23rd annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival
Celebrate the traditions, foods and crafts of the Pennsylvania Dutch at the 23rd annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival. The three-day festival will take place at Reading Terminal Market’s Center Court seating area and will feature handmade crafts and traditional foods. On Saturday the festival will also be out on Arch Street. Amish buggy rides and horse-drawn wagon rides around the Market, a farm animal petting zoo, and live bluegrass music round out the entertainment. Parking is available at the Convention Center garage at 11th and Arch streets and the Parkway Garage at 12th and Filbert streets for $4.
Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch streets
Thursday, Aug. 9 through Saturday, Aug. 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
www.readingterminalmarket.org
The Swedish American Line Exhibition
Beauty, comfort, entertainment and style. From 1915 to 1975 the Swedish American Line offered its passengers all of this and more. From its early days as a passenger fleet for immigrants to its lavish “Around the World” cruises of the 1960s, SAL played an important role in connecting Scandinavia and America. This exhibition offers visitors a rare glimpse into the “White Viking Fleet’s” history on the high seas, its exquisite style, and stories from people who remember it all.
The objects that make up this marvelous exhibition represent the work of Torsten Torstensson, who has one of the world’s largest collections of Swedish American Line memorabilia. Torstensson, who was trained as an archivist, began collecting emigration period materials while conducting research on his relatives who immigrated to the United States in the 19th century. His research and collecting inevitably brought him to the SAL and to all the wonderful souvenirs, keepsakes and other pieces of material culture that the “White Viking Fleet” left behind (usually by way of former passengers) when it closed in 1975.
Of the fleet’s six decades of service, Torstensson said, “This company created a bridge between our two countries. SAL was an excellent ambassador of Swedish technique, culture, service and art.” The SAL also served as a meeting place for Swedes and Swedish Americans as they sailed between Gothenburg and New York, where friendships and lasting connections were made. Over the past year, the American Swedish Historical Museum has collected stories and photographs from former passengers, whose memories will serve as a supplement to the unique collection on display.
American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave.
Thursday, Aug. 2 through February 24, 2013
Cost: adults $8, students and seniors $6, children under 5 free
Night Market Philadelphia: Mt. Airy
Be part of Philly’s favorite street food festival. Featuring great eats and local beer and wine for under $5 from the city’s best food trucks and restaurants, plus Grammy-nominated soul artist Ryan Shaw and other live music presented by WXPN. Come hungry!
6800-7200 Germantown Ave.
Thursday, Aug. 16, 6-10:30 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go
11th annual Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge
The Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge returns to Citizens Bank Park Aug. 11. Restaurant teams and pit master teams compete in separate divisions for bragging rights to the best barbecue. The day ends with Garry’s Rib Challenge, a winner-take-all contest for a trip to the 2012 World Series. All proceeds from the event support the Youth Golf and Academics Program, an organization founded by Garry Maddox to support the education and development of children who reside in troubled city neighborhoods.
Restaurant teams and pit master teams grill off in the 11th annual Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox Barbecue Challenge, presented by Hatfield Quality Meats and Kraft Barbecue Sauce. The event is open to the public and features food sampling and family-friendly entertainment. Check back for more details as the date approaches!
Citizens Bank Way
Saturday, Aug. 11, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, tasting tickets $5 each
The 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties
The Fourth Annual 2nd Street Festival will be held Sunday, Aug. 5 from noon until 10 p.m. The street will be closed off between Germantown Avenue and Green Street in Northern Liberties, and the entire street will be filled with workshops, art, food, beer gardens and other merchandise vendors. This year the festival will feature four music and event stages, all programmed by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, who are coming into the city and helping to throw this supersized block party. Come join the fun!
North 2nd Street between Green Street and Germantown Avenue
Sunday, Aug. 5, noon to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free