4 FREE Concerts, Back-To-School Fun Day, and more

For Labor Day weekend, you'll find concerts every evening, Friday through Monday, at Elmwood Park Bandshell, (assuming there's no rain). And a Back-To-School event at the Carver Center on Monday.

Friday, August 31, 6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Special Labor Day Weekend Concert. Dean Garofolo as Elvis. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Saturday through Sept 30, Timshel Coffee Shop (104 E Main) will display art works by the Greater Norristown Art League. All pieces will be available for sale. Artists Reception on Friday, Sept 7.

Saturday, 9 am-5 pm at Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. Library Card Sign-Up Month. Starting today, kid in grades 0-12, if you don't have a card and sign up for one this month, you'll receive a free book and bookmark, plus be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Amazon gift card. New registrations only. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x205. The card is good not only in Norristown, but at libraries around the county.

Saturday, 6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Special Labor Day Weekend Concert. The Allen Reynolds Band. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Sunday, 2-5 pm, Elmwood Park Zoo. FREE admission to Norristown Borough residents on the first Sunday of each month beginning at 2 PM. Residents of Norristown must present valid photo ID.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, Newspaper Taxis perform. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Monday, 8 am-1 pm at the Carver Community Center (249 Jacoby St). Back To School Fun Day. Free haircuts and curls for kids. Games, prizes, food, dancing, music.

Monday, 6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Special Labor Day Weekend Concert. The Monkeephiles. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Tuesdays in September, 6-8 pm at the Montgomery County Historical Society (1654 Dekalb). Intermediate Genealogy Workshop. 4 week workshop is $10 for members, $40 nonmembers. To reserve a spot, call 610-272-0297 or online at www.hsmcpa.org.

Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Municipal Hall. Council Meeting.

Wednesday, 5:30-7 pm at Elmwood Park Zoo, Rep Matt Bradford is hosting a Family Fair. Register to gain FREE admission, plus FREE food and entertainment. Space is limited. Register at 610-222-3490 or email repbradford@pahouse.net with name, address and number of adults and children attending.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Friday, 6-8 pm at Timshel Coffee Shop (104 E Main). Art Show Reception. Artworks by the Greater Norristown Art League.

Next Saturday, 1-6 pm, Elmwood Park Bandshell. Arts and Music Festival. Live music, Food, Giveaways, Raffles, Vendors.

Last Week Before Labor Day Activities (mostly FREE)

No reason that getting ready for school shouldn't be fun. Stop by the Beat the Heat rally tomorrow, then check out Community Arts Norristown's open house, then the Youth Empowerment Summit at Elmwood Park. Girls can top off the day at the Carver Center while parents enjoy down time at Five Saints. And that's just Saturday.

Saturday, August 25, noon-2:30 pm, Montco Courthouse. Beat The Heat Rally. Come out and learn about Climate Change and what can and should be done about it. FREE ice cream.

Saturday, 1-3 pm, Community Arts Norristown (506 Haws). Fall Open House.

Saturday, 1-6 pm, Elmwood Park. Youth Empowerment Summit. FREE. Crafts, food, music, games, dancing. Bring a chair. Free school supplies while they last.

Saturday, 8 pm to 8am the next day, Carver Community Center (Jacoby and Arch). Slumber Party for girls aged 7 to 17. Bring a sleeping bag or bedroll. $5 per girl (discounts for siblings). Call 610-272-7480 or email GWCarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Somewhat Civil performs. No cover.

Sunday, 1-4 pm (or possibly 6 pm?), St. Patrick's Church basement (Dekalb and Chestnut). Irish Festival. Homemade food, desserts, raffle baskets, entertainment.

Sunday, 6-8 pm, Oak Street Park (near basketball courts). Back to School Backpack Drive, sponsored by the Help A Single Parent Foundation.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, The Supernaturals perform. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Monday, 7 pm, Norristown Area School District Admin Bldg (401 N Whitehall). Board of School Directors will host their regular monthly school board meeting.  Agenda at this link.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Zoning Board Hearing.

Wednesday, 2-3 pm, Norristown Library Youth Services Department. Magic Show with Ran'D Shine. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Friday, August 31, 6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Special Labor Day Weekend Concert. Dean Garofolo as Elvis. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Next Saturday through Sept 30, Timshel Coffee Shop (104 E Main) will display art works by the Greater Norristown Art League. All pieces will be available for sale. Artists Reception on Sept 7.

Also next Saturday, 6 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Special Labor Day Weekend Concert. The Allen Reynolds Band. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Events in N-town as Summer Winds Down

Hopefully the weather holds because there are plenty of outdoor activities this weekend.

Friday, August 17, 8:30 pm, Carver Community Center. Poolside Movie Night. Movie starts at 9 pm. $3 for movie only. $5 includes movie, snack and beverage. For info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, 11 am-6 pm at Simmons Park (Oak and Arch Sts). Watch the 3-on-3 Co-ed Basketball Tournament, hosted by Norristown Lady Eagles Basketball and Willis Barbecue. 3 Divisions, ages 10-13, 14-17, 18 and up. 4 Player max per team.

Saturday, noon-3 pm, Haws Avenue Methodist Church (Haws and Marshall) will host a FREE Neighborhood Barbecue. Food, fun, games, and music. Rain or Shine.

Saturday, 6:30-8 pm. Historic Montgomery Cemetery (Hartranft and Jackson Sts).  Author and Historian Tammy Schane presents a tour on Symbols of the Cemetery. Discover the meaning of symbols carved on tombstones; the history behind them; and why tombstone styles changed in the 19th century. Tickets: $15 per person includes: Walking Tour, Refreshments and Presentation. Tickets are limited: to reserve a space by phone 610-272-0297; online at hsmcpa.org; or email contact@hsmcpa.org. For info, contact Barry Rauhouser, Executive Director, 610-272-0297, barryr@hsmcpa.org.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Jazz 180 performs. No cover.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, FabForward performs. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Monday, women 40 or older, register this week for the FREE Mammography Screenings on the following Monday, August 27 starting at 10 am at Matt Bradford's office, 750 E Johnson Hwy. Fox Chase Mobile Mammography Screening Unit will be there that day. You must have a prescription from your doctor. To register, call 215-214-1744.

Tuesday, 4:30- 6:30 pm, 500 block of Lafayette. Water Ice With A Cop. Come out for FREE water ice and meet your local cops.

Tuesday, 6:30 pm. Municipal Hall. Council meeting.

Wednesday, 1 pm, Norristown Library board room. Mary's Matinee. FREE movie in our boardroom the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This week's selection is "Phantom Thread." Drop in. Contact Mary Motta at 610-278-5100 x111, mmotta@mclinc.org.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Saturday, August 25, noon-2:30 pm, Montco Courthouse. Beat The Heat Rally. Come out and learn about Climate Change and what can and should be done about it, and how you can add your voice. Free ice cream.

Next Saturday, 1-3 pm, Community Arts Norristown (506 Haws). Fall Open House.

Next Saturday, 1-6 pm, Elmwood Park. Youth Empowerment Summit. FREE. Crafts, food, music, games, dancing. Bring a chair. School supplies while they last.

Next Saturday, 8 pm to 8am Sunday morning, Carver Community Center (Jacoby and Arch). Slumber Party for girls aged 7 to 17. Bring a sleeping bag or bedroll. $5 per girl (discounts for siblings). Call 610-272-7480 or email GWCarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Italian Festival and Norristown Appreciation Day

The Italian Festival is this weekend, and there are 2 happenings at Simmons Park, this weekend and next.

Friday, August 10, 6-10 pm at Holy Saviour Club, 436 E Main (walk down driveway to rear of club). Festa Italiana. Live music, Games and Rides, Souvenirs, Bocce, and really great Italian Food. All are welcome. Festival continues Saturday, 4-11 pm, and Sunday 11 am-10 pm.

Saturday, Aug 11, Noon-2 pm, at the Carver Community Center. Senior Swim and Game Day. $3. For info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, starting at noon at Simmons Park (328 E Oak). Norristown Appreciation Day. Food, Facepainting, Water ice. Oak League All-Star Games.

Saturday, 8-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Danny Beisel performs. No cover.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, Whiskeyhickon Boys perform. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Monday, last day to register for the 3-on-3 Co-ed Basketball Tournament at Simmons Park on Aug 18 (Raindate 8/19), hosted by Norristown Lady Eagles Basketball and Willis Barbecue. 3 Divisions, ages 10-13, 14-17, 18 and up. 4 Player max per team. $40 to register team. Grand Prize $200 for adult team, trophies for younger teams. Call or Text Coach Richard Fisher at 610-457-4471 or Facebook@NorristownLadyEaglesBasketball. Proceeds benefit Norristown Lady Eagles team.

Tuesday, 7 pm. Municipal Hall. Planning Commission meeting. Agenda at this link.

Wednesday, 10 am-2 pm, Norristown Regional Health Center. Health Fair for National Health Center Week.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Friday, 8:30 pm, Carver Community Center. Poolside Movie Night. Movie starts at 9 pm. $3 for movie only. $5 includes movie, snack and beverage. For info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Next Saturday, 11 am-6 pm at Simmons Park (Oak and Arch Sts). Watch the 3-on-3 Co-ed Basketball Tournament, hosted by Norristown Lady Eagles Basketball and Willis Barbecue. 3 Divisions, ages 10-13, 14-17, 18 and up. Register by Monday, August 13.

Next Saturday, 6:30-8 pm. Historic Montgomery Cemetery (Hartranft and Jackson Sts).  Author and Historian Tammy Schane presents a tour on Symbols of the Cemetery. Discover the meaning of symbols carved on tombstones; the history behind them; and why tombstone styles changed in the 19th century. Tickets: $15 per person includes: Walking Tour, Refreshments and Presentation. Tickets are limited: to reserve a space by phone 610-272-0297; online at hsmcpa.org; or email contact@hsmcpa.org. For info, contact Barry Rauhouser, Executive Director, 610-272-0297.

FREE and Cheap Movies, Music, and Ice Cream

Norristown seems to be getting into its summer doldrums, probably a result of hot days and nights when all the idiots who stockpiled fireworks this year refuse to let the rest of us sleep. But there are still a few things to do around town.

Friday, July 20, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Redemption 1010 is hosting a Summer Festival. Music, Food, Face Painting, Kids inflatables.

Friday, 9 pm (gate opens 8:30 pm) at the Carver Community Center. Poolside movie night. $3 admission for movie alone. $5 for movie, snack and beverage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Jazz 180 performs. No cover.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, British Invasion. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Monday-Thursday, 9 am-2 pm, Norristown High School Girls' Basketball Camp. See Flyer for details.

Tuesday, 1:30-2:30 pm at Norristown Library. Ice Cream Truck!  FREE ice cream courtesy of Bryn Mawr Trust Bank. Limit: one per person. For all ages. For info, contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Zoning Board Hearing. Agenda at this link.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, in the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Board Room (2nd floor). Mary's Matinee. Enjoy a free movie, this showing: "The Man Who Invented Christmas." Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta 610-278-5100 x111, mmotta@mclinc.org.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Fireworks (at last) and FREE Concerts

Rescheduled * FIREWORKS * at Elmwood Park Sunday night. Plus lots of music around town all week, at Coffee Talk, Five Saints, the Bandshell, Timshel Coffee, and even hip-hop at the Library. And most of these performances are FREE.

Saturday, July 14, Noon-2 pm, at the Carver Community Center. Senior Swim and Game Day. $3. For info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, 7-10 pm at Coffee Talk (507 W Marshall). Her Man and Friends Woody Guthrie Summer Student Showcase.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Coupe de Ville performs. No cover.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, Mark Reno performs. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Sunday, at dusk, after the concert at Elmwood Park. Rescheduled FIREWORKS! Bring a chair or blanket.

Tuesday, Municipal Hall. AGAIN no Council meeting is listed on the town calendar at Norristown.org. Earlier this month when it wasn't listed, they met anyway, and last week they had a last minute "special meeting" (also not on the calendar). One would think they don't want citizens showing up.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. (Maybe even watermelons this week.) Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Thursday, 3 pm at Norristown Library. Rhythms of Rich Flow. Hip-hop music. For ages 12 and up only.

Thursday, 7-9 pm at Timshel Coffee (104 E Main). Campfire Acoustic Open Mike.

Next Friday, July 20, 9 pm (gate opens 8:30 pm) at the Carver Community Center. Poolside movie night. $3 admission for movie alone. $5 for movie, snack and beverage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

FREE Movies, Activities for Kids, and Rescheduled Fireworks

I hope you all got through that awful heat wave without problems. (I got the feeling that a lot of people escaped to the shore or mountains.) The good news is, the fireworks have been scheduled! See the last entry below.

Tonight, Friday, July 6, 9 pm (gate opens 8:30 pm) at the Carver Community Center. Today's nasty weather will clear out in time for the Poolside Movie Night. $3 admission for movie alone. $5 for movie, snack and beverage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, 8-11 am at the Carver Center. Carver Kids' Car Wash. $7. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Brian Horoho performs. No cover.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, AMRadio performs. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Tuesday, 1-2 pm, Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. Theater Workshop. Children will be introduced to a variety of theater games that will demonstrate such concepts as stage presence, character development, and stage direction. The class will eventually end with a short scripted play in which all children will have an opportunity to demonstrate the skills taught in the workshop. Ages 8-12. Registration required. Contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Tuesday, 3-4 pm, Norristown Public Library Youth Services Department. Crafternoon. For kids ages 6-12. Feeling creative? Come make something. Art, crafts, and STEM projects. Drop in. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Planning Commission.

Wednesday, 8:30-11 am, Shilom Baptist Church (1329 Willow). Inter-cultural workshop. Learn how to reach every person in your community. FREE. Sponsored by the Greater Norristown Area Ministerium. Register at https://www.gnaministerium.org/events.

Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm, Norristown Public Library Board Room (2nd floor). Mary's Matinee. Enjoy a free movie the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. This week: "The Post." Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta at 610-278-5100 x111, mmotta@mclinc.org.

Wednesday, 5-7 pm, Norristown Library Community Room. My Life Montco meeting. For youth 13 to 23 with challenges such as mental health, foster care, substance abuse, etc. Speakers, entertainment, free dinner, and information. FREE.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Saturday, July 14, Noon-2 pm, at the Carver Community Center. Senior Swim and Game Day. $3. For info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Next Sunday, July 15, at dusk, after the concert at Elmwood Park. Rescheduled fireworks. Bring a chair or blanket.

Heating Up For The Fourth

Today we're heading into our first brutal heat wave of summer, but there are cool things to do around town (if you don't have A/C, bring the kids to the library or let them cool off at the Carver Center). And remember, Independence Day is Wednesday. Parade, parties, concerts, and fireworks.

Friday, June 29, 1-4 pm at the George Washington Carver Community Center (Jacoby and Arch). Get Out of School Splash Party. FREE. Music, Food, Games, Swim. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 30, 9 am-3 pm at Norristown Area High School, 1900 Eagle Dr. (enter at Whitehall Rd.). Hazardous Waste Collection. Bring non-latex paint products, automotive products, outdoor and household chemicals for disposal. Complete list of acceptable materials at this link (scroll down).

Saturday, 10-11:30 am, Montco Courthouse (Swede and Airy). Families Belong Together Protest Rally led by Senator Daylin Leach. Just show up.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Lou Monaco performs. No cover.

Sunday, 7 pm at Elmwood Park Bandshell. Summer Concert Series continues. This week, Wildflower performs. FREE. Bring a lawn chair or something to sit on.

Tuesday, 6:30-9:30 pm at Christ UCC Church (W. Marshall and Noble) parking lot (inside if it rains). Independence Eve Music Festival. FREE outdoor concert. Local performers, The Song Sheets, will share the "Best of Americana" including patriotic songs, folk music, and even some show tunes. Concessions are available for purchase (benefits Appalachian Mission trip). Please bring a chair. For info, contact Melanie Eberhard, 610-275-3092, church@uccchristchurch.org.

No Council meeting is listed on the municipal calendar for this week.

Wednesday, JULY 4 Celebration. 9:30 am-10 pm. Parade begins at 9:30 am at St. Francis (Buttonwood and W Marshall), goes down Marshall to Astor, right on Astor, left on Airy, right on Arch, right on Main.

When the parade is over, a block party will begin downtown. Live bands, food trucks, beer tent, kids' zones. Around 1 pm, head over to Elmwood Park for 2 concerts (Old School, 1 pm, and Wildflower, 7 pm). Fireworks at Elmwood Park will cap off the night.

Thursday, 11 am-2:30 pm, in front of the Courthouse. The Norristown Farmers' Market. Stop by Thursdays through October 25.

Next Friday, July 6, 9 pm (gate opens 8:30 pm) at the Carver Community Center. Poolside movie night. $3 admission for movie alone. $5 for movie, snack and beverage. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Next Saturday, 8-11 am at the Carver Center. Carver Kids' Car Wash. $7. Info call Ericka Wharton, 610-272-7480 or email gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Spring Break, Arts, Music, Crafts, Movies, Pancakes (!)

As we head into Spring Break week, you'll find a bunch of Easter/Spring related events around town. (None too soon ~ we're tired of snowstorms.) And a lot of activities for students, young and old, this week.

Friday, March 23, 11 am-1 pm, Municipal Hall (235 E Airy). FREE Art Show at Municipal Hall. Join Expressive Paths as they unveil work done by local school district children.

Saturday, 9-11 am, Hancock Fire Company (820 W Airy). Easter Bunny Pancake Breakfast. Adults $8, Kids 4-10 $5.

Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, Norristown Farm Park. March For Our Lives Norristown. Come out and support the students from Parkland Florida and help them make their voices heard loud and clear across the nation. If you have any questions or want to help call Helen Riley, 484-620-5345 or email bruhel1428@gmail.com.

Saturday, 7-11 pm, Five Saints Distilling (Green and Main). Jazz 180 performs. No cover.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, call for hours. Spring Break Open Gym at Carver Center (249 Jacoby). 610-272-7480. gwcarvercenter19401@gmail.com.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10- am-4 pm at Norristown Public Library Community Room. Restorative Justice Training sponsored by the Montgomery County Prevention Project. Learn how circles help build unity and transform self, family and community. Learn a new way of thinking and resolving issues to improve community relations. Learn how to address root causes of conflict. Learn how to use Peacekeeping and Dialogue Circles as an alternative to school suspensions, placement and incarceration. For adults and high school students. Seating is limited call 484-808-5774 for more information.

Tuesday, 7 pm, Municipal Hall. Zoning meeting.

Wednesday, 1 pm, Norristown Library Board Room (Powell and Swede). Mary's Matinee. FREE movie. This week's feature is "Wonder." Drop in. For info, contact Mary Motta 610-278-5100, x111 or mmotta@mclinc.org.

Wednesday, 2 pm, Norristown Library Youth Services Dept (2nd Floor). FREE Spring Break Movie. Showing the LEGO Batman Movie, rated PG. For kids ages 4 and up. Drop in. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. For info contact 610-278-5100 x205.

Thursday, 10:30-11:15 am, Norristown Library Youth Services Dept (2nd Floor). Spring Fling. Explore different activity stations with your child. Make a spring craft, count flower petals, or create a sidewalk chalk masterpiece. Play with our collection of developmental toys. Recommended ages: 2 to 5 years with a caregiver. Drop in. For info: 610-278-5100 x205.

Next Friday, March 30, Municipal Offices will be closed.

Also next Friday, noon-6 pm, and Saturday, 9 am-4 pm, Hancock Fire Company. Easter Flower Sale.

Next Saturday, 2-4 pm, Elmwood Park Bandshell. Community Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by Redemption1010 Church. FREE event for ages 4-12. For more information, contact Pastor Jeff at 215-350-8475 or info@redemption1010.com.

Next Saturday, 3-4:30 pm, MLK Park (Oak and Arch). Easter Funday. Easter Egg Hunts. Light refreshments. Prizes.