From Spring Carnival, Easter Parade to Cooking, Swing and Singles Dances

Celebrate spring this week with a variety of family-friendly events nearby, including 's spring carnival, Easter egg dying at Tyler Arboretum and the annual Easter parade on Philadelphia's South Street. Or opt for a local night out with friends or a significant other by signing up for a cooking workshop or dropping in for some dance instruction and dancing until the wee hours. Either way, Patch brings you the best of what's happening locally this week.

Patch's Best Bets for the Week

Where/When: this weekend and next, Friday from 6 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 3 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Why Go: Enjoy carnival rides and games, face painting, funnel cakes, ice cream and food stands, all while supporting a hardworking local fire company.
Pricing: Varies; 20 tickets for $20


NAPA VALLEY COOKING

Where/When: Madsen Design Center from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Monday.
Why Go: Inspire culinary creativity and awaken the senses with the dynamic aromas of fresh produce. Ann-Michelle Albertson demonstrates west coast favorites: pancetta and herb stuffed turkey breast; pear salad with shaved fennel, parmesan and walnuts; strawberry gelato with balsamic; goat cheese souffle; shiitake mushroom and fontina crustini. 
Pricing: $45


ECO-EASTER EGGS

Where/When:  at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: Have a green Easter at Tyler. In this hands-on class, kids and adults color eggs with dyes made from onions, beets, blueberries and other natural products and decorate them with silhouettes of leaves and flowers. Participants will each color six eggs. This program is suitable for ages 5 and up.
Pricing: $6 for members, $8 for non-members


THE SWING LOFT

Where/When: Sangha Space Ballroom at 8 p.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: Dance the night away to West Coast Swing. Rob and Sheila start at the beginning with an all-level West Coast Swing lesson and then add on so everyone gets something. A West Coast Swing Mix Dance follows the lesson, a blend of West Coast Swing, Country Two-Step, NC2 Step, Cha and more. DJ K-Rob takes requests and after 11:30, it's all West Coast Swing. Refreshments are provided and parking is free.
Pricing: $12 per person


HUSTLE DANCE INSTRUCTION, SINGLES DANCE PARTY AND SOCIAL

Where/When: Edgmont Country Club with dance instruction starting at 6:45 p.m. and dance party starting at 8 p.m. on Friday.
Why Go: Mingle and socialize in the elegant ballroom overlooking the golf course for this event organized by the Professional and Business Singles Network. Drop-ins are welcome. Proper attire required, jacket and tie optional (no jeans or sneakers).
Pricing: For dance party only: $12 for members, $15 for guests; dance instruction and dance: $15 for members, $20 for guests


EASTER PARADE

Where/When: Passyunk and South Street in Philadelphia from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Why Go: Spend your Easter afternoon in the South Street Headhouse District for a day of activities and events for visitors of all ages. This year the district is revamping the Easter Parade, making the parade bigger and more vibrant than ever in celebration of its 80th year. The day will begin with a street wide multi-cultural arts parade down South Street beginning at Passyunk Avenue at 1:00pm featuring circus performers, regional artists from the Arts on South organization, local Mummers groups dressed in authentic attire, a car show presented by Fiat Lancia, music and giveaways courtesy of B101 and a doggie parade by PAWS animal shelter. The parade will wrap up in Headhouse Square with a contest judged by Halloween's Henri David to honor the day’s most festive and colorfully dressed families.
Pricing: Free