This weekend in Philly is all about the fans — Eagles fans, theme park fans, comic book fans and anyone who considers Sunday gravy a special interest.
The Fan Expo, aka the city's version of Comic Con, will bring together all kinds of pop culture obsessives. But foodies can also get their fill at the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, the annual block party/pasta mecca. Universal Orlando season pass holders will want to stop by the art museum for a special preview of the destination's newest theme park. And the Birds faithful can shoot their shot with Cooper DeJean at the Checkers drive-thru. Here's a look at the weekend ahead:
Meet approximately 500 Batmans
Fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, comic books, anime and video games will descend on the Pennsylvania Convention Center this weekend. The Fan Expo promises cosplay, panels and gaming tournaments, plus a ton of celebrities. Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, William Shatner, Dolph Lundgren, Andy Serkis and the Johns (Boyega, Cena, Carpenter) will be signing autographs and posing for pictures, among many others. Single-day passes are still available for $49-$64.
Eat prosciutto and climb a pole
The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival celebrates two of Philly's strengths: food and dangerous, made-up feats of athleticism. The two-day event features dozens of vendors selling pasta, cannoli and a few dishes you won't find in nonna's kitchen. Visitors can then digest by the Washington Avenue stage, where DJs and bands will play from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or dare to climb a 30-foot pole greased with lard. It's by the Montrose Piazza, and anyone who successfully summits will get meats, cheeses and other prizes.
Visit another portal
A video portal — no, not that one — will give crowds a peak at the new Epic Universe theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. The 30-foot installation mimics the attraction's entrance and will be stationed on the art museum steps Friday through Sunday. The portal will play teasers showing off new rides inspired by the "Harry Potter," "Super Mario Bros." and "How to Train Your Dragon" franchises. Thrill seekers can also enter a sweepstakes to win a trip to the theme park, which opens May 22.
Get fries from Cooper DeJean
An Eagle will man the fryers at Checkers this Saturday. Cooper DeJean is working the drive-thru at the chain's 9173 Roosevelt Blvd. location from 6:30-7 p.m., but the cornerback isn't picking up a second job. It's all part of a fundraising effort for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia. Checkers has pledged to donate $0.33 from every large fry sold this weekend. Every 100th customer on Saturday and Sunday will also receive a hat signed by DeJean.
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