Block to Block

Sat., Aug. 15, 4 p.m., free, begins at Clark Park, 4300 Baltimore Ave., twoonefivemagazine.com.

by Brion Shreffler

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Come summertime, block parties are ubiquitous in Philly. This Saturday, for instance, there are the Nocturnal Skateshop, Mad Decent and Piazza bashes, not to mention dozens of smaller neighborhood parties. When Tayyib Smith, publisher of two.one.five magazine, was planning his upcoming issue's launch, he was inspired by the energy of the summer staple.

"We wanted to [get] the whole city to come together and have people as active participants," says Smith, "rather than sitting back and watching a show."

The launch is active, indeed: It'll feature a race to the three aforementioned block parties, but driving and taking public transit isn't allowed — participants must run, skateboard or bike. There are plenty of obstacles that could snag you along the way, too — skaters might stay put at the ramps at Nocturnal's hip-hop-laced party, Diplo could lure you in at the Mad Decent bash, or Mr. Lif might keep you occupied at the Piazza. But if you can steer clear of temptations, you could win the $300 to $600 prizes. We're thinking that sitting back and watching the shows may be more fun, though.

Sat., Aug. 15, 4 p.m., free, begins at Clark Park, 4300 Baltimore Ave., twoonefivemagazine.com.