Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on. Whether it’s a film festival, kayaking race, outdoor movie, crab fest or artist exhibit, Philly and the Shore in the summer are filled with fun. We’ve found the top (and affordable) choices of what to do this weekend, Aug. 3-5, in Philadelphia and down the shore.
Aug. 3-5
What: BlackStar Film Festival
This four-day film festival showcases independent films about the global black experience and films by people of color.
Where: Various locations including Lightbox Film Center at International House Philadelphia, the Institute of Contemporary Art and Drexel University’s Pearlstein Gallery
When: Thursday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 5
Cost: Varies
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
What: Friday Night Fireworks in Wildwood
Grab a blanket or a beach chair and head to the beach to watch this awesome fireworks display every Friday through the summer.
Where: Pine Avenue and the Beach, Wildwood
When: Friday, Aug,. 3, at 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Outdoor Movie Screenings in Philadelphia: Invaders from Space
Where: Betsy Ross House
When: Friday, Aug. 3 at 8:15 p.m.
Cost: $5 cost includes tour of house
What: Wildwoods Got Talent
This multi-week talent contest will feature singers, dancers, magicians, musicians, comics and more. Judges and the audience vote on the winners each week and decide who moves on to the finals. The Grand Finale takes place on Aug. 24 with a $1,000 grand prize. Bring a beach chair or blanket. There’s no designated seating at the venue but there are food vendors.
Where: Fox Park Amphitheater, 4400 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
When: Friday, Aug. 3 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
What: Outdoor Movie Screenings in Philadelphia: Ferdinand
Where: Trolley Car Diner
When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 10 minutes before sunset
Cost: Free
What: Battle at the Beach Grappling Tournament
This mixed martial arts fighting competition features competitors of all ages from the tri-state area.
Where: Wildwoods Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, NJ
When: Friday, Aug. 3 through Sunday, Aug. 5
Cost: $15 at the door, children under 7 are free
What: Stone Harbor Arts & Crafts Festival
This 56th annual festival showcases more than 200 artisans from more than 12 states. Families can stroll the displays and enjoy the live music, children’s activities and plenty of food.
Where: Stone Harbor Recreation Field, 8100 Second Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ
When: Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Down on the Farm
Families can experience an early American farm with hands-on activities and exhibits at this open-air living history museum.
Where: Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Rt. 9 S., Cape May, NJ
When: Saturday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
What: New Jersey State Crab Festival
This block party festival offers bushels of blue claw crabs, a beer garden, craft vendors, live music and kids’ activities like the crab race that takes place at 6 p.m.
Where: Ice House Restaurant, 4415 Park Blvd, Wildwood, NJ
When: Saturday, Aug. 4 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What: Kerry Hallam – Along the Coast
Renowned British Impressionist Kerry Hallam will display his newest exhibit for the first time in Stone Harbor. The exhibit will feature many coastal themed paintings as well as his signature nautical chart paintings.
Where: Ocean Galleries, 9618 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ
When: Friday, Aug. 3 through Monday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free to view
What: Tuckahoe River Canoe, Kayak Race and Poker Run
This 37th annual, family-friendly event gets everyone in the water. Medals are awarded in all racing categories and the non-racing Poker Run receives a prize as well. Bring a beach chair to watch and cheer from land.
Where: Upper Township Municipal Beach, Mosquito Landing Road, Tuckahoe, NJ
When: Saturday, Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Rain or shine
Cost: Free to watch
What: 2nd Street Festival
This block party type festival features beer gardens, plenty of food, workshops, arts and crafts, street performances and two stages of live music.
Where: Northern Liberties, Second and Poplar streets between Germantown Avenue and Spring Garden
When: Sunday, Aug. 5 from noon to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: ACANA Festival
The African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc. (ACANA) will host this annual outdoor African Festival concert experience. Families can enjoy musical and dance performances, arts and crafts, traditional clothing for sale and of course delicious African food.
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia
When: Sunday, Aug. 5 at 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
