Guide To DesignPhiladelphia 2012
Fashion, furniture, art…it all begins with design. This October, check out Philly's vibrant design scene at the aptly-named DesignPhiladelphia, featuring five days of workshops, conferences, installations, exhibits and more. – Chelsea Karnash
What: DesignPhiladelphia is five days of design-centric programming. Now in its eighth year, the event includes more than 500 national and international designers from all disciplines and more than 120 events in venues in and around Philly.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 10 – Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012
Schedule: There are 120 events, and you definitely can't attend them all. Check out our picks below.
WEDNESDAY
PopUp Place: Official Kick-off Party
Provenance Architecturals
912 Canal St
5:30 p.m.; $60-200 for benefit, FREE street party
Help kick-off this year's DesignPhiladelphia Festival with fashion shows, design exhibits, signature cocktails from Art in the Age and more inside a 10,000 square foot warehouse in NoLibs. Then, the party continues with a free street festival outside on the 900 block of Canal Street, starting at 7:30 p.m.
THURSDAY
Free Happy Hour and Underdogs
Bluecadet
1101 N Hancock St
5 – 7 p.m., FREE
Free hot dogs, drinks and access to new and interactive technology make this event a super fun must-do.
CandyCoated Trunk Show
Rittenhouse Square
5:30 – 6 p.m., FREE
A tricycle brings this trunk show into town! Get a peek at one-of-a-kind garments that models will show off around the promenade.
The Creation of Ravenwood: M. Night Shyamalan's Home
Center for Architecture
1218 Arch St
5:30 – 8:30 p.m., FREE
The Philadelphia area's Master of Horror, film director M. Night Shyamalan, lives on the city's outskirts in a home he deemed "Ravenwood." Tonight, architect Richard Cameron, who created the house, will give a presentation on his work and what went into building Ravenwood.
FRIDAY
Tales the Cocktail Tells
More Than Old
144 N 3rd St
6 – 9 p.m., FREE
This event at More Than Old will show guests how to design the perfect cocktail party for groups ranging from 10 people to over 100. Plus, check out both vintage and contemporary cocktail accessories on display throughout the festival.
SATURDAY
Behind the Counter at Reading Terminal
Reading Terminal
1100 Filbert St
10 a.m. – noon, $10
Take a guided tour of the newly renovated Reading Terminal Market with architect Anthony Bracali (of Friday Architects/Planners, Inc.) and General Manager Paul Steinke. You'll get to sample goodies from select vendors, too! Just FYI, the tour is limited to 15 people, so you should reserve your spot ASAP.
Sustainable Streets Scavenger Hunt
Columbus Square Recreation Center
1200 Wharton St
11 a.m. – 1 p.m., FREE
The Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities and PWD are putting on this scavenger hunt, which takes participants through some of the cities greatest design corridors.
SUNDAY
Bridge + Tunnel Bike Ride
30th Street Station
30th & Market Sts
12:15 – 4:30 p.m., $5
Take a 12 mile bike ride that starts at 30th Street Station and meanders along trails, under bridges and through the city at an easy pace. Refreshments follow the ride. Make sure to bring spare tube, your helmet, a lock, lights and your camera.
The Switched-On Garden
Bartram's Garden
5400 Lindbergh Ave
12 – 4 p.m., $20
Hang out in the country's oldest botanical garden and enjoy live music, sculptures and performances.
Tickets: Many DesignPhiladelphia events are free, but some (like the Reading Terminal Tour) require you to reserve a spot or pay a small fee.
For more information on DesignPhiladelphia, click here.
