Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

Through Sunday, July 12, 2026

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate global culinary diversity during Philadelphia African Restaurant Week, with restaurants offering special, discounted menus of African, African American and Caribbean favorites in eateries across the city. 

Nearly two dozen restaurants participate in the event, including: Food Geez, New Era Cuisine, Eatwell Philly, Gojjo Ethiopian Restaurant, Amina Philadelphia and many more.

Now open

Peckish? The Philly food scene is non-stop, with new additions this week including:

• Broad Street Beer Garden at LOVE Park: Enjoy an Independence Lager from Broad Street Brewing or a cold brew from Rival Bros Coffee at the Flying Saucer at this new year-round destination for food, drinks and events. 
• Claude’s Comedy Club & Bar in South Philly: This is what happens when a stand-up comic walks into a neighborhood diner …. Claude’s marries two concepts into one, featuring a casual bar on one side and a ticketed comedy club on the other. 
• Lillian’s Bar in Point Breeze: Point Breeze’s coziest new cocktail bar leans into Mediterranean bistro fare (including tinned fish!) while hosting chef pop-ups on a rotating basis. First up? Habibi’s Supper Club with chef Miled Finianos (Saturday & Sunday). 
• Stella’s Ice Cream in Fishtown: This Veteran-owned ice cream parlor, a national chain with sweet origins in Idaho, opens with a July Fourth bang — grab a patriotic scoop of Sweet American (red cherry, white vanilla, blue raspberry) this week! 

Now open

Operating as one of only six arboretums in the City of Philadelphia, Pier 1 Park at The Navy Yard brings family reunion vibes to a lush, airy stretch of greenspace along the Delaware River waterfront. 

This sprawling urban oasis hosts local food trucks — Caribbean Feast, Mister Softee and El Tlaloc pulled up for the grand opening — and lawn games, as well as a Little Free Library for the community to swap and share books. 

Now open

The newly refurbished West Wing of Independence Hall — which just reopened to the public on June 30, 2026 — is new and improved with a redesigned exhibit, interactive tech and an upcoming augmented reality experience. 

The West Wing also contains rare artifacts that date back to the founding of the United States in the Great Essentials exhibit, including an inkstand that was used during the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Other historic items on display: a 1776 John Dunlap broadside copy of the Declaration of Independence, Elbridge Gerry’s draft version of the Articles of Confederation and a final version of the U.S. Constitution containing George Washington’s edits.  

Now open

Did you know that Bucks County was a safe haven for enslaved people prior to the Civil War? Now you do. 

The African American Museum of Bucks County transforms a 1716 farmhouse on the banks of Core Creek in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, into a living history lesson. Featuring seven rooms and four compelling exhibits, the museum highlights untold stories of struggle and survival, ranging in scope from the Transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans to the Great Migration of the early 1900s. 

Through Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Grab your headphones and turn up the volume! 

The Sounds of Philadelphia at The Village of Industry & Art grooves a street-level listening booth through September 22, 2026. This outdoor music installation uses seven-foot-tall sculptural speakers to broadcast a “Best of Philly” playlist that is easily recognizable and audible to anyone walking by the building. 

Created by Scout, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Music Alliance and fabricator Tim Gleeson, the Sounds of Philadelphia puts a spotlight on the creative music that shaped Philly, from punk rock and hip hop to jazz and soul. 

Same Ground: President’s House, Valley Forge & the Question of Whose Story reveals the hard truths about the scourge of slavery, relaying the tales of Black soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War as well as those enslaved at the first White House. 

Guided by the powerful storytelling of Sheilah Vance, Blondell Reynolds-Brown and Dr. Cheryl LaRoche — the latter of whom helped excavate The President’s House historical site in 2007 — this is the real story behind the fight over revisionist history. 

Hear ye, hear ye … and huzzah!

The first public reading of the Declaration of Independence occurred in the serene courtyard (now called Independence Square) outside Independence Hall on July 8, 1776. This annual reenactment happens in the very same spot where Colonel John Nixon read aloud the 27 grievances leveled at King George III. 

This free event begins with remarks from a National Park Service ranger, with copies of the Declaration of Independence being distributed to the masses. Listen for the sound of bells calling everyone to attention. 

No cars allowed for two blocks of Germantown Avenue as Mt. Airy continues its monthly series of outdoor community meals. 

Make new friends and chow down along the cobblestoned streets with to-go meals from local restaurants like Toska Restaurant & Brewery, Bar Lizette, La Trattoria and more. 

Plus, catch a dozen food trucks on-site, vendors lining the street with fun wares, brick-and-mortar shops open late with extended hours, and free activities for the kiddos (like face painting, balloon twisting and a moon bounce). The event is free to attend.

Prior to the Semuquincentennial, there was the Centennial.

Philly History Pop Up brings the 1876 Centennial Exposition, aka the first World’s Fair, to life through the lens of the women’s movement. Noted historian (and former Visit Philly staffer) Cara Schneider Bongirono reveals the stories of Eliza Sproat Turner, Dr. Alice Norton, Florence Kelley and Edith Brubaker during this one-hour history lesson.

Bonus: The Guild House Hotel is a 12-room luxury hotel that originally served as the headquarters for the New Century Guild, one of the country’s oldest women’s empowerment organizations. 

Opens Thursday, June 9, 2026

Walk the same cobblestones that George Washington and the Redcoats did in 1777.

The Historic Germantown Visitor Center, located inside the Germantown Historical Society building, opens during Philly’s biggest year yet. 

The idea for creating this cherished consortium of 20 museums, houses and historic sites — including Cliveden, Stenton, Wyck, Grumplethorpe, Concord School House and more — first spawned in 1983. Now, it’s a reality ready to be explored. 

It features two exhibits, a permanent one entitled Deeply Rooted, Ever Changing: 300 Years in Germantown, and a rotating one, Rebellion and Remembrance in Freedom’s Backyard. This weekend, don’t miss Second Saturday, when most sites offer free admission. Be sure to check the Historic Germantown website for details. 

Well, this is fun! The Great American Tailgate touches down in the boisterous city that redefined the art of tailgating, transforming the street outside the National Liberty Museum into rah-rah headquarters. 

Wear your favorite sports jersey (hopefully, Team USA is still kicking it in the World Cup) and rev up your vocal cords. This high-energy party brings chef-driven takes on classic tailgating foods alongside live music and lawn games. 

The museum is also offering a private reception and tour of its newest exhibit, Assembly 2076, which explores how Americans may peacefully assemble, in protest or civic pride, fifty years from now. 

This one’s personal. Patti LaBelle has sung — belted out, really — the soundtrack to many a wedding, cookout, family reunion and summer road trip.

At 82 years old, the Godmother of Soul and first lady of Philadelphia still got it. Make new memories with Miss Patti herself as she sings down the house at the Dell Music Center. Lose yourself in classics from across her six-decades-long career, like Lady Marmalade; If Only You Knew; and Love, Need and Want You.

Chester native Avery Sunshine and Philly’s own Pieces of a Dream and Jeff Bradshaw round out the soulful evening under the sun and stars.

Located at the edge of Rittenhouse Square, the theaters inside The Drake building serve as home to several organizations — including InterAct Theatre Company and several resident companies — operating under the “At The Drake” performance banner.

This week brings a special event to the Proscenium and Louis Bluver theaters inside the venue with the second annual Variety Pack Comedy Festival, with a wide schedule of wild experimental comedy performances from stand-up and game shows to séances (!) and clowns.

July 9-30, 2026 (Thursdays)

These streets were made for walking. And shopping. And playing. And you can do all that and more during Stroll After Hours in Manayunk. 

This year’s iteration of Manayunk’s weekly summer series shuts down Main Street and several nearby blocks for family-friendly activities, live performances, outdoor movie screenings, food, vendors and more. 

This week, keep an eye out for live music on multiple stages, a World Cup-appropriate showing of Kicking & Screaming (2005), and a stellar lineup of food trucks, including Beck’s Cajun Cruiser and Shugar Shack Soulfood. Check out the official website for the full details. 

Opens Friday, July 10, 2026 

Upside Down, you’re turning me.

Stranger Things: The Immersive Experience turns Netflix House in King of Prussia into Vecna’s personal playground. Travel to Hawkins, Indiana where you can enter the Upside Down and come face to face with your favorite heroes and villains. 

Visitors can explore a plethora of interactive exhibits during this hour-long adventure through time and space. Some highlights for super fans: You can star in your own Stranger Things episode and team up with friends to fight the evil Demogorgan.

It feels like just yesterday that Alex Warren hopped from TikTok to some of Philly’s more modest venues — because it pretty much was.

Over the last year, Warren’s exploded across the airwaves with breakout hits like Ordinary and Carry You Home, bringing plenty of intimate songwriting and raw emotion to his music. Now, catch him on one of Philly’s biggest stages this Friday, joined by Grammy Award-nominated heartbreak architect  — and Miley’s younger sister — Noah Cyrus.

For 27 years, Phoenixville — where parts of 1958’s The Blob were filmed — has hosted the three-day Blobfest festival of film screenings, stage shows and celebrations in and around historic Colonial Theatre, a key shooting location in the campy horror/sci-fi flick.

Join a Friday Blobfest Ball dance party; Saturday Street Fair (including a fire extinguisher parade, costume contest, live music and vendors); and Sunday’s inaugural Dinner en Blob, kinda like Dinner en Blanc, but everyone wears red.

The Midsummer Classic returns to Philly for the first time in 30 years when the 96th Annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game comes to Citizens Bank Park on next Tuesday, July 14, 2026. But the lead-up to the big game — aka All-Star Week — is full of can’t-miss fun, including:

• HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park: The fourth annual HBCU Swingman Classic features 50 elite players from Division-1 programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr. co-created the game to give HBCU players a chance to play in the national spotlight. Tickets are on sale now (Friday).

• MLB Draft at the Pennsylvania Convention Center: The Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts the opening rounds of the MLB Draft, free and open to the public in the Grand Hall, located adjacent to Capital One All-Star Village. If you are interested in attending, you must register for free tickets (Saturday).

• All-Star Sunday Double Header at Citizens Bank Park: Rising baseball stars take the spotlight for the All-Star Futures Game, an exhibition game featuring two teams of top Minor League baseball players, managed by Phillies greats Larry Bowa and Shane Victorino. Afterward, spectators can enjoy the new, three-on-three MLBx. The co-ed tournament features three 30-minute games showcasing power hitters and star catchers, including legendary Phillies players Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins (Sunday).

Step right up and win a prize!

Otherworld Philadelphia gets reimagined as a summer carnival during this 10-day pop-up experience at everyone’s favorite trippy art space in Northeast Philly. Curiosity is always the currency at Otherworld, only it hits differently under the Big Top. 

Look for barkers making moves in mystical rooms, inviting visitors to test their luck at games of chance. (Are they rigged? You’ll never know.) As always, you are welcome to move from room to room in whichever order you prefer and explore dozens of interactive elements at your own pace.

The little blue fruit takes center stage again at the all-day Blueberry Festival at Delaware County’s Linvilla Orchards.

The event includes pick-your-own blueberries, an old-fashioned blueberry pie-eating contest and scores of blueberry treats like homemade blueberry compote, lemon blueberry whoopie pies and a blueberry pie drink.

Expect a slew of rousing blueberry-themed and fun activities, with live bluegrass and indie folk music, kids’ performers, and more favorites seen at past events.

In addition to Philly’s year-long Seminquincentennial celebration, the iconic Benjamin Franklin Bridge turns 100 this year, with a free, open-to-the-public birthday party.

The best part: The bridge closes to all traffic, and you can walk straight across to Camden, where the Delaware River Port Authority hosts a birthday party set up near the toll booths on the Jersey side. (Fun fact: The Ben Franklin Bridge was once the world’s longest suspension bridge!)

52 Weeks of Firsts honors 250 years of Philly pioneering by celebrating the city’s many historic achievements — every Saturday, all throughout 2026. 

This week’s Saturday Firstival comes in tandem with the MLB All-Star Week (more on that above), with a celebration honoring the first organized baseball team (1833) at Citizens Bank Park. 

Other featured Philadelphia “firsts” include inventions like the Slinky, cultural milestones such as Mother’s Day and significant locations like the first African Methodist Episcopal church. The free celebrations take place at the original location of each first (or in spaces that represent where these significant milestones occurred) and include guest speakers, a sculpture, monthly marquee events and historic deep dives by Once Upon a Nation.

Each year in Japan, the Tanabata star festival celebrates the legendary reunion of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, honoring their romantic tale from Japanese folklore. 

Fairmount Park’s Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center celebrates the holiday with celestial decorations, written wishes adorning bamboo reeds and special Kamishibai (paper theater) storytellers. 

Wait, there’s more: Throughout the fest, Parks on Tap, Philly’s roving beer garden, is popping up at Shofuso, just a few steps away from the activities (more on that below). 

Philadelphia’s prime location between two rivers, the Schuylkill and the Delaware, helped our nascent nation blossom in its early years. To celebrate America250, 100-plus kayakers don red, white and blue as they create an eight-mile patriotic parade of paddlers through the heart of Center City.

Starting at Walnut Street dock, residents and visitors alike can cheer on the kayakers as they journey south on the Schuylkill to its confluence with the Delaware, ending at historic Fort Mifflin. A party follows with refreshments and cannons!

Don’t worry, I’m doin’ okay and so are you!

The Tennessee Orange singer brings her bedazzled country grit to Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia as part of her deeply emotional Cloud 9 Tour. 

Expect an intimate night that would make even Dolly Parton blush, alongside openers JP Saxe and Solon Holt. Megan Moroney, a Georgia native, has been wowing audiences since charting her first album in 2023, parlaying her early success into mass appeal after popping up on Kenny Chesney’s Sun Goes Down tour. 

The Capital One All-Star Village (formerly Fan Fest) also sets up shop at the Convention Center for four days, featuring an indoor baseball-themed park with activations and meet-and-greets with baseball legends, including a slew of fan-favorite Phillies players: Bobby Abreu, John Kruk, Steve Carlton, Larry Bowa, Cole Hamels, Carlos Ruiz, Greg Luzinski, Charlie Manuel and many more.

The village opens from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m., as well as next Monday and Tuesday (July 13 to 14, 2026). You’ll need tickets to participate, now available for purchase with single- or multi-day access and with family grouping options. Capital One cardholders can get one free ticket.

Registration for player meet-and-greets during the festival opens every day at 9 a.m. Make sure to download Capital One’s All-Star Experience Pass on the MLB Ballpark app to book your time slot for player meet-and-greets.

The Founding Fathers walked, so we could ride. 

Drool over impressive examples of vehicular excellence at Washington Crossing Historic Park’s annual Revolutionary War-inspired car show. Exclusively featuring only classic show-condition cars from the year 2001 or earlier, each antique vehicle represents one of the four countries that took up arms during the United States’ war for independence: America, Britain, France and Germany.

Barnes on the Block brings the art and creativity found within the internationally renowned museum’s walls to the streets for an afternoon of food, art, music and community. 

Let your imagination run wild with free admission to the Parkway museum and fun family-friendly activities. Move and groove to live music and performances. Or add something new to your personal art collection at the crafts fair. Also on deck: pay-as-you-go refreshments from local food trucks and the Barnes on the Block Beer Garden. 

The event is free to attend, but registration is required to access the Barnes’ galleries and exhibitions.

Through Sunday, July 19, 2026

FIFA Fan Festival has officially taken over Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park, overlooking the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row. While the 39-day fest is free and open to all, revelers must register at Philadelphia Soccer 2026 for the once-in-a-lifetime event dubbed “Soccer Coachella.” 

Open on match days and non-match days, expect to see ginormous screens showing live matches, merch tents offering souvenirs and live music blaring from stages, in addition to food trucks showcasing the best Philly eats and international flavors. This week, don’t miss live performances from Grammy Award-winning artists Leon Thomas (Wednesday) and Wisin (Sunday).

The full schedule and hours of operation vary each day, so always check the official site for updates before heading out.

Through Sunday, July 19, 2026

Philly’s contagious FIFA World Cup 26 energy isn’t limited to Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia Stadium or FIFA Fan Fest (see above), with the fun spilling over into bars, restaurants, event spaces and outdoor venues throughout the city. 

Ready to get your cheer on? Pick your match-day vibe at special events and watch parties at Union Yards at Subaru Park (the home of the Philadelphia Union), Stateside Live! and Victory Brewing. For more, check out our full guide to where to watch FIFA World Cup 26 in Philadelphia. 

Dates vary by screening

’Tis the season for outdoor movie screenings. Bust out the popcorn and BYO blankets and chairs for these open-air films in Greater Philadelphia:

• Zootopia 2 (2025) at Sunset Social (Wednesday)
• Dirty Dancing (1987) at Schuylkill Banks (Thursday)
• Hoppers (2026) at Rainbow de Colores (Thursday)
• Encanto (2021) at Sunset Social (Saturday)

Dates vary by event

Treat yourself at one of these food-related happenings in Greater Philadelphia. Hungry for more? Chow down on our guide to Philly’s newest restaurant openings this spring.

• Curated Palette Passport Series: Red, White & Blue: The American Palette: The Schulson Collective takes inspiration from Philadelphia’s blockbuster Semiquincentennial art exhibition, A Nation of Artists (more on that below) for a deliciously patriotic tasting series. The perfect complement to your day at the museum, special menu items are available at participating restaurants like Giuseppe & Sons, Harp & Crown, Independence Beer Garden, Pearl & Mary, and more (through Friday, July 31, 2026).

• Lemon Drop Festival at Malcolm X Park: It’s all citrus and rainbows this weekend in West Philadelphia as the Lemon Drop Festival brings live music, food trucks, a vendors market and over 20 lemon drop martini flavors to Malcolm X Park. Tickets are required and get you 10 free Lemon Drops. You know what they say, when life gives you lemons … (Saturday).

• Brunch Club at Dancerobot: James Beard Award-winning chef Jesse Ito and his newest restaurant Dancerobot team up with Philly favorite for comfort food, Middle Child Clubhouse, for a one-afternoon-only brunch bonanza. The mashup menu features the best of both worlds with Sashimi Caviar Bagel Bites, BLT Sandos and Matcha French Toast all on the menu (Sunday).

Dates vary by event

Soak up these live performances at venues across Greater Philadelphia. Looking for an encore? Pump up the jams with our seasonal guide to Philly’s biggest concerts.

• Matthew Morrison at Longwood Gardens: What has Mr. Schue — we mean, Matthew Morrison — been up to since graduation Fox’s Glee ended? A lot, actually, including releasing albums and leading Broadway shows like Just in Time. Everyone’s favorite Spanish teacher-turned-glee-club-director comes to Longwood Gardens this week for an evening of song and dance (Wednesday).

• RED at the Independence Seaport Museum: Detroit Red was a lost young man from Omaha, Nebraska, who ended up on the wrong side of the law. Malcolm X is one of history’s most influential Civil Rights icons, whose impact and legacy has long outlived him. How did that transformation happen? Find out during the one-man show RED at the Independence Seaport Museum (Friday and Saturday).

• Dave Matthews Band at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion: Celebrate more than 30 years of Dave Matthews Band (DMB) during the band’s near-annual summer visit to Camden. With three decades of hits to choose from and a recent induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame under their belt, DMB is expected to deliver both new stuff and classics with fresh and fun twists. Don’t know which day to go? One- and two-day tickets are available, and the set list looks totally different for each show (Friday and Saturday).

• Rick Ross & the Renaissance Orchestra at The Met: It’s been a cool 20 years since the release of hip-hop icon Rick Ross’ debut album, Port of Miami. While nowadays he may not be hustlin’ every day, the legend still drops hot beats and catchy flows during this night of Black luxury. Joined by the Renaissance Orchestra, Rick Ross’ 20th anniversary national tour features powerful live orchestral performances of his chart-topping hits. In true celebratory fashion, black-tie attire is encouraged (Saturday).

Dates vary by tour

Are you with the tour? (You should be.) Check out our picks for some of the top guided tours in Philly this week. Looking for more? Go at your own pace and head out on one of these self-guided tours.

• Not So Young Friends: Cemetery Founders Tour at The Woodlands: A National Historic Landmark hidden away in West Philly, The Woodlands are home to hundreds of historic trees and plants, a Federal-style mansion, and notable, long-gone Philadelphians, like Thomas Eakins and Dr. Samuel Gross. And all this could have been lost to industrialization in the mid-19th century. Learn all about the historic green space and the visionary group of founders behind it during this walking tour (Thursday).

• Spotlight Tour: Wingohocking Watershed Tour at Cliveden: Explore the underbelly of the city you know and love on this bus tour of the Wingohocking Watershed, a natural creek-turned-essential-sewer otherwise hidden from plain sight. Beginning at Cliveden in Germantown, you’ll traverse the city’s secret infrastructure, learning about Philly history, the role creeks and other waterways quietly play in our daily lives, and more. Tickets are required (Saturday).

• A Nation of Artists: Public Art on the Parkway Walking Tour: Art is all around us, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) is taking full advantage with a free walking tour. Stroll down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from PAFA, the home of one-half of the Nation of Artists exhibition, to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you find the other half. Along the way, admire Philly’s award-winning collection of murals and public art pieces (Saturday). 

• Ona Judge’s Philadelphia: Walking Tour at the Independence Visitor Center: See Philadelphia through the eyes of Ona Judge, the enslaved young woman who took freedom into her own hands, fleeing the home of President George Washington. Featuring historic sites important to 18th-century Black Philadelphia, this walking tour takes you to Congo Square — now Washington Square Park — Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and more (Saturday).

• This Sporting Life: Baseball Fever tour at Laurel Hill West: Before today’s biggest baseball stars take to the Bank for MLB All-Star Week, get acquainted with the (baseball) card-carrying pioneers that paved the way, like Baseball Hall of Famer Harry Wright, during Laurel Hill West’s This Sporting Live Baseball Fever walking tour (Sunday). 

Ongoing

Give the City of Brotherly Love a standing ovation: The internationally renowned TKTS ticket booth service is now here in Philly. Joining the ranks of New York City, Tokyo, and London, TKTS Philadelphia offers an unbeatable deal: 30% to 50% off tickets to select Philly theater and performing arts shows within 72 hours of the performance.

Tickets must be purchased in person at the Independence Visitor Center and include shows by Ensemble Arts, the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Wilma Theater and many more. Want the full scoop? Read on in our guide.

Ongoing

Now that Philly has officially thawed for springtime — or as we like to call it, outdoor dining season — you can’t let the warm-weather days, sultry nights and moments of sunshiney bliss go to waste. 

Take your meal alfresco at one of Philly’s uber-popular outdoor venues, like 

• cozy Old City hangout Liberty Beer Garden 
• buzzy Rittenhouse Square escape Walnut Garden 
• ever-popular rooftop attraction Bok Bar 
• always-changing Center City go-to Uptown Beer Garden
• lively waterfront hot spot Liberty Point 
• verdant happy hour getaway The Garden Bar at the Rodin Museum
• super secret city hideout Frankie’s Summer Club
• revolutionary open-air destination (and Founding Fathers’ favorite) The Garden at City Tavern, or 
• PHS Pop Up Gardens’ lush urban oases on South Street and in Manayunk. 

Feeling adventurous? Dig into something interesting with our brand-new guide to out-of-the-ordinary outdoor bars and restaurants. 

Through Sunday, August 9, 2026

You can tell a lot about a person from their home. For the Shakers — a religious community that originated in 18th-century England and flourished in the United States — their strong beliefs around community, labor and equality extended to every facet of life, including their furniture, architecture and everyday goods. 

Pairing historical Shaker-made artifacts straight out of the Testament of Ann Lee with contemporary artworks inspired by the community, this new exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art explores how the group developed a distinctive visual language marked by simplicity, innovation and purpose. 

Wanna learn even more? The exhibition was recently featured in this article from The New York Times. 

Through Sunday, August 16, 2026

Light up the night at historic Franklin Square with the must-see Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Old City, featuring all-new lanterns for 2026. Celebrate the Year of the Horse among dozens of massive, intricate and handcrafted lanterns, including soccer-themed designs reflecting the countries of teams coming to Philly for FIFA World Cup 26.

Enjoy live cultural performances, folk art, fountain shows, festival-themed crafts and lots of international food and drink, including signature cocktails. Advanced tickets (timed Fridays through Sundays) are required to attend the event, which starts at 6 p.m. each night.

Through Sunday, August 26, 2026 (Wednesdays only)

The pay-as-you-go Center City District Sips series is back for its 22nd season with lots of happy hour revelry. The weekly Wednesday night program offers substantial discounts at 60-plus (and counting) bars, restaurants and beer gardens throughout Center City. 

The CCD SIPS promotion is simple: $6 beer, $7 wine, $8 cocktails, $6 mocktails and appetizers under $10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Returning favorites include Franky Bradley’s, Harp & Crown, Independence Beer Garden, Bud & Marilyn’s, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Continental Midtown, and more. After happy hour, enjoy 15% off dinner after 7 p.m. at select locations.

Through Saturday, August 29, 2026 (Fridays and Saturdays)

This spring and summer, experience nine of the community’s impressive sites — all for one affordable price — with the return of the Historic Germantown One Pass. 

Visit hidden gems like a completely intact 18th-century schoolhouse, the site of the Battle of Germantown and the Underground Railroad spot where family legend says Harriet Tubman laid her head. 

Through mid-2027 (dates vary by museum)

With storied histories of their own, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (the country’s very first art school and museum) delve into the richness and diversity of American art history for this blockbuster exhibition, timed to coincide with the Semiquincentennial.

Threading together 300 years of American art, the collection — which includes pieces from Phillies Owner John Middleton and his wife Leigh’s incredible personal collection — features over 1,000 portraits, sculptures, furniture, photographs and more across both museums. Viewers find some of art’s biggest names — including Mary Cassatt and Charles Willson Peale — exhibited side-by-side with oft-overlooked Black, Indigenous, immigrant and historically underrepresented artists and contemporary talents.

Through Sunday, September 6, 2026

Two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s work takes center stage at the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s latest exhibit, Afrofuturism in Costume Design, which explores how Carter’s hand-drawn costume images helped define iconic film characters.

The modular exhibition — which features interactive elements — showcases award-winning costumes and artifacts from Carter’s esteemed career, including a rare glimpse of the artist’s personal sketches and costumes from Carter’s private collection.

Carter — aka the most nominated Black woman in Oscar history — won Oscars for her costume designs for the Black Panther films and is the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category.

Through Monday, September 7, 2026

No need to leave the city to enjoy a Universal theme-park experience. This world-premiere exhibition, brought to you by The Franklin Institute and Universal Destinations & Experiences, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the innovation and world-building that goes into each Universal amusement park.

Spanning 18,000 square feet and eight immersive galleries, the interactive experience showcases more than 100 vehicles, props and other original artifacts from world-famous rides, attractions and live shows. And, in true Franklin Institute form, the display has an educational focus, playing up all the technology, engineering and artistry involved in theme park design.

Through Monday, September 7, 2026

You know that warm-weather days are here to stay once Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest springs to life. 

The riverside venue’s spring and summertime version boasts a carnival-like atmosphere with a massive roller skating rink, rides, boardwalk and arcade games, mini-golf, food and drink options, and events throughout the season.

Admission to the family-friendly destination is free and open to the public. Mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay-as-you-go. ​

Through Sunday, September 27, 2026

All late spring and summer, Longwood Gardens’ glorious fountains come to life across its Kennett Square campus during the attraction’s annual Festival of Fountains.

Daily Main Fountain Garden Performances start at 11:15 a.m. and run every two hours throughout the day, featuring fountains with 1,719 jets soaring as high as 175 feet. Over in the Open Air Theatre, catch a bonus 5-minute show starting at 10:15, running every two hours.

Weekend evenings bring dazzling displays of color at the spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performances set to a rotating list of musical selections.

Through Wednesday, September 30, 2026

It’s Philly’s biggest year yet, and hotels throughout the city are celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a toast to its birthplace.

More than 30 hotels are shaking things up during Philly’s Semiquincentennial celebrations as part of Spirit of 76: The Philadelphia Cocktail Trail.

These spots are serving up delicious history all spring and summer long in the form of innovative cocktails and mocktails inspired by Philadelphia’s central role in the nation’s founding.

Through September 2026

Reserve a hammock and a pedal boat: Serving as a Delaware River waterfront oasis since 2014, Spruce Street Harbor Park is open for the 2026 season with a treasure trove of goodies, including a boardwalk with concessions, plenty of spaces to chill (think: Adirondack chairs and flat-bottomed net lounges above the river, and a popping weekly events lineup. Plus, Chiliboats Adventures and a new fleet of Swan Boats provide plenty of water fun. 

Once the sun sets, the park lights up with hundreds of multi-colored LEDs strung among the tree canopy. The seasonal waterfront park is free and open to the public through the fall, with select activities pay-as-you-go.

Through Sunday, October 11, 2026 (Wednesdays through Sundays)

Back for 2026, Philly’s beloved roving beer garden, Parks on Tap, brews and bites at urban parks and green spaces across Philadelphia, with a new neighborhood featured each week. 

Expect cans and drafts from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Conshohocken Brewing, Dogfish Head and more, as well as sippable seasonal cocktails, and bites ranging from cheeseburgers and pulled pork sandwiches to raspberry cheesecake cups and adult Lunchables (!). 

This week’s stop: the traditional-style Japanese house and nationally ranked garden, Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, in West Fairmount Park.

Through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only)

Philly has always been a city of neighborhoods, and for 20 weeks this spring, summer and fall you can take free, insider-curated tours to explore what makes each neighborhood special.

Each week, the Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series heads to a different ‘hood to visit local restaurants, shops, parks and historical landmarks — all led by an experienced guide. Where to this week? Chinatown.

Tours happen Fridays at 2 p.m., and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Registration is required in advance, so hit this link to sign up. Bonus: Participants get a free neighborhood tote!

Through Fall 2026

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the Philly PHLASH! Everyone’s favorite way to conveniently travel from one iconic Philadelphia attraction to another is back for a brand-new season. 

All-day passes run just $5 (free for SEPTA Key holders) and stops include Reading Terminal Market, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Zoo and many more. For the first time ever, the distinct purple bus also stops at 30th Street Station, the Mütter Museum and the Fashion District.

Through Saturday, October 31, 2026

This beloved culinary treasure returns to the heart of South Philly’s FDR Park, ushering in outdoor market season. A nationally renowned seasonal market, the Southeast Asian Market pops up every weekend (except for occasional special events), showcasing some of the best Lao, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine in the city.

Last year’s market saw over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, authentic street food and culturally specific produce, plus plants, jewelry and clothing. Pack a picnic blanket and don’t forget to bring cash — some vendors are cash-only, and there’s no ATM on site.

Through Thursday, December 31, 2026

Stamp your ticket for LGBTQ+ history — and really neat swag — with the Pride Passport, a brand new collaboration between the Philly Pride Visitor Center, right here in the Gayborhood, and the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City. How does it work? Glad you asked! 

Step 1: Pick up your free passport from either site, beginning June 1, 2026.

Step 2: Visit both locations before the end of the year and collect a stamp at each.

Step 3: Show your completed passport to staff at either visitor center location to score a limited-edition Baron Von Steuben tote bag and rock it with pride. 

Through Thursday, December 31, 2026

To commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, The Clay Studio — the nation’s largest ceramic arts organization — creates an expansive collection of exhibitions showcasing work from 27 artists across 16 arts and culture sites. Artists ground their creative work in historical research conducted at these sites to inspire pieces that explore themes of independence throughout the evolution of America.

Partner sites with ongoing exhibitions include Andalusia Historic Home, Gardens & Arboretum; Rare Book Department in the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library; and the Biello Martin Studio.

Through Sunday, January 3, 2027

“When in the course of human events …” The document from which that seminal phrase originates is the centerpiece of the Museum of the American Revolution’s 2026 programming. The Declaration’s Journey exhibition traces the history of America’s founding charter and its continuing influence, inspiring over 100 independence movements worldwide.

The Declaration’s legacy is explored through records, art and artifacts, including Thomas Jefferson’s chair, a Marquis de Lafayette-annotated draft of the French Declaration of Rights, the prison bench where Martin Luther King Jr. penned “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” a spinning wheel presented by Gandhi and more.

Through Sunday, February 14, 2027

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson tasked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with exploring the nation’s western territories following the Louisiana Purchase. But did you know that Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences holds nearly all the explorers’ original journals and preserved specimens related to their botanical research in its Lewis & Clark Herbarium?

The museum’s new Botany of Nations exhibition reexamines that rich collection through an Indigenous lens, blending botany (the study of plants) with ethnobotany (the study of how people use plants) to reshape the way we interpret the colonial journey.

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:

• Happy birthday, America! Meet the reenactors readying for their Super Bowl moment.
• Raise a glass to a Philly bar that is older than America itself.
• Movin’ in: Here’s where South Philly Barbacoa is heading next.
• A statue of the Philly boxer who inspired Rocky takes over some prime real estate.
• Unveiled: Peep Mural Arts’ latest work honoring Philly’s LGBTQ+ heroes.

The fireworks may be over, but the summer’s just getting started. Don’t miss a beat with the latest from visitphilly.com: 

• Philly’s festival and concert circuit is heating up as hometown heroines (like Patti Labelle and Jill Scott), our favorite throwback acts (like Lionel Richie, 5 Seconds of Summer and Lil Wayne), and international superstars (like Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars) take the stage in Philly this summer and beyond. Check out our newly updated concert calendar to find out who’s on, where and when. 

• There are words. Then, there are Philly words. With Philadelphia welcoming thousands of out-of-towners with open arms for major events in 2026, this handy guide can get you talking like you grew up going to the Acme (pronounced: Ack-a-me) on The Avenue. 

• In June 2026, TED Democracy: Founding Futures brought some of the brightest minds and global changemakers to Philadelphia for a full day examining the past, present and future of modern democracy in the city where it started. At the event, more than a dozen illuminating TED Talks were recorded in the hopes that the ideas explored in them live on and inspire others to take action in their own communities. Watch the first TED Talk here and get ready to be inspired.