31st Annual Celebration of Black Writing
May 2015
Various venues

Following on the heels of Philadelphia's Jazz Appreciation month, this month-long festival begins at the start of May. In its 31st year, the Celebration of Black Writing is one of the nation's oldest literary events, gathering artists, authors, writers and journalists in Philadelphia. Explore work at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, attend the conference, or help applaud winners at the 2015 Celebration of Black Writing Lifetime Achievement Award and Ceremony. There is programming for everyone in the family, even the little ones, with the Hip H’opera & North Stars Showcase.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Hawthorne’s 6th Annual IPA Block Party
Saturday, May 9
Noon - 8 p.m.
Hawthorne's Beef Cafe, 738 S. 11th St.
Free entrance and $5 beers

If you're scratching your head wondering if you read the name right, you certainly did! Hawthornes is back after a devastating fire. Hang out right outside the restaurant and enjoy the spring weather with some of the best IPAs around. With over 30 beers to choose from -- as well as gluten-free ciders and wheat beers -- the 6th Annual Block Party promises to be a blast. The event is kid and pet friendly, will have homemade street food and live outdoor music.

The event is rain or shine, so come prepared! It's also cash only, with drink tickets to be purchased upon entry and redeemed at the keg of your choice. For more information, click here.

Philadelphia Open Studios Tours Info Session
Wednesday, May 6
1 - 2 p.m.
University City Arts League, 4226 Spruce St.
Free

The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, which works to make careers in the arts viable, will be hosting an informational session and Q&A. CFEVA staff member Marnie Lersch, past participants, and authorities on website and social media marketing will offer tips on improving attendance to your studio during their Philadelphia Open Studio Tours program (POST). 

POST is a community-based, collaborative citywide event celebrating Phillly's diverse stable of visual artists. The tour acts as a way for artists to build and maintain audiences, as well as to exhibit and promote work. This year's tour will happen in October. Artists and community members interested in participating in POST, a premier open studio tour event, should sign up to learn more. If you've already registered, feel free to come learn more about the program and ask any questions you may have.

For more information and to register, click here. There is an additional information session on Saturday, May 23 from 1 - 2 p.m. at the Philadelphia Sculpture Gym.

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