Under the Radar: Dragon Boats, Seaport Festival, Animal Collective, Activist Research Workshop

Dragon Boats, Seaport Festival, Animal Collective, Activist Research Workshop

Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival 
Saturday, Oct. 6 
8 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. 
Free 
Schuylkill River 
Kelly Drive

Experience a magnificent spectacle of Asian history at the annual Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival. Today, Dragon boat racing has become more popular than ever before. It originated from an ancient Chinese legend, and since 1995, World Championship events have been awarded to Canada, China, New Zealand, England, Australia and even the United States. Philadelphia’s competition consists of 120 different teams that have worked consistently hard to prepare for this event. The colorfully painted boats will race down a thrilling 500-meter course in Fairmount Park. Lucky teams may even win championship medals, but you will have to see for yourself.  Spectators can witness this exciting showdown on Kelly Drive near St. Joe’s Boathouse. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a clear, serene view of the Schuylkill River while watching this race? Come down and commemorate this tribute to Chinese culture.

Old City Seaport Festival
Oct. 5–7 
All Day 
Free 
Penn’s Landing 

Who ever said that pirates didn’t exist anymore? At the Old City Seaport Festival, pirate battles come to life. At Pennslanding from Oct. 5-7, there will be a number of events hosted by the Independence Seaport Museum. Come enjoy live music, crafts, vendors, food from Philadelphia food trucks, and the tall ships that will be taking part in a majestic parade. Throughout the festival, there will be activities that people of all ages can enjoy. There will be face painting and the Philadelphia “Zoo on Wheels” for younger kids, while adults can take part in either the beer garden or the Cabin Dogs concert. If you love vibrant atmospheres and life down by the shore, then this festival is definitely for you.

Animal Collective 
Wednesday, Oct. 3 
Doors at 6 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. 
$33.50 
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Avenue

Animal Collective, a popular alternative rock group, will be bringing its indie sound to Philadelphia at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 3. Formed of members hailing from Brooklyn and Baltimore, the musicians in Animal Collective are unique characters. They have all adopted stage personas, calling themselves Avey Tare, Deakin, Geologist and Panda Bear. The band has been described as “experimental psychedelic,” perhaps allowing those of the younger generation to experiment with the groovy vibes of the 1960s. Micachu & The Shapes will perform as the opening act.

Activist Research Workshop 
Tuesday, Oct. 7 
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. 
Free 
Wooden Shoe Books 
704 South St.

Activist researcher and Toronto-based writer AK Thompson will be giving a workshop on how activists can adequately research topics important to them, including how institutions are organized and how radicals can use this knowledge to enact change in society. Thompson will draw from his own research as well as the ideas of radical sociologist George Smith. He’ll also be addressed activism regarding politics — a timely topic considering the upcoming election. Even one who isn’t an avid activist will enjoy the interesting conversation that is bound to spur from this workshop.

—Jenelle Janci and Sienna Vance

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