9 Food & Drink Events To Savor This Summer

Spring was packed with many of Philly’s signature street festivals, but there’s no shortage of ways to expand your culinary horizons or grab a drink in an out-of-the-ordinary spot as we head into the summer.

Here’s your guide to some of this season’s food-and-drink-focused events in Philly, from limited-time experiences to recurring pop-ups and promotions.

African Restaurant Week

June 20-30 (Multiple Locations)

About a dozen local restaurants, with cuisine ranging from Liberian to Haitian to Ethiopian, are offering discounts to people who sign up on Eventbrite. African Restaurant Week organizers are also hosting a two-day food and music festival happening in LOVE Park this weekend.

Parks on Tap

Multiple Dates & Locations through Sept. 29

Parks and Rec’s traveling beer garden will land in a bunch of neighborhoods over the next few months, spending about five days in each location. The event is family- and dog-friendly, and offerings range from a chorizo and kimchi hot dog to spiked hibiscus lemonade.

Southeast Asian Market

Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (FDR Park)

There’s plenty to savor at this weekly pop-up market in FDR Park: papaya salad, turmeric coconut crepes, Cambodian cheesesteaks, barbecued meats, Vietnamese coffee, fried quail … the list goes on.

Wawa Hoagie Day

June 27, Noon (Old City)

Whoever said “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” had clearly never been to Wawa Hoagie Day. If you find yourself near Independence Mall next Thursday, why not jump in the long line of people waiting to be handed one of 25,000 free (yes, free) Shortis? Don’t ask yourself if the food is worth the hype — the hype is the fun part.

Chinatown Summer Festival

July 20, 1-7 p.m. (Chinatown)

Here’s your chance to sample some of the offerings of Chinatown’s rich food scene. There’s even a Bonchon Korean fried chicken eating contest on the schedule … need I say more?

2nd Street Festival

Aug. 4, Noon-10 p.m. (Northern Liberties)

Northern Liberties’ huge rain-or-shine festival spans two-thirds of a mile, taking over all of 2nd Street between Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street. (This year’s vendors are still TBA.)

Vegandale

Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (Navy Yard)

This traveling food, music, and art event lands in South Philly this August. Food and beverage offerings at the one-day festival are all vegan. You might even have the chance to sample some plant-based products that are “not yet available in stores,” according to the website. Tickets range from $20 to $80.

Center City District SIPS

Wednesdays through Aug. 28, 5-7 p.m. (Center City)

Ah, Center City SIPS. Check out the weekly summer happy hour event at one of 90+ participating locations for $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beer, and half-priced apps. If you go, be ready to deal with crowds!

Fishtown TAPS

Tuesdays through Oct. 29, 5-7 p.m. (Fishtown)

Think of this as Fishtown’s version of SIPS. The drink deals come at the exact same price points, and around two dozen neighborhood businesses participate.