The wait is finally over.
More than seven years after MLB announced the All-Star Game would come to Philadelphia for the nation’s 250th birthday, baseball’s midsummer classic is nearly here.
All-Star Week kicks off Friday at Citizens Bank Park and continues through Tuesday, with the HBCU Swingman Classic, MLB draft, All-Star Village, Futures Game, Home Run Derby, red carpet, and the All-Star Game itself.
I’m Sam Ruland, filling in or Earl this week. Let’s dive in.
Also in this week’s edition:
- A Philly sandwich returns to Citizens Bank Park
- A 100th birthday party for the Ben Franklin Bridge
- Graffiti art takes over Suburban Station
— Sam Ruland (Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)
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Your MLB All-Star Week playbook
Citizens Bank Park is about to become the center of the baseball world.
Matt Breen has everything you need to know about All-Star Week, from Friday’s HBCU Swingman Classic to Tuesday’s All-Star Game. There’s also All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Futures Game, MLBx All-Star 3-on-3, and Monday’s Home Run Derby.
And because this is Philadelphia, food matters, too. Michael Klein reports that McNally’s Tavern’s signature Schmitter is returning to Citizens Bank Park for All-Star festivities after a decade away, joining exclusive ballpark food, local chef collaborations, and limited-edition merch.
Read our complete MLB All-Star Week guide and food preview here.
The best things to do this week
🍿 Get weird in Phoenixville: Blobfest returns this weekend with movie scene recreations, stage shows, competitions, costumes, and plenty of love for the 1958 cult classic The Blob. Tickets are required, so plan ahead.
🫐 Berry good summer fun: Blueberry season is in full swing at Linvilla Orchards, where Saturday’s festival includes berry picking, magic shows, a pie-eating contest, treats, and more.
🎨 Graffiti goes underground: A new exhibit in Suburban Station brings together 250 graffiti artists responding to the semiquincentennial.
💃 Celebrate Mantua: Miles Mack Playground comes alive Saturday with dance performances, lessons, drill teams, PHILADANCO, food trucks, vendors, and giveaways.
📅 My calendar picks this week: Blobfest, getting my hands on a Schmitter, and strolling the Ben Franklin Bridge. Here’s our full list of calendar picks for the week.
A birthday party for the Ben Franklin Bridge
Fourth of July may be over, but there’s still one big celebration left. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge turns 100 this month, and Saturday’s free celebration will close the span to vehicle traffic while opening the roadway to pedestrians.
Expect food trucks, live entertainment, family activities, historical displays, and a rare chance to walk across one of the region’s most iconic landmarks.
Before you go, read our guide to road closures, parking, and transit options. And if you need another reason to appreciate the bridge, Stephanie Farr makes the case that the Ben Franklin is more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B — it’s one of the region’s most underrated destinations.
Read our complete bridge guide and Stephanie’s column here.
Summer fun this week and beyond
🏮 Lanterns light up Franklin Square: The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back with dozens of handcrafted displays, including soccer-themed lanterns honoring the World Cup.
🍹 Sip the summeriest Philly cocktail: The water ice martini has gone from South Philly secret to full-blown summer drink trend. Here’s where to find boozy water ice around town.
🌊 Eat down the shore: Craig LaBan’s latest Shore dining guide runs from LBI to Margate, with sub shops, upscale cocktails, pizza, soul food, and sweet BYOBs.
🎢 Plan a shore field trip: Ocean City and Somers Point make an ideal summer pairing: boardwalk nostalgia, Castaway Cove rides, homemade ice cream, bayside bars, speedboat rides, and some of the best pizza in New Jersey.
🪩 Hit the waterfront: Spruce Street Harbor Park and Summerfest are both open for the season with hammocks, games, roller skating, mini golf, carnival rides, and plenty of ways to cool off by the river.
Staffer picks
Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week from our music critic Dan DeLuca.
🎤 Thursday: Patti LaBelle brings the America 250 celebration to the Dell Music Center with Avery Sunshine, Jeff Bradshaw, and Pieces of a Dream.
🎸 Friday: Dave Matthews Band returns to Camden for its annual two-night summer stand. Reminder: The Ben Franklin Bridge closure is Saturday, so check your route if you’re heading to night two.
🎶 Friday: Philly bands Hurry and Sad13 celebrate new releases at Johnny Brenda’s.
🤠 Saturday: Megan Moroney brings her country-pop hits to Xfinity Mobile Arena.
🎻 Saturday: Rick Ross marks the 20th anniversary of Port of Miami with the Renaissance Orchestra at the Met Philly.
🎸 Tuesday: Bob Dylan comes to TD Pavilion at the Mann with Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-a-Whirl Band and Brittney Spencer.
❓Pop quiz
The Schmitter is returning to Citizens Bank Park for MLB All-Star Week. What Chestnut Hill tavern created the signature Philly sandwich?
a) McNally’s Tavern
b) McGillin’s Olde Ale House
c) Triangle Tavern
d) Dirty Frank’s
Here’s the answer to last week’s question: What year did the first Independence Day celebration take place in Philadelphia? Answer: 1777
Ask Earl anything (when he returns)
Earl’s starting something new for the newsletter, and he wants your participation.
Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.
He has you covered. Have a question? Email him for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.
All right, folks! That’s all for this week’s edition of Things to Do. Whether you’re headed to the ballpark, the bridge, the Shore, or just somewhere with cold water ice, enjoy the weekend.
— Sam Ruland
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