Latino Film Festival, world music, ice cream for education, and Questlove bring in summer

Growing up, Memorial Day weekend was kind of a big deal. It marked the beginning of the cookout season, where every weekend from now until early September, hints of barbecue and charcoal were sure to find their way into your open windows by way of all the backyards. With that comes a plethora of events celebrating the fast-approaching summer. From block parties to basketball fundraisers and film festivals to interactive world music performances, it is undeniably that time of year again. There’s even an appearance by hometown hero Questlove. Get ready, because June is right around the corner!

8th Annual Philadelphia Latino Film Festival

Beginning Thursday, May 30, and running until Sunday, June 2, the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival returns for another year. The region’s only festival showcasing emerging and established Latin American and Latinx filmmakers, the celebration includes panel discussions and screenings of works from all genres. Check out the full film guide and schedule, and grab tickets online.

Delaware Art Museum’s Backyard Bash

The annual outdoor food and music festival returns on Friday, May 31, from 6pm to 9:30pm in the Delaware Art Museum’s Copeland Sculpture Garden. Local musicians, food trucks, arts vendors and more headline the family-friendly activities. Tickets are $10 to $15 for adults, $5 for youth non-members, and free for youth members.

ASAS All-Star Hoop-a-Thon

On Saturday, June 1, ASAS Philadelphia and Camden will host their second annual All-Star Hoop-a-Thon at the Palestra (223 South 33rd Street) from 10am to 12:30pm, with registration at 9:30am. The event helps raise funds to expand ASAS programs and services for students in the region.

Art for the Cash Poor

InLiquid Art + Design hosts its second Art for the Cash Poor this weekend in Callowhill. The block-party-style art festival happens in the lot next to Love City Brewery (1003 Buttonwood Street) on Saturday, June 1, from 12pm to 6pm. The event is a step toward transforming and evolving the neighborhood, and artists, designers, crafters, and local organizations will be there to help raise money for the community.

World Music with Daria

A free, interactive music-making event, World Music with DARIA, invites kids to create their own world music instruments and then join a drum circle, culminating in a multicultural live show. As part of the city’s Performances in Public Spaces summer series of cultural performances in parks and plazas across Philadelphia, World Music with DARIA is free for everyone. It kicks off Saturday, June 1, at 12pm at the Tacony Library Lawn, 6742 Torresdale Avenue.

UCAL’s Ice Cream Bowl

University City Arts League is hosting an ice cream-inspired fundraiser to help support free classes in public schools, help maintain the pottery studio, and provide scholarships to Arts League classes. For $10 on Sunday, June 2, at 1pm, at UCAL, 4226 Spruce Street, attendees get handmade ceramic bowls filled with ice cream—while supplies last. Vegan ice cream will also be available.

Questlove #Breaks4Kids

Missed out on tickets to The Roots Picnic again this year? Same here, friend! However, to make up for it, The Roots’ drummer, Questlove, is hosting a jam party on Sunday, June 2, at the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest from 12pm to 3pm. The live DJ set promises to bring out the kid in everyone, along with face painting, photo booths, food, and more. The event is free, open to the public, and wheelchair accessible.

BalletX Block Party

You know it’s summer when everyone’s hosting a block party. And there’s nothing wrong with that! BalletX joins the fray with its first-ever block party this Sunday, June 2. The event invites fans and neighbors to come together for a day of dance at the company’s new center (1923 Washington Avenue). Participate in dance classes and enjoy food and drink, family-friendly activities, and performances by BalletX and other Philadelphia-based dance artists. Admission to the party and dance classes is free and open to the public. RSVP for a class ahead of time, and check out the full roster of events online.