Juneteenth: Every year Philadelphia celebrates the ending of slavery and the passing of the 13th Amendment with the Juneteenth Festival. The festival, on June 18, on the 6300 block of Germantown Avenue, is hosted by the Johnson House Historic Site. The free event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities include exhibits, performance arts, discussion all centered around the history of antislavery and abolitionist movements. There’s a health and resource fair, live entertainment and vendors. The event begins with a presentation of the First Protest of 1688 State Market and a Freedom Walk parade that marches to the festivities. Visit www.freedomsbackyard.com for more information.
Carol Riddick: Philadelphia’s own singer/songwriter, Carol Riddick, performs for one night at the RRazz Room at the Prince. The performance takes place at 8 p.m. June 18 and promotes her sophomore album, “Love Phases.” Riddick was born and raised in South Philadelphia and started her career while touring with Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff. Doors open at 7 p.m. and there is a two drink minimum. Tickets are $32 in advance and $37 the day of the show for theater seating, while prime table seating is $42 in advance and $47 the day of the show. To purchase tickets, visit princetheater.org.
Patriots and Pirates: The Philadelphia Seaport Museum’s newest permanent exhibit shares the story of America’s conflict with pirates which led to the founding of the U.S. Navy. The exhibit includes a full-size waterline model of Diligence of 1797. Visitors can explore this 102-foot vessel and test simple machines on board, as well as on the exhibit floor. Artifacts include a letter written by U.S. citizens on Algiers in 1793 requesting Congress to return them home from being held hostage and an octant used by Captain John Barry throughout his career. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and general admission is $16 for adults. Visit www.phillyseaport.org for more information.
PECO Primate Days: On June 18 and 19, visit the Philadelphia Zoo for a weekend-long exploration of the zoo’s primates at the PECO Primate Reserve. This event includes chats with keepers, arts and crafts and chances to learn more about the zoo’s apes, monkeys and lemurs. Admission to the zoo is $23 for adults and $19 for kids ages 2-11. Parking is $16 per vehicle. Visit www.philadelphiazoo.org for more information.
Father’s Day at the Vineyard: Celebrate dad at Penns Woods Winery. On June 18 and 19, enjoy free lawn concerts from 2-5 p.m. The winery has put together a special pairing of wines and local gourmet beef jerky. Five different styles and flavors of jerky will be offered with wines. Jerky is provided by The Righteous Felon Jerky Cartel. Wine pairings are $25 a person, which includes five different wines and five beef jerkys. Wine can also be purchased by the glass and bottle. Reservations are suggested. Visit www.pennswoodsevents.com for more information and to make reservations.
