Special events and festivals throughout the month of June offer many reasons to celebrate. Between Philly Beer Week, the Bike Race, Flag Day, and the start of the week long celebration of Independence Day, there is plenty to do in Philadelphia in June.
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
When: June 2, 2011
Where: Baltimore Ave. between 42nd and 50th streets
With live music, performances and local businesses offering a variety of items from beer to ice cream for $1,this great event is also affordable.
First Friday
When: June 3, 2011
Where: Old City (centered between Front and 3rd and Market and Vine Streets)
On the first Friday evening of each month, the city's art galleries open to the public, free of charge, usually from 5 until 9 p.m. People come in droves for the festive atmosphere as much as the art. Old City is the center of the action, but additional galleries and events can be found in other neighborhoods as well.
Narbark Dog Parade
When: June 3, 2011
Where: Narberth, PA (Forrest Ave. and Haverford Ave.)
Narberth's regular First Friday is a little different in June when it features the Narbark Dog Parade. Dog owners dress up their pooches in costume and enter them in a variety of categories.
Elfreth's Alley Fete Day
When: June 3-4, 2011
Where: Elfreth's Alley
Colonial homes on America's oldest residential street open their doors for tours, along with colonial food, entertainment, and activities including an art auction.
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show
When: June 3-5, 2011
Where: Rittenhouse Square
Artists display a variety of works for passerby to buy or just enjoy.
Philly Beer Week
When: June 3-11, 2011
Where: Various locations citywide
Philly is one of the best beer cities in America, and never more so than this week. An array of events, tastings, and specials are offered at local bars, beer distributors, and restaurants.
AACM Great Black Music Festival
When: June 4-11, 2011
Where: Various locations
Solo and group musical performances and discussions with scholars and writers take place throughout the city. The events are sponsored by ARS NOVA Workshop, a nonprofit jazz and experimental music organization.
TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship (aka "the Bike Race"
When: June 5, 2011
Where: Manayunk, East Falls and the Art Museum Area
Better known as "the bike race," this 156-mile is made u of 10 laps of a 14.4-mile circuit that includes the infamous Manayunk Wall. People come out to watch at the Art Museum, near the Manayunk Wall, and at various bars and block parties along the route.
Islamic Heritage Festival
When: June 10-11, 2011
Where: Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
This weekend festival celebrates Islamic culture with games, entertainment and guest speakers.
St. George Greek Festival
When: June 10-12, 2011
Where: St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Media, PA
Enjoy Greek food, live music and dance performances, souvenirs, kids' activities, rides and more.
Flag Day Craftivity
When: June 11, 2011
Where: Franklin Square
Kids can come out to make patriotic-themed crafts to celebrate Flag Day from noon until 3 p.m.
Flag Festival 2011
When: June 11, 2011
Where: Betsy Ross House
There is no place better than outside the home of the woman who sewed the nation's first flag to celebrate Flag Day. The street fair offers crafts, entertainment, kids games & more.
Art for the Cash Poor
When: June 11-12, 2011
Where: Crane Arts Building
Featuring more than 100 artists and craftspeople selling art for under $200, this festival makes art affordable for all. Great food, live music, and raffle prizes offer reasons to come out.
Philly LGBT Pride Parade and Festival
When: June 12, 2011
Where: Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
This annual GLBT celebration features a parade that begins at 13th and Locust in the heart of Gay Philadelphia and ends at Penn's landing with food, vendors, and entertainment.
Bloomsday
When: June 16, 2011
Where: Rosenbach Museum and Library
Celebrate James Joyce's "Ulysses," at this annual celebration featuring readings from the book on the steps of the museum on lovely Delancey Street.
Father's Day Craftivity
When: June 18-19, 2011
Where: Franklin Square
Bring the kids to make a gift for dad at Franklin Square.
Taste of the Nation
When: June 20, 2011
Where: Loews Hotel
Share Our Strength is an organization that works to end childhood hunger, and 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales to this event will go to the cause. It's a great way to sample many of the best local restaurant's cuisine while supporting a great cause.
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
When: June 22-26, 2011
Where: various locations
The 4th annual Independent Film Festival features a diverse mix of fims at various venues throughout the city including the Franklin Institute
.
Wawa Welcome America Festival
When: June 24-July 4, 2011
Where: Various locations citywide
There is no better place than Philadelphia, the birthplace of our nation, to celebrate Independence Day. The city goes all out with a full week of events, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display and festival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring Philly's favorite hometown group, The Roots.