Saturday, August 1, 2026
August 7, 2026 6:00-8:00PM AMLA Summer Showcase
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/
Monday, July 27, 2026
August 2, 2026 3:00-6:00PM Philly Roda de Samba e Choro at The Black Squirrel Club
Experience the pure joy of samba as performed in Rio--people gathered round a table playing tunes. All join in song, dance, drinks and fun!
Philly Roda de Samba e Choro
When: First Sunday of every month
Doors open at 2 PM. Music 3-6 PM
Where: Black Squirrel Club 1049 Sarah Street (Fishtown, Philadelphia)
Tickets: $12
This event is 21+
Samba is a style of music and dance, a community celebration, and a way of life. The “Philly Roda de Samba e Choro” presents samba and choro as they are traditionally performed in Brazil: with friends gathered around a table, playing tunes, singing along, dancing, eating, drinking, and filling the souls of all with joy.
With a core group comprised of Fernanda Bravo (voice/pandeiro), Gregg Mervine (cavaquinho), Rob Curto (piano), Mark Stehle (percussion) and Marcos Oliveira (percussion), the Philly Roda plays every first Sunday at the Black Squirrel Club, and features a guest artist each time.
This has grown into Philly's most amazing Sunday afternoon event! Drink a caipirinha, immerse yourself in beautiful melodies, get swept up in the dance and join the community spirit! Come experience the vibrant culture and pure joy of the Roda!
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Black Squirrel Club has a full bar but does not sell food. You are welcome to bring your own food in to the venue or have something delivered and re-entry is permitted if you want to run out and grab food at any time.
Reserve Paid Parking Here (lot 1 block from venue)There is also free parking available at the Rivers Casino parking lot (3 blocks).
This event is 21+
Tickets: $12 (+ $2.64 online)
Black Squirrel Club
1049 Sarah Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125
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
Community, music, food, dancing and more as we pay tribute to latin music from the 70s thru the early 2000s!
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
Friday, July 24, 2026
July 30, 2026 5:00-8:00PM Worldtown Soundsystem at The Lawn at UCity Square
Join us on Thursday, July 30 for the second concert in our Summer Series as Worldtown Soundsystem brings their signature blend of electronic dance music, global rhythms, and Philly soul to 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
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
Our 6th Annual Jazzin' On Ridge has been partnered with Philadelphia 250.
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
July 25, 2026 6:00-9:00PM Arte en las Calles featuring La GuaGua 47 Orchestra at Esperanza
Celebrate Summer with Arte en las Calles featuring LaGuaGua 47 Orchestra
Join the Esperanza Arts Center on Saturday, July 25, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for Arte en las Calles: LaGuaGua 47, a FREE outdoor celebration of Latino culture, music, and community. Hosted by Rumba 106.1's Johanny Rodriguez, the evening will feature live performances by the LaGuaGua 47 Orchestra and Blaze Born (AMLA Rock Band), along with Latin food, dancing, a local merchant fair, family activities, and fun for all ages. Inspired by the powerful bilingual musical La Guagua 47 by Alba Martínez, the event celebrates stories of migration, belonging, and community while bringing the vibrant spirit of summer to Esperanza. Registration is encouraged but not required.
July 25, 2026 12:00-5:00PM Block Party with 3 Live Latin Bands at 5th & Lehigh
Join us on July 25th for an afternoon of music and fun for the whole family at HACE's 2026 BLOCK PARTY in Philly! There will be lots of fun activities, so don't miss it! The party starts at 12pm and ends at 5pm. 3 Live Salsa bands, dance performances , & DJ. @combo_melaza_ @tino.serrano.1485 @jimmyjorge1 & the Latin Express
July 25, 2026 12:00-4:00PM Fiesta de Los Jardines Fundraiser at Las Parcelas Garden
- Access to all vendors
- Two beers (21+)
- Option to join one yoga session
- Option to join a salsa class
July 25, 2026 5:00-8:00PM Brazilian Arraia at Kouklet Bakehouse
Come celebrate arraia at Kouklet - a Brazilian festa junina with corn season food, Brazilian bbq, music, and community on E Passyunk Ave!
Arraia At Kouklet 🌽🎉
Corn season kicks off in the US this July, and we're celebrating the Brazilian way - with a real arraia.
For those who didn't grow up with it: arraia (aka festa junina) is one of the biggest celebrations in Brazil, born out of the June/July harvest. Think string lights, quadrilha dancing, bonfires, and every corn dish you can imagine - pamonha, canjica, milho cozido, bolo de fubá. It's community, food, and a whole lot of nostalgia packed into one night.
We're bringing that same energy to Passyunk. expect:
- Brazilian barbecue (skewer style)
- our full corn-season menu (some dishes you won't see again till next year)
- traditional Brazilian bites alongside the specials
- music + a party vibe built for kids and adults alike
- a little taste of Brazil for those who know, and a fun new tradition for those who don't
- Reserve your free space
Saturday, July 18, 2026
July 24, 2026 8:00-11:00PM Afro-Cuban Rumba at iMPeRFeCT Gallery
- iMPeRFeCT Gallery (map)
FRIDAY NIGHT RUMBA!
Rumbas are NOT ongoing throughout Summer, we just couldn’t wait til Fall to have another one, we want to celebrate Renny Molenaar’s exhibition, which closes the day after. Have you been to one yet? They’re fun! $10 Suggested donation.
iMPeRFeCT Gallery
5539 Germantown Ave. (Germantown) Philadelphia, PA 19144
Thursday, July 16, 2026
July 22, 2026 7:30-10:00PM Philly Latin Descarga with Andrés Cisneros and Simon Martinez at The Black Squirrel Club
A new happening at Black Squirrel Club! A Latin music jam session!
Join Philadelphia-based Latin percussionists and bandleaders Andrés Cisneros and Simon Martinez (De Tierra Caliente), along with a rotating lineup of musicians, for an evening of authentic Latin jam sessions.
The descarga is where musicians gather to improvise, connect, and create. These sessions became the laboratory of modern Afro-Caribbean music.
Open to musicians and Latin music lovers who want to experience the foundational rhythms, sounds, and spirit of Latin music.
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Black Squirrel Club offers a full bar with an excellent draft selection and delicious signature cocktails. We do not serve food, but you are welcome to bring your own or have it delivered once you arrive.
Reserve Paid Parking Here (lot 1 block from venue)
There is also free parking available at the Rivers Casino parking lot (3 blocks)
Monday, July 13, 2026
July 19, 2026 6:00PM Live at Roots Garden: Alex Shaw & Friends
Sunday in the park - acoustic music in the vibrant lush community garden setting
Olney Culture Lab is proud to bring announce the line-up for the 2026 performance series at Roots Garden in Fisher Park. This series of outdoor performances held in the lush green space of the Roots Community Garden in the Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia was a breath of fresh air for attendees and performers alike.
July 19 - Alex Shaw & Friends (Afro-Brazilian Percussion)
August 16 - TBD
The event will also feature catering by local chefs who will offer light snacks and refreshments.
Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets. There will be some folding seats available. Parking is on the street at West Spencer.
In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at a location to-be determind.
This series is produced in partnership with the Fisher Park Community Alliance and the Roots Community Garden. It is supported by William Penn Foundation, Olney Community Collaborative, Councilman Anthony Phillip's Office and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Visit olneyculturelab.org to learn about all our programs, events and activities.
Roots Garden
6101 North Marshall Street
Philadelphia, PA 19120
July 19, 2026 5:00-7:00PM Taiko Taster Workshop for Taiko Drumming Fundamentals
There's a lot going on in Philly this summer, but there's always time for learning some Taiko fundamentals!
Come join us on July 19th from 5-7pm for a "Taiko Taster" workshop at our dojo in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. Basic info is on the flyer and reach out with questions and/or to receive registration info! We hope to see you there!
Sunday, July 12, 2026
July 18, 2026 12:00-5:00PM Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Fest 2026
Oyeee!!! 🇵🇷🔥 The day is only getting closer next weekend July 18 we will be having our first cultural fest PhillyBombaPlena Cultual Center x Uno Mas Homecare. We are brining out 3 other groups @cultura_plenera coming from Maryland, @kinto_zono_official coming from New York and @bompleneras coming from Chicago and @losbomberoscalle from Philly you guys don’t want to miss this event it is going to be a unforgettable day. There will be food by @amys_pastelillos and @chef_anas_kitchen. There will be piraguas, face painting and much more!!! July 17 the day before the main event there will be a workshop by @ivelisse_diaz_ and @bompleneras and you can sign up for this event on our website WWW.PhillyBombaPlena.com and all the information about the workshop and the main event the next day will be there. But if you guys aren’t doing anything for those days you will definitely want to come stop by and enjoy the time bring friends and family. Thank you to @uno_mas_homecare_llc for being our main sponsor for this event, and thank you to everyone who has been there supporting us getting everything ready for this day. Thank you so much and looking forward to seeing you guys there and having an amazing time. Check out our website for more info at WWW.PhillyBombaPlena.com,

