The only thing better than food is free food. Get your fill of samples from dozens of Philadelphia area restaurants like Cuba Libre and Tony Luke’s while enjoying the scenery of the Penn’s Landing Waterfront at the Taste of Philadelphia event. Stay late on Saturday night to catch the funk stylings of 80s legends Morris Day and the Time (of Purple Rain fame, and the favorites of Jay and Silent Bob). The weekend events are part of a larger series celebrating America’s birthday. Wawa Welcome America will have a host of activities leading right up to July 4th. Friday 6/25, 5 p.m. through Sunday 6/27 (free!)
Wavves (the stage name of 22-year-old Cali boy Nate Williams) has been surrounded by his fair share of controversy. In his career thus far, he’s had a drug-fueled meltdown on stage, and allegedly, punched Black Lips frontman Jared Swilley in the kisser. If that kind of instability doesn’t make for a promising show, we don’t know what does! All bad behavior aside, Wavves makes the kind of fuzzy, sun-faded noise anthems that make everyday feel like a beach party. Catch him at the Barbary, and you might witness some first-rate drama. Saturday 6/26, 6:30 p.m. ($12)
Is one month too long to wait between Friday festivities? Wait no longer. In addition to Old City’s First Friday arts block party, we now have Fourth Friday. Two dozen businesses in the South Street Headhouse District (re: South Street from Front to 11th) will have special deals, discounts, and receptions for Fourth Friday patrons. Punk boutique Crash Bang Boom will be offering 13% to anyone who mentions the special occasion, and Steve’s Steaks will be handing out free french fries to every customer who buys and sandwich. Friday, 6/25, 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. (free!)
