Kennett Brew Fest Tickets: The Kennett Brewfest in downtown Kennett Square is intended to be an opportunity to sample some of the best regional and national craft beers accompanied by great food, great music, and great people. It takes place on Oct. 11, 2014, but tickets went on sale June 1. The event always sells out. All attendees have access to food and merchandise vendors, live bands, sponsor tables, and more during the entire event. Doors open at noon for the Connoisseur Tasting and the regular fest begins at 2 p.m. All taps will close at 6 p.m. Your ticket will be scanned at the entrance, where you will receive your tasting cup. Every attempt will be made to make admissions move as quickly and smoothly as possible. Tickets are transferable; however tickets are non-refundable. The festival is a rain or shine event. For more information and tickets, go to kennettbrewfest.com.
Tickets are on sale now for Fireworks & Fountains at Longwood Gardens. Events take place July 4, July 19, Aug. 16, August 30 and Sept. 13. Guests may reserve a space in the viewing area after 3 p.m. For the best viewing experience, guests are encouraged to bring a lightweight folding chair. Rental chairs can be purchased for $5 each (while supplies last). Blankets are not permitted. For more information and tickets, go to longwoodgardens.org.
NOW to JUNE 30: The Atlantic City Alliance invites everyone to say ‘hello’ to summer a little early this year with affordable hotel packages from all 11 of Atlantic City’s resort casino hotel and spas – ranging from $49 to $169 – available from May 1 to June 30, 2014. Most packages are available 7-days a week. Packages are available during May and June so that visitors looking for a budget-friendly getaway can say ‘Hello Summer’ now and celebrate Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, college graduations, bachelor and bachelorette parties or simply take a long weekend or mid-week vacation in Atlantic City to get a head start on the official summer season. Visitors can also take advantage of these packages to extend their visits to Atlantic City for upcoming events such as DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup (June 19-July 7),the big Lady Gaga concert at Boardwalk Hall (June 28) or the 2014 Challenge Atlantic City Triathlon (June 29). More upcoming events in Atlantic City can be found at doatlanticcity.com. To book a visit, go to www.atlanticcitynj.com/HelloSummer/.
JUNE 3 to 7: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church hosts the Annual Wilmington Greek Festival June 3 through June 7 from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily and admission is free. This five-day event features authentic Greek food with favorites like pastichio, moussaka, dolmades, spanakopita, gyros and souvlaki. Atlantis, a regionally renowned orchestra, plays live Greek music nightly and the Terpsechorian Youth Folk dance group, dressed in ethnic costumes, provides the entertainment. For more information, go to www.greekfestde.com.
JUNE 4 – 7: The 20th annual West Chester University Poetry Conference will be held June 4 -7. Natasha Tretheway, U.S. Poet Laureate, will be the keynote speaker and will give a reading at 8:45 p.m. on June 4 in the Swope Music Building. Other readings by Dana Gioia, David Mason, Molly Peaco*ck, Mary Jo Salter, and A. E. Stallings will take place at the same location at 8:15 p.m. on June 5 and 6. Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist and pianist Diane Schuur will perform a concert at 8:15 p.m. on June 7. More information can be found at www.wcupoetrycenter.com/poetry-conference. The evening readings and concert will take place at the Swope Music Building, 817 S. High Street, on the campus of West Chester University.
JUNE 5: Swingin’ Summer Thursdays in downtown West Chester get underway June 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Gay Street between High and Darlington streets. The event features food, music, clowns, artists, magicians, jugglers, zip lining and lots of family fun. Music on June 5 will be provided by The Mummers All Starts. Other Swingin’ Thursdays take place July 10, August 7, September 4. For more information, go to www.west-chester.com/recreation.
JUNE 6, 7, 8: The 24th Annual World War II Weekend, ‘A Gathering of Warbirds,’ takes place at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum, 11 Museum Drive, Reading, Pa. 19605. World War II Weekend is living history before your eyes. The weekend features a WWII air show, on the ground and in the air; WWII veterans tell their stories and give briefings; military vehicle show; battle reenactments; militaria flea market and more. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. Tickets at the gate are $25. More information is available by calling 610-372-7333, or by visiting www.maam.org.
June 7: Artisan Exchange, the indoor artisan food and farmers market in West Chester, features local food from local businesses. Artisan Exchange is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 208 Carter Drive, Ste. 13B, West Chester, in the Matlack Industrial Center. For more information, go to www.artisanexchangewcpa.com.
JUNE 7: Dogs, runners and walkers are heading to The Spayed Club’s 1st Dog Jog Run/Walk, an event featuring a 5K run or a one-mile walk. On Saturday, June 7 at 8:30 a.m, rain or shine, 200-plus participants are scheduled to hightail it to Reeves Park in Phoenixville, for a morning of fun and an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for The Spayed Club, a non-profit organization whose clinic has performed the low-cost spay/neuter of more than 33,000 animals since 2009, and has been funding spay/neuter services since 1990. Activities include exciting raffles with prizes like gift baskets from Trader Joe’s and gift cards from PetSmart, Wegmans, Bryn Mawr Running Store, doggie care at Wagsworth Manor, many area restaurants and more! Many rescue and animal welfare groups will be in attendance with adoptable dogs and information about their services. The Spayed Club Spay/Neuter Clinic staff will also be on hand to answer questions and distribute information. Registration is $30 and can even be done on-site. Participants can register online at www.thespayedclubclinic.org/dogjog. Participants can walk or run and you don’t need a dog to participate. Walkers/runners are encouraged to register and raise funds for a great cause! A pledge form is also available on the website for participants wanting to make an even bigger impact.
JUNE 7: Mark your calendar for the 12th Annual Up On The Roof event, taking place on the rooftop of the Chestnut Street Garage in downtown West Chester on Saturday, June 7 from 7-11 p.m. Enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars! Limoncello Ristorante & Caterers, a West Chester favorite, will cater the event serving an array of appetizers and pasta dishes, along with stuffed pork loin at the carving station. Complimentary bar will feature beer, wine, and the always-popular Rooftop Martini. Live entertainment by The Blue Sky Band. Dressy casual is the recommended attire and because it’s located at the borough’s biggest and newest garage, there is plenty of parking. This event is a joint fund-raising effort between the West Chester Downtown Foundation and the West Chester Business Improvement District (BID) to promote the beautification of downtown West Chester. Tickets are $90 per person in advance and $110 at the door. Make checks payable to ‘WCDF Roof’, 28 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382. Credit Card: ‘WCDF Roof’ at CCCF (direct credit card payment inquiries to Lisa Slawinski, 610-696-2628).For more information, go to www.downtownwestchester.com.
JUNE 7: Explore the history of what is sometimes referred to as ‘America’s second war for independence’ at a fort that was garrisoned and prepared to defend the city of Philadelphia at that time. In celebration of the bicentennial of our National Anthem Fort Mifflin will highlight a special but little-known connection between Fort Mifflin and Fort McHenry. Lt Col Samuel Smith was ordered by General Washington to take command of Fort Mifflin in September of 1777. By 1814 Smith had been promoted to General and was in charge of the defense of Baltimore during the bombardment there. We can presume that he put the lessons learned during the defense of Mud Island to good use in assuring an American victory in Baltimore! Fort Mifflin’s Officer’s Quarters, recently damaged in a tragic fire, is also celebrating its bicentennial. Donations in support of restoration projects are welcome. Join the ‘troops’ at Fort Mifflin for guided tours and living history activities including the opportunity to join the ‘Fort Mifflin Rifle Regiment!’ Be sure to bring your best voice as we will be recording pop-up-choirs singing the Star Spangled Banner for participation in the Smithsonian Institution’s celebration of the National Anthem ‘Raise it Up! Anthem for America.’ Join the fun on Saturday June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for Veterans and students under 12. Cash only at the event entrance please, but credit cards may be used to purchase tickets online at www.FortMifflin.us Fort Mifflin on the Delaware is located at Fort Mifflin and Hog Island roads, Philadelphia, Pa. 19153. For more information, go to www.FortMifflin.us, or call 215-685-4167.
JUNE 7 & 8: Peddler’s Village presents the 30th Annual Fine Arts & Contemporary Crafts Showon Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, 2014, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., rain or shine. Admission and parking are free. This outdoor exhibition showcases original artwork from the region’s finest artists displaying and selling a variety of work from paintings, photography, wood creations and mixed media to jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, fiber creations, and ceramics. Artists demonstrate their craft, providing visitors the opportunity to watch the creative process. Artists were juried in by a committee of art experts, ensuring only the highest quality of exhibited work. Judges select show winners, awarding $2,000 in cash prizes. For the list of participating artists, visit www.peddlersvillage.com/festivals/fine_art_craft.aspx. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoylive entertainment including the area’s best jazz, blues and classical musicians.
JUNE 7 & 8: Bird watching is the most popular sport in America, and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the place to be on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, to learn all about those modern-day dinosaur descendants. All About Birds Weekend features close encounters with live birds, the adventures of an expert birder, and bird games and crafts for the whole family. All About Birds is free with museum admission. Since the earliest days of its founding in 1812, the Academy has conducted ornithological research around the world and today houses more than 200,000 bird research specimens, some of which will be on display during this special weekend. For a full list of activities, visit ansp.org. HOURS: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ADMISSION: $15 adults; $13 children 3-12, seniors, college students, and military personnel; free for members and children under 3. PHONE: 215-299-1000. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, Pa., 19103.
JUNE 7: Modeled after the centuries-old running of the bulls event in Pamplona, Spain, The Great Bull Run will make its debut in the Philadelphia area on June 7 at the Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, just outside of Reading. The event will feature multiple runnings of the bulls throughout the day, followed by Tomato Royale, a massive tomato food fight with thousands of participants. For those who prefer watching rather than participating, spectator areas are set up along The Great Bull Run track and around the Tomato Royale arena and include music, festival games, food and beverages. Tickets are available online at www.thegreatbullrun.com and at the gate on the day of the event. Participants are encouraged to get their tickets now, as prices will increase over time, ranging from $55-$75 for runners, $35-$50 for Tomato Royale participants and $10-$15 for spectators. Runners must be 18 years or older with a valid ID while Tomato Royale participants must be 14 or older.
JUNE 8: The Arc of Chester County, a local human services organization serving children and adults with disabilities, is holding its annual Arc Achievement Walk, 5K Run and Fun Day on Sunday, June 8 at its 900 Lawrence Drive location in West Chester and the adjacent, West Goshen Community Park. New to the event this year, is the 5K run. Registration for the run begins at 7:45 am, followed by a run warm-up session at 8 a.m., and the 5K kickoff at 8:30 am. Walkers will complete a one mile loop around the West Goshen Community Park’s walking trail. Registration begins at 11 am. Special guest, the Phillie Phanatic will kick off the walk at 11:30 a.m. and be at the event through 12:30 pm for fun and excitement with event attendees. Pledges from sponsors will be collected to raise funds for The Arc’s programs and services, which include advocacy, early intervention, community habilitation, autism training and support, employment, transportation and housing. Following the walk, a catered picnic lunch will be available as well as family activities including arts and crafts, moon bounces, Goshen Fire company display, face painting, live music and bingo. Registration, sponsorship information and other event information can be found at www.arcofchestercounty.org.
JUNE 8: Come out and enjoy the thundering horses and their agile riders as they play the international game of Polo right in your own backyard at the 8th Annual Chester County Hospital Polo Cup. This year, tailgating and festivities begin at 1:30 p.m., and the match starts at 3 p.m. Pack a picnic for tailgating or purchase a VIP ticket for entrance into the VIP tent where food and beverages will be served. $25 general admission tickets, and children 16 and under are free. The event takes place at the Brandywine Polo Club in Toughkenamon, 260 Polo Road, Toughkenamon, Pa. 19374. For tickets and more information, go to http://www.chestercountyhospital.org/cchfdn.asp?p=1199
JUNE 8: As part of its new Second Sunday Living History Series, Rock Ford Plantation will be hosting ’18th Century Dancing’ on Sunday, June 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests are invited to watch and listen to the dance and music of Federal America. Enjoy an afternoon watching the Hands and their friends learn the latest dances and freshen up their dance skills. In the 18thCentury being well-versed in dance and etiquette was an essential part of life. The dance masters were the teachers who came into a home to teach dance to young and old allowing for one to be socially well turned out when attending a ball or public assembly. Music for this event will be provided by Penn’s Company. From May through October, Rock Ford will be hosting Second Sunday Living History Events. Visitors will experience a guided tour of the mansion which contains a focus on a specific aspect of life in the late 18th Century. Admission $8 adults, $7 seniors (65 and up), $6 children ages 6-12 and free for children under 6. Required are not required for this event. All proceeds from the Second Sunday Living History Series will benefit the ongoing preservation and operation of Rock Ford Plantation, 881 Rockford Road, Lancaster, Pa. 17602. The historic property is open for tours Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm from April to October. It is operated by the non-profit Rock Ford Foundation. For more information, visit www.rockfordplantation.org or call 717-392-7223.
JUNE 8: The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen will host the first annual MAKERSfest on the 300 block of N. Queen St. on Sunday, June 8. This brand-new street festival celebrates the beauty of a finished object, as well as the act of making. The Guild invites everyone to come for the day, to start making craft, to acquire a piece from a master craftsman, and revel in the creative expression of music, food, art, craft, and more. The event features more than 50 craftsmen, live music, food trucks, and hands-on activities for all ages that focus on the artistry and ingenuity of making. All the craft on display is the inspired work of the craftsmen in the booth, ranging from ceramics to jewelry, handmade clothing, weaving, artisan furniture, functional objects, and more. MAKERSfest is free and open to the public. Hours are Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm, along the 300 block of N. Queen St., Lancaster. The Pennsylvania Guild of Fine Craft Fair is open Sunday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., along the 300 block of N. Queen St., Lancaster. Admission is free. Pay parking is available in nearby garages. For more information, directions and parking advice, call 717.431.8706 or visit www.pacrafts.org.
JUNE 8 to 15: Experience Italian culture at its best during the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival held in Wilmington’s Little Italy on June 8 through June 15. This weeklong, family-oriented festival is one of the largest events of its kind on the East Coast. Enjoy classical music and opera, live Italian and contemporary music, string bands, strolling minstrels and traditional dance. Artisans from Italy are on hand to display and sell their handicrafts. Explore your genealogical heritage, take an Italian language lesson or watch weavers and winemakers in action. There’s also a full complement of traditional midway attractions, carnival rides and games of chance and a selection of homemade pasta dinners, Italian specialties and delicious desserts that are not to be missed. Go to www.stanthonysfestival.com for more information.
JUNE 13, 14: The 8th Annual Chester County Balloon Festival takes place at Plantation Field in Unionville on June 13 and 14. The festival features balloon rides, night glows, live bands, more than 100 vendors, kids activities and more. The event gets underway at 5 p.m. on June 13 and at 3 p.m. on June 14. Admission is $10 per car. One-hour balloon rides are $200 for a.m. flights and $225 for p.m. flights. The festival takes place at 1600 West Doe Run Rd., Coatesville, Pa. 19320. For more information, go to www.ccballoonfest.com.
JUNE 14: Join the wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail as they bring together the best of the Brandywine Valley area. Local wineries, food vendors, local artisans and musicians come together for a day of fun at the picturesque The Myrick Conservation Center for the Brandywine Food and Wine Festival. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. The Myrick Conservation Center is located at 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Road, West Chester, PA 19382. To see more about participating wineries, food vendors, crafters, musical acts, and demonstrations, go to www.pawinefestival.com.
JUNE 15: Fatherfest Antique Car & Motorcycle Show at American Helicopter Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry costs $7 per person. Helicopter rides are available for $40 per person. The American Helicopter Museum is located at 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, Pa. 19380. For more information, call 610-436-9600 or go to www.americanhelicopter.museum.
JUNE 15: The Historic Ephrata Cloister invites families to a special Father’s Day program on June 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Inspired by the printing, papermaking, and carpentry trades of the past, adults and children will become masters and apprentices in a unique workshop program. Workshop fee: $10 for a pair, $3 for each additional child. Ages 6 to adult. FREE for families that possess a Family Membership to the Ephrata Cloister Associates. For reservation information and registration please call the Historic Ephrata Cloister at 717-733-6600 or email Rebecca Lawrence, c-rlawrenc@pa.gov. Historic Ephrata Cloister is located at 632 West Main Street, Ephrata, Pa. 17522.
JUNE 17 – 21: Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church Community Festival takes place June 17 – June 21. Live bands play every night (go to www.stjoesfestival.com for the line-up). Rides w/ wrist bands are available every night. There will be a food and bake sale, games and bingo and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Parking will be available at Downingtown West High School For more information, go to www.stjoesfestival.com. Find the festival on Facebook: Saint Joseph’s Downingtown Community Festival and on Foursquare. Hours of the festival are: 6 p.m.-10 p.m. on June 17 and 19; 6 p.m. -11 p.m. on June 20 and 21. The festival takes place on the church grounds at 340 Manor Avenue in Downingtown.
JUNE 18 to 21: The Annual DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival returns to Wilmington June 18 through June 21. Sponsored by the DuPont Company and the City of Wilmington, this free, open air festival is held in Downtown Wilmington’s Rodney Square, rain or shine. The festival brings some of the most exciting jazz entertainers to the stage for a mix of traditional jazz performances punctuated by fusion funk, blues and rock. For more information, go to www.cliffordbrownjazzfest.com.
JUNE 19: The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum will hold The Garden Party: Scholarship Presentation and Volunteer of the Year Award Presentation on June 19 at 6 p.m. The event will be an evening of food, drink, and music on the grounds of the Lukens National Historic District. Witness the presentation of a scholarship and a volunteer of the year award while enjoying the company of museum staff, volunteers, members, and community individuals. Please visit www.steelmuseum.org, email programs@steelmuseum.org, or call 610-384-9282 for more information.
JUNE 21: On Saturday, June 21, the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association presents a double celebration commemorating Flag Day and classic/antique vehicles. This family event takes place at Historic Joanna Furnace, near Morgantown, and will feature the annual All American Car Cruise and Flag Day Celebration which will pay tribute to area veterans of all conflicts. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 21, Joanna Furnace will host a wide-ranging assortment of classic and antique automobiles, military vehicles, hot rod cars, and motorcycles. Anyone who is a proud owner of a restored vehicle is invited to show his or her pride and joy. Visitors wishing to be Car Cruise participants should plan to bring vehicles between 7 and 9 a. m. There is no vehicle registration fee. More information is available at www.haycreek.org, email info@haycreek.org or call 610-286-0388. The Historic Joanna Furnace site is located three miles north of Morgantown, on Route 10. Turn at Furnace Road. Admission and parking are free.
JUNE 28: Ride the Rails hosted by Boxcar Brewing Company. Ride the Rails is a nostalgic train ride through picturesque Chester County. Come out on Saturday, June 28 from 4-8 p.m. for an event to remember aboard a 1930s style train as it heads down the historical West Chester Railroad to Glen Mills picnic park. Boxcar Brewing will provide the food (a rockstar spread), beer (all of their best brews), and live music (stellar West Chester talent of course). Food, beverage and entertainment will be provided at Glen Mills picnic grove. Please dress comfortably for your ride on the rails and feel free to bring chairs and blankets for the time at the park. The train will return to West Chester at approximately 8 p.m. Be sure to get your tickets early as they sell out quickly. For more information and tickets, go to www.boxcarbrewingcompany.com.
NOW to AUGUST 3: If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in museum dioramas, look no further than ‘Unnatural History: The Odd and Remarkable Dioramas of Lori Nix,’ a photographic series by nationally renowned photographer Lori Nix, opening April 19 at theAcademy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Nix’s painstakingly crafted miniature dioramas, photographed in black and white, depict life at a typical natural history museum-with a humorous twist. ‘We tend to think of anything we see in an institution as being truthful. I wanted to use that assumption and portray scenes that were almost true,’ Nix said. Nix’s 16 images, to be displayed in the Academy’s Art of Science Gallery, feature the rigid exhibit subjects emerging from their displays. Sharks swim through the halls; dodo birds cause havoc in the library; a one-legged T. rex gets assembled. The specimens are released from their glass cases, recaptured within the context of a diorama, and documented again in a photograph. And though the images convey action, they retain the special kind of quietness only found inside a museum. Unnatural History will be on display from April 19 through Aug. 3, 2014, and is free with regular museum admission. HOURS: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ADMISSION: $15 adults; $13 children 3-12, seniors, college students, and military personnel; free for members and children under 3. For more information, go to www.ansp.org, or call 215-299-1000. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia 19103.
