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Summer is here. The days of water ice, hanging out with friends at the park or recreation center, enjoying al fresco dining, having a block party and taking in a Phillies game — the diehards still make it a regular occurrence — are just a sampling of the regular routines that make summer in South Philly special. There are plenty of mark-your-calendar-in-red (no Phillies pun intended) events worthy of summer entertainment consideration. Instead of a long list of suggestions, here is a look at 10 should-do events.
Tall Ships
The world’s largest rubber duck may be just a tad too big for the average bathtub — check that, every bathtub — but this oversized inflated yellow bird with a bright orange beak will be floating around the Delaware River, more specifically the Philadelphia Waterfront, through Sunday with the weekend’s main attractions, 12 beautifully crafted Tall Ships hailing from across the globe such as the French frigate Hermione or the Tall Ship Sagres of Portugal. Tickets are $15.99 to $150. Visit tallshipsphiladelphia.com.
The Marvel Experience
For those craving more superhero action following the blockbuster “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” this interactive event allows fans of the Marvel universe to temporary “become part of the adventure” world at Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattison Ave. This domed attraction features the world’s first-ever traveling 360-degree, 3-D stereoscopic full-Dome projection theatre. Swing with Spider-Man, smash with Hulk or fly with Iron Man. This fun-for-all-ages outing runs through July 5. Tickets are $24.50 to $54.90. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Indian Nation: Indian Motorcycles & America
This exhibit, on view through Aug. 23 at the American Historical Swedish Museum, 1900 Pattison Ave., offers an experience of a historical perspective. The backstory is too long to share in such a small space, but for piquing-the-interest purposes, a Swedish-American actually engineered the first motorcycle in 1901. Carl Oscar Hedstrom, a Swedish immigrant and machinist, and George Hendee, an American bicycle racer and builder, founded Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Co. This collection features rare Indian motorcycles dating as far back as ’03. How did the company respond to The Great Depression and World Wars I and II? Well, there is only one way to find out: Put this on the summer in South Philly should-do list. Admission is free to $8. Visit americanswedish.org.
Wawa Welcome America
The grand finale of the citywide eight-day Fourth of July celebration (7:30 to 11 p.m.) fittingly culminates with a bang — an eye-opening fireworks display on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Before the nighttime sky sparkles to the delight of the crowd, The Roots, who once called South Philly home, will once again headline “the largest free concert in America” as they are joined by special guests Miguel and Jennifer Nettles. Call it the icing on the nation’s birthday cake. Visit welcomeamerica.com for a complete list of events.
Kenny Chesney
Somebody needs to fill the seats at Lincoln Financial Field while the Eagles are on vacation. Well, country superstar Kenny Chesney has a knack for doing this on a regular basis. The Big Revival Tour featuring Eric Church comes to town 5 p.m. July 11. Tickets are $35 to $225, but only limited seats are available. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Shania and Ariana
No last names needed here as these headlining ladies draw capacity crowds before the announcers even get to it. International country superstar Shania Twain is returning to Philadelphia for the first time in more than a decade with a stop on her Rock this Country Tour 7:30 p.m. July 22 at the Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St. Tickets are $46.50 to $147.
One week later, 7:30 p.m. July 29 to be exact, pop music sensation Ariana Grande, who has been a much more familiar face around town, is returning to the Wells Fargo Center for the third time in eight months with The Honeymoon Tour. Tickets are $29.50 to $79.50. Vist comcasttix.com.
Car Show and Street Festival
Looking for a block party? Well, they do not get much bigger than the July 26-slated 10th annual summer tradition along East Passyunk Avenue – between Broad and Dickinson streets. This free-to-attend event ($15 fee for participating cars) has a little something for everyone: live music and disk jockeys on every block; classic and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles; moon bounce and children’s entertainment; a craft show by the fountain and, of course, plenty of outdoor street eats and bars. Visit visiteastpassyunk.com/events.
CONCACAF 2015 Gold Cup Final
Who will be the last among the 12 teams still standing in this prestigious international soccer tournament? It may not be the World Cup, but the champion will be crowned in South Philadelphia 7:30 p.m. July 26. Tickets are $43.15 to $195. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Eagles open practice
With the Phillies living up to that undesired billing of “the worst team in baseball,” fans of the local pro sports landscape are counting the days to when Eagles training camp FINALLY begins. The Aug. 4 and 9 sessions are taking place at Lincoln Financial Field. Seats are free, but available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit philadelphiaeagles.com.
Billy Joel and Zac Brown Band
This year marks the 10th anniversary of concerts at Citizens Bank Park. One of the regulars on the can-fill-the-ballpark-in-a-New York-minute list is none other than legendary musician Billy Joel who also performed at 1 Citizens Bank Way last summer. Showtime is 8 p.m. Aug. 13 with tickets ranging from $49.50 to $129.50.
But why stop at one show? Two days later, 7 p.m. Aug. 15, the Zac Brown Band will fill the ballpark better known as the home of the Phillies. This stop is part of the Jekyll and Hyde Tour. Tickets are $51.50 to $108.50. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
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