First Friday

I do believe that the convention's dates may mean that some of you are in the city on the first friday of July. If you are, you may want to check out a popular Philadelphia tradition, called (simply enough) First Friday! It is ostensibly a time for the art galleries in Old City to open their doors to an evening crowd, put out some wine and cheese and let everyone take in the work of new local artists. Among the galleries are also theaters, bars, restaurants, and shops... not to mention the artists and students that park themselves on the sidewalk to either display their own art, or to play music, etc. It's a fairly festive time-- so be warned that it will probably be a good size crowd.

If you want to go, the main area of interest is from Market Street to Race Street (Race is 2 blocks north of Market--you can tell there's not much more to see when the crowd thins significantly) on both 2nd and 3rd streets. On 2nd Street BELOW Market there are lots of clubs and restaurants that are usually packed with 20-somethings in their best going out clothes, so you can explore that, too, if you want! The whole thing usually goes on from 5 until 8 or 9pm-- at least, that's when the art galleries close up. Restaurants, clubs, and bars stay open late!