.

    “I can’t lie, I have two more songs left,” he declared. “The second is a selfish one. It’s for me.”

    The first was “No Role Modelz,” a track accompanied with an AI video of Cole dressed as former President George W. Bush misstating a common proverb during his 2002 visit to a Nashville high school.

    “Fool me once … shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again,” Cole rapped, repeated the former president’s words. The obviously doctored video briefly amused the crowd (and Cole).

    The Grammy-winning rapper J. Cole brought Fayetteville to Philly on his “The Fall-Off World Tour” stop at Xfinity Mobile Arena on July 20, 2026.MIKE JONES

    The final song of Cole’s performance was “Quik Stop.” Another personal detour, but a welcome one, no doubt.

    “It’s not a hit record. So, if you want to leave to beat traffic, I get it,” he said. “I got to do this song.”

    Fans barely budged as Cole closed the two-hour show with a record that encapsulates how one encounter with a fan reminded him of his musical existence.

    That closing record was reflective of Cole’s delivery throughout the show.

    He isn’t one for onstage theatrics, synchronized pyrotechnics, or elaborate LED graphics. It’s just him and a microphone, a direct exchange between him and his fans with a few monologues thrown into the mix.

    As it stands, Cole hasn’t lost sight of that connection, and he certainly hasn’t lost his musical touch or command on stage.

    There’s no “falling off” here, only falling forward. Cole is still commanding the rap game, as a great point guard controls the flow of offense.

    And neither he nor his Honda Civic has met its last stop yet.

    Setlist

    • “39 Intro”
    • “Two Six”
    • “Safety”
    • “Run a Train”
    • “Poor Thang”
    • “Legacy”
    • “A Tale of 2 Citiez”
    • “Fire Squad / WHO TF IZ U”
    • “Old Dog”
    • “MIDDLE CHILD”
    • “a lot” (21 Savage Cover)
    • “Johnny P’s Caddy” (Benny the Butcher Cover)
    • “Lights Please”
    • “2Face”
    • “In the Mourning”
    • “Nobody’s Perfect”
    • “Work Out”
    • “Can’t Get Enough”
    • “The London” (Young Thug Cover)
    • “She Knows”
    • “Drum n Bass”
    • “The Let Out”
    • “Bombs in the Ville/Hit the Gas”
    • “Wet Dreamz”
    • “G. O. M. D.”
    • “Life Sentence”
    • “Love Yourz”
    • “Power Trip”
    • “Planez” (Jeremih Cover)
    • “No Role Modelz”
    • “Quik Stop”
  • Cirque du Soleil will return to Philadelphia with a holiday production

    Cirque du Soleil will return to Philadelphia with a holiday production

    Cirque du Soleil‘s popularity is as high as an acrobat’s leap through a suspended hula hoop. And the world’s largest circus company is getting ready to land on its feet in Philadelphia again.

    After dazzling Greater Philadelphia Expo Center audiences with Luzia’s elemental wonder earlier this summer, the entertainment group is coming back with a holiday-themed production.

    Cirque du Soleil’s Twas the Night Before … will be at the Met Philadelphia from Dec. 17-27.

    Cirque du Soleil’s “Twas the Night Before…” is coming to the Met Philadelphia in December. The show will feature aerial strap duos, hoop diving, roller skating, and other performances.Courtesy of Benoit Z. Leroux

    Inspired by the classic 1823 poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” the acrobatic tale follows a young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holiday season. The poem, largely attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, is believed to have inspired the very concept of Santa Claus.

    It’s thought that Moore was struck with inspiration while he rode a sleigh on a shopping trip around 1823, the year the poem was published anonymously. He later claimed authorship in 1837.

    Come December, the Met Philadelphia stage will transform into a winter wonderland, filled with high-flying aerial strap duos, hoop diving, roller skating, soaring hair suspension, and high-energy dancers across more than 10 acts.

    Twenty-six artists will perform to a soundtrack of reimagined Christmas classics and original songs, composed by musical director Jean-Phi Goncalves.

    Cirque du Soleil’s “Twas the Night Before…” is coming to the Met Philadelphia in December.Courtesy of Kyle Flubacker

    The 85-minute show is the company’s first Christmas show since its founding in 1984. Twas the Night Before … premiered in Chicago in 2019 and played in Philadelphia in 2024.

    Tickets to the production are available online for Cirque Club members beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Cirque Club membership is free, and benefits include access to advance tickets and other special offers. LiveNation All-Access Presale begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

    General tickets are available starting at 10 a.m. Friday.

    For more information and to purchase tickets, visit themetphilly.com.

  • 🎆 The fireworks aren’t over yet | Things to do

    🎆 The fireworks aren’t over yet | Things to do

    While Independence Day has passed, it won’t be the last time fireworks light up the summer sky.

    America’s 250th birthday celebration continues Saturday with the Philly Foodie & Fireworks Festival.

    More than 100 local food vendors, live music, a pop-up beer garden, and a fireworks show will take over Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack.

    Read below to see what else is happening in the region.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Diplo’s Run Club returns to South Philly

    Diplo’s Run Club in San Francisco in 2024. The DJ-producer brings the 5K to FDR Park in South Philly on Saturday, in a Make The World Better Concert Weekend adjacent event.Prscilla Rodriguez

    Lace up your running shoes and don’t forget your headphones: Diplo’s Run Club Philadelphia is back for another sprint in South Philly.

    The 5Kfun begins and ends at Lincoln Financial Field. Once runners cross the finish line, the football field transforms into a concert venue for Diplo’s post-race performance.

    Purchase tickets here.

    The best things to do this week

    Alto saxophonist Sonny Fortune is to headline Saturday at Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival.

    🥘 Wickedly Gluten Free: Drop in to the Wicked Gluten Free Expo this Saturday for allergen free, vegan, and gluten-free vendors. There will also be free product samples, a kid’s play area, and over 100 exhibitors at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

    🎺 Get Jazzy in West Philly: The Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival returns Saturday with live music, food trucks and local vendors at Saunders Park Greene.

    🎺 All Love Block Party: Stop into West Philly for the ninth All Love Block Party, featuring a stacked lineup of local DJs, live performers, and Black-owned vendors.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Philly Youth Music Fest, Summerfest in Northern Liberties, Jewelry Swap with Yam Jewelry. Here’s our full list for the week.

    Fireworks continue to light the summer sky

    Fireworks fill the sky at the One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday, July 5, 2026 in Philadelphia.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer

    The Philly Foodie & Fireworks Festival returns to Harrah’s Philadelphia on Saturday with more than 100 vendors, including local food trucks, a pop-up beer garden, and an antique and general vendor market.

    Mechanical bull rides, live performances, and a family fun zone round out the festivities before a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

    The festival kicks of at 2 p.m.

    Purchase tickets here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    People at the Parks on Tap – Water Works traveling beer garden drink as the setting sun reflects off of the Schuyllkill, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    🍛 Specialty dishes in UCity: Get a taste of specialty discounted dishes for University City Dining Days. Select restaurants will offer three-course meals ranging from $20-40 through July 26.

    🎣 Good catch my friend: Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 offers families a chance to learn the fishing basic – rods, tackle, and instructions provided. Participants ages 5 and older can try their new skills on the Delaware River.

    🍺 Parks on Tap: This week, the traveling beer garden is in East Falls’ McMichael Park through Sunday.

    💐 A second life: Wood recovered from Morris Arboretum & Garden is transformed into beautiful arches and trellises for the new exhibition, Exuberant Blooms.

    Staffer picks

    Earth, Wind & Fire – (from left) Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson – brought a party to The Theater at MGM National Harbor Dec. 12, 2025 at the first of two sold-out shows at the venue.Vickey Ford for Live Nation

    Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week from our music critic Dan DeLuca.

    🎸 Thursday: Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire take over Xfinity Mobile Arena for an all-in-one celebration of R&B, soul, disco, funk, and jazz.

    🎶 Friday: While the FIFA Fan Festival runs through Sunday, the final show in the concert series will feature dance-pop singer Bebe Rexha.

    🎸 Saturday: Philly bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma teams up with Sun Ra Arkestra leader Marshall Allen for a performance at the Grounds for Sculpture stage in Hamilton, N.J.

    🎤 Monday: North Carolina rap star J. Cole says his new album, The Fall Off is his last. That’s to be seen. For now, he’s bringing “The Fall-Off World Tour” to Xfinity Mobile Arena on Monday and Tuesday.

    ❓Pop quiz

    Diplo returns to Philadelphia for his annual 5k run. While the DJ and record producer largely grew up in Miami, what local university did he graduate from?

    A) Drexel University

    B) La Salle University

    C) Thomas Jefferson University

    D) Temple University

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: What Chestnut Hill tavern created the signature Philly sandwich, the Schmitter? Answer: McNally’s Tavern

    Ask Earl anything

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I have you covered. Have a question? Email him for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    Alright folks, that’s it for this week’s edition. Have fun and hydrate. It’s going to be another simmering weekend. But take it from me, it will be well-worth the extra sweat.

    – Earl Hopkins

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of Giphy.com
  • Five Philly-area arts organizations receive a total of $500,000 in grant funding

    Five Philly-area arts organizations receive a total of $500,000 in grant funding

    As local arts groups continue to face decreases in city funding, a multiyear initiative is lending a hand to Philly-area craft makers and the organizations that support them.

    Through a collaboration with Etsy and the Center for Craft, five Philly-based arts organizations have received a combined $500,000 in grant funding. The recipients are the Brandywine Workshop and Archives, the Clay Studio, InLiquid, Fleisher Art Memorial, and the Museum for Art in Wood.

    Each organization received a $100,000 place-based, unrestricted grant, allowing them to direct funding where it is most needed.

    “It feels really exciting to be recognized in this way,” said Rebecca Morrison, executive director of the Brandywine Workshop and Archives. “Being recognized on a national stage in a city filled with so many incredible organizations is really special to us.”

    The Clay Studio’s open air roof deck event space with view of Center City Philadelphia.Courtesy of Sam Oberter

    The funding is powered by Etsy and the Center for Craft’s Craft Catalyst Initiative, a new, multiyear collaboration that aims to support “greater organizational impact and resilience” within arts communities across the country.

    According to the Center for Craft website, the two organizations will award a total of $10 million over three years to select “craft hubs.”

    The Philly craft hub is among the first round of recipients. Other selected regions include Asheville, N.C., Berea, Ky., Santa Fe, N.M., and the San Francisco Bay Area.

    An exterior image of the Museum for Art in Wood in Old City, Philadelphia, PA.Courtesy of John Carlano

    In an “increasingly AI-driven and digitized world,” Center for Craft executive director Stephanie Moore said, these investments are “essential” for local arts groups and craft makers to thrive.

    “This initiative will fortify craft’s place by investing in the spaces, relationships, and infrastructure that encourage artists, sustain creative careers, and strengthen communities across the country,” Moore said in a statement.

    According to the Center for Craft website, these regions were selected based on research commissioned by Etsy.

    Last month, arts organizations were notified that they were selected, and the grants were quickly distributed.

    Artists at work inside The Clay Studio.Courtesy of Sam Oberter

    Rachel Zimmerman, founder and executive director of InLiquid, a visual arts organization in Kensington, has already used a portion of the funds to give her staff raises.

    “They are partly responsibly for this,” she said. “We couldn’t do the work without the people.”

    Zimmerman said the funding arrived a year after InLiquid’s worst financial period since its founding.

    The economic challenges were worsened by lower state and city funding, which led to “fierce” competition among other struggling arts groups to acquire fewer resources.

    Zimmerman said the grant not only eased InLiquid’s financial struggles, but was also “affirming.”

    Her hope is that it will incentivize other large corporations to invest in small, grassroots institutions that are working to uplift and sustain the careers of local creatives. “It’s not charity. We’re doing the work,” she said.

    While her organization is still mapping out plans to administer the funds, Morrison said, she is excited to forge stronger connections and collaborations with other grant recipients.

    “It’s great to know we have these organizations in our cohort, so we can learn from each other,” Morrison said. “With grant funding not being as easily accessible as it was in the past, this is a great way for us to work together.”

    In a statement, Monica Zimmerman, executive director of Fleisher Art Memorial, said this recognition proves what she and other arts leaders already know: “Philly runs on creatives.”

    For more information, visit craftcatalyst.centerforcraft.org.

    An exterior image of the Brandywine Workshop & Archive building.Courtesy of Brandywine Workshop and Archives
  • A beloved Eagles player moved to our neighborhood. Should we pretend he’s not a Super Bowl champion?!

    A beloved Eagles player moved to our neighborhood. Should we pretend he’s not a Super Bowl champion?!

    This week’s question (Have your own? Submit it here.):

    A beloved Eagles player moved to our neighborhood. I have to pass by his house every time I drop off or pick up my son from daycare. And every time I inevitably stare at his house, and then tell myself “be cool, be cool.” I did one time throw a “Go Birds!” at him when he stopped his car to let me cross the sidewalk. How many more “Go Birds” do I get? Should we, as his new neighbors, pretend he’s not a Super Bowl champion?!

    Earl Hopkins, Arts & Entertainment reporter

    First off, living in the same neighborhood as an Eagles player is THE ultimate flex.

    Second, as journalists we’ve mastered the ability to hide our fandom behind a resting reporter face, so my views may be a little skewed. But it still stands: One “Go Birds” is enough. (All right, maybe two.)

    Let the man settle in the neighborhood first, then introduce yourself as if he’s another resident. I’m sure he doesn’t mind being recognized for his athletic achievements, but I recommend getting to know the person beyond the uniform first.

    Stephanie, what do you think?

    Stephanie Farr, features columnist

    You definitely have a much cooler resting reporter face than I do. I agree that one or two “Go Birds” is enough.

    It matters how close this person lives to the Eagles player. If they’re next door or two houses over from him, introducing yourself to your new neighbor — maybe with a box of cookies or soft pretzels — to welcome them to the neighborhood is a good avenue. If you live farther away than that though it will look fangirl-ish.

    Earl, what do you think if the neighbors all conspired together to throw a neighborhood party and invited this Bird over? Would that be too obvious?

    Earl Hopkins

    I don’t think it would be too obvious, as long as people avoid swarming him with Eagles jerseys to sign. It’s summertime, and plenty of neighborhood parties are popping up across the city. It would be a good opportunity to enjoy the weather, commune with folks who have been bound to their couches all year, and it would be a chance to properly welcome the beloved Eagle into the area’s inner-circle.

    Now, what if the welcome attempts and party invites are rejected? What should be the next move lol?

    Stephanie Farr

    Leave him alone and treat him like any other neighbor who wants to keep to themselves, or you risk ticking off someone you obviously admire. I think about what I would want if I were in the player’s shoes. I can’t imagine not having anonymity or a little peace and quiet — especially at your own house. I feel like if he wants to be neighborly, he will make it known.

    Do you think approaching the Eagles player about something other than the Eagles could be a good avenue? Like, “Hey, dude. I love your topiary. Who’s your landscaper?”

    (I’m assuming if this person lives in the same neighborhood as an Eagles player they have topiaries and landscapers, but it could be about anything they see they may have in common.)

    Earl Hopkins

    If he doesn’t want to be bothered, leave him be. He’s probably, y’know, focusing on winning a Super Bowl. Give him grace so we can feel the thrill of another championship run.

    Stephanie Farr

    Go Birds, but don’t randomly go up and hound Birds on the street. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and if they want to be your neighbor friend they’ll let you know. And if they don’t, take a cue from a former Eagle and don’t care if they don’t like you.

  • 🎆 Celebrate the nation’s birthday | Things to do

    🎆 Celebrate the nation’s birthday | Things to do

    You’ve been hearing about America’s semiquincentennial all year, and now the celebration is finally here.

    Flags will fly, marching bands will play, and fireworks will light up the sky this Independence Day weekend.

    Whether you’re looking for patriotic pageantry, concerts, or family fun, it’s shaping up to be a Fourth of July weekend unlike any other.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Your Independence Day playbook

    Fireworks rise, shortly after midnight, from behind the Art Museum during the New Year’s Eve concert and fireworks display, at the Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The event, featuring LL COOL J, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, hard rockers Dorothy, and Technician The DJ was a first for the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Philadelphia and the surrounding region are packed with celebrations, concerts, and fireworks displays.

    Arts intern Morgan Ritter rounded up the best places to watch fireworks across Philadelphia, the suburbs, South Jersey, and the Shore, while I have everything you need to know before heading to the city’s free July 4 concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

    This year’s One Philly: Unity Concert for America features Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Will Smith, Meek Mill, The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Seal, and more before the city’s official fireworks spectacular.

    Read our complete guides to Fourth of July fireworks and the Parkway concert.

    The best things to do this week

    The interior of the First Bank of the United States is pictured on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Philadelphia. The bank reopens this week following a $27 million restoration project.Erin Blewett / For The Inquirer

    🍿 Grab your popcorn: Free movie days at Philadelphia Film Society continues through Saturday. The lineup includes showings of Mean Girls and Independence Day — oh, so fitting.

    💸 Cha-ching!: Before the New York Stock Exchange was established, Philadelphia was the financial capital of the nation. This week, you can explore that history with the reopening of the First Bank of the United States. It’s open to the public for the first time in 50 years.

    🖼️ A revolutionary time: Stop by the Museum of the American Revolution for guided gallery tours, reenactment performances, printmaking demos, and other fun activities through Sunday.

    🎸 The sounds of freedom: Imagine Benjamin Franklin fronting a rock revolution. That’s the premise of The Sound of America, an electrifying musical that features 23 original songs, a walking tour, and a special remote cameo by Sir Roger Daltrey.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Philly LOVES Stories at Fashion District, Open Streets: Midtown Village, BLACKTRONIKA: Now and Then at Silk City.

    Check out our full list of calendar picks here.

    The biggest America 250 events from now through Independence Day

    Members of the The Mattatuck Drum Band participate in the Salute to America Independence Day Parade, at Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, on the 4th of July, 2019. JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff PhotographerJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer

    The city has already been buzzing with activity this summer, and it’s about to get even busier for America’s 250th birthday.

    From soccer to ballet, art to history, features reporter Dugan Arnett rounded up the can’t-miss events happening across Philadelphia and the region through Independence Day. His guide includes the Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Fan Festival, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, Pops on Independence, and dozens more celebrations.

    Read his full America 250 guide here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    Mr. Edison, the new restaurant at the Bellevue from Jeffrey Chodorow, in Philadelphia, June 23, 2026.Jessica Griffin / Staff Photographer

    📽️ Latino film on display: A celebration of Latino filmmakers and creatives continues through Sunday, as part of the annual Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival. The event, now in its 15th year, includes a lineup of feature films, documentaries, shorts, online series, and more visual projects.

    🎭 Dear, theater lovers: Sunday is your last chance to catch the six-time Tony Award winner, Dear Evan Hansen, at Arden Theater. Grab tickets while they last, or miss out on this emotional story about an anxious high schooler forced to confront a harrowing lie.

    🍸 New restaurant opening at the Bellevue: Thomas Edison designed the original lighting inside the Bellevue, so it’s only fitting that the hotel’s newest culinary offering honors the inventor. The newly opened supper club-inspired restaurant, Mr. Edison, is worth exploring.

    🥊 Philly’s true heavyweight champion: While fictional boxer Rocky Balboa has three statues in his honor, Philadelphia’s true undisputed heavyweight champion is finally getting his just due. A 12-foot bronze statue of boxing legend Joe Frazier was unveiled at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

    Staffer picks

    Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week.

    Christina Aguilera performs “Cuando Me De la Gana” at the 23rd annual Latin Grammy Awards at the Mandalay Bay Michelob Ultra Arena on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello / Chris Pizzello/

    🎸 Thursday: Just before the July 4 weekend festivities kick into full gear, Old City will host the Red, White & Blue Music Series that includes 28 local bands and groups spread across 11 museums.

    🎷 Friday: Saxophonist Ikechi Onyenaka will lead the Friday Night Jazz Series at Spruce Street Harbor Park.

    🎤 Saturday: The One Philly: United Concert for America will be a star-studded affair, featuring performances from Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Will Smith, Meek Mill and other notable stars.

    🎸 Sunday: Paul Simon is bringing his “A Quiet Celebration” tour to the TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann to close out the celebratory weekend.

    ❓Pop quiz

    What year did the first Independence Day celebration take place in Philadelphia?

    a) July 4, 1776?

    b) July 4, 1777?

    c) July 4, 1780?

    d) July 4, 1781?

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: When did the Lit Brothers building first open? Answer: 1871

    Ask Earl anything

    I’m starting something new for the newsletter, and I want your participation.

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    Alright, folks! That’s all for this week’s edition of Things to Do. And if you couldn’t tell, it’s a celebratory moment — not only for the city, but for the nation. Enjoy this historical moment to the fullest.

    — Earl Hopkins

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of Giphy.com

  • Everything you need to know about Philadelphia’s July Fourth concert and fireworks

    Philadelphia’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday culminates July 4 with a free concert and fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

    The One Philly: Unity Concert for America begins at 5 p.m. in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, featuring Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Meek Mill, Will Smith, The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jordan Davis, Seal, State Property, Kathy Sledge, and more.

    This year’s event is no longer part of the longtime Wawa Welcome America festival. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration took over production of the annual July Fourth concert, renamed it the One Philly: Unity Concert for America, and hired ESM Productions to produce the show.

    Wanda Sykes will emcee the concert, which concludes with the city’s official fireworks display over the Parkway.

    Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

    Fans react to the music as the Wawa Welcome America Festival concluded on July 4, 2023, with a free concert featuring Ludacris on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.Charles Fox / Staff Photographer

    Schedule and entry

    Guests must enter through a secure checkpoint at 20th Street and Logan Circle, where security may search attendees and their bags. Gates open at 3 p.m.

    The concert will start around 5 p.m., followed by the fireworks around 11:30 p.m., according to city officials.

    Who is performing at Philadelphia’s Fourth of July Concert?

    Headliners include Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Meek Mill, Will Smith, The Roots, and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

    Other performers include Jordan Davis, Kathy Sledge, State Property, Seal, and several others.

    Fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Friday, July 4, 2025.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer

    Fireworks

    Following the concert, the city’s official July Fourth fireworks display will begin at about 11:30 p.m. The show will be visible from throughout the Parkway and surrounding neighborhoods.

    Looking for more fireworks? Here’s a full list of fireworks shows happening throughout the Philadelphia region.

    The concert and fireworks will also air live on NBC10 and Telemundo62.

    Road closures

    Unless otherwise noted, the following closures will be in effect from approximately 6 a.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Monday:

    • 1900 Race Street
    • 1800-1900 Vine Street
    • I-676 off-ramp at 22nd Street
    • I-676 on-ramp at 22nd Street
    • I-76 eastbound off-ramp at Spring Garden Street
    • Spring Garden Tunnel
    • Park Towne Place between 22nd and 24th Streets
    • 20th Street between Arch Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
    • 19th Street between Callowhill and Cherry Streets
    • Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 17th Street to Eakins Oval
    • Eakins Oval
    • Kelly Drive between Eakins Oval and Fairmount Avenue (inbound traffic closes at Fountain Green Drive beginning about 5 p.m.)
    • 2000-2100 Winter Street
    • Spring Garden Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and 31st Street
    • 23rd Street between Pennsylvania Avenue and Eakins Oval
    • 22nd Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
    • 21st Street between Winter Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
    • All roads from Arch Street to Spring Garden Street between 18th and 22nd Streets (local access maintained for residents)
    • All roads from Arch Street to Fairmount Avenue between 22nd and Corinthian Streets (local access maintained for residents)
    • 16th and 17th Streets between Arch Street and Spring Garden Street will close only if conditions warrant.
    • 1600-1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway will close only if conditions warrant.

    Beginning at 4 a.m. Saturday, the following roads also will close:

    • Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art
    • Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from Falls Bridge to Eakins Oval

    From 8 p.m. Saturday until approximately 1 a.m. Sunday, Kelly Drive between Fairmount Avenue and Fountain Green Drive and Waterworks Drive also will be closed because of the fireworks display.

    Parking

    Temporary no-parking signs will be posted along streets affected by closures. Vehicles left in those areas will be courtesy towed to another nearby location.

    Public Transportation

    SEPTA

    On July 4, SEPTA Metro, buses and Regional Rail will operate on special schedules with enhanced service.

    Additional trips will run on the L and B lines.

    Most Regional Rail lines will offer additional inbound and outbound service before the fireworks. All Regional Rail lines except the Airport and Cynwyd lines will provide late-night outbound service from Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, and William H. Gray III 30th Street Station after the fireworks.

    Other SEPTA service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Routes without Sunday service will not operate.

    Routes 7, 32, 33, 38, 43, 48, and 49 will be detoured beginning at 5 a.m. Thursday through 5 p.m. Sunday because of road closures.

    SEPTA ambassadors will be stationed at major transit hubs to help direct passengers after the July 4 FIFA World Cup match and the One Philly concert and fireworks.

    Additional information is available on SEPTA’s July 4 service webpage. Riders can also check alerts on the SEPTA mobile app, at septa.org/alerts or by calling 215-580-7800.

    PATCO

    PATCO will operate on a holiday schedule July 4, with trains running every 10 minutes throughout the day. More information is available at ridepatco.org.

    Todd Marcocci (left) and Jeremy Williams work on a float on Monday for this year’s big Fourth of July parade, in Philadelphia.Jessica Griffin / Staff Photographer

    Fourth of July celebrations happening elsewhere in the area

    Fourth of July Freedom Festival at Pleasant Hill Park: 💵 Free, 🕒 July4, 5 to 9:30 p.m., 📍Linden Ave., Philadelphia, Pa 19136

    Philadelphia 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise: 🕙 July 4, 7:30 p.m., 📍401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 cityexperiences.com

    2026 Freedom Festival at Wiggins Park 💵 Free, 🕒 6 to 11 p.m., 📍2 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ 08103

  • No plans to reschedule Kirk Franklin’s canceled concert, Wawa officials say

    No plans to reschedule Kirk Franklin’s canceled concert, Wawa officials say

    Before gospel singer Kirk Franklin could take the stage at Sunday’s “Gospel on Independence” concert, the show was canceled due to severe weather.

    The concert, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Independence Mall, was initially postponed because of lightning and thunder detected in the area.

    Wawa Welcome America officials, who organized the concert, said there were plans to restart the show, but it was ultimately canceled due to inclement weather.

    There are currently no plans to reschedule Franklin’s show.

    Franklin, however, found a way to greet fans as he briefly stood on top of an SUV as the crowd exited Independence Mall.

    A downpour started shortly after his departure.

    In a video posted on his Instagram page, Franklin explained his intention to put on an “incredible concert.” “I was really excited about it,” he said in a video with the caption, “I need the weather to repent! LOL! 😂❤️🙏🏽.”

    “People were really disappointed,” he wrote. “But I need you to know that I’m more disappointed because I was really, really, really ready to go. I love Philadelphia. I’ll get back, man. I can’t let Philly down like that.”

    Fans stood for hours awaiting Franklin’s arrival.

    “My feet still hurting from standing out there waiting,” one fan commented under Franklin’s Instagram post.

    Kirk Franklin accepts the ultimate icon award during the BET Awards in 2025, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello

    Not all of Franklin’s interactions with fans on Sunday were as jovial.

    In a now-viral social media video, Franklin is seen arguing with an attendee, who urged the singer to “repent” for his sins. Otherwise, he and his wife, Tammy Franklin, are “going to go to hell,” the attendee threatened.

    Franklin attempted to confront the unidentified man but was held back by several security guards.

    The man was eventually escorted out of the venue by law enforcement officers.

    Before the show’s cancelation, fans enjoyed the opening performances and food vendors at Sunday’s event at the Independence Mall, which was part of this week’s lineup of Wawa Welcome America Festival events and concerts.

    The celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday will continue with Tuesday’s Philadelphia Orchestra’s Pride concert, Thursday’s “Salute to Service” concert, and Friday’s Pops on Independence concert.

    On July 4, the free “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Featuring Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, The Roots, and others, that show is not part of Wawa Welcome America but counts Wawa among its sponsors.

    For more information, visit july4thphilly.com.

  • ☀️ It’s officially summer | Things to do

    ☀️ It’s officially summer | Things to do

    Summer officially arrived this week, and Philly is wasting no time. World Cup matches return to Lincoln Financial Field, festivals are filling parks across the city, and outdoor concerts are kicking into high gear. If you’ve been waiting for the season to feel like summer, this is the weekend.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    • Fiesta at LOVE Park: Stop by one of the largest Latino arts and culture celebrations in Philadelphia.
    • Hershey’s Soccerland at Dilworth Park: Chocolate, soccer, and family activities at City Hall. What more can you ask for?
    • Noah Kahan at CBP: The folk-pop, singer-songwriter takes over Citizens Bank Park for “The Great Divide” tour.

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    FIFA World Cup 26: Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana vs. Croatia

    Jimmy Coilliot of Lille, France cheers after France took a 1-0 lead in the first half of the France vs. Iraq 2026 FIFA World Cup Group 1 soccer match at Philadelphia Stadium on Monday, June 22, 2026.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    The Curaçao national team, among the most inspiring underdogs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is taking on Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.

    It will be a hotly contested matchup between the two Group E teams. After a loss to Germany last week, Côte d’Ivoire is looking to bounce back in hopes of landing the No. 1 spot in their group.

    Curaçao, nicknamed The Blue Wave, is looking to secure the team’s first win not only in this year’s tournament, but in World Cup history.

    On Saturday, the fierce competitions continue. Croatia and Ghana will go head to head in what could be an upset matchup.

    More about the matches.

    The best things to do this week

    🕺🏽Shake your tambourine: Philly-born rapper, TV host, author, and actor Eve is coming home for a one-night concert at the at the Dell Music Center. The performance, part of WaWa Welcome America events, is also a celebration of Black Music Month. The event will conclude with a firework display.

    🍫 A sweet time kicking it at City Hall: Hershey’s Soccerland at Dilworth Park is a three-day pop-up where soccer, family, and chocolate collide. Visitors can enjoy fun activities, mini activations, and interactive games. Plus, they can get their hands on a limited edition Christian Pulisic Hershey milk chocolate bar.

    🧙🏽‍♂️ The Wizard is here: The Philadelphia Orchestra will bring the iconic film The Wizard of Oz to life. While the film plays on screen, the orchestra will perform the movie’s score, giving long-time fans of the film a viewing experience unlike anything they’ve had before.

    💃🏽 Kid-friendly cabaret: Kidchella, a free outdoor music event at Smith Memorial Playground, is delivering performances spanning Mexican son jarocho fusion, Brazilian percussion, Afrocentric R&B and dance, and family-style cabaret. The night will be capped off with fireworks.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: North Broad Music & Morsels, Philly Fairy Festival, Culture Fest at Liberty Point, Harrowgate Summerfest, Germantown Art & Sound

    Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park

    FILE: A skateboarder “jumps the LOVE Gap” in LOVE Park November 8, 2015.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta, one of Philly’s largest celebrations of Latino arts, culture, community, and tradition is back at LOVE Park this Saturday.

    The annual festival is headlined by Latin Grammy Award-winning singer Olga Tañón, known for hits like “Es Mentiroso” and “Muchacho Malo.”

    Her performance will cap off a full day of live music, dance performances, food vendors offering authentic Hispanic cuisine, cultural exhibits, and interactive games and family-friendly activities.

    For more information, read here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    Noah Kahan performs during the Pre-Grammy Gala on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell

    🎸 The Great Divide at CBP: Noah Kahan is up at bat at Citizens Bank Park. The pop-folk superstar, known for hits like “Stick Season,” is heading to CBP for his “The Great Divide” tour. Openers include Gigi Perez and Annabelle Dinda.

    🎉 Celebrations at the Navy Yard: Who says the Navy Yard is just all industrial boats and cargo? Head to the Navy Yard for an afternoon of live music, delicious food, local art and craft vendors, and other fun activities for visitors of all ages.

    🎡 Go back in time: The Lits Building will be the host of Revisit 1876, a six-month exhibition that showcases the stories, sights, and extravagance of the first World’s Fair in North America. The country’s first typewriter, telephone, popcorn, and seltzer will be among the items displayed at the event, which celebrates the nation’s centennial.

    🎨 Restorative justice at the Barnes: The Barnes Foundation’s new exhibition, Just Us, features original artwork crafted by artists at State Correctional Institution — Phoenix, and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew — a 24-week job readiness and life skills program for young adults. The exhibition kicks off this Friday and runs through Aug. 24.

    Staffer picks

    Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week.

    D.C. rapper Wale performs a homecoming show Nov. 15 at the Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland. MUST CREDIT: Shaughn CooperShaughn Cooper

    🎤 Thursday: Buffalo rapper Conway the Machine, fresh off his 2025 album You Can’t Kill God With Bullets, is bringing the heat to the Foundry on Thursday night.

    🎸 Friday: The Strokes, Thundercat, and Hamilton Leithauser join hands for a star-studded performance at the TD Pavilion at the Mann Center.

    🎤 Saturday: Wale, who quietly dropped one of rap’s best and most underappreciated bodies of work, is headlining at The Fillmore Philly with fellow emcee and St. Louis native Smino.

    🎺 Sunday: For a Harlem-themed jazz party at South Restaurant & Jazz Club, Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist and songwriter Allan Harris will be headlining the night on Sunday.

    ❓Pop quiz

    When did the Lit Brothers building first open?

    a) 1871

    b) 1891

    c) 1903

    d) 1769

    Ask Earl anything

    I’m starting something new for the newsletter, and I want your participation.

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    That’s it for this week’s edition. At the start of the summer, there’s always plenty to do. But with the FIFA World Cup in full swing, and other events centered on the semiquincentennial celebration, there’s far more to explore than usual. Make sure to work these into your weekend plans.

    – Earl Hopkins

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of Giphy.com