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16 ways to spend your weekend in Philly, June 3-5

Need something to do this weekend? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

NOTE: The Philadelphia Irish Festival, which was originally included on our list, has been postponed until Sunday, June 26. 

Need something to do this weekend? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

KIDS

» READ MORE: International Children's Festival

Through June 4, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St. $10 per show, 215-898-3900.

This venerable fest returns with circus arts, music, theater, plus an outdoor Fun Zone with interactive performances and activities (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday).

On offer:

  1. Playing by Air, mixing music, comedy, juggling, and clowning (all ages; 10 a.m. and noon Friday, 12:30 Saturday).

  2. Storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston, with tales and songs from the African and African American oral traditions (all ages; 10 a.m. and noon Friday, 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Saturday).

  3. The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly, a one-man show written by Finegan Kruckemeyer and performed by Louis Lovett. It's the story of a girl who sets out on an epic quest after everyone in her town vanishes (for ages 7 and older; 10 a.m. and noon Friday, 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Saturday).

  4. Catch Me! by the circus arts troupe Flip FabriQue (for ages 6 and older; noon Friday, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday). - Michael Harrington

» READ MORE: Totally Turtles Weekend

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. $22.95; $19.95 seniors and students; $18.95 ages 12 and under. 215-299-1000.

Don't come out of your shell. Get into it with this celebration of tortoises, terrapins, and leatherbacks. There will be live shows explaining the differences, and a chance to get your face painted as your favorite. There might also be some stuff about a certain teenage mutant ninja quartet. - M.H.

» READ MORE: Settlement Music School Open House

Founded in 1908, Settlement Music School has produced plenty of professional greats, from Christian McBride to Chubby Checker to Marietta Simpson to Kevin Bacon. But the school has also made musicians of doctors, plumbers, police officers, even journalists. Find your groove when all six branches open for performances, mini-lessons, and demonstrations (there's even a piano you can walk on to play at the Willow Grove branch). - M.H.

CARS

» READ MORE: "Race of Gentlemen"

8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Wildwood beach, Schellenger Ave., Wildwood, N.J.. $50 weekend pass; $20 weekend pass ages 12 and under.

Once upon a time, enthusiasts built automobiles by hand in backyards and garages, then hit the beach to test-run their creations. The Oilers Car Club re-creates that scene with rebuilt motorcycles and automobiles dating from the 1905 to 1940 in beach races and exhibitions, plus games, entertainment, live music, and more.- M.H.

DANCE

» READ MORE: "Urban Scuba: Retro Dive"

8 p.m. Friday through Sunday at JUNK studio, 2040 Christian St. $25.

Talk about recycling. The intrepid company called Brian Sanders' JUNK turned Dumpster Diving into art. Performers use found objects, from a broken ladder to a herd of pogo sticks to trash cans, in inventive ways. - M.H.

MOVIES

» READ MORE: The Great Dictator

7 p.m. Friday, Peace Center of Delaware County, 1001 Old Sproul Rd., Springfield. Free, 610-544-1818, .

Made in 1940, before the extent of Nazi horrors was truly known, Charlie Chaplin's first talkie was a plea for the world to be clear-eyed about the threat humanity faced. It's hard to believe that the film was seen as controversial and later got its maker blacklisted as a "premature anti-fascist."

Chaplin, who like everyone else noticed his tonsorial similarity with the Fuhrer, plays both Adenoid Hynkel and a Jewish barber trying to survive in totalitarian Tomainia (and mistaken for the ruthless leader). Jack Oakie gives a scene-stealing turn as Il Duce of Bacteria.

As ever, it's good to revisit the past, to avoid repeating it in the present. - M.H.

LAUGHS

» READ MORE: Chris Rich

8 p.m. Saturday, Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville. $25, $39.50. 215-257-2808.

The Yardley comedian performs her one-woman show, Hope Street, about the trials and tribulations of her grandfather during the Depression in Philadelphia, on a double bill with Ladies of Laughter pal Robin Fox. - M.H.

THEATER

» READ MORE: Time is on Our Side

Through June 23, Louis Bluver Theatre at the Drake, 302 S. Hicks St., $10-25, 267-437-7529.

Playwright R. Eric Thomas is one of Philadelphia's freshest, funniest voices. Simpatico Theatre commissioned his new work about two queer Philly podcasters who discover a secret artifact that brings up topics from the Underground Railroad to the LGBT rights movement to pop culture of all stripes. Love Thomas' voice as much as we do? Don't miss him Monday hosting the Philadelphia Moth StorySlam at the World Cafe Live- Molly Eichel

FESTIVALS

» READ MORE: Appel Farm Music and Wine Festival

Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Appel Farm, 457 Shirley Rd., Elmer, N.J., $35, $8 (kids and designated drivers), 856-358-2472.

Go local at Appel Farm, where 16 regional wineries will be on hand offering sips. The musicians will be local, too, ranging from the big band sound of Ginger Coyle to the reggae of Steppin' Razor. If you're worried about driving home, book a room at the venue for an extra $65. You'll get dinner, a dessert wine pairing, more live music, and breakfast in the morning (hopefully, something greasy to cure the inevitable hangover). - Rachel Vigoda

» READ MORE: West Philly Porchfest

Noon-6 p.m., Saturday, various locations, free.

The abundant porches of West Philadelphia become stages in this festival that began in Ithaca, N.Y., in 2007 and has since expanded to 53 other cities. West Philadelphians will donate their porches to musicians who play free concerts to roaming audience members. Performance times are broken up by zone, so go to westphillyporchfest.com for official start times. - M.E.

FOOD

» READ MORE: Chester County Blues Barbecue

2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Wyndsor Farm, 2550 Ridge Rd., Elverson, $15 (advance), $20 (at the festival), ages 12 and under free.

What makes barbecue even tastier? A killer soundtrack. The Nighthawks, Georgie Bonds, and Deb Callahan, along with some local performers, will provide the music, while Baby Blues BBQ provides the eats. Kids and dogs are welcome to attend. - M.E.

» READ MORE: Coffee and Tea Festival

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, the Navy Yard, Marine Parade Grounds, 4747 S. Broad St., $20 (advance), $25 (at the door,) 215-843-9273.

This festival, the first of its kind in the area, is the ultimate pick-me-up. Various vendors will give out samples of their brews to festivalgoers - don't worry, iced versions will be there, too. Admission includes a souvenir cup, samples, and entrance into any seminar. - M.E.

FREE

» READ MORE: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Free Week

Sunday to Friday, Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South St., free, 215-733-0390.

Hands down one of the coolest places in Philly, the Magic Gardens will open up its doors to city residents free of charge starting with a performance by Bridgeset Sound and a photobooth from noon to 3 p.m. Admission to the gorgeously collaged space on South Street, created by artist Isaiah Zagar, includes entrance to the museum labyrinth, the "Dear Julia" exhibit currently on display, and daily talks.

Don't live in the city? Don't worry, general admission is only $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6 to 12. - M.E.

SPORTS

» READ MORE: Philadelphia International Cycling Classic

8:30 a.m. Men's UCI 1.1 Race; 12:30 p.m. Women's World Tour Race. Free, 855-745-7223.

Thousands of pro cyclists will try to mount the Manayunk Wall this weekend. There are many places to watch throughout Manayunk and along the course in Northwest Philly, but check out the East Falls Block Party (Midvale Avenue near Kelly Drive) for family-friendly activities, the Feed Zone (Reservoir Drive at the Strawberry Mansion softball fields) to watch riders fuel up midride, or Lemon Hill for the Lemon Hillapalooza, where there's a Sly Fox beer garden, food trucks, and live race coverage on a Jumbrotron.- M.E. 

ARTS

» READ MORE: Fairmount Avenue Arts Crawl

Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Fairmount Avenue from 16th to 25th Streets. Free.

Stroll Fairmount Avenue as businesses, shops and restaurants open their doors to show off some of the city's best. The fest takes place both indoors and outdoors, with performers and kid-friendly activities dotted throughout. - M.E.

» READ MORE: Art for the Cash Poor

Kickoff party: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Cranes Arts, 1400 N. American St., $40.
Main event: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, Crane Arts, free, 215-235-3405.

For the last 17 years, the best place to fill your home with gorgeous art without breaking the bank has been Art for the Cash Poor. Over 90 vendors - working in jewelry, ceramics, painting, photography and beyond - will show off their work, all of it under $199. Want a jump on the crowds? Hit up Friday's preview party where you get the first chance to buy. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy bands and food from the likes of Wecklery's Ice Cream and Kung Fu Hoagies. - M.E.