It’s a little bit of Italy right here in Philadelphia. The Piazza at Schmidt’s is an 80,000 square foot outdoor plaza that recreates the ambiance of real Italy piazzas except you don’t need a plane (or boat) to get there. Just take Septa or the Schuylkill and you’ll find it right in Northern Liberties.
Summer ’09 is going to be busy at the open-air venue with concerts, performances and festivals.
So you’re probably thinking, “Perfecto! But how am I going to afford something that sounds so magnifico?” Well, everything’s free! In celebration of the largest LED screen in the city, Schmidt’s isn’t asking for a dime.
Everyday in June carries a theme. That means no matter what your schedule looks like, you’ve got thirty days to fit in some fun.
Here’s a look at the month’s upcoming events:
Mystery Mondays are, well, mysterious because you might get any variation of entertainment. Perhaps you’ll catch a modern dance performance or maybe listen in on the speakers’ series -- who knows -- but one thing that’s not a mystery? The price, cause it’ll be FREE!
Phillies game at Citizens Park: $15 to $300. Watching the Phightins at the Piazza at Schmidt’s: $0. Zippo. On Tuesday’s the game will be broadcast on the big screen and commercials are swapped for guest DJ’s and their turntable magic.
Shhh…Wednesdays are a bit more hush but no less entertaining. Check out Piazza Unplugged featuring acoustic performers. Some of the performances are Philly students with the chance to make it big pending your hump day support.
Jazz at the PZA takes over on Thursdays. Musicians and poets will perform for all the patrons in the Piazza’s courtyard.
Expressed so eloquently by George Clinton, “We want the funk” and we want it on Fridays. And that’s just what the Piazza at Schmidt’s is giving. Go old school with a Motown theme one week or visit the next when everybody’s grooving to a Philly Soul theme.
Saturdays will rock with Worlds in Collision. This theme supports the idea of cultures around the globe crashing together for an explosion of entertainment.
And finally, Sundays. They’re pretty low-key. Relax under a moonlit sky while enjoying a movie on the biggest LED screen in the city.
When money’s tight, it makes it hard to have a good time, thankfully, the courtyard in the Piazza at Schmidt’s is making it easy. Mamma Mia, this is going to be la dolce vita…at least for the summer.
