\nWhen: Sunday, Aug. 2 \u2013 Saturday, Aug. 8
\nHow much: Free<\/p>\n
Wilmington\u2019s Clifford Brown Jazz Festival<\/a> returns, honoring the city\u2019s beloved trumpet genius. Launched in 1989 as a modest outdoor gathering, the festival is now the largest free jazz festival on the East Coast. The 2026 edition continues that legacy with a mix of contemporary and regional stars. Ledisi,<\/a> The Baylor Project,<\/a> Marcus Miller,<\/a> Sheila E. and the E Train,<\/a> Jonathan Butler <\/a>and Terri Lynn Carrington<\/a> are all scheduled to perform.\n<\/p>\n \u2018Network\u2019 Re-release<\/p>\n One of the most iconic speeches in movie history happened in the 1976 movie, \u201cNetwork.\u201d <\/a>Peter Finch would win a posthumous Oscar for playing newscaster Howard Beale, whose \u201cI\u2019m mad as hell and I can\u2019t take it anymore\u201d declaration cemented his place in movie history. Directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Paddy Chayefsky, the movie is more relevant than ever 50 years later, from its commentary on the rise of corporate influence in news to the transition of media from a source of credibility to a part of the attention economy. The film\u2019s re-release<\/a> comes to Wilmington for a short run.\n<\/p>\n New Jersey The Chicks<\/a>, with members Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer, first gained national attention in the late \u201890s with a sound that blended multiple genres, becoming the darlings of country pop. Their extensive catalog includes hits like \u201cWide Open Spaces,\u201d \u201cCowboy Take Me Away\u201d and \u201cNot Ready to Make Nice.\u201d But in 2003, criticizing then- President George W. Bush led to industry backlash and reduced airplay. Then, their 2006 album \u201cTaking the Long Way\u201d sold over 2 million copies, restoring their sales and reputation. In 2020, they officially dropped \u201cDixie\u201d from their name, a change that reflected the negative historical associations tied to the term. They bring their 10-city tour<\/a> to Atlantic City this weekend.\n<\/p>\n Special events Without A Cue Productions<\/a> and the Philadelphia Zoo are collaborating to bring an immersive mystery-theater production<\/a> to the zoo, transforming it into the scene of a fictional animal heist. Set in 1926, the story centers on the arrival of a rare Tasmanian tiger from the London Zoo, but the animal disappears prior to delivery. Participants take on the role of detectives, following clues, questioning suspicious characters and interacting with live performers to solve the case.\n <\/p>\n Festivals Where: Philadelphia Navy Yard, 4747 N. Broad St.\u00a0<\/a> Three years ago, rapper Freeway envisioned a festival in his South Philadelphia community. Through his nonprofit Freedom Thinkers Inc., in partnership with City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, it happened. It continues this year<\/a> with performances, local vendors, career resources, health screenings and wellness services for residents of all ages. Known for his work with State Property and collaborations with artists including Jay-Z, Freeway continues his evolution as a community advocate. He performs at the event\u2019s finale concert at 4 p.m.\n<\/p>\n Peach Festival Where: 100 Peddlers Village,<\/a> Lahaska, Pa. It\u2019s National Peach Month,<\/a> so what better time to celebrate than at the annual summer event<\/a> highlighting one of the season\u2019s favorite fruits? The festival features fresh peaches from The Peach Truck<\/a>, peach desserts and other peachy treats from local vendors and restaurants, along with artisan markets, lawn games and live performances. The family-friendly event also includes face-painting, a petting zoo and ax-throwing.\n<\/p>\n Sweet Corn Festival When we say something\u2019s corny, it\u2019s usually not a good thing. But at this event, that\u2019s kinda the whole point. The ticketed festival <\/a>features fresh sweet corn, corn-themed activities, live music, line dancing, games, food vendors and farm experiences, including a corn pit, barrel cart rides and a petting zoo. New for 2026: A child-friendly fire truck with water play and the chance to wear some firefighting gear.\n<\/p>\n 2nd Street Festival<\/p>\n The 2nd Street Festival<\/a> returns to Northern Liberties with a full day of live music, food, shopping and community programming. Activities include street performances, concerts across multiple stages and opportunities to explore the shops and businesses along the Second Street corridor. This year loosely complements America\u2019s 250th birthday celebration with a special kid-friendly activity and performances by Philly Girls Jump <\/a>and the West Powelton Drumline.\u00a0<\/a>\n<\/p>\n Freedom Now Fest In 1965, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his Freedom Now speech at 40th Street and Lancaster on his Freedom Now Rally Tour. Last year, an organizing committee commemorated the event with a festival in conjunction with the speech\u2019s 60th anniversary. That went over so well, it\u2019s now becoming an annual tradition.<\/a> Expect live music, spoken word performances from local artists, food vendors, a marketplace of Black-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations, and community programming.\n<\/p>\n ACANA Festival<\/p>\n Part of PECO\u2019s annual Multicultural Series, which celebrates different cultures at festivals throughout the summer, the ACANA Fest <\/a>focuses on the African diaspora. Organized by the African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc.<\/a>, the festival features live performances, African dishes and drinks and culturally diverse vendors. Founded in 2007 as a neighborhood celebration in Southwest Philadelphia, home to many African immigrants, the ACANA Fest has evolved into one of the Delaware Valley\u2019s largest showcases of African culture.\n<\/p>\n Arts and culture Now in its second year, the independent festival<\/a> brings together over 30 teams, more than 100 performers and multiple styles of improvisational theater to Philadelphia for three days of performances and workshops. Created by Philadelphia-based improvisers Sam Miller, Dominick Arp, Renata Rabinovich and Kiran Pandey, the festival was developed to showcase the city\u2019s independent comedy scene while connecting local performers with improvisers from around the country. The festival\u2019s name is a nod to the Adrienne Theater, where it takes place, and the famous \u201cYo, Adrian!\u201d line from \u201cRocky.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Shakespeare in Clark Park \u2013 \u2018Hamlet\u2019<\/p>\n Shakespeare in Clark Park returns for its 21st season<\/a> with a new production of \u201cHamlet,\u201d created in collaboration with Revolution Shakespeare<\/a>. This adaptation reimagines Shakespeare\u2019s classic tragedy by featuring four actors sharing the role of Hamlet. Adapted by Tai Verley<\/a> and Cassandra Alexander, directed by Shamus,<\/a> this rendition also combines professional performers with a community ensemble. Read more about the production here.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \u00a0Open House at Small House<\/p>\n Performing arts company Small House Productions<\/a>, which champions Black creatives, hosts a welcome reception at its Germantown location. There, they will introduce their leadership and new company members for the 2026-27 season. They will also share plans for their first foray into film and introduce their children\u2019s literacy initiative. Naturally, there will be time and space for networking.\n<\/p>\n Kids Kids should have their own regularly scheduled cultural events, something the Barnes has championed via their First Sunday Family Days.<\/a> This month\u2019s theme, Beats with Heart, features performances from the Steve Weiss Mallet Festival<\/a>, including jazz vibraphonist Tony Miceli<\/a> with a youth percussion ensemble. The program also includes hands-on art activities, Fleisher Art Memorial\u2019s ColorWheels,<\/a> an in-house scavenger hunt, portrait sketching with artist Mark Loughney<\/a> and family storytime with poet and storyteller Leslie D. Hamilton<\/a>. Pro tip: Register as soon as the link goes live at 10 a.m. today; this fills up fast.\n<\/p>\n Food and drink Nine local bartenders will compete to be the city\u2019s best mixologist<\/a>, with the crowd deciding the last bartender standing. Participating bartenders include representatives from Philly bars and hospitality brands such as Com.Unity,<\/a> R&D,<\/a> Static<\/a>, Trestle Inn,<\/a> Philly Craft Ice<\/a>, Known Associates,<\/a> Fringe Bar,<\/a> Drams by Damian and Soufiane at The Morris<\/a>. In addition to the cocktail competition, the event includes a DJ, food, a raffle and an ice luge, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the KB Foundation,<\/a> a local youth mentoring organization.\n<\/p>\n Night Out on 9th: Night Market<\/p>\n The city\u2019s latest Night Market<\/a> brings an evening of community programming, local vendors, food, music and activities to South Street. Expect the usual market activities, including vendors, live entertainment and neighborhood businesses showcasing their wares, along with family-friendly activities, games and community resource booths. Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Gardens<\/a>, the Philadelphia Union\u2019s IBX Kicking Challenge and the Philadelphia Water Department\u2019s Water Bar will be on-site as well.\n<\/p>\n Comedy Where: Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.<\/a> If you\u2019re a fan of \u201cAbbott Elementary,\u201d you know her best as passionate teacher Melissa Schemmenti on ABC\u2019s Emmy-nominated hit series. But Lisa Ann Walter<\/a>\u2019s career includes decades as a writer, producer and TV and film actress. Before her \u201cAbbott\u201d days, the Silver Spring, Maryland native spent years performing stand-up and appearing in movies including \u201cThe Parent Trap,\u201d \u201cBruce Almighty,\u201d \u201cShall We Dance,\u201d \u201cWar of the Worlds\u201d and \u201cKillers.\u201d She\u2019s in Philly for a series of stand-up shows<\/a> through early next week.\n<\/p>\n Music Six-time Grammy Award winner and 22-time nominee known for his solo work, his role as keyboardist for Maroon 5, and collaborations with artists including Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Nas and Jon Batiste, PJ Morton<\/a> brings his Saturday Night Sunday Morning Tour to Philadelphia<\/a>. The double album explores R&B and soul on \u201cSaturday Night,\u201d and gospel influences on \u201cSunday Morning.\u201d\n<\/p>\n Buddy Guy Buddy Guy<\/a> celebrates his 90th year with a special concert <\/a>honoring one of the most influential figures in blues history. The legendary guitarist and singer, joined by Australian blues guitarist Taj Farrant,<\/a> brings a career spanning more than seven decades to the stage. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and nine-time Grammy Award winner, Buddy Guy helped shape the sound of electric blues with his powerful playing style, emotional performances and connection to the Chicago blues tradition. His influence can be heard in generations of rock and blues musicians, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Last year, he appeared in Ryan <\/a>Coogler\u2019s \u201cSinners,\u201d giving a new audience a chance to recognize his many gifts.\n<\/p>\n Dinner Party featuring Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin & Robert Glasper with Mononeon and Digable Planets It\u2019s a Dinner Party, <\/a>but the only food it serves is for the soul. The multigenre supergroup of saxophonist Kamasi Washington,<\/a> pianist Robert Glasper<\/a> and rapper\/singer\/producer Terrace Martin,<\/a> known for his work with Kendrick Lamar, joined forces and has so far released three albums. Their latest is \u201cWatchu Bringing?,\u201d <\/a>which is coming on Aug. 7. They\u2019re in Philly \u2014 in a concert originally scheduled for an outdoor venue in King of Prussia\u00a0\u2014 on their current tour. If that wasn\u2019t enough of a feast, they\u2019re bringing Grammy-winning hip-hop group Digable Planets<\/a> and bassist MonoNeon,<\/a> known for his innovative approach to funk, soul and experimental music.\n <\/p>\n
\nThe Chicks<\/p>\n
\nZoo Done It?<\/p>\n
\nFree Fest<\/p>\n
\nWhen: Saturday, Aug. 1, 11 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m.
\nHow much: Free<\/p>\n
\n![\"Peaches](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/peaches.jpg\")
Peaches are displayed the produce section of an H-Mart grocery store on Monday, May 11, 2026, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo\/Jenny Kane)<\/p>\n
\nWhen: Saturday, Aug. 1, Sunday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m. \u2013 6 p.m.
\nHow much: Free, pay as you go<\/p>\n
\n![\"Sweet](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/corn.jpg\")
Sweet corn waits to be tasted Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at a University of Wisconsin research farm in Verona, Wis. Vegetable breeders at the university are working with chefs and farmers to develop better tasting vegetables. (AP Photo\/M.L. Johnson)<\/p>\n
\n![\"Martin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/martin-luther-king.jpg\")
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. makes his last public appearance at the Mason Temple in Memphis, Tenn., on April 3, 1968. (AP Photo\/Charles Kelly, File)<\/p>\n
\nYo Adrienne Improv Festival<\/p>\n
\nPECO Free First Sunday Family Day<\/p>\n
\nDirty Rocks x Fringe Bar Cocktail Competition<\/p>\n
\nLisa Ann Walter
\n![\"Lisa](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/lisa-ann-walter.jpg\")
Lisa Ann Walter attends the Disney network upfront at North Javits Center on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini\/Invision\/AP)<\/p>\n
\nWhen: Sunday, Aug. 2,\u00a0 3:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 3, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 7:15 p.m.
\nHow much: $43.99 and up<\/a><\/p>\n
\nPJ Morton: Saturday Night Sunday Morning Tour<\/p>\n
\n![\"Buddy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/buddy-guy.jpg\")
Buddy Guy performs on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 at Buddy Guy\u2019s Legends in Chicago. (Photo by Rob Grabowski\/Invision\/AP)<\/p>\n
\n![\"Kamasi](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/kamasi-washington.jpg\")
Kamasi Washington, right, performs the USA National Anthem before an NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs in Sao Paulo, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (Doug Benc\/AP Content Services for the NFL)<\/p>\n