Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

Through Saturday, April 27, 2024 (select dates)

Don’t miss the last of the cherry blossom petals in Fairmount Park. The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia has been celebrating the change of seasons with over a month of programming throughout the city featuring Japanese music, arts and culture. This week caps off the festivities with a curated film series exploring youth rebellion across six decades at Lightbox Film Center at the University of the Arts.

Through Saturday, April 27, 2024

All aboard! Grab your mother, sister, daughter or friend and take a ride down memory lane and through the City of Sisterly Affection. The third iteration of the trolley tour — dubbed Sitting Pretty — whisks riders through different Philly neighborhoods and locations to explore and support a variety of Black woman-owned businesses. In between stops, the tour’s charismatic hosts, StarFire and Jenesis El, share stories and lead conversations celebrating Black women’s history and culture.

Open now

Serving wood-fired pies in a more casual setting, the Center City sister location of Fishtown’s Wm. Mulherin’s Sons has finally opened. The new restaurant borrows the same moody design Mulherin’s is known for, but leans more on the cozy side with a brighter dining space, an open kitchen, pops of color and an outdoor shared courtyard. On the menu: creative pizzas like the Spicy Jawn — with pepperoni, hot coppa, sharp provolone, caciocavallo and long hots — plus hearty entrees like the rigatoni alla carbonara and chicken Milanese. The restaurant can be found on the ground floor of The Girard building.

Open now

Just in time for Earth Day, this new plant-filled Parisian oasis opens its doors in Rittenhouse Square. Part coffee shop, part bubble tea cafe, part gift store, the 1,500-square-foot shop features a chic coffee and espresso bar, cozy cafe seating, a gorgeous handpainted mural of the neighborhood, hundreds of houseplants, an interactive “bubble booth” (where visitors can watch boba tea masters at work), and more. On the menu: sweet and savory French pastries, Korean-inspired drinks and dishes, and creative breakfast sandwiches.

The preserved Gothic ruin of Eastern State Penitentiary — which once held some of the world’s most famous criminals — now stands as a historic educational landmark full of stories about the lives and activities of those who once resided there. This Passover, learn how Judaism was practiced at the penitentiary during its functional years with special Passover–focused programming, behind-the-scenes guide-led tours, educational videos, written documents and more. All activities are included in general daytime admission to the attraction.

Philly’s beloved roving beer garden Parks On Tap is back for 2024 with brews and bites at urban parks and green spaces across Philadelphia, with a new neighborhood featured each week. Next stop: Columbus Square Park in East Passyunk. Expect drafts from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Conshohocken Brewing, 2SP Brewing and more, as well as cocktails, burgers, cheesesteaks and snacks.

The inaugural Poets Gon’ Poet Awards celebrate 13 years of poetry and its influence in Philadelphia and beyond. This open-to-the-public event features live performances by renowned poets (including artist/rapper AJ McQueen), special surprise guests and an awards ceremony honoring poets who’ve positively impacted Philly. Food is available a la carte in The Lounge beforehand, with drinks available throughout the ceremony. Tickets are required and elegant, Grammy-style attire is highly recommended.

Eat good. Feel good. Every year, Dining Out for Life returns to cities across the globe, including Philadelphia, to help raise funds for local HIV/AIDS services. This year’s Philly event features dozens of the most popular eateries in the city, including Fork, El Vez, Morimoto, Good Dog Bar and more. Participating restaurants donate a portion of the day’s proceeds to the cause.

The renowned Penn Relays is the oldest, largest and most-widely recognized track and field meet in the country. Occurring annually at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field, the massive three-day festival features over 15,000 athletes from a dozen nations participating in more than 300 track and field events in front of over 100,000 spectators. The event includes heated competitions in high school, college, Olympic and masters level divisions, along with a Carnival Village full of music, parties, merch and apparel stalls, and food and drink vendors.

April 25 & 28, 2024

Here they come. The Sixers are back in the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, beginning with a first-round series against the New York Knicks. Game 1 tipped off last Saturday at Madison Square Garden, with Game 2 being broadcast on TNT this Monday. The series returns to the Wells Fargo Center in Philly for Game 3 this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Game 4 on Sunday at 1 p.m. The series continues next week — if needed — and the winner moves on to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Want the full story, including where to watch and buy playoff gear? Our Philadelphia 76ers playoff guide fills you in.

One of the nation’s leading art and design fairs, The Philadelphia Show returns to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the third consecutive year as its new permanent home. Staged on the museum’s East Terrace (above the Rocky steps), the 62nd annual show features over 40 exhibitors from across the nation specializing in fine art, Americana, period furniture, folk art, ceramics, porcelain, silver, jewelry, textiles and decorative arts.

Visitors come from afar for this four-day event that emphasizes the strength and resilience of Philly’s community of LGBTQ+ people of color:

• The weekend gets started on Thursday with the One Night Stand Open Mic and Poetry Slam hosted by previous champ Queen Phierce.
• The fun continues with the official opening reception, Welcome to Philly Black Pride 25, toasting to 25 years of Philly Black Pride on Friday.
• Saturday features a mini-marathon of events beginning with the Black Joy Summit, a holistic health-focused brunch with the Colours Organization. The day keeps rolling with the Pride Cinema: POSSE Ball ballroom event cohosted with the POSSE PROJECT; The Night Is Still Young, a celebration honoring Philly’s Black LGBTQ+ leaders; and Jock, an athletic-themed afterparty cohosted by Deviant.
• The weekend comes to a close on Sunday with The Legends Showcase, where several generations of Philly Black Pride queens take the stage for the most legendary drag brunch you’ve ever seen.

Begins Friday, April 26, 2024

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the craft beer process during this sudsy stroll through Philadelphia. This springtime brewery tour series lets you explore some of Philly’s top brewers while voting for your faves to help crown this season’s people’s choice winners. Plus, ticketholders get one free pour from participating breweries — including brews at local faves like Evil Genius Beer Company, Love City Brewing, Punch Buggy Brewing and Yards Brewing Company. For a full list of participating breweries, including an interactive map and a preview of the beers on tap, download the Let’s Rallie App. Tickets are required and are good through June 30, 2024.

Overlooking Philly from atop Kimpton Hotel Monaco, the lavish Stratus Rooftop Lounge welcomes the warm weather with its 13th annual Spring Awakening soirée. This circus-themed party features live music by SNACKTIME and DJ Hollywood, and live entertainment in the form of aerialists, magicians, stiltwalkers, contortionists and more. Plus, guests can have a snack time of their own iwth pay-as-you-go carnival- and circus-inspired cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a la cotton candy garnished cocktails, boozy ice cream and wagyu corndogs. Tickets are required.

Happy National Pretzel Day to those who celebrate! Philly’s iconic soft pretzel shines during this most glorious (and delicious) of holidays, and you can savor the day by trying one of the city’s classic or creative pretzels (as if you needed an excuse). Plus, look forward to free pretzels at a handful of local and national brands, including Philly Pretzel Factory, Auntie Anne’s, Wetzel’s Pretzels and more. Check in with your local favorite pretzel shop for info on promotions and specials.

Philly’s resident contemporary ballet company arrives at The Mann Center for two days of community, live music and soul-stirring dance. On the main stage, audiences lose themselves in a world premiere by choreographer Natasha Adorlee, the Philadelphia premiere of Takehiro Ueyama’s history-inspired piece, Heroes, and the long-awaited return of Jamar Roberts’ Eros & Psyche.

Action! Hollywood comes to Chester County when the lights go up on the 18th annual West Chester International Short Film Festival. The event features over 50 short films (all 30 minutes or less) from around the world, presented at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center and at pop-up locations around the borough. The festival launches on Friday with an opening night party and concludes on Sunday at the closing night party, featuring the coveted Chester Awards for best films in each genre. Keep an eye out for free filmmaker workshops and a Filmmaker Meet & Greet event.

Over the last weekend in April, The Main Event Philly curates a set of nightlife events specifically for Philly’s LGBTQ+ community:

• Skating After Dark: Philly Black Pride Edition: Lace up your skates and catch us on the floor as DJs Dommis & Delish set the vibe for this grown and sexy roller-skating party (Friday).
• PITCH BLACK: All Black Everything at the Fringe Bar: The assignment is “all black everything.” Should you accept the challenge, you’re guaranteed a dang good time courtesy of DJs Papo & Honey and host D-NYCE (Saturday).
• The No Homo Show at Concourse: The funniest and most authentic podcast in your feed is going on tour. Hosts Boss Britt and DJ eXeL dig into every facet of queer life and culture (Sunday).
• The BlackOut / Philly Black Pride Finale at Concourse: Three DJs. One dance floor. Five hours. Don’t miss this last-of-the-weekend event (Sunday).

Opera Philadelphia presents a brand-new production of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly over four performances at the Academy of Music. The classic show tells the story of the tragic romance between young geisha Cio-Cio-San and American naval officer Lt. Pinkerton through themes of love, betrayal, culture clash and heart-wrenching consequences. Karen Chia-ling Ho and Anthony Ciaramitaro make their company debuts in this production performed in Italian with English supertitles.

In celebration of National Junior Ranger Day and part of National Park Week — a time of year to pause and appreciate the nation’s glorious national parks and monuments — Independence National Historical Park kicks off two free days of special family-friendly programming. Kiddos (and kiddos at heart) can join Philly’s park rangers to learn about some of Benjamin Franklin’s greatest ideas and inventions on the way to earning their very own Junior Ranger Badges.

Beautiful Linvilla Orchards in Media, Delaware County, kicks off its festival season with the spring version of its popular Food Truck Frenzy. Nearly two-dozen local food trucks join in the celebration along with the spring Beer Garden supplied by Jersey Shore favorite (not that Jersey Shore) Ship Bottom Brewery. The fun-filled day also includes year-round Linvilla Orchards family activities like hayrides, train rides, pony rides, pick-your-own produce and face painting. The event is free to attend and food is pay-as-you-go, but tickets are required for kids’ rides.

Over 100 local artists, crafters and makers set up shop in the West Philly Woodlands for a day of live music, food vendors, activities and aerial performances. The West Craft Fest features tons of handmade wares for sale, including jewelry, ceramics, accessories, original art, apparel, candles and so much more. The event is free to attend and food and drink are pay as you go. Tip: Neighborhood parking is limited, so biking or public transit is highly recommended.

Historic Franklin Square springs to life this Saturday as its iconic dancing fountain turns back on to kick off a day of special springtime festivities. Along with musical fountain water shows every half hour, enjoy pay-as-you-go food at SquareBurger, free rides aboard the Parx Liberty Carousel from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a Mother’s Day Sip & Shop from 12-5 p.m. — with cocktails for sale at the wine garden and handcrafted Mother’s Day gifts for sale by female-owned vendors. Franklin Square is free to enter.

The Museum for Art in Wood is on a roll during the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind poetry-spitting gumball machine. The project — a brainchild of critically acclaimed local poet LindoYes — promotes access to the arts via an interactive mechanized wooden sculpture that shares poetic verses, local resources and more in a fun and familiar way. The innovative sculpture unveiling includes music, spoken word and light refreshments from Harper’s Garden. And hold onto your quarters: This event is free, but RSVPs are recommended.

An annual springtime tradition, Celebrate Trails Day encourages people across the country to enjoy the great outdoors by walking, running or biking along one of America’s many trail systems. You can celebrate by hopping on the Circuit Trails found right here in Greater Philadelphia — one of the largest trail networks in the country and packed with must-see sights. Want to participate? Enter the Celebrate Trails Day Giveaway for a chance to win a prize pack featuring a bike kit, a $400 gift card, a backpacking tent, a trike and more.

Calling all audiophiles: This two-day celebration of music culture and all things vinyl kicks off in Rittenhouse Square this weekend. Discover new tunes from over 100,000 records, round out your collection with rare memorabilia from more than 70 vendors, fuel up with pay-as-you-go food trucks and a full bar, jam to live music by vinyl-spinning DJs, and more. Tickets are required each day of the event, to the tune of $8 on Saturday and a whopping $0 on Sunday (but those looking to get first dibs on the good stuff can opt for special early-access tickets).

April 27 – May 18, 2024 (Saturdays only)

Step into the past with this series of free Saturday fairs featuring trade demonstrations in front of historic Carpenters’ Hall. The interactive fairs highlight trades like carpentry, masonry, basketweaving, stone carving, tin smithing and more, and showcase era-specific tools and techniques. This Saturday kicks things off with a day of live blacksmithing demonstrations, including a live metalworking competition between skilled smiths. This family-friendly series is free to attend, but donations are welcome.

This free-to-attend indoor-outdoor festival in Philly’s Fairmount district celebrates local artists with a neighborhood-wide art showcase. Discover special art installations across various streets, restaurants, shops, bars and attractions, from Bar Hygge and Libertee Grounds to The UPS Store and Eastern State Penitentiary (admission required). Plus, look forward to happenings at the Philly Art Center — including music, make-and-take art, snacks and other activities — along with two dozen outdoor vendors selling pottery, prints, beauty supplies and more.

Part historic reenactment, part celebration, South Philly’s vibrant and energetic El Carnaval de Puebla recounts the events at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 — aka the origin of Cinco de Mayo — through authentic dances, music, costumes and rituals. The parade takes place from 12 to 3 p.m., before ending at a festival running from 3 to 6 p.m. This open-to-the-public parade and festival is part of Mexican Week 2024, which runs through Saturday, May 4, 2024.

This free annual celebration of art and community at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) returns this Sunday with live music, raffle prizes, performances and more. The fest showcases art-making stations inspired by PAFA’s exhibitions, with art forms like printmaking, sculpture, cyanotypes, tie-dye and collage, in partnership with orgs like the Asian Arts Initiative, Wagner Free Institute of Science and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Bonus: Admission to PAFA’s galleries are free and open to the public during the fest. Registration is highly encouraged.

South Philly comes alive each spring during the annual Flavors on the Avenue, bringing East Passyunk’s top restaurants together for an outdoor extravaganza along East Passyunk Avenue (closed to vehicle traffic from Broad to Dickinson). The free-to-attend, pay-as-you-go event offers an array of shopping and sidewalk sales from more than 100 local makers and shops, a craft market, live music, kid-friendly activities, craft beer, seasonal cocktails and plenty of food — from barbecue to burgers to dim sum — served as specials from a bevy of the neighborhood’s critically acclaimed restaurants.

Dates vary by event

Ya like jazz? In honor of National Jazz Appreciation Month in April, enjoy virtuoso jazz performances throughout Philly — all for the low, low price of free ninety-nine. Below is a sample of this week’s lineup. Can’t get enough funky beats? Check out our guide on the top spots to listen to live jazz in Philly.

• 11th Annual Robert ‘Bootsie’ Barnes Jazz Series featuring Saxophonist Tim Warfield at Bright Hope Baptist Church: Honor Philadelphia jazz legend Robert “Bootsie” Barnes with a performance of classic jazz compositions by acclaimed saxophonist Tim Warfield (Thursday).
• Jazz Up, Down and Around: Celebrating Philadelphia’s Concrete Jazz at the Philadelphia Ethical Society: Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble and Abstract Truth bring to life some of the great jazz tunes born in Philly, including works by Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, John Coltrane and more (Saturday).
• Jazz Tap Afternoon at the Ryerss Mansion: Enjoy live tap dancing and jazz music from the Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble — and get grooving with interactive tap dance demos (Saturday).

Dates vary by event

Soak up these live performances at venues across Greater Philadelphia this week and weekend. Looking for an encore? Check out our updated guide to Philly’s biggest concerts and music fests.

• Emo Orchestra feat. Escape the Fate at Keswick Theater: This one’s for the elder emos: This genre-twisting performance stirs even the blackest hearts when Escape the Fate performs their classic hits — along with songs from My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco and more — all in full orchestral glory (Tuesday).
• AVA Opera: Il barbiere di Siviglia at Academy of Vocal Arts: Figaro, Figaro, Fi-ga-rooo! In this classic Italian opera, Figaro — the titular barber of Seville — takes audiences along his hilarious adventure to outwit the greedy Doctor Bartolo (opens Thursday).
• Koresh Dance Company: Hollow Apple at the Suzanne Robers Theatre:  Through dance, this world premiere and original composition by Ronen Koresh explores the endless desire to be loved, while confronting the fear of unworthiness (Thursday through Sunday).
• Hannibal Buress at Helium Comedy Club: Featured on everything from TV hits like The Daily Show and The Eric Andre Show to films like Neighbors and Spiderman: Homecoming, Hannibal Buress is a household name who’s bringing his unpredictable comedy style to Philly this week (Friday and Saturday).
• Mariposas at Esperanza Arts Center: Titled “butterflies,” this world-premiere dance performance explores the legacy of the Mirabal sisters in the Trujillo-era Dominican Republic — and illustrates the strength of women through time (Saturday).

Springtime in Philly means good times with good friends, preferably with a breeze at your back and a cold drink in your hand. Many of Philly’s most popular outdoor venues are now open for the season, including waterfront destinations like Morgan’s Pier and Liberty Point, lush beer gardens like Walnut Garden in Rittenhouse Square, Independence Beer Garden in the Historic District and the PHS Pop Up Gardens on South Street and in Manayunk, and the ever-popular rooftop Bok Bar in South Philly. Looking for even more outdoor options? Check out our 2024 guide to the city’s best rooftop bars and restaurants. Cheers!

Dates vary by location and event

Philly recognizes the achievements and contributions of Arab Americans this month at restaurants, shops, galleries and institutions throughout the city. Ways you can celebrate include:

• Dining: Enjoy authentic culinary experiences at Philly’s popular Arab-owned and -operated eateries, like Casablanca Mediterranean Grill (open Monday through Saturday) and the Middle Eastern-influenced Malooga (open daily).
• Shopping: Shop local and support small businesses at any of the city’s Arab-owned and -operated stores, including buying custom and trendy threads at Beyond the Seams (open Monday through Friday), picking up locally made prints and postcards at Bok’s Symone Salib Studio (in-person hours vary), or checking out the non-profit Al-Bustan Gallery and Store where each merch purchase supports art and education programming (open Sunday through Friday).

Through Sunday, May 5, 2024

Longwood Gardens is one of the region’s leading horticultural treasures located just outside the city in Kennett Square. The season’s arrival opens up an entirely new world of possibilities and blooms for the floral dreamland and plant-lover’s playground. Explore the garden’s expansive 1,100 acres, catching the first bursts of spring color and fragrance from the garden’s blossoming trees and early-blooming bulbs including cherry blossoms, tulips, and poppies. Novice and expert gardeners alike find inspiration at the attraction’s newly redesigned Idea Garden, a dynamic space showcasing a variety of experimental and educational gardening approaches.

Through June 30, 2024

The warm weather brings roller-skating to Dilworth Park’s Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink in the heart of Center City on the west side of City Hall. Grab an advanced ticket for hour-long skating sessions on the retro-inspired checkerboard rink (available afternoons and evenings seven days a week). When you’re done, enjoy eats and drinks at the adjacent Air Grille Garden and Dilworth Park Café for roller rink-inspired snacks and cocktails. Work up a sweat? Splash through the park’s dancing ground-embedded fountains.

Through Sunday, August 4, 2024

IMPRINT: Dox Thrash Black Life, and American Culture at The African American Museum in Philadelphia takes a journey through the life, legacy and groundbreaking artworks of renowned printmaker Dox Thrash. The exhibition draws from every major arc of Thrash’s life — from his experiences as a soldier, to his time as a performer on the Black vaudeville circuit, to his years as an art student in Chicago — and showcases rare works that offer new perspectives on his personal story. General admission tickets to The African American Museum are required.

Through Monday, September 2, 2024

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University presents a new immersive exhibit spotlighting the world of rainforests and the flora and fauna that inhabit the most diverse ecosystem on the planet. The Under the Canopy exhibition, for students of all ages and presented in both English and Spanish, features plants and rainforest ecology including an encounter a live sloth, boa constrictor and other animals that call these habitats home, plus life-size climbable animal sculptures (including a gorilla, tortoise, crocodile, red-eye tree frog and Banyan tree), interactive discovery stations, dynamic displays and engaging programming.

Through Monday, September 2, 2024

Everything’s clicking into place. Returning to The Franklin Institute for the first time since 2015, The Art of the Brick displays more than 100 works all made completely of LEGO — from recreations of masterworks like Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to original works of LEGO sculpture, including a 20-foot-long T. rex dinosaur skeleton and many pieces that are just plain fun. Every sculpture in the hugely impressive display is the handiwork of contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya, the first artist ever to create an exhibition solely of LEGO art.

Through Sunday, January 5, 2025

In the fascinating new Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent exhibition, visitors discover rare documents, inspired works of art and historical objects that paint a fuller picture of the shelter used as George Washington’s headquarters throughout the War for Independence. The tent — the Museum of the American Revolution’s signature artifact — served as the battlefield home, strategic meeting place and office quarters for General Washington, and the exhibition tells the stories of the many individuals who worked to preserve and pass down this vital symbol of the American republic.

It’s true: Philly is an award-winning, headline-grabbing kinda town. Need help keeping up with all the buzz? Get the scoop with this weekly roundup of our favorite Philly stories. Hot off the presses:

• Pioneers in Pinstripes: This new exhibit at Citizens Bank Park honors the people and players who helped integrate baseball in Philadelphia and beyond.
• Slices of Life: Meet the Philly photog going viral for his stunning portraits of residents and visitors on South Street.
• All (Philly) Things Considered: Visit Philadelphia CEO Angela Val chats all things Philly with 93.3 WMMR.
• Land Ho!: Get an extremely rare look at the Battleship New Jersey during its 60-day dry docking at The Navy Yard.
• LOVE Your Planet: LOVE Park transformed into a sustainability hub last weekend for Earth Day. Here’s how the city celebrated.

Too busy celebrating Mother Earth this past weekend? Oh, we know. So we’ve rounded up everything you might’ve missed on visitphilly.com:

• Some of the biggest names in music first got their start on Philadelphia stages — and Philly’s live music scene continues to thrive at venues across the region. Our updated guide to Philly’s top places to see live music spotlights some of the area’s best venues, big and small.
• Ok, buddy, let’s take this outside. (After all, it’s rooftop bar season.) Our newly updated guide to the city’s best rooftop bars and restaurants lists where to go topside for brunch, dinner and everything in between.
• Emerging from a tough regular season, Maxey and crew keep the Sixers’ championship dreams alive this week during their first-round games against the New York Knicks. Want to know what to expect — and where to celebrate? Our Philadelphia 76ers playoff guide can catch you up to speed.