Food Events Abound All Summer Long
KERI WHITE | JE FOOD COLUMNIST
SUMMER IN THE Philly area means a lot of things from a food per-
spective: barbecues, time “down the shore,” backyard parties, base-
ball and picnics. It also means a slew of food-related events to tempt
our palates with a diverse array of off erings and festivals.

As the local food scene has exploded over the past decade, we
have become a culinary destination year-round. But summer off ers
a special menu of events with the weather providing a sultry outdoor
backdrop for Philly phoodies.

In chronological order, here is a taste of some of what the region
has to off er for a delicious summer:
Veg Fest: June 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

facebook.com/PhiladelphiaVegFest/ Philadelphia’s celebration of vegan and whole-food plant-based
lifestyles will be hosted by the South Street Headhouse District at
Bainbridge Green, which spans the 300 and 400 blocks of Bainbridge
Street. Th is free event, which welcomes vegans and non-vegans alike,
will showcase food, art, culture, music and cooking demonstrations
throughout the day.

Night Market in the Gayborhood: June 21, 7-11 p.m., 13th and Locust streets
thefoodtrust.org/night-market In 2010, Th e Food Trust created Night Market Philadelphia to
bring communities together and celebrate the joy of food. Mod-
eled aft er similar markets in Asia, it was planned as a lively gath-
ering with delicious food, local craft beverages, outdoor seating
and live music.

The program has grown from a busy night for food truck
vendors to a regular opportunity for local entrepreneurs
to grow their
businesses and cultivate
lasting cus-
tomer bases.

In keeping
with the Food
Trust’s over-
arching mis-
sion to create
a local healthy
food economy
in the region,
Night Market Roxborough
the Night
DAVE TAVANI FOR THE FOOD TRUST
Market pro-
gram also attracts visitors from throughout the area, provides
residents with a unique venue and experience to enjoy fresh
food, supports local food entrepreneurs, and showcases the
quality and diversity of food in Philadelphia.

“Th e Food Trust is beyond excited to bring Night Market Phil-
adelphia to the very heart of Center City. Featuring over 70 street
food vendors, live music, and other local arts and culture, this
event will proudly highlight one of the city’s most vibrant com-
munities, which also happens to be home to many of Philadelphia’s
top restaurants,” Night Market Coordinator Ian Moran said. “In
addition to the usual festivities, Night Market Gayborhood will
also work to support local residents and LGBT families by pro-
24 JUNE 7, 2018
viding a venue for the neighborhood’s many service providers to
engage with attendees about the programs they off er.”
Old City Eats: Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. through Aug. 31
oldcitydistrict.org/special-events/old-city-eats Now in its third summer, Old City Eats is Old City District’s
season-long celebration of its thriving dining scene. Every Th ursday,
participating restaurants and bars will off er drink specials and at least
one half-price small plate. Th e selections are designed to appeal to
neighborhood locals, business people looking to relax with colleagues
aft er work and visiting tourists.

Passeggiata on East Passyunk Ave.: Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m.

through November
visiteastpassyunk.com/events/passeggiata-on-east-passyunk-ave.php Passeggiata is South Philly’s homage to the tradition in Italy of
the same name. Th roughout the warm months in Italia, residents
of small towns enjoy aft er-work strolls during the evening hours,
visiting friends and neighbors, stopping by favorite restaurants and
cafes, and patronizing local shops. East Passyunk has recreated this
practice in conjunction with the Fountain Farmers Market; partici-
pating restaurants off er happy hour promotions, off -menu specials,
al fresco dining, live music, extended boutique hours and other
festive amenities.

Center City Sips: Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. through Aug. 29
centercityphila.org/explore-center-city/ccdsips All summer long, participating restaurants will off er special prices
on cocktails, wine and beer, and half-price appetizers.

Caribbean Day at Reading Terminal Market: June 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Th is event will celebrate the diverse cultures and cuisines of the
Caribbean with chef demonstrations, specialty food tastings and tra-
ditional music and entertainment.

“Every day, Reading Terminal Market’s diverse merchant mix and
cuisines set the table for customers from varied backgrounds to come
together around a shared experience and the common denominator
of food,” Director of Marketing Sarah Levitsky said. “With that in
mind, throughout the year, we partner with cultural organizations
from across the city to host events that act as cultural exchanges to
bridge understanding through art, food, music and more.”
The Philly Ice Cream Scoop: June 30 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Reading Terminal Market
Th e largest ice cream festival in the country, this event features 14
of the city’s top ice cream producers and dozens of ice cream special-
ties from the Reading Terminal Market’s own merchants.

Merchants will showcase their signature items integrated with
ice cream.

In the past, off erings have included Iovine Produce shaved ice with
fresh-pressed juices; Pennsylvania General Store’s locally made root
beer fl oats and shrubs; Hershel’s East Side Deli’s homemade Jewish
apple cake topped with ice cream, candied caramel popcorn, cara-
mel sauce and whipped cream. Treats like these and many other ice
cream-centric specialties will be available.

THIS SUMMER
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