What non-delegates can do during the DNC: watch parties, food festivals and Snoop Dogg
The Democratic National Convention is coming to town, and it’s bringing tons of events and parties with it for attendees and Philadelphians alike to enjoy. And if you haven’t started in on a plan just yet, now is the time.
The Democratic National Convention is coming to town, and it's bringing tons of events and parties with it for attendees and Philadelphians alike to enjoy.
Events run the gamut from fundraisers and lectures to watch parties and concerts. With events scheduled throughout the DNC's run — as well as before and after the official event — there is something for almost everyone, regardless of their political leanings.
Here, our selections for some of the biggest, most interesting, and best parties and events to occur in Philadelphia when the DNC takes over this month.
[CAL_INFO]Through Saturday, July 23 at 8:30 p.m., Dilworth Park (1 S. 15th St.), Free[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Prepare yourself for the Democratic National Convention with some quality entertainment. Running four nights straight at Dilworth Park, Political Moviefest features screenings such as The American President (Friday) and All the President's Men (Saturday).[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Friday, July 22 - Wednesday, July 27 at 10 a.m., Various locations, Tickets: $4-$15[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Saturday, July 23 at 8 p.m., Johnny Brenda's (1201 Frankford Ave.), Tickets: $10[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]It might not be official, but this DNC kick-off party is certainly doing it right. Join the crew at Johnny Brenda's for local cover band Renegade's 20th anniversary performance, and throw back a few while welcoming the DNC. Please note: This event is 21-plus.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Saturday, July 23 at 9 p.m., Ben Franklin Yacht (401 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.), Tickets: $100-$40,000[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]A swank way to welcome the DNC, if you've got the scratch. Philadelphia Rep. Jordan Harris and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson have rented out a three-story yacht for the evening, and plan on donating the night's proceeds to Autism Speaks.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Sunday, July 24 at 8 p.m., Walnut Street Theatre (825 Walnut St.), Tickets: $50-$150[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Political commentator Stephanie Miller teams up with actor John Fugelsang and the Los Angeles-based comedians of Frangela for a pre-DNC comedy performance. With that lineup, this event promises to tickle your funny bone and arouse your intellect.
[CAL_INFO]Sunday, July 24 at 3 p.m., Woody's Bar (202 S. 13th St.), Free[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]A joint event from the Office of Rep. Brian Sims, LibertyPA, EqualityPA, and Liberty City, this happy hour hopes to welcome "a record number of LGBT delegates" to the DNC. Bonus: The event will feature drink specials and food trucks including Tot Cart, Waffle & Wedges, and Pbon's Fresh Phood of Philly.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Monday, July 25 at 10 a.m., Microsoft Innovation Center (3711 Market St.), Free (reservations required)[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]A more civic-minded gathering, American Experiments invites attendees to consider some ideas from political and civil reform groups that may revitalize democracy in the United States. A winning idea will be chosen from the six best presented.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Monday, July 25 at 11 a.m., Old City (3rd and Arch Streets), Free[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]As the official kickoff to the DNC, Phlly Feast will feature food trucks, live entertainment, and Pennsylvania-based crafters. Performances include sets from Chill Moody, Julian King, Philbilly, and the B Street Band. Food options, meanwhile, include healthful fare and various ethnic options.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Monday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m., Connie's Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.), Free[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Philly cannabis consumers welcome the DNC with comedy, speeches, and plenty of pot. The party itself concludes a day of activism beginning at 11 a.m. with a "Jaywalk to the DNC," which will have activists marching from City Hall to Wells Fargo Center — complete with a 51-foot inflatable joint.[/CAL_INFO]
» READ MORE: BuzzFeed's Historical Event
Monday, July 25 at 7 p.m., The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.), $30
The best and brightest of BuzzFeed's podcasting team gets together for a night of irreverence, music (courtesy of rapper Jean Grae), interviews and special guests. Think of it like a variety show, DNC-style. Tracy Clayton, host of "Another Round," and BuzzFeed White House correspondent and host of "No One Knows Anything" Evan McMorris-Santoro host, while and Katie Notopoulos and Ryan Broderick of "Internet Explorer," stop by for the evening.
[CAL_INFO]Tuesday, July 26 at 4 p.m., First District Plaza (3801 Market Street #301), Tickets: $15-$125[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]A shopping-centric celebration for DNC attendees, courtesy of the community activists at Survive Strike Thrive Inc. Featuring dancing, food, and drinks, this event comes complete with transportation to and from the festivities. As organizers say, prepare to "shop til you drop."[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Tuesday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m., Penn's Landing Caterers Ballroom (1301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.), Tickets: $65-$1,500[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Actress Vivica A. Fox hosts this watch party, which also features a performance from former Shalamar lead vocalist Howard Hewett. With dancing, dinner, and activities, attendees will be "#celebratingtheblackvote." Guests include Rev. Jesse Jackson, Congressman David Scott, and Congresswoman Corrine Brown.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Tuesday, July 26 at 9 p.m., The Passyunk Singing Fountain (Tasker St. and E. Passyunk Ave.), Free (RSVP required)[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]East Passyunk celebrates Arab American culture with this block party, complete with entertainment from the Mideast Ensemble, a whole-roasted sheep from Italian Market restaurant Neuf, and Arabic-inspired cocktails. Plus, delegates from the DNC will be stopping by in the late evening.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Wednesday, July 27 at 5 p.m., East Passyunk Ave. (Broad St. to Tasker St.), Free[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]East Passyunk beefs up its weekly farmers' market for the DNC with this late night edition. Look out for a farmers' market, live music, and food and drink specials from Passyunk restaurants like Bing Bing Dim Sum, Le Virtu, Brigantessa, Noord, Noir, and Stogie Joe's, among others.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Wednesday, July 27 at 3 p.m., East Passyunk Ave. (1800 Block), Tickets: $10-$1000[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]The inaugural DNC Heritage Festival will honor diversity in Philly with a party that will shut down the 1800 block of East Passyunk Avenue for a globally-themed evening, complete with food and drink from around the world. Children aged 16 and under will be able to enter the festival free of charge. [/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m., Johnny Brenda's (1201 Frankford Ave.), Tickets: $18[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Johnny Brenda's hosts another evening of DNC revelry, though this time, it's a little more subdued. Join a number of storytellers (plus special guests) as they relay strange, personal tales relating to public, political life. And if you've got the guts, you can tell your own, too.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Wednesday, July 27 at 3 p.m., The Kimmel Center (300 S. Broad St.), Free (RSVP required)[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Super PAC Emily's List works to promote Democratic candidates who are pro-choice, and they're bringing their movement to the DNC. Speakers for the evening include House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Senate candidate Katie McGinty, and Emily's List president Stephanie Schriock.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Thursday, July 28 at 7 p.m., The Piazza at Schmidt's Commons (1001 N. 2nd St.), Free[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Forget watching the DNC from your teensy TV — head down to the Piazza to check out the festivities on their Jumbotron. There, you'll be able to watch the Democratic candidate formally accept the nomination in a more massive fashion — plus, you can enjoy specials from Gunners Run, Wahlburgers, and Crabby Cafe, among others.[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Thursday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m., New Century Trust (1307 Locust St.), Tickets: $40[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]New Century Trust teams with the Alice Paul Institute in hopes of celebrating the making of women's history at the DNC with the Democratic nomination of Hillary Clinton for President. Attendees are encouraged to wear colors such as purple, yellow, and white, which all represent different elements of women's suffrage.
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[CAL_INFO]Thursday, July 28 at 12 a.m., Electric Factory (421 N. 7th St.), Tickets: TBA[/CAL_INFO]
[CAL_INFO]Hillary Clinton supporter Snoop Dogg headlines this event, which takes place just after the close of the DNC. Sponsors for the event include pro-Clinton super PAC Priorities USA, Senate Majority PAC, and House Majority PAC. [/CAL_INFO]