Is it just me, or has the month of August (and the summer) flown by? <\/p>\n
It feels like the season is already nearing its end, despite there being several weeks before its official end. <\/p>\n
Still, some of the region\u2019s best summertime offerings are indeed closing up shop after this week. Let\u2019s enjoy what little time we have left. <\/p>\n
Read below to find the best events and last-minute attractions happening this week:<\/p>\n
\u2014 Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_<\/a>, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns<\/p>\n After a decade-long hiatus, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic <\/a>is back for the first time since 2016. <\/p>\n Some of the world\u2019s swiftest cyclists, many of whom have competed in races like the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espa\u00f1a, will compete on the 14-mile course. <\/p>\n The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to around 4:45 p.m., giving spectators plenty of time to explore the course. And best of all, as ex-cyclist John Eustice pointed out to reporter Jason Lo, watching will \u201ccost you nothing except your picnic food.\u201d<\/p>\n The Fan Fest will coincide with the bike race. It will go from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.<\/p>\n Race organizers recommend taking public transportation to the event, because there is no designated parking and there will be numerous road closures.<\/p>\n For additional race information and travel recommendations, read Jason Lo\u2019s story here. <\/a><\/p>\n The best things to do this week<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf0f Celebrate Asian cultures: Kampoeng Indonesia <\/a>will take over Cherry Street Pier <\/a>on Saturday with performances, family-friendly activities, and food representing cultures from across Asia.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f A restaurant week debut: The first Graduate Hospital Restaurant Week<\/a> will roll out special three-course prix fixe menus for $30 and $45. Participants include Chateau Rouge, a selection in last year\u2019s 76 Dining GuideSaigon Grace Cafe, The Sidecar Bar & Grille, and other South Philly restaurants.<\/p>\n \ud83d\ude98 Wheels up in smoke: Don\u2019t miss out on motorsport glory during Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire<\/a> this weekend. Bigfoot, Mega Wrex, Bone Shaker, and other massive trucks will strut and stunt at Xfinity Mobile Arena starting Saturday. <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcc5 My calendar picks this week: Twilight in the Gardens, Illumination 250 Festival, Ethiopian Day at Clark Park. Here\u2019s our full list for the week.<\/a> <\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss these end-of-summer happenings<\/p>\n There are signs that fall is beginning to knock on summer\u2019s door. <\/p>\n Philadelphia schools are back in session, the heat is easing, and seasonal attractions are starting to close up shop.<\/p>\n This week is the last chance to enjoy Passyunk Passeggiata<\/a>, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival<\/a>, and Reading Terminal Market<\/a>\u2019s Pop-up Plaza \u2014 among others. <\/p>\n Don\u2019t wait until next year. Stop by these attractions and citywide offerings before the week\u2019s end. <\/p>\n Summer fun this week and beyond<\/p>\n \ud83d\udea9 A greased-up climb: Visit Spruce Street Harbor Park on Saturday for a full-on sprint up a greased telephone pole at the Red Bull Championship Run<\/a>. Whoever captures the flag takes the crown. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udf43 Nature in full color: This weekend, discover art and handmade treasures at the Philadelphia Zoo<\/a>\u2019s After Hours & Wildest Art Festival<\/a>. There will be live music, light bites, and the work by more than 30 local artists. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udf74 A new Fishtown<\/a> eatery: Cannonball Cafe<\/a> is a new, members-only social club located in Fishtown. The alluring cocktail lounge features a restaurant, private bar, and car collection inside a spacious storage garage. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udfa8 Take an exclusive guided art tour: Tour Brandywine Workshop and Archives<\/a>\u2019 latest exhibitions, printmaking studios, archives, and collections during a guided art tour on Saturday. <\/p>\n Staffer picks<\/p>\n Here\u2019s pop music critic Dan DeLuca\u2019s list of the best concerts this weekend.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfa4 Friday: Remember 2025\u2019s \u201cWu Tang Forever\u201d tour that was supposedly the supergroup\u2019s last? Well, RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killah<\/a>, and their musical brothers are back for a show at Atlantic City<\/a>\u2019s Hard Rock Live. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udfb8 Friday and Saturday: Eleven-time Grammy winner Chris Stapleton <\/a>brings his rugged country hits to the region for back-to-back nights at Camden\u2019s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Sunday: Cleveland-born indie band Cloud Nothings<\/a>, fronted by locally-based guitarist Dylan Baldi, will hit the Ruba Club stage on Sunday alongside Philly band Knifeplay. <\/p>\n \ud83e\udea9 Tuesday and Wednesday: Bruno Mars,<\/a> Mr. 24K Magic himself, is joined by British singer Raye and DJ Pee. Wee, who is Mars\u2019 disguised Silk Sonic bandmate Anderson .Paak, for a two-night stay at Lincoln Financial Field. <\/p>\n Check out Dan\u2019s full concert list here.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2753Pop quiz<\/p>\n Which athlete won the first Philadelphia Cycling Classic in 1985?<\/p>\n A) Eric Heiden<\/p>\n B) Megan Guarnier<\/p>\n C) Greg Lemond<\/p>\n D) Roberto Gaggioli<\/p>\n Here\u2019s the answer to last week\u2019s question: The 2004 blockbuster \u2018Natural Treasure\u2019 was filmed inside Independence Hall<\/a>. But the film also filmed inside a replica of the landmark building \u2014 where? Answer: Los Angeles<\/p>\n Ask Earl anything<\/p>\n Many of you have questions about each week\u2019s listings, and others about Philly\u2019s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.<\/p>\n I have you covered. Have a question? Email me<\/a> for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.<\/p>\n Pedal over to these late-summer offerings before they wrap up and enjoy the other regional attractions available this weekend. <\/p>\n \u2013 Earl Hopkins<\/p>\n By submitting your written, visual, and\/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer\u2019s Terms of Use<\/a>, including the grant of rights in Section 10.<\/p>\n