Specializing in directing and animating 2D animation for clients of all sizes
Pictured: A frame from their animated ad opposing Project 2025, produced for the 2024 Democratic campaign ajamesd.com jerksinc.com @jamesdybvig
To see the full list of design + illustration businesses at Bok, visit
Ready for an epic summer? We have a few ideas to take advantage of all Bok (and Philly!) has to offer in these hot months.
Scout’s newest project in Center City
list
Search our Community Directory for nonprofits based at Bok
Check out Frankie’s Summer Club Grab a bite at the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park Help beautify the block at the SEAMAAC
Drink an iced beverage at Two Persons Run through an outdoor water stream Attend a yoga
Volunteer or donate money to a nonprofit
Catch a South Philly fireworks show
Donate to the South Philly Community Fridge
monthly cleanup
Enjoy happy hour on the Irwin’s patio Hit the pavement with the Bok Run Club
every Wednesday at 5:30pm in front of the Bok blocks!
Take a class or workshop at Bok
Attend a yoga class on the roof
Take a dip in a Philly public pool Snap a skyline selfie at Bok Bar
Touch grass in a Philly public park
Catch a Phillies game
Take your bike for a spin around South Philly Bokeventscalendar
July 31August 3
Share a kiss at the Bok Blocks See a screening at the BlackStar Film Festival
Soaking up summer? Show us how you’re checking off the Bok Bucket List! Tag us on Instagram or send your snaps to hello@buildingbok.com . We’re giving away $10 Two Persons gift cards to five inspiring summer adventurers!
Dance in the streets at B[L]OK Party on June 29
Transforming Philadelphia with The People’s Budget Office
Know the budget, raise your voice, and help shape a future Philly that reflects us all.
What inspired you to start The People’s Budget Office?
It started in 2021 as a reaction to the protests that were happening around the 2020 Covid-19 budget cuts and the Black Lives Matter movement calling to defund the police. As central services were being cut, we wanted to educate people on how the city budget works and figure out what we care about as a city.
Why is your work important?
The city budget tells the story of our city, what is valued, prioritized, and neglected. We aim to make the budget process transparent and accessible so that residents can have a stake in what is funded. It feels more important than ever for people to have access to how decisions are being made and really be part of that process.
What are some of the most pressing issues for Philadelphia citizens right now?
In the citywide survey of over 600 Philadelphians we conducted earlier this year, top funding priorities noted were: affordable housing, public transportation, education, and public and mental health. People often cite that these issues are intersectional and that their funding can improve overall quality of life and safety. Additional issues that we see come up repeatedly are communityled safety initiatives, parks and recreation centers, libraries, and arts and culture—people think it’s really important to create a more sustainable funding source for the arts in Philly, especially in light of federal cuts.
What do you like about being in the community at Bok?
We’re still new but we’ve been able to connect with so many great tenants and dream about collaborations. We are both a civic project and an art project, so we love being in a creative space with other artists who are making interventions into the city landscape.
Trash to Treasure: Help SEAMAAC Beautify the Block
Let’s make our beloved South Philly streets sparkle this summer! SEAMAAC organizes monthly clean-ups as part of a broader strategy to reduce illegal dumping and promote environmental justice in immigrant, refugee, and other historically underserved communities. These linguistically and culturally diverse neighborhoods have been disproportionately impacted by illegal dumping. Clean-ups foster community ownership, enhance safety and walkability, and increase awareness of legal waste disposal options. Clean-up efforts are focused primarily in South Philadelphia, particularly along South 7th Street, around Mifflin Square Park, and in the surrounding mixed-use residential and commercial corridors. SEAMAAC is always looking for volunteers and welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, plus offers multilingual support to ensure inclusive participation. All you need to bring is yourself—all necessary supplies (and refreshments!) will be provided.
Email safroz@seamaac.org to sign up for the next clean-up. seamaac.org / @seamaac
How can readers get involved with what you do?
The budget doesn’t just happen in the spring, it is compiled in the fall. The summer is a great time to watch past budget hearings (break out that popcorn!) and read up on the approved budget. Visit our website to take our budget survey and join our mailing list, where we’ll announce Budget 101 and 201 teach-ins. If you’re in Bok, stop by our office in space 209 to create a “budget worksheet” this will be part of a People’s Budget publication (our own version of the city budget). This year’s budget has already been signed, but you can still contribute to larger collective budget priorities. If anyone wants to collaborate with us, please reach out!
peoplesbudgetoffice.org @peoplesbudget4philly
Photo by Arekusn
Photo by Arekusn
Raise the Roof
The food, happenings, and sunset views waiting for you at Bok Bar this summer.
APRIL
Little Fish Seafood littlefishbyob.com
MAY
Darnel’s Café fare with Italian + French influences darnelscakes.com
An afternoon of high-energy salsa dancing with a free lesson from DJ Big George and VSpice, followed by a lively dance party.
Summer DJ Series
A rotating lineup of some of Philly’s best DJs. BWS Sounds will take the stage for Memorial Day and Labor Day. Dave P. hosts his Making Time party on July 4th and again August 16 with a very special guest.
NEW! Club for Connection Monthly, starting July
This reimagined nightlife event features soft seating, art stations, lo-fi DJ sets, tarot, journaling, and more—a space to show up solo, slow down, and connect in meaningful ways.
Sunset Drag
Monthly
Bringing top-tier celebrity impersonation to the rooftop— this is South Philly’s ultimate drag show with Brittany Lynn and her fabulous Drag Mafia.
Boot Scoot Monthly
Free country line dancing with DJ Hugocito. Start with a beginner-friendly lesson, then dance the night away.
Sunset Yoga Bi-monthly Join KG Strong for yoga at sunset, and stay for a private post-class happy hour at Bok Bar.
Get tickets
Season + Hours
Open through November 3, 2025
Weds + Thurs 5pm – 11pm
Friday 5pm – 12am
Saturday 2pm – 12am
Sundays 2pm – 9pm
Hi, my name is Nick I live in Fishtown
This is my 6th summer at Bok Bar.
My favorite Bok Bar beverage is Dram beverages and the Hoppy Refresher.
Other than Bok Bar, my favorite South Philly spot is Fountain Porter
I could talk all shift about history, music, art, and any random topic that pops into my head—especially at work
Getting in + up
Bok Bar is perched on the 8th floor of Bok. You’ll find the entrance at 800 Mifflin Street, closest to 8th Street—just look for the signs and head to the building’s Center elevator, the only way up to the bar. No reservations needed—Bok Bar is walk-in only and operates on a first come, first serve basis.
Kids + Dogs
Hi, my name is Joana I live in Fishtown
This is my 2nd summer at Bok Bar.
My favorite Bok Bar beverage is the Overnighter.
My favorite Bok Bar memory is when Caribou played a DJ set last summer
Other than Bok Bar, my favorite South Philly spot is American Sardine Bar
When I’m not at Bok Bar, you can find me in a yoga or pilates class, or playing with my cat
Parents, bring your kids (under 12) before sunset any day; otherwise kids of all ages are welcome with a parent or guardian on Sundays for Family Day. Dogs are allowed at any time!
Want to host your event at Bok Bar?
We’re currently booking semi-private events Wednesday through Sunday, and private events on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more details, reach out at joana@bok-bar.com.
Peep the menu
What’s Next
B[L]OK Party
Sunday, June 29
It’s not summer in the city without our annual B[L]OK Party! Each year we invite friends, families, and neighbors to join in on this South Philly-inspired celebration. Eat, dance, sip, and shop alongside Bok creatives and pals all afternoon, right on the 800 block of Mifflin.
Making Time Fourth of July Party
Friday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day overlooking the Philly skyline. Join Dave P. for a special Making Time party at Bok Bar from 2:00pm10:00pm. Plus, get front row seats to the infamous South Philly amateur fireworks shows!
Alumni Day
Sunday, August 17
Every August, we welcome hundreds of Bok Vocational Tech alumni back for a celebration filled with reconnection and community. Join us for a trip down memory lane as we welcome the Wildcats with building tours showcasing both the new and the familiar, live music, dancing, and an unforgettable alumni happy hour—with a view you won’t want to miss!
design
Diction
Content + Design Kelley Garrard and Abel Teclemariam
