A Seasonal Shift in the City of Brotherly Love
After Argentina's heartbreaking defeat in the FIFA World Cup final, many fans are still feeling the after‑effects. I found myself nursing that post‑tournament blues while watching Spain's triumph over the South Americans at the Old City Beer Garden, a spot that has become an informal gathering point for soccer enthusiasts in Philadelphia.
The city’s cultural calendar is already filling up. Jill Scott is set to headline the Met Philadelphia, debuting tracks from her newest album and sharing anecdotes that include her beloved cheesesteak ritual — Ishkabibbles, with fried onions, whiz, mayo and a dash of hot sauce.
Music lovers can also mark their calendars for the Make The World Better Concert Weekend at the Dell Music Center, where Pavement, Ratboys, Kurt Vile and the Violators will take the stage. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform the iconic score of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and the Passyunk Passeggiata invites shoppers to stroll South Philly’s streets while sampling food and drink specials.
Adventure Aquarium is offering a Sunset with the Sharks experience, granting visitors panoramic views of the skyline, while a 375‑foot Franklin Thread installation explores Benjamin Franklin’s early agricultural experiments. Across the river, vanessa german’s latest exhibition opens at the Colored Girls Museum, and Little Yenta Books has expanded its South Philly storefront.
The summer concert series continues with Tim McGraw set to rock Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Hannah Cohen presenting her pastoral collection at Wayne’s 118 North, Shakira performing at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, and the Disco Biscuits playing at Heuser Park in King of Prussia.
A quick pop‑quiz for readers: Jill Scott’s favorite cheesesteak comes from Ishkabibbles, layered with fried onions, whiz, mayo and hot sauce. And trivia fans might recall that Diplo, the electronic music producer, graduated from Temple University, a detail that adds a local twist to his global résumé.