Here’s a look at some of the mark-the-calendar happenings for summer.
Odunde Festival
Based on Yoruba traditions, Odunde, one of the largest African-American street festivals in the country, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The festival marks the New Year for Africans and African- Americans around the world with a procession, ceremonial offering, live entertainment and an African marketplace with crafts from more than 100 vendors stretching over 12 city blocks. ManayunkArts Festival
If it’s June, it must be the Manayunk Arts Festival, marking its 26th anniversary in 2015. The festival continues to attract huge crowds to Main Street to check out a variety of artwork from 300 artists and crafters from around the country. Up-and-coming local talent gets in on the action in the Emerging Artist Tent. Clark Park Musicand Arts Festival
Held on Saturdays closest to the summer solstice and fall equinox, the Clark Park Music and Arts Festival brings together music of all genres, arts and crafts, vendors and family activities in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhood gathering spaces. Wawa Welcome America!
Philadelphia celebrates America’s birthday like no place else. In the week leading up to Independence Day, Wawa Welcome America! lights up the city with concerts, fireworks, historic re-enactments, Wawa Hoagie Day and other activities in neighborhoods throughout the city. On July 4 itself, the granddaddy of all concerts takes over the Ben Franklin Parkway, with chart-topping artists hitting the stage and a grand finale fireworks display. PhiladelphiaFringe Festival
With an eye on the world’s most cutting-edge art, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival curates 17 days of theater, dance, music and interdisciplinary performances across several neighborhoods. To get the lowdown on all of Philly’s best happenings, go to www.uwishunu.com and www.visitphilly.com/events.
June 14, www.odundefestival.org
June 20-21, www.manayunk.com
June 20 and September 19, www.clarkparkfest.wordpress.com
June 27 to July 4,www.welcomeamerica.com
September 3-19,www.fringearts.com
Philly neighborhoods get festive this summer
M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia
