Memorial Day Weekend Offers Much To Philadelphia

Top of the agenda this weekend  in Philadelphia are parades.

One parade sure to draw viewers will be the American Legion Roche Post 21 Memorial Day Parade, which can be viewed at 67th Street & Elmwood Avenue on Sunday, May 26, 1-2 p.m., heading eastward on Elmwood to 64th Street.

The larger of the two will be the Bridesburg Memorial Day Parade, starting at Richmond & Juniata Streets, Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. after the memorial service and placing of the wreath.

“Hang Free”, a free outdoor DJ party in Fairmount Park, will be held Monday, from noon to dusk. Bring your kids, pets and picnic blankets. It is located on the grassy area on West River Drive just past the Strawberry Mansion Bridge, towards the Falls Bridge.

Memorial Day At The National Constitution Center will cover the three-day holiday running 10 a.m.-3 p.m. During Memorial Day weekend, the National Constitution Center will pay tribute to those brave men and women by exploring how Americans today honor our military heroes.

The National Constitution Center will have extended hours on Sunday, May 26. The Center will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.

From crafts for kids to patriotic karaoke, the National Constitution Center has something for everyone. There will also be a 20-minute interactive program, “Memorials: How a Nation Remembers.” Guests will learn the history of monuments across the country, including Little Bighorn, the USS Arizona and the Lincoln Memorial. The program will take place daily at 10 a.m., 12 m. and 2 p.m.

A free program begins Saturday, May 25 and runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. One can hear riveting stories of our nation’s history in the places they actually happened at these 13 benches scattered through the Historic District.
“History” Makers takes place 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily from May 26. Meet a person from the past at locations all through the Historic District.

“Colonial Kids’ Quest” leaves from the Historic Philadelphia Center, 6th & Chestnut, 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26. This kid-friendly “whodunit” has tour-goers searching for a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence.

“Independence After Hours” takes place on Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25. Evening walking tour includes a delicious dinner at City Tavern followed by a nighttime visit to Independence Hall to eavesdrop on the goings-on in July 1776.

In Franklin Square 12-3 p.m. Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 27, you can join in free fun and games on the Great Lawn 12-3 p.m. on Monday, May 28. The Square is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, May 24, Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, May 25.

In addition to putting through famous Philadelphia landmarks on the Philly Mini Golf course and taking a ride on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, Memorial Day weekend visitors will enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. Take a train ride around the Square on the Lightning Bolt Express all weekend long, enjoy face painting.

At The Betsy Ross House, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, you can participate in a Memorial Day scavenger hunt through the House and enjoy the Civil War-themed exhibit, “Rally ’Round the Flag: Civil War Color Bearers & the Flags They Carried”.

Wine-bibbers may enjoy “Friday Night Flights” on May 24, 6-8 p.m. It costs $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Panorama Restaurant sommelier William Eccleston hosts and educational wine event featuring cheese, hors d’oeuvres and a wine-tasting discussion. Proceeds benefit the Society Hill Fund, which helps with the beautification and maintenance critical to preserving historic Washington Square.

The Arrow Swim Club, 1031 Germantown Avenue, (215) 606-7402 – the city’s first over-21 private poolside oasis – is allowing all of their members to bring three guests free of charge over Memorial Day Weekend! Rent a luxury cabana at the Northern Liberties club and throw a pool party, Philly-style! Memberships are still available.

In The Piazza in Northern Liberties: Friday, May 24, 6:30 p.m., will feature outdoor boxing – amateur fights hosted by Shalyte Promotions. It’s a seated event, $30 a seat.

Saturday, May 25, the Piazza will have a free showing of baseball on the big screen: Phillies vs. Mets 7 p.m. There will be more baseball on Sunday, May 26: Phillies vs. Mets 1 p.m., followed at 7 p.m. by the Philadelphia Underground Film Festival, Independence Film Series.

It’s baseball again on Monday, May 27: Phillies vs. Washington, 1 p.m.

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