Start The Weekend Early
Not only are summer Fridays good for the soul (more time to spend with your loved ones and all), but Forbes reported that they actually do wonders for productivity, too. With a boost in office morale—and more time for employees to enjoy the nice weather while it’s still here—who could argue? Whether the boss is giving you an early out or the entire day off, here are 30 ways to make the most of those mystical summer Fridays that will be gone before you can say “Labor Day.”
Dip Out Early
ONE
Dinner & Drinks at Eight Oaks
Every Friday night, Eight Oaks is serving dinner and drinks from 5 to 8 p.m. with hand-crafted cocktail specials, Pennsylvania beer and delicious food by Trè Locally Sourced. There will be music from 6 to 8 p.m., along with firepits, cornhole and can jam. Enjoy a beautiful night overlooking country fields and Eight Oaks’ beautiful copper still.
@eightoaksdistillers
TWO
Beer & Bonsai at Victory Beer Hall
Take a trip to Victory Beer Hall in Philly, which offers an unrivaled social experience in celebration of Victory Brewing Company (and an eclectic selection of regional Philadelphia brews). Live entertainment, a 2,000-square- foot patio and a panoramic view of the Philadelphia skyline ensure a great kickoff to the weekend.
Mark your calendar for Friday, June 28, when Victory is hosting a bonsai workshop led by Terrarium Therapy—a business founded on the concept of relaxing and detaching from a stressful world. By the end of the work week, we all need a little of that! Tickets are $43, starting at 7 p.m.
@victorybeerhall
THREE
BRFriday at Black River Farms
Head to Black River Farms by 5 p.m. for a wine tasting in the vineyard and music by Brad Rau on Friday, June 14. Keep an eye out for more events to be added this summer.
black-river-farms.com
FOUR
Concert at PNC Bank Arts Center
Kick off the weekend with a concert at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ! This summer welcomes Dierks Bentley, Train, the Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Stapleton and more. It’s the perfect after-work plan, with Friday night shows starting at 7 p.m.
FIVE
Catch a Show at Hershey
Head to the Hershey Theatre for a live performance of Cats, Friday, August 23 at 8 p.m. Or, the following Friday, check out Hootie & the Blowfish at Hersheypark Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
hersheyentertainment.com
SIX
Phillies Game at Citizens Bank Park
Cheer on your favorite team at a home game! Nothing beats nice weather, cold beer and baseball. Mark your calendar for Friday, June 7 when the Phillies will play the Cincinnati Reds, or June 21 when they take on the Miami Marlins. Games start at 7:05 p.m. Head to the website for plenty more home games
to come this season!
mlb.com/phillies
SEVEN
Vineyard & Winery Tour at Clover Hill
If you can get to Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery in Breinigsville by 3 p.m., mark your calendar for Friday, July 5. For $12 per person, attendees can enjoy a look at their vineyard and production facility, learn about the winemaking process and sample a few varietals along the way. The tour is 90 minutes, and reservations are required. What’s more, all participants are entitled to a 10 percent discount on purchases made the
day of the tour.
Photo by Gavenus Photography
cloverhillwinery.com
EIGHT
Family Food Truck Fridays at Tolino Vineyards
Can you get to Bangor by 5 p.m.? You’re in luck! Tolino hosts family fun nights every Friday through August. Enjoy live music, wine slushies, food trucks and all kinds of outdoor fun. This year promises new bands and expanded dining options—the Wood Fired Pizza Truck will be on site every Friday in addition to a guest truck. Go to their website to find out who’s scheduled for each Friday.
Photo by Shelbie Platz
NINE
OZZY | 7, AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG
Did your work week totally suck? We have just the thing—comedy! This show invites audience members to share their stories of bad bosses, breakups, hookups, adulting and general woes for an experience like no other. CSz Philadelphia calls it cheaper than therapy and more fun. The event is BYOB, $10 admission and runs from 8 to 9 p.m. Head to Facebook for Friday dates in June, July and August.
@comedysportzphilly
Take The Day
TEN
See a Play in Bucks County
Take the kids to experience the magic of children’s theater with Disney’s Mary Poppins Jr., Frozen Jr., The Lion King Jr. and Junie B. Jones Jr. Produced by Bucks County Center for the Performing Arts and performed at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown, the shows run from 11 a.m. to noon on select Fridays in July and August, with tickets available for $10.
buckscountycenterfortheperformingarts.org
ELEVEN
Get Wet at Dutch Springs
Did your work week totally suck? We have just the thing—comedy! This show invites audience members to share their stories of bad bosses, breakups, hookups, adulting and general woes for an experience like no other. CSz Philadelphia calls it cheaper than therapy and more fun. The event is BYOB, $10 admission and runs from 8 to 9 p.m. Head to Facebook for Friday dates in June, July and August.
TWELVE
Attend a Musikfest Matinee
Take the kids to watch the students of The Lesson Center perform at Musikfest on Friday, August 9 from noon to 3 p.m. It’s a culmination of the center’s summer camp program, and is a great way for kids who are interested in music education to see what’s possible if they take on an instrument!
Photo by Chirstopher Elston
THIRTEEN
Camp Bisco at Montage Mountain
Spend the day at Montage Mountain in Scranton. This summer, they’re hosting Camp Bisco, an outdoor music festival that kicks off on Thursday, July 18. Presented by Live Nation, attendees can expect three days and nights of music on three different stages. The festival is for ages 18 and older, and accommodations range from regular camping, to RV camping, to straight-up glamping. Fest-only passes are also available.
Can’t make Camp Bisco? There’s still plenty to do in a day at Montage Mountain. Rent a cabana for an afternoon at the pool, explore the water park, experience the ZipRider and more!
FOURTEEN
Kutztown Folk Festival
The Kutztown Folk Festival is a nine-day celebration of Pennsylvania Dutch culture. So, if you have the day off, head to Kutztown! Make the trip on Friday, July 5 when it’s open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The festival promises more than 200 folk artists and craftsmen, more delicacies than you can eat, America’s largest quilt sale (with more than 2,500 handmade quilts) and so much more.
FIFTEEN
Overnight Stay at the Inn at Pocono Manor
Plan an indulgent overnight stay at the Inn at Pocono Manor Resort & Spa. With a spa and golf course on site, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy.
SIXTEEN
Day Trip to Peace Valley Lavender Farm
Schedule a tour of Peace Valley Lavender Farm in Doylestown. Take in the beautiful sights of 3,000-plus lavender and lavandins blooming on the hillside, as well as the views of Lake Galena. Shop their store for lavender gifts galore, including culinary products, dried floral, sachets, pillows and bath and body products.
SEVENTEEN
Pool Day at Kalahari
Spend the day at Kalahari in the Poconos—either with the whole family or as a romantic getaway. Things to do range from mini bowling, escape rooms and virtual reality fun to indulgent experiences at the salon, spa and fitness center. There are waterparks for the kids as well as bungalow and cabana rentals for the adults.
kalahariresorts.com
EIGHTEEN
Seek Adrenaline at Dorney Park
With the park open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. most Fridays this summer, it’s a great way to spend those full afternoons off from work. Home to seven adrenaline-inducing coasters, as well as several family-friendly kiddie rides and an entire Wildwater Kingdom, Dorney has something for everyone.
NINETEEN
Phans of Philly
Take a bus trip to see the Phillies play in Pittsburgh. Departing at 7 a.m. on Friday, July 19, attendees will stay two nights and enjoy lower-level seats at the Friday and Saturday night games, as well as a three-hour private, all-inclusive pre-game party on Saturday, a complimentary breakfast each morning and more.
TWENTY
Farmers’ Market Fun
Spend the day perusing one of the Valley’s local farmers’ markets. The historic Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers’ Market is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and has more food merchants than you can count.
TWENTY-ONE
A Day on the (Wine) Trail
Sip and swirl your way through the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail. Made up of eight family-owned vineyards and wineries, the trail is committed to growing and producing premium wines. Sample one made from Chambourcin, the region’s signature wine grape!
TWENTY-TWO
Glamping at Blue Mountain
Go glamping at one of Blue Mountain Resort’s two camp sites. Basically, enjoy all the fun of camping without the hassle of bringing or setting up your own gear. Enjoy seclusion and take in the breathtaking views of Blue Mountain. Glampers can explore guided trail runs, conquer the high ropes course, ride the ziplines or battle it out in outdoor laser tag—or just stay cozy. The cost is $130 per night and tents can accommodate up to eight people, with check-in at noon and check-out at 11:30 a.m. Extras like a commemorative growler pack filled with seasonal beers, or a moonlight night cap with red or white wine, cheese, crackers and fruit can be added for an additional cost.
After Hours
TWENTY-THREE
Bicycling at the Velodrome
Friday nights at Valley Preferred Cycling Center in Breinigsville are exciting for riders and spectators alike! The World Series of Bicycling brings Olympic-level action to the region every Friday night from June through August. The gates open at 5:30 p.m., with $3 happy hour available until 7 p.m. when the racing officially starts. Purchase season tickets for $50, general admission, or $80, finish line seats.
Photo by Trevor Raab
TWENTY-FOUR
Summer Concert Series at The Promenade
The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley hosts an annual Summer Concert Series every Friday in June, July and August. The fun lasts from 6 to 9 p.m., weather permitting. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy a variety of local musicians on The Patio stage. This summer’s lineup is available online. Get there early to do a bit of shopping or enjoy happy hour at one of the many restaurants.
thepromenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com
TWENTY-FIVE
Drive-In Movies
Open nightly during the summer, a drive-in movie is the picturesque way to spend your Friday evening. Head to Shankweiler’s in Orefield (the oldest drive-in theater in the country) or Becky’s in Walnutport. Friday nights are family-friendly, with only PG and PG-13 showings (as well as pony rides) at Becky’s!
shankweilers.com | beckysdi.com
TWENTY-SIX
Iron Pigs Nights
Enjoy quality baseball and a great atmosphere right here in the Valley. The IronPigs’ schedule is filled with Friday night home games, starting at 7:05 p.m. Get yourself some Aw Shucks Roasted Corn and make it an evening to remember!
TWENTY-SEVEN
Summer Supper Series at The Inn at Grace Winery
The Inn at Grace Winery’s Summer Supper Series is back! Located in Glen Mills, the evening kicks off with a cocktail hour featuring hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m., followed by a three-course dinner and wine tasting at 7 p.m. June is already sold out, but their July and August nights have tickets available for $95, with July’s dinner taking place in the Front Yard and August’s in the Bocce Court.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Social Paddle on the Lehigh River
Launching at the D & L Trail at the Route 33 boat launch, participants can paddle their hearts out with Miss Melanie Yoga’s SUP community. Social Paddles happen every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and are free of charge. There is no formal instruction—it’s just a great opportunity to hang out on the water and hone your paddle skills.
TWENTY-NINE
Twilight Friday Nights at Galen Glen
Galen Glen is staying open until 8 p.m. every Friday night in June, July and August. They invite you to enjoy those late summer nights while sipping some crisp white wine!
THIRTY
Musikfest
Musikfest is arguably the best part of summer in the Valley—and it only lasts 10 days. On Friday, August 2, check out Grammy Award-winning duo The Chainsmokers at 7 p.m. And on the 9th, experience Godsmack at 7 p.m., with VIP packages available.
Photo by Keith Huylebroeck