Things To Do In Philadelphia – Cinco de Mayo, First Friday, Kentucky Derby & More

Things To Do In Philadelphia – Cinco de Mayo, First Friday, Kentucky Derby & More

‘Finding the Beauty within Philadelphia’ 

Well, May is here and so is Cinco de Mayo. Know the meaning behind Cinco de Mayo? May 5th is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.

Another type of celebration is First Fridays, which allows you to visit many art galleries in Old City after hours. We even have the Burger Brawl this Sunday and much more. Philadelphia is a city with much pride and being recognized for much more than the historical events of Philadelphia. Just recently, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, #1 in Culture; and we can feel that the list will be growing in 2012.

Lastly, you have the Kentucky Derby which also falls on Cinco de Mayo. Many bars will be having derby celebrations with drink and food specials.

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share these events and attractions with you. Here are a few highlighted events or attractions for this weekend in Philly and some upcoming attractions or events to put on your calendar.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  – May 4 – 10

• Philadelphia International Children’s Festival ~ May 3-5 ~ Enjoy family-friendly music, theatre and dance performances, as well as a host of fun and interactive activities in the FUN ZONE on the Outdoor Plaza including crafts, face painting, jugglers and more! Location – University City area ~Philadelphia International Children’s Festival ~
• First Fridays ~ May 4 ~ Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~
• Park After Dark ~ May 4 ~ From 7 – 9 pm – Free Event –  Music & activities with a sneak preview of the Art Star Craft Bazaar tonight.  Go to Columbus Boulevard at Race Street on the Delaware River ~ Race Street Pier Events ~
• Art After 5 ~ May 4 ~ Cinco de Mayo – Magdaliz and her Latin Band Crisol (Spanish for “melting pot”), is performing. This Latin ensemble is dedicated to the interpretation of folk and traditional music from Latin America. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Philadelphia 76′ers ~ May 4 ~ 7:00 pm – Sixers play the Chicago Bulls in games 3. The series is tied 1-1. ~ Sixers Tickets ~
• Kimmel Center ~ May 5 ~ Free show. “Live from the Plaza Stage”, Emily Arin. Arin has crafted songs with a wide-ranging mix of influences, from Hank Williams and Memphis Minnie to Nick Drake, Tom Waits, Sybille Baier and Gillian Welch on her debut studio album, Patch of Land. ~ Free show at the Kimmel Center in Philly ~
• 5th Annual March of the Sombreros 2012 ~ May 5 ~ Starts at 8:00 pm on South Stret, in the South Street District. Enjoy specials at nine different bars around South Street, including Corona & Corona Light specials all night. Everyone who attends will receive a free sombrero (while supplies last) ~ March of the Sombreros ~
• Kentucky Derby Specials ~ May 5 ~ Khyber Pass Pub will be serving Kentucky classics for brunch for the running of the 138th Derby . There will be prizes, classic mint juleps and Abita beers. ~ Khyber Pass Pub ~
• Maya 2012 – Lords of Time Exhibit at Penns Museum ~ May 5, 2012 – January 13, 2013 ~ Learn more about that superstition and the culture behind the Mayan prophecy. This exhibit will showcase the fascinating and mysterious Mayan people.~ Maya 2012 Exhibit ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ May 5 & 9 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour.~ Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~
• Cinco de Mayo ~ May 5 ~ There will be many events in Philadelphia surround Cinco de Mayo, with restaurants & bars serving up mexican dishes. Check out what For Pete’s Sake Pub has going on. ~ For Pete’s Sake Pub ~
• Cinco de Mayo ~ May 5 ~ Extended list by uwishunu, sharing those having food and drink celebrations for Cinco de Mayo. ~ List of places for Cinco de Mayo ~
• Sunday Serenades ~ May 6 ~ 12 pm – 2 pm at the Reading Terminal Market. Blackbird Society Orchestra Playing authentic 1920’s and 30’s style jazz at Center Court. ~ Sunday Serenades ~
• Philadelphia Burger Brawl ~ May 6 ~ 3 – 6 pm – A fundraiser allowing you to taste the Best Burgers in Philly and Support a Local Public School ~Burger Brawl ~
• Philadelphia 76′ers ~ May 6 ~ at 1 pm – Sixers play the Chicago Bulls in game 4. The series is tied 1-1. ~ Sixers Tickets ~
• Philadelphia Flyers & XFINITY Live ~ May 4 & 6 ~ If you aren’t going to the Philadelphia Sixers game or the Flyers game up north, watch the game live with other Sixers & Flyers fans at XFINITY Live, Philadelphia’s biggest and best sports entertainment complex. ~ XFINITY Live ~
• Philadelphia Phillies ~ May 7 – 9 ~ Series against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. ~ Phillies Tickets ~
• Bruce Springsteen ~ Feb. 17 – Sept. 3 ~ Springsteen comes to the National Constitution Center. The first exhibit of Bruce Springsteen to ever be seen outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You will have the opportunity to view more than 150 artifacts, videos of his first successful audition, and much more. ~ Bruce Springsteen exhibit~
• Van Gogh Exhibit ~ Feb. 1 – May 6 ~ Ending Soon – This exhibit could be a once in a lifetime Art exhibit, especially if you an art lover and appreciate talent. How exciting, especially since Philadelphia will be the only place in the United States to hold this exhibit. If you are visiting Philadelphia, you are in luck. ~ Van Gogh Exhibit~

Visiting Philadelphia

Visiting Philadelphia? Have you lived in or near the City of Philadelphia, but never ventured out too many of the historical sites in Philly? Here is a quick guide for some must see attractions in the City of Brotherly Love.

• The Independence Visitor’s Center – Your guide for all of your information relating to historical sites in Philadelphia and other things to do in Philadelphia. ~ Independence Visitor’s Center ~
• Philadelphia Zoo ~ With the warmer weather approaching, you can not miss America’s Oldest Zoo. 42 acres of awesomeness and over 1,000 animals. ~ Philadelphia Z00 ~
• Liberty Bell – Symbol of American Independence – If you are visiting Philadelphia, this is one site that must be seen. ~ Liberty Bell~
• Elfreth’s Alley ~ Get to walk down a street with 300 years of history. Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America. ~ Elfreth’s Alley ~
• Philadelphia City Hall ~ Like Architecture? Philadelphia History? They give tours of the Philadelphia City Hall. If you go up high enough, you get to see the whole city. ~ Philadelphia City Hall~
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – So many things that surround this museum. The “Rocky” Steps or the “Rocky” statue. A great view down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Behind the museum, you can view Boat House Row and a few other things. ~ Philadelphia Museum of Art~
• Betsy Ross House – Did Betsy Ross actually make the American Flag? Learn about some of Philadelphia’s earliest history. ~ Betsy Ross House~
• Independence Hall – This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. ~ Independence Hall~
• National Constitution Center – If anything, you must see the ‘We the People’ exhibit. There are other timely exhibits. ~ National Constitution Center ~
• Philadelphia Parks – Such as Fairmount Park or even Franklin Square for the kids or relaxing.

Are you Visiting Philadelphia and need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more. Try the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours Company ~ Philly Sightseeing Company ~

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

• Dad Vail Regatta ~ May 11 & 12 ~ If you have never been, you should check it out. The Dad Vail Regatta attracts more than 3,000 competitors from nearly 150 colleges and universities across the country and Canada to race. This 2-day event also attracts about 25,000 spectators.  ~ Dad Vail Regatta ~
• The Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure® ~ May 13 ~ Know of someone who has died from breast cancer? Who has survived? Yes, this event is 2 1/2 months away, but you can sign up now to participate, so you can get others to sponsor you. Or you can become a volunteer. ~ Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure® ~
• Beauty and the Beast ~ June 4 – 10 ~ Coming to the Academy of Music. More info next week, so stay tuned.
• 2nd Annual Race Street Pier Promenade ~ June 7 ~ Details to follow this week.

As always, no matter if you are visiting Philadelphia or live in the City of Philadelphia, we hope our list of things to do in Philadelphia helps you out.

If you have stumbled upon something else that we did not mention, please let us know in a comment or in an e-mail. If you are a business or organization that has an event coming up, please contact us. MyPhillyAlive

If you happened to visit any of the things mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here or on that article describing what you liked about that event or attraction. As always, we would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks, MyPhillyAlive

Philadelphia Weekend Weather for the weekend of May 4 – 6

Friday  |  30% Isolated Thunder Storms  |  High 86  | Low 64

Saturday  |  30% AM Showers  |  High 76 | Low 53

Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny |  High 71 |  Low 52

Disclaimer : This blog post is a weekly update of things to do in Philadelphia. Please check the date above, when such article was posted. If an earlier date appears, just go to this link for current events and attractions in Philadelphia. ~ Click : Things to do in Philadelphia ~

picture is courtesy of Britt Miller’s art work – Britt Miller Art