Watch a scene on the green
Screenings Under the Stars
Great Plaza at Penn's Landing
Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street
Thursdays through August, activities start at 7:30 p.m.
www.pennslandingcorp.com
I'm too cheap to pay to go see movies on the big screen now-a-days. My strategy usually involves going to the theatre with friends, getting someone else to buy the ticket, and not paying them back. If you're running out of friends- and who isn't- maybe you should try a free movie, every Thursday night for the next few weeks. This week's selection is Cry-Baby. It's a hilarious John Water's spoof of mid-century American sentiment. The film stars a young Johnny Depp using his physical accoutrements and charm to play a bad-boy heartthrob. You can start getting in at 7:30 p.m. to find a good spot and check out the Depp look-a-like contest amongst other activities. Showtime's at dusk.
Get a cut off of bookstore smut
SummerFest
University Square, University City
Through Friday
www.universitysquare.biz
This is a great thing to do for you lazy "but Center City is so far away"-type of people. SummerFest started on Monday and wraps up soon, so head over to the area near the bookstore. You can purchase some local vittles at the farmer's market, view some awesome sand sculptures, and catch some live music in the early evening. Best of all, it's all free- well not the food. Plus, many of the University City shops and eateries have specials when you mention "SummerFest". Point your browser to the University Square website for all of the times and deals.
Get mellow with a cello
Annual Young Friends Picnic
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
52nd and Parkside Avenues
Thur, 8 p.m., $40-50
Call 215-546-7900 ext.101 to order
Maybe you haven't been to the Kimmel Center yet to enjoy the talent of the Philadelphia Orchestra. You think orchestra music is stuffy or boring. Well, you should come to witness the efforts of marketers trying to get younger people interested in older music. The price of admission includes more than the Philadelphia Orchestra and & the Philadelphia Singers Chorale doing Shostakovich and Beethoven. You will be treated to a picnic dinner and an open bar for wine and beer; there will also be fireworks. Come as early as 6 to get your blanket in a good place on the lawn and make sure you get your money's worth form that open bar.
Get drunk with a skunk
Night Hike for Adults
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
8480 Hagy's Mill Road
Fri, 8-10 p.m., $12-15
Call 215-482-7300, 110 to pre-register (required)
The perfect way to start a relaxing weekend is getting out of the concrete jungle. So escape up the Schuylkill River- you know that polluted flow next to 76; it gets less gross and more attractive as one travels north. I've never been on a nature hike, but I have to figure that an over-21 nature hike can't be too bad. One of the Schuylkill Center's naturalists will lead you through the trees and around the water which all will be appropriately lit by the setting sun, just for you. The night ends with booze and s'mores around a campfire. Kumbaya!
Get silly with the phillies
Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves
Citizens Bank Park
One Citizens Bank Way
Fri, 7:05 p.m., $16-38
215-463-1000
GAs the heat wave breaks and the rain holds off (hopefully), there's nothing more satisfyingly American than spending a summer evening at the ballpark. The Atlanta Braves are trying to rev things up after the All-Star break and win a 15th consecutive division title (of course, they will never catch up to the Mets). The Phillies are stuck in the middle of the NL East and disappointing the fans of Philadelphia, as this city's sports teams are apt to do, so beleaguered fanatics can sorrowfully commiserate and maybe even celebrate a little: it's Ryan Howard's first game in South Philly after wining the Homerun Derby.
