Bring a chair or blanket
The Gazebo at FDR Park
1500 Pattison Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
August 11, 2026 6:00-8:00PM Gumbo Nouveau at FDR Park
Monday, August 3, 2026
August 9 2026 7:30PM Sharon Katz & The Peace Train at 118 North
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Celebrating the release of "Desert Air" A Grand Philly Reunion!
Doors: 5:30 PM | Show: 7:30 PM
21+ Unless Accompanied by a Parent or Guardian
Tickets >> https://tixr.com/pr/social/186679 $33.90 includes fee
118 North Wayne Avenue
Wayne, PA 19087
Saturday, August 1, 2026
August 7, 2026 6:00-8:00PM AMLA Summer Showcase
Experience an unforgettable evening of music at the AMLA Summer Showcase. Enjoy original student compositions, dynamic Latin percussion performances, and a celebration of the creativity, growth, and achievements of our Summer Music Institute students.Friday, August 7, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Free Performance: 6:00–8:00 PM
Teatro Esperanza, 4261 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Register: https://www.amla.org/amla-summer-showcase-2026/
August 7, 2026 4:00-7:00PM BlackStar Film Festival Opening Night Welcome Party at South Street Pop-UP Garden
BlackStar peeps! After Thursday night’s premiere which will be followed by the festival’s Opening Night Welcome Party, we’ll be doing a next day wind down to celebrate and commune with the teams behind @westsidefamiliafilm , @phillyrumbafilm and @seedswecarry.film featuring music from the funky jazzy Philly-soul band that did the original tracks in @westsidefamiliafilm on the 10th anniversary of the band @omars__hat , with an additional set by a quartet of drummers in the Philly Rumba community. Partiful link in bio. All parties free 99.
Come through! Let’s catch up, vibe and build!
Friday, July 31, 2026
August 6, 2026 2:30PM Film Screening of Philly Rumba Documentary at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center
Philly Rumba is a short documentary about a group of African American men in Philadelphia who gravitated toward Cuban Rumba as an expression of their African roots during the Civil Rights and Pan African Eras. 50 years later, they continue to play Rumba together, proving that music can create community and solidarity in difficult times.
The rhythms of rumba originate from West Africa and accompanied enslaved Africans to Cuba when they were forcibly abducted from their homeland.
Rumba is not just a musical style; it’s a means of gathering. Afterall, rumba means “party” in Spanish. Several percussionists can play rumba at a time, and audience members also participate by singing the chorus and dancing. Rumba is meant to bring people together, to express joy, anger and everything in between.
Most of the rumba you’ll hear in this documentary is not rumba in its pure form but Philly rumba. Fifty years ago, musicians in Philly — African American, Latin American and others — were inspired to form groups like Little Afrika and the Rumba Brothers when they first heard the addictive rhythms of rumba. They replicated the sounds, wrote their own lyrics in English, and sometimes played with no vocals at all. As time went on, formal elements of rumba such as specific rhythms, traditional songs and instruments like the clave rightfully found their way into the music.
As time goes on, the mainstay of rumba musicians are becoming elders. While there is a new generation picking up the baton, this film documents the folklore of this tradition in order to preserve local history and pass it down to future generations.
Kimmel Center
300 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, Pa
Tickets: $22.05 with fee
- Year
- 2026
- Runtime
- 25 minutes
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English, Spanglish, Spanish
- Directors
- Melissa Beatriz, Andrés Cisneros
- Screenwriters
- Melissa Beatriz, Andrés Cisneros
- Producers
- Melissa Beatriz, Lila Yomtoob
- Executive Producer
- Actívate Media
- Cinematographers
- Aidan Un, Ty Burdenski
- Editor
- Gabriela Cavanagh
- Premiere
- World
Monday, July 27, 2026
August 2, 2026 2:00-8:00PM ACANA African Festival with Batala Philly at Cherry Street Pier
Don’t miss the largest African festival on the East Coast, which celebrates the African diaspora with music, food, and vendors.
ACANA FEST 2026 will feature a diverse lineup of African music performances, globally inspired cuisine, and unique crafts from various African vendors.
Organized by: African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc. (ACANA)
What to Know Before You Go:
Parking on-site will be limited due to construction on the I-95 CAP. However, there are many great ways to access the Waterfront, including walking and biking along the Delaware River Trail, rideshare, and public transit. To ensure a seamless visit, guests can visit the Know Before You Go guide for parking recommendations, directions, FAQs, and more.
Batala Philly to perform 3:00-3:30PM
August 2, 2026 12:00-10:00PM 2nd Street Festival
Founded in 2008 by several local business owners, 2nd St Festival has grown into one of the largest annual street festivals in Philadelphia, spanning several blocks in Northern Liberties and drawing thousands of people! Always the first Sunday in August, the neighborhood and comes alive with food, libations and entertainment!
The first Sunday in August is Northern Liberties’ time to shine. Since 2008, the free annual 2nd Street Festival brings thousands of revelers to the corridor of the River Wards neighborhood.
Expect a Philly-centric lineup of live bands on stages (typically at Germantown Avenue and at Fairmount Avenue), art and apparel merchants and vendors, multiple beer and cocktail gardens featuring selections from local craft breweries and distilleries and the finest food fare NoLibs (and beyond) has to offer.
Good for: A sizzling summer street fest
Know before you go: North 2nd Street from Girard Avenue to Spring Garden Street closes to all vehicles.
Sunday, July 26, 2026
August 1, 2026 3:00-11:00PM La Placita Fest at Liberty Point
Early Bird tickets are available RIGHT NOW in EXTREMELY LOW QUANTITIES, so don’t miss out as ticket prices will go up.
SEE LINK
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026!
📍Liberty Point
211 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tickets: $22.99
Friday, July 24, 2026
July 30, 2026 5:00-8:00PM Worldtown Soundsystem at The Lawn at UCity Square
For more than a decade, this Philadelphia born, eight piece band has been creating high energy live performances rooted in house music and inspired by sounds from around the world. With a mission to celebrate global culture through music and art, @worldtown Soundsystem delivers an experience that is vibrant, uplifting, and uniquely Philly. Their 2016 debut, a self-titled EP, features amazing artists including our very own Walk of Fame 2026 Inductee, @pablobatistapercussion !
Bring a blanket, grab a drink from the @ucitysquare Square Beer Garden featuring @twolocalsbrewing, and enjoy a free summer evening of live music with friends and neighbors.
📍 The Lawn at uCity Square (37th & Cuthbert) 🗓 Thursday, July 30 ⏰ Music begins at 5:00 PM 🎟 Free & open to all
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
July 27, 2026 6:00-8:55PM Kulu Mele's African Dance Bash at Community Education Center
We’re bringing the energy back with another African Dance Bash, and this month’s lineup is one you won’t want to miss!
Join us for three exciting classes in one evening featuring Afro-Beats (Fusion), Soca Fitness, and West African Dance. Whether you’re looking to get a great workout, learn something new, or simply enjoy an evening filled with music, movement, and community, there’s a place for you on the dance floor.
At Kulu Mele, we believe movement is medicine. Through rhythm, culture, and community, we reconnect with joy, relieve stress, and celebrate the rich traditions of the African Diaspora.
Bring a friend and come experience the joy of movement, music, and community together!
Monday, July 27, 2026
Community Education Center
3500 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia
Class Schedule
6:00–6:55 PM — Afro-Beats (Fusion) with Yusuf Young
7:00–7:55 PM — Soca Fitness with Monisha
8:00–8:55 PM — West African Dance with Mahiri
Pricing
Adults: $15 per class or $40 for all three
Children (under 16): $10 per class or $25 for all three
Pay at the door — Cash, Cash App, or Zelle.
Love the Experience? Join the Ensemble!
Have you ever thought about dancing or drumming with Kulu Mele?
We’re also holding Open Auditions on August 1 & 2 for dancers and drummers. We’re looking for passionate individuals who want to learn, grow, and become part of one of Philadelphia’s premier African dance and drum ensembles.
Whether you’re an experienced performer or just beginning your journey, all skill levels are welcome.
click here to register:
https://docs.google.com/forms/
We hope to see you on the dance floor Monday—and perhaps welcome you into the Kulu Mele family soon!
Sunday, July 19, 2026
July 25, 2026 7:00-10:00PM Blocofunk + Mariposas Galacticas at Spruce St. Harbor Park
Mariposas Galácticas is an 8-piece Cumbia Klezmer Punk band based in Philly. Combining band members’ South American and Jewish ancestries, the band creates a unique diasporic sound that gets audiences everywhere dancing with rebellious joy. By honoring their Indigenous Andean musical heritage, blended together with punkified ancient Jewish melodies, the band plays a mixture of original and classic tunes that span different languages, cultures, and genres. Mariposas have collaborated with international acts like Os Mutantes, Son Rompe Pera and Kumbia Queers, and they continue to accompany their communities’ struggle for liberation everywhere from prominent stages to cultural, activist and community spaces.
The new project from PhillyBloco's Mike Stevens, BlocoFunk plays Funk/Soul/Samba, all set to the infectious grooves of Brazilian Carnaval. The band is 12 members strong, featuring Samba percussion, bass/guitar, brass section and vocals.
What to Expect:
- Live Waterfront concert with skyline views
- Food, drinks, and hammock vibes
- A high-energy, feel-good night of music
- Plan Your Visit:
While at Spruce Street Harbor Park, enjoy free live music, food and drink, comfortable seating, and stunning waterfront views.
What to Know Before You Go:
Parking on-site will be limited due to construction on the I-95 CAP. However, many great ways to access the Waterfront include walking and biking along the Delaware River Trail, rideshare, and public transit. To ensure a seamless visit, guests can visit the Know Before You Go guide for parking recommendations, directions, FAQs, and more. Spruce St. Harbor Park
213 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia PA 19106-3101
Free event
July 25, 2026 12:00-6:00PM Jazzin' on Ridge
SCHEDULED LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
African Drum & Dance Ensemble led by Darien Ebo, The Epiphanies, Junee & Patrick, Kimpedro's NU GRuV Network, Kindred The Family Soul and Jeff Bradshaw
Ridge Ave between 22nd and 23rd
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