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August First Friday picks for shoppers, families and art lovers

We missed First Friday last month. (Thanks a lot, 4th of July.) But now the unofficial holiday is back and better than ever with the glory of August. Pop your head into any of the following opening receptions, family affairs or retail outings on Friday, Aug. 1.

We missed First Friday last month. (Thanks a lot, 4th of July.) But now the unofficial holiday is back and better than ever with the glory of August. Pop your head into any of the following opening receptions, family affairs or retail outings on Friday, Aug. 1.

If your need for speed just cannot be contained, the Speed Raceway in Horsham, Pa., has the solution. To celebrate its second anniversary, the go-kart facility is offering half-price races all day, from noon until 10 p.m. with a chance to win a $250 gift card.

For a garage sale that's actually in a garage, head to West Chester, Pa.'s Chestnut Street Parking Garage from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. to shop for vintage home goods, accessories, clothing, repurposed jewelry, and other up-cycled goods. A jazz band and food vendors will also be on site throughout the evening.

Chemistry has never seemed so fun. Before you go reeling, hear me out: Chemistry-themed games that hit every age group (and education level) will be the entertainment of choice at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Old City, try out the Foundation's virtual chemistry lab app, ChemCrafter, available for use via iPad. It'll transport you back to high school chemistry class, only you won't be falling asleep at your desk.

Don't just stand around waiting to get your hands on the guide to one of the city's premier arts festivals. Take some action at FringeArts' space on Columbus Boulevard. While you're there, experience live, plant-generated music (can't make this stuff up, people) and dance performances from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Born in the USA, these goods were. Meadowsweet Mercantile, Bombyx Vintage and American Menswear will showcase their American-made products at Old City's Art in the Age from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., where they'll be serving Spodee White Pina Coladas, and a RHUBARB cocktail.

Perhaps one of the most intellectually stimulating options for your evening is Paul Cézanne's still lifes are interpreted into sound at The Barnes Foundation from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The artist's impact on future creators is discussed, and a DJ rounds out the night to bring visitors back to earth at the Parkway museum.

Pop artist Romero Britto will bring his colorful and optimistic work to Margot and Camille Optique in Old City from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for display and purchase. Get your hands on animal figurines or a signature Romero Britto umbrella.

In the age of the pop-up, artist Kevin McNamee-Tweed is putting an artistic spin on the ever-popular entertainment trend. His latest exhibit "Books" will feature a "pop-up" bookstore at Little Berlin in Fishtown, complete with totally fake books from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Starting at 8 p.m. at Harrisburg, Pa.'s Midtown Art Center is a dance party 30 years in the making. Your best '80's attire is requested at this dance party.

Women over 40 and dudes ages 21 to 29 can enter the jungle that is Boogie Nights in the Tropicana in Atlantic City, N.J. for their First Friday Cougars and Cubs Ball. Doors open at 9 p.m. and you get in free prior to 11 p.m.