Labor Day marks the end of summer, so why not go out with a bang? Head to the Made in America music festival on August 31 and September 1 to for great memory-making and even greater performances. Here, we’re giving you the low down on this year’s festival—who to see, what to eat and where to stay.
The Big Names
Hip hop star Travis Scott opens the festival with hits from his chart-topping album Astroworld. Mega-diva Cardi B hits “I Like It” and “Money” will keep the crowd on their feet all day. Other exciting acts to anticipate include pop diva Lizzo, British songwriter James Blake and Philly native Lil Uzi Vert.
VIP Treatment
Want to experience the weekend like a star? The Made in America VIP Package gives you better access to the stages and entrance to the VIP lounge—complete with a cash bar and premium food vendors. $695, madeinamericafest.com
Good Eats
If standing among a crowd in the summer heat doesn’t sound like the ideal plan for lunch, head out of the festival into surrounding neighborhoods. Enjoy inventive rolls at Umai Umai, such as the Henrietta ($14) made with lobster tempura, sweet mango, spicy tuna tartare and creamy avocado. For something more satiating, opt for the miso-marinated Chilean sea bass ($32).
Pizzeria Vetri offers a more casual fare. Simple ingredients like spinach, onions, and garlic are kicked up a notch with mozzarella, ricotta, and parmigiana ($26). But, the speck pizza ($34) is a bit more elevated with stretchy mozzarella, cippolini onions, and pistachio pesto. Umai Umai 533 N. 22nd St., 215.988.0707, umai-umai.com; Pizzeria Vetri 1939 Callowhill St., 215.600.2629, pizzeriavetri.com
Rest Up
After one day of stage-hopping, you are going to be exhausted—so be sure to find the best hotel to lay your head. Catch your Zs in style like a VIP at Hotel Monaco (from $465) or at The Bellevue Hotel (from $424) and enjoy the offerings that Visit Philly provides in their Overnight Hotel Package. Think ping pong at SPiN and evenings at the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Hotel Monaco 433 Chestnut St., 215.925.2111, monaco-philadelphia.com; The Bellevue Hotel 200 S. Broad St., 215.893.1234, bellevuephiladelphia.com