Your Guide to This Summer on the Main Line

From The Beatles to Bryce to The Blob, this summer on the Main Line is anything but boring.The grand fountains are an iconic part of the Longwood experience.

GARDEN PARTY
Everyone knows Kennett Square’s beloved Longwood Gardens (longwoodgardens.org) as one the most festive places to take in the holidays, but their summertime Festive Fridays are becoming a warm weather tradition in their own right. One Friday a month from June through September, the iconic former Pierre S. duPont estate is home to family-friendly theme nights where visitors can enjoy fountain performances, concessions and live entertainment. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” night will take place on July 12 and feature circus artists from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, live music by the Plenty Pepper Steel Band and an illuminated fountain performance of To Infinity and Beyond. On Friday August 16, visitors can come together to check out Longwood’s Magical Mystery Tour, a one-night-only ode to the Beatles, including songs by The Beatles on the Longwood Organ in their Conservatory Ballroom, live Beatles cover music in the Beer Garden by Minas and an illuminated fountain performance of Get Back: The Beatles.

The Harper kids frolick in this $20,000 playhouse.

SWINGING FOR THE FENCES
If a swingset is good enough for Bryce Harper’s brood, it’s good enough for any Main Line backyard in need of an over-the-top, uber luxe playhouse. Harper’s set The Harper (yes, it’s named after him), is an elegant study in classic black, white and grey (with a coffee bar in the bottom, of course), but in a brand new collab, the Phillies and Chester County’s Kings Swings (kingswingsets.com) just debuted the first-ever collection of Phillies-branded swing and playsets. The four models—Cubby’s Fort Sunday Creams, the Cottage Road Grays, the Sea King Red Pinstripes and the Palace Sportscaster—range in prices from $6,500-$20,000 and pay playful homage to America’s favorite pastime. “Baseball and building swing sets have been a part of my family for generations,” says Elmer King, owner and CEO. “Through our relationship with the Philadelphia Phillies, we meet our mission to help families create the perfect custom swing set that inspires years of backyard play.”

White Dog’s double chedder burger and truffle fries are signature dishes.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
The beloved White Dog Cafe (whitedog.com) just opened its fifth location in Chester Springs last month, offering up its signature brand of locally sourced, seasonal American cuisine in a charmingly renovated 1820s farmhouse. But this isn’t any ordinary location—this one holds historical significance as the former home of abolitionist John Vickers, who used the property as a stop on the Underground Railroad. White Dog Cafe honors this legacy with subtle design nods and antique furnishings sourced from local markets. The restaurant boasts seven unique dining rooms, each adorned with dog-themed artwork by local artists, reflecting the brand’s commitment to supporting the community and furry friends. And the expansive bar area draws inspiration from stable architecture, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. And on July 16, all White Dog Cafe locations will partner with WMMR’s Preston and Steve to host the Seventh Annual Dining Out for the Dogs to raise funds for Alpha Bravo Canine, a local organization that provides service dogs to veterans struggling with medical and psychological challenges resulting from active combat duty.

Revelers find Blobfest to be a real scream.

MOVIE MADNESS
Get ready to start running when Phoenixville’s historic Colonial Theatre (thecolonialtheatre.com) hosts the 25th annual Blobfest from July 12 to July 14. This campy three-day festival has become a must-attend annual tradition that celebrates the theatre’s role in the 1958 Steve McQueen film, The Blob, where it was featured in the iconic scene of a crowd fleeing the theatre. Blobfest kicks off on July 11 with a screening of the classic musical Grease, which includes a nod to The Blob with a scene at a drive-in. The official start of Blobfest on July 12 features a live stage show hosted by Aurora Gorealis, musical performances, a short film contest and a re-enactment of The Blob’s famous ‘run-out’ scene. Afterward, attendees can enjoy the Blob Ball, an after-party with live music and 1950s attire. The festivities continue on July 13 with the Blobfest Street Fair, where Main and Bridge Streets will be filled with over 70 vendors, live bands and a parade. Multiple screenings of The Blob will be available throughout the day and the festival concludes on July 14 with the 7th Annual Blobfest 5k, 10k and half marathon, followed by screenings of Beware! The Blob and Creature from the Black Lagoon.