It\u2019s a three-day weekend; so you know what that means. It means there\u2019s more fun to be had than usual. Thankfully, there\u2019s a lot to explore this Memorial Day holiday. <\/p>\n
In fact, it\u2019s divine timing for us weekend warriors. The seasonal favorites are making a comeback on the Delaware River waterfront, and the nation\u2019s largest equine show and oldest rose garden are opening \u2014 all in our backyard. <\/p>\n
Of course, we can\u2019t forget about the musical heavyweights headed to our region (more on that below), and the headliners that were just announced for the city\u2019s Independence Day bash.<\/p>\n
With Memorial Day weekend ahead, here are some of my recommendations on how to make the most of these extended weekend offerings. Read below to find out what\u2019s happening. <\/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 Heavy-hitters are headlining the city\u2019s Independence Day bash<\/p>\n The lineup for the \u201cOne Philly: Unity Concert for America\u201d on July 4 at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway has arrived.<\/p>\n The Independence Day concert will feature headliners Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott<\/a>, and The Roots. <\/p>\n They will be joined by Will Smith<\/a> & DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge fame, and State Property, the Philly hip-hop collective that includes Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, and Chris and Neff.<\/p>\n Doors to the concert will open at 3 p.m., and the music is scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to just before midnight, with a fireworks finale to follow.<\/p>\n For more information, read my colleague Dan Deluca\u2019s story here<\/a>. And July maybe far away but never too early to plan your concert fits.<\/p>\n The best things to do this week<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc6 A chance at gold: The 18-karat gold FIFA World Cup will make a tour stop<\/a> at the University of Pennsylvania<\/a> on Thursday. Fans can catch a glimpse of the cup by registering for a spot on the Coca-Cola website. <\/p>\n \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 A play on American history: The America Play<\/a>, written by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, offers a fresh take on Abraham Lincoln\u2019s legacy. The show takes center stage at the Wilma Theater through May 31. <\/p>\n \ud83d\udc90 Stop and smell the roses: The nation\u2019s oldest rose garden is tucked away in <\/a>Germantown<\/a>. On Saturday, a free festival offers guests garden tours, pay-as-you-go food and drink, and views inside the neighborhood\u2019s historic homes. <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcc5 My calendar picks this week: Memorial Day Weekend at Sesame Place, Dinos After Dark at the Academy of Natural Sciences <\/p>\n Seasonal favorites return to the waterfront<\/p>\n It\u2019s lively on the Delaware River waterfront this season, with the reopening of the Spruce Street Harbor Park<\/a> and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest<\/a>.<\/p>\n At the urban beachfront, visitors can enjoy games, ice cream, and carnival-themed bites. Plus, swan boats in the marina and a series of free concerts happening all summer. <\/p>\n Just north along the waterfront, Summerfest is also making a comeback. The area will be packed with roller skating, mini golf, carnival rides, and games. Plus, an indoor space when the summer heat begins to sizzle. <\/p>\n These attractions will be open to visitors through September. For more information, visit delawareriverwaterfront.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n Spring fun this week and beyond<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfc7 Regional horse show and county fair: Step outside the Philly city lines to attend the annual equine celebration at the Devon Show Grounds<\/a>. The county fair and horse show remains the oldest and biggest multi-breed horse competition in America, and it\u2019s right in the heart of Chester County<\/a>. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udfad Dear theater lovers: The six-time Tony Award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen<\/a>, arrives at Arden Theater on Thursday night. The heartwarming show will run at the Old City<\/a> theater through July 5. <\/p>\n \ud83d\udd14 Get lost in twilight: Twilight Tours at the Liberty Bell Center<\/a> returns on Friday. The free Old City attraction welcomes guests for a walking tour through Philly\u2019s historic halls and storied sites from Thursday to Sundays. <\/p>\n Staffer picks<\/p>\n Here\u2019s pop music critic Dan Deluca\u2019s list of the top concerts this weekend<\/a>. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udfb8 Thursday: Finnish psychedelic black metal band Oranssi Pazuzu<\/a> makes a rare appearance in support of its 2024 album Muuntautuja at Underground Arts. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udfb8 Friday: Head to the Shore to watch Journey,<\/a> featuring guitarist Neal Schon and company with singer Arnel Pineda, perform at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for the band\u2019s \u201cFinal Frontier\u201d tour. <\/p>\n \ud83c\udfa4 Sunday: Neo-soul singer Ari Lennox<\/a> will take the stage at Met Philly in support of her new album, Vacancy, which features sultry jams like \u201cDeep Strokes\u201d and \u201cCompany.\u201d <\/p>\n \ud83c\udfa4 Also Sunday: Perhaps the hottest name in the south is Houston rapper Don Toliver<\/a>, whose set to perform at Xfinity Mobile Arena for his race-car-themed \u201cOctane Tour.\u201d <\/p>\n There\u2019s a lot to unpack this extended weekend. But when there\u2019s more to do, more should be done. Don\u2019t miss out on these outdoor happenings along the waterfront, and others throughout the region. And let me know what you were upto.<\/p>\n \u2013 Earl Hopkins<\/p>\n