Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

Bop to the beat and grab a treat along Main Street. 

Manayunk Restaurant Week unites the community for a festive evening of bold flavors and contagious fun, including prix fixe lunch and dinner deals, ranging from $15 to $45 per person. Participating restaurants include neighborhood favorites like The Goat’s Beard, Lucky’s Last Chance, Bayou Bar & Grill, Mia Ragazza, Zesty’s, and more than 20 other crowd-pleasing restaurants in Manayunk. 

Food isn’t the only reason to stroll the streets. The weeklong food adventure brings live buskers to every street corner and hidden alley, strumming beautiful music for all to hear while select neighborhood shops stay open later than normal. 

Don’t miss: Manayunk Brewing Company is now selling artwork, featuring creative prints from local artists by the host stand at The Print Pact. 

Class is in session, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. 

Campus Philly welcomes new and returning students back to the city with its annual weekend-long fest. This year’s extravaganza features complimentary student admission to over 25 museums and attractions, like The Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Zoo, with a free CollegeFest Pass. 

Plus, special events throughout the week take fest-goers to popular sites, including a movie night inside the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (Wednesday), a free film screening in Independence National Historical Park (Friday), and — the main event — a massive block party outside Moore College of Art & Design and The Academy of Natural Sciences (Saturday). 

Know before you go: Your CollegeFest Pass also gets you cool perks during festival week, like discounts at Haraz Coffee House – University City and Campo’s Cheesesteak, free Philly Phlash rides, and discounted tickets to XPoNential Music Festival (more below). 

Get your Devil Wears Prada on at Italia è Moda. This chic international touring project makes its lone U.S. stop at Drexel University, where fashion historian Clara Tosi Pamphili curated this special exhibition showing the struggles of everyday life through stylish garments and trendy accessories. 

See haute couture from renowned Italian fashion designers, including two original costumes from Federico Fellini’s Casanova, which won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design in 1977. 

Italia è Moda also features audiovisual content and interactive digital installations, taking runway watchers behind the red carpet and into the creative processes of the Italian trend-setters who created them. Better yet, it’s 100% free. 

Vibe: Nigel Kipling was dean for a day at Drexel. 

Montco’s all about that jazz, all week long. 

Over 20 locations in Montgomery County — like the Elmwood Park Zoo, Human Robot Brewery and more — celebrate the living legacy of jazz with live performances, free swing dancing and an outdoor movie night.

With more than 30 different events on the metaphorical marquee for the fifth annual Montco Jazz Fest, music lovers can expect artist collaborations, tribute concerts and showcases of styles from big band to jazz funk.

Don’t miss: Special tributes to some of jazz’s biggest legends — John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Tony Bennett — who would be celebrating their 100th birthdays this year 

Strut those jawns all night long! Philly Fashion Week celebrates its 21st birthday in perfect runway style on Tuesday with an opening party and immersive show. 

Founded by owners Kevin Parker and Kerry Scott, this year’s theme is “From the Runway to the Streets.” Peep magnificently minimalist pieces from LaQuanius Cutner, a Marine Corps veteran turned designer, as well as luxe lingerie-chic looks from Elias Gurrola and Caribbean-inspired gowns from Jeannette Limas. 

Philly Fashion Week is a weeklong festival filled with runway shows, trend shows, shopping events and a student design competition, plus the Avant-Garde Ball and Philadelphia Fashion Awards at Vault XXVII. 

Don’t miss: This year’s theme for the Avant-Garde Ball is “Texture & Volume,” focusing largely on feathers, fringe and metallics.

From niche film screenings to high-energy dance parties, Philadelphia honors the culture and contributions of one of the city’s most engaged communities: 

• Latine Heritage Month With People’s Cinema Club at the Village of Industry and Art: Hear soulful stories and creative voices from Philly’s Latine filmmaking community, including a screening of director Jesus Rincón’s Henry Bermudez: Art in Continuous Evolution  and Eli LaBan’s Searching for the Songs of Wanaragua (Tuesday).
• ¡SALSA! at Esperanza Arts Center: International dance sensations Ashley Rivera and Elian Gomez join Siempre Salsa All-Stars, a Philly-based salsa orchestra, backed by vocalist Carlos Sanchez and Grammy-winning percussionist Willie Torres (Saturday).
• Sazón Latin Food Festival 2026 at Two Locals Brewing: Enjoy an afternoon devoted to Latin flavor at the annual Sazón Latin Food Festival at Two Locals Brewing in University City. Come hungry to the fiesta to enjoy all the flavors of Caribbean, Central and South American cuisine (including dessert!). It’s free to reserve your spot, with pay-as-you-go food and drink (Saturday).

Secure the “Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” during Constitution Day at the National Constitution Center. Thursday marks the 239th anniversary of the signing of one of the country’s most sacred documents, the “supreme law of the land.” 

The Constitution Center honors the occasion through public programming, including in-person events like a live reading of the Preamble, a naturalization ceremony and a conversation with the “forgotten founders” — John Dickinson, Gouverneur Morris, Roger Sherman and James Wilson.

Admission is free, but advance reservations are strongly encouraged. 

Know before you go: On Wednesday, check out Be a Civic Hero!: A Family Celebration, a free outdoor experience that connects constitutional principles to everyday life. Look for the little free library and its collection of more than 100 children’s books. 

Sometimes it feels good to come in third. Third Thursday at the Navy Yard brings live music, local vendors, food trucks and lawn games to Chapel Plaza on the third Thursday of every month. 

Get ready for a “Battle of the Bands” contest this week featuring returning champs The Suburban Legends, a ska-punk band from California. Sample treats from El Tlaloc and Humpty’s Dumplings while the bands duke it out, then peruse wares from merchants like Candle Odyssey, Cute & Sassy Accessories, Chu Handmade Blessings, Do Good Vintage and more. 

Don’t miss: Quack yourself up by scooping up a blingy keepsake duck from on-site vendor Ducks’n’Stuff.

Eat and drink like a Colonial rock star! Literally. Washington’s Farewell: A Constitutional Convention Send-Off recreates the raucous party thrown in George Washington’s honor at the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. 

History says the first president was feted at City Tavern by his friends the night before the U.S. Constitution was signed into law. (The bar tab totaled $16,000 in today’s money!)

The First Bank of the United States sets the scene for this 2026 farewell. Drink beers from Yards Brewing Company. Sample snacks from Spotted Horse Provisions. Down spirits from Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey, among other offerings. 

Don’t miss: Philadelphia Mead Company, founded by Steve and Rich Kassabian in 2021. Ask to try the blackberry habanero mead!

And 5, 6, 7, 8 …. At last, the city’s premier dance company grand jetés into a shiny, new home on North Broad. And it’s throwing a blockbuster housewarming party to celebrate.  

Join the prima ballerinas and danseurs of the Philadelphia Ballet for an afternoon of stunning performances, behind-the-scenes conversations, all-ages crafts and tours of Philly Ballet HQ. Registration is required for the free event.

Also on the docket for grand opening weekend: the Spotlight Soirée, a sophisticated gala breaking in the new space (Thursday). 

Don’t miss: Free, beginner-friendly dance classes for kids and adults. Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance.

Steve McQueen is smiling somewhere. Phoenixville Film Festival returns to The Colonial Theatre — forever famous for its cameo in The Blob — for another year devoted to independent films and the filmmakers behind them. 

Founded in 2022, this four-day festival hosts movie screenings, panel discussions, networking events and fun workshops before concluding with an awards ceremony. Films are sorted by specific categories, from documentary features to Pennsylvania premieres, and include new projects from rising star directors like Kyle Dalsimer and Melissa Skirboll. 

There are 50 movies being shown on the big screen inside the 174-seat White Rabbit Theatre. Make a plan to see the U.S. debut of The Devil in the Way, which chronicles the story of a mercenary for the Federal Army during the 1926 Cristero War. 

Know before you go: Can’t decide which film to see? Grab the all-access pass for unlimited viewings for all four days of the festival.

Feed me, Seymour! Philly Plant Crawl 2026 is back and better than ever after a highly successful debut run in 2025. 

Sixteen area plant and gardening shops root for your growing attention during this four-day crawl, with stops in various locations — from trending neighborhood shops like City Planter in Northern Liberties and Greenly Plant Co. in South Philly, out to suburban stalwarts like Wedgewood Gardens in Glen Mills and Perch Plants in Phoenixville. 

Get stamped at each location you visit and earn a prize at the end. What is it? No one knows. Organizers promise “endless green awaits” you! 

Vibe: This is your moment of zen.

LOVE Park turns into a canvas for Black creativity when ODUNDE Art Sho takes over everyone’s favorite gathering spot in Center City. 

This must-attend event puts food vendors, fashion designers, street dancers, musical ensembles and carnival games on display and, well, you probably guessed it … makers and creators. See some of Philly’s best graffiti artists, spray painters, photographers and portraitists in action, dipping deep into their bags to produce original artwork for you to take home. 

Good for: Wild and creative takes on Philly sports merch, including special edition LeBron James’ jerseys

WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and rising stars — including many local names — for one can’t-miss annual fest at Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden.

Over the last 32 years, the XPoNential Music Festival’s eclectic lineup has included everyone from Sarah McLachlan to The War on Drugs. This year’s lineup includes: folk rock group Dawes; indie pop band Portugal, The Man; roots funk rockers Little Feat; and many more. 

Know before you go: The Delaware Riverlink Ferry makes getting there a snap.

Making Time Festival at historic Fort Mifflin — the 18th-century Revolutionary War landmark —  is a “transcendental” three-day celebration of futuristic music featuring well over a hundred bands, all under the foundational mantra of PLURT (peace, love, unity, respect, transcendence). 

Join the super-sized party (and the planes flying overhead toward the nearby Philadelphia International Airport) with headliners electronic duo Bicep, singer and bassist Kim Gordon, Detroit house music producer Theo Parrish, local band They Are Gutting a Body of Water, and electronic music producer Skee Mask. 

Don’t miss: Bicep. This marks the only U.S. tour stop for the electronic dance music duo from Northern Ireland.

The fall edition of this twice-a-year event — the oldest outdoor fine arts show in the country — curates fine art from across a variety of media to Rittenhouse Square for a massive outdoor gallery of work by nearly 150 talented artists and crafters.

Held in June and September each year, the art event showcases some of the most creative minds in the art world. This weekend’s edition focuses on up-and-coming student artists from design schools around the region, including standouts from the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture, Realist Art League, Studio Incamminati, and many more. 

Check out the official website for the upcoming lineup of artists, along with works from last year’s exhibitors. The free festival happens rain or shine.

Good for: Finding the perfect piece to add to your aesthetic

Can pumpkins grow in saltwater? We’re about to find out. 

Fintastic Pumpkin Glow turns Adventure Aquarium into a full-on harvest festival, complete with underwater pumpkin carving and submerged scarecrows. This yearly tradition offers rare opportunities to experience Halloween through glowing gourds of all shapes and sizes, alongside sea turtles, stingrays, sharks, frogs and a 10-foot octopus.

One major highlight is “Bones or No Bones,” an interactive game show that delves into animal X-rays and quizzes contestants on everything from shark skeletons to the migration patterns of monarch butterflies. 

Vibe: Ariel meets Jack Skellington at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s … your favorite little one! Super Hero Saturday at the Please Touch Museum invites all the young dreamers out there to pick out a costume (capes are encouraged!) and help save the day. 

This all-day extravaganza features a myriad of hands-on activities for kids, including cape- and mask-making workshops, carousel rides, storybook hour, a superhero fashion show and training camp, alter ego animation stations, plus singalongs and art classes. 

Save the date for Sunday: Play Without Boundaries opens the museum up for a sensory-friendly morning, filled with activities designed for children with autism and other disabilities starting at 11 a.m. 

Don’t miss: Fly and Freeze, a chance to test your superpowers and fly around Hamilton Hall — when the music stops, freeze in place and do your best superhero pose!

Happy birthday, Kimmel Center! FREE Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest ushers in the 2026 arts and culture season while paying tribute to the 25th anniversary of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. 

This free all-day event, running from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., shines the spotlight on various living arts organizations and performance groups, including the Philadelphia Orchestra String Quartet, Opera Philadelphia, The Philly Pops, Tango Therapy Project, Curtis Institute of Music, Jazz Bridge Project, PHILADANCO! and many more cultural institutions. 

It also serves as a chance to reconnect with the venue through tours and workshops. For example, Marian Anderson Hall is open for a live organ demonstration. 

Don’t miss: The Plaza Stage hosts Broadway performances from the cast of MAMMA MIA! and Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen at 12:30 p.m.

52 Weeks of Firsts is a yearlong, citywide series of events highlighting the groundbreaking ideas, inventions and milestones that began right here. 

What’s in a name? Everything. This week, Independence Hall celebrates the moment those original 13 colonies unified under one name — “The United States of America” — giving the brand-new nation its identity. 

Painter Kat Black created the #1 sculpture for the occasion, a red, white and blue tribute tracing the country’s origins — from Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci’s notion that Europeans had “discovered” a new continent to the colonies that formed the fledgling nation’s foundation in 1776.

Good for: History buffs and art lovers

Brush up on divots and chukkas, then dust off your best collared shirt. The II Annual Philadelphia Arena Polo Championship brings one of the world’s oldest sports to Chamounix Equestrian Center in West Fairmount Park. 

Spend an afternoon cheering on youth polo players as they compete in two exciting matches at McCausland Arena. This year marks the second annual competition presented by Work to Ride, a nonprofit that empowers kids through equine activities. 

The day is divided into two matches, each ticketed separately. First up, the newbies and alumni compete with an awards ceremony slated for 1:30 p.m. Then, program alumni and pro and amateur players square off in a championship match between Mt. Gordon Farms and Mars Equestrian, starting at 2:30 p.m.

Know before you go: Gates open 30 minutes prior to each match. Tickets are required.

Cobbs Creek Library hosts the cinéKIDZ 2026-27 Season Kickoff, welcoming children ages 3 to 10 and their families in for a joyful celebration of imagination and free thinking during this free gathering in West Philadelphia. 

Listen for live music from DJ Courtnee Owens, a regular spinner at 48 Record Bar, and short film screenings throughout the day. Kah Yangni, a local illustrator and social justice advocate, hosts a hands-on arts workshop. The afternoon concludes with free food and drink (buckets of popcorn!) and ‘”Story Time with Ms. Christina.” 

Know before you go: Saturday marks the series’ kickoff, with additional dates scheduled for October 17, 2026 and November 21, 2026.

You only turn 18 once! The 18th Annual Strawberry Mansion Day takes over 21st and Diamond streets for a full day of community bonding and resource sharing. Oh, and entertainment — including live music and rides for the kiddos.

This family-friendly event started as a way to inform residents about how to stay active and engaged. Today, it is a celebration of Philly’s soul. This year, Strawberry Mansion Day boasts live performances from Pam Knight, DJ Sky, Lassiter and B.A.M. intertwined with amusement park rides, free food and information booths. 

Vibe: The Labor Day cookout came back for another weekend.

Not ready to let go of the summer vibes quite yet? Well, you don’t have to. Make the most of the last drabs of the season at this buzzy event at Philly’s elevated urban park. 

In addition to its flourishing greenery and bold public art pieces, The Rail Park plays host to its annual end-of-season block party this weekend. The afternoon’s festivities include live music by local artists, exciting cultural performances, interactive family-friendly activities, a beer garden, food trucks and more. The party is free to attend.

Vibe: As Zara Larsson said, summer isn’t over yet.

Carrying the theme “The World in One Place,” the ninth annual Upper Darby International Festival celebrates the diverse Delco community, with Mayor Ed Brown presiding over the festivities and giving remarks. 

The festival celebrates the dozens of native heritages of its residents and its multitudes of first languages, held around Five Points and along Garrett Road.

The event features international food vendors, community resources, cultural performances and the traditional Parade of Flags with colors representing the scores of home countries of Upper Darby’s residents.

Good for: Celebrating global cultures

You can’t stop the beat at this wholesome, DIY music festival, returning to Mt. Airy for its fifth year. 

Porches, patios and stoops across the Northwest Philly neighborhood transform into musical stages for one day only, hosting acts across every genre and experience level — all for the love of music. 

After a full afternoon of porch-hopping, end your night at the official Mt. Airy Porchfest after-party at Tired Hands Mt. Airy Biergarten, from 7 to 9 p.m. 

Know before you go: The fest is 100% free to attend, but bring cash to tip your fave performers.

The Philadelphia Eagles are away, so Ed Sheeran will play!

The world — more specifically the music world — is Ed Sheeran’s playground and Lincoln Financial Field is his jungle gym for one night only. Get ready to hear smooth lyrics from chart-topping hits like Shape of You, Perfect, Bad Habits and Shivers echo into the soft South Philly air. 

The massive global superstar expertly moves from heartbreaking R&B- and folk-tinged ballads to danceable pop anthems inspired by faraway places. You can have the full Ed Sheeran experience when he steps onto the stage in South Philadelphia to close out the summer with an epic open-air concert.

Good for: Anyone who ever wanted to watch the sunset over the castle on the hill

Not everything looks better in Kodachrome. French painter Julien Rey shares his black-and-white view of the world in the thought-provoking Between Two Worlds exhibition at Morton Contemporary Art Gallery.

Rey, who was born color blind, uses sharp lines and textures to evoke the constant movement and organized chaos of city life while layering in a meditative quality. His distinctive lacquer technique — a traditional Chinese method passed down from Buddhist monks — fills cracks in with gold leaf, making architectural scenes, including the Liberty Bell and Ben Franklin Bridge, pop on canvas. 

This is a visual journey like none other, with city and nature blending together in perfect harmony. You’ll need to RSVP for the opening reception. 

Good for: Budding and veteran art collectors alike, as Morton Contemporary Art Gallery boasts a diverse collection ranging from striking works under $1,000 to large-scale, museum-quality masterpieces.

Bucks County is one of the best places in the entire country to see fall foliage, and Halloween only ups the ante. 

The Scarecrow Festival puts those spooky-yet-beloved ragamuffins in hay on proud display, offering visitors unforgettable experiences like a scarecrow-making workshop — you can take a life-sized one home! — along with face-painting stations, sand art installations and an axe-throwing bounce house. 

Additionally, the festival features live music on the gazebo and in the courtyard amid a sea of food trucks from local favorites like Cousins Maine Lobster, Kono Pizza Buck Co., Free Will Brewing, Bacon on a Stick and Lucky Cupcake Company. 

Don’t miss: Head to Red Barn Field and check out the petting zoo!

The two-day We Are the Seeds Festival celebrates Indigenous arts and culture through music, dance, art and storytelling, plus Indigenous eats, apparel, and craft vendors. 

Held at Cherry Street Pier, the event is curated by resident artists at the Indigenous-led non-profit We Are the Seeds of Culture. This year’s schedule includes a powwow featuring dancers and singers from numerous tribal nations, live interactive art-making, artist talks and more. The free event happens rain or shine.

Know before you go: I-95 cap construction is ongoing. Check out the Know Before You Go guide to help you get there.

Looking for entry-level spookiness? Sesame Place brings the tricks and the treats at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular. 

Join your favorite furry friends for tons of spooky activities and attractions (ah-ah-ah!), including Halloween-themed shows and parades, a Halloween dining experience, a Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and more. Tickets are required, with additional tickets necessary for Halloween dining.

The pumpkin-flavored fun kicks off at The Count’s Hello Halloween Spectacular this Saturday.

Don’t miss: Lots of trick-or-treating and photo ops around the park

Fairmount Park’s largest historic house hosts an art exhibition curated to coincide with the Semiquincentennial that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Committee of 1926 — the group that oversees the Historic Strawberry Mansion. The exhibition showcases the works of Philadelphia-based artists who were excluded from showing their art at the time the committee formed.

Invisible no more, the works of renowned Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ artists proudly take the spotlight in this exhibition featuring an array of media on display, including paintings, textiles, photographs, pottery and three-dimensional art.

The Village — that stretch of heaven spanning the intersection of Carpenter Lane and Greene Street in West Mount Airy — comes alive every year at the end of September. 

The 17th Annual Mt. Airy Village Fair is a volunteer-only festival, beckoning performers of all backgrounds, ages and genres to shoot their shot at fame. Previous years have included everything from marching bands and cheerleaders to amateur singers and circus acts. Get creative! 

Organizers foster a “zero waste” environment, too, so all boothies are encouraged to bring their own chairs, tents, tables and recycling receptacles. 

Don’t miss: The annual pet parade, open to all family pets and furry friends (stuffed animals, too!)

Part of the Barnes Foundation’s America 250 programming comes this groundbreaking exhibition highlighting Asian American artists affected by forced relocation and incarceration during World War II and their subsequent art that helped establish American aesthetic trends.

Noguchi to Asawa: Designing Postwar America showcases the works of six artists: designer and sculptor Isamu Noguchi, world-renowned furniture designer George Nakashima, sculptor Leo Amino, graphic designer S. Neil Fujita, weaver and fiber artist Kay Sekimachi, and sculptor Ruth Asawa.

Know before you go: Access to the exhibition comes with regular museum admission.

Dates vary by event

Fringe Festival only comes once a year. Featuring more than 1,000 performances by artists of all disciplines, consider this your cheat sheet on what to do. 

• Bad Clay at Asian Arts Initiative Project Space: Justin Jain weaves text from personal poetry and performance scores in this solo exhibition, melding clay and flesh together while asking, “Where do bodies come from and what are they destined for?” (through Saturday, September 19, 2026). 

• Christmas Carol: The Rap Musical at Yellow Bicycle Theatre: Ebenezer Scrooge gets the Hamilton treatment. This riveting new musical retells the cherished tale by Charles Dickens, backed by sick beats and infectious rhymes (through Sunday, September 20, 2026). 

• Bartram’s Garden Photo Exhibit at Studio 34: Explore a private collection of intense photos snapped by West Philly native Robert G. Smith, chronicling his storied nature walks — he actually wrote a book about them — through Bartram’s Garden (through Thursday, September 24, 2026). 

• Ink & Melanin: Verse One (online): Karen Moore, a poet and filmmaker championing Black beauty, pens a haunting love letter to anyone who has ever felt diminished or overlooked by society (through Sunday, September 27, 2026). 

• Returned, Iridescent at The Drake: This eye-opening new play from Rose Farrell tells the complicated story of Elio and Luna, two star-struck trans lovers forever connected by the moon, the stars and the sun (Friday to Sunday, September 27, 2026). 

Through Thursday, November 12, 2026 (dates vary by event)

John Coltrane’s lasting legacy can’t be summed up with just one event, so the pioneering jazz musician’s adopted hometown is celebrating his milestone 100th birthday with dozens of community events, tribute concerts and ticketed performances, like:

• Coltrane at 100: A Guided Listening Experience at the Fitler Club: Uncover the colors, textures, spiritual and philosophical subtext, and sonic ideas hidden in between the notes of the music of John Coltrane and his wife, pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane. Anyabwile Love, founder of the John Coltrane Symposium, and acclaimed author and New York Times music journalist Marcus J. Moore curate this intimate guided listening experience, with recordings, conversation and reflection, at the Fitler Club (Thursday). 

• John Coltrane’s Birthday Celebration at The Yard on John Coltrane Street: Philly throws the ultimate birthday party for the jazz legend not far from his North Philly home. The free, family-friendly celebration features live performances, cupcakes, crafts and more (Friday).

• John Coltrane Programming at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Jazz is in the air at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as the premier art museum hosts multiple days of Coltrane-inspired fun, including live music and dance performances, all-ages crafting activities, and a special film screening (Friday through Sunday).

Dates vary by attraction

Throw on your coziest sweater: It’s harvest time! Several harvest festivals are back on the scene this weekend, including:

• Fall Festival at Newlin Grist Mill: The free Fall Festival set at the 18th-century Newlin Grist Mill in Delaware County features demonstrations of historic trade skills like candle making, woodworking and milling. Also, look for the Colonial market and pop-up tavern for the grown-ups (Saturday).

• Frankford Fall Festival at Frankford Pause Park: The Frankford Community Development Corporation hosts this family-friendly celebration which brings food trucks, resource vendors, live music and — wait for it! — a petting zoo to one of Northeast Philly’s most engaged neighborhoods (Saturday).

• Oxford Harvest Festival at Oxford Recreational Authority Park: Held annually for 35 years, this one-time fundraiser for the Oxford Presbyterian Church’s 1989 fire has morphed into a beloved Chester County tradition. It returns to Oxford Recreational Authority Park (Saturday). 

• Yardley Harvest Day in Yardley Borough: The annual Yardley Harvest Day, stretching from downtown along Canal Street to the Delaware River waterfront, celebrates its 57th year. Look for the Bucks County Free Library bookmobile at this community-wide, family-friendly event (Saturday).

• Harvest Jawn on South Juniper Street: Back by popular demand, South Philly’s Harvest Jawn shuts down Juniper Street (between Snyder Avenue and McKean Street) for a craft fair, bounce house, pumpkin decorating, live music, food trucks and a pie-eating contest (Sunday).

• Harvest Hayride at Arasapha Farm: Home to the super-spooky Bates Motel, Arasapha Farm in Delaware County also offers family-friendly fun during the annual Harvest Hayride days. Hop on the wagon and head out to the four-acre pumpkin garden (Saturday and Sundays through November 1, 2026.

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:

• Captain America: Civil War (2016) at Stateside Live! (Tuesday)
• Sister Act 2 (1993) at Sunset Social (Wednesday)
• Hamilton (2020) in Independence National Historical Park (Friday)
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) at Elmwood Park Zoo (Friday)
• Zootopia 2 (2025) at Palmer Park (Friday)
• Hoppers (2026) at Dickinson Square (Friday)
• Hoppers (2026) at Pop’s Park (Friday)
• The Big Lebowski (1998) at The Lot at North Bowl (Saturday)
• Minions 3 (2026) 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 brand-new round-up of some of the best hands-on food experiences and workshops in Philadelphia.

• Raise a Glass to History at Grumblethorpe: Noted historian David Hancock, an expert on the wine trade in Colonial America, leads a guided tasting and talk on fruit wines and the wine palate of estate owner John Wister (Friday).

• Ocho Supper Club at Scampi: Philly’s hottest meal ticket gets even hotter when Chef RJ Smith takes over Scampi, bringing his drool-worthy Afro-Caribbean flavors to this popular Queen Village restaurant helmed by Liz Grothe. An exclusive Industry Night closes out the weekend residency (Friday to Sunday). 

• An Evening at Longwood, Featuring 1906: Executive Chef George Murkowicz rounds up some of the best chefs in town to collaborate on a true garden-to-table dinner, including a six-course tasting menu that celebrates Longwood Gardens’ beauty and bounty. Part of the Friends of Jame Beard Benefit Series, the event also champions sustainability and food equity (Saturday). 

• 10th Annual South Philly Sausage Fest: Philly’s Newbold neighborhood is the wurst. The 10th Annual South Philly Sausage Fest turns Broad Street and West Passyunk Avenue into a party fit for Abe Froman, complete with craft artisans, flea marketers, live music and plenty of sausage. Confirmed participants include Dietz & Watson, Deke’s BBQ, Bacon on a Stick, Mike’s BBQ, and Hot Dog Lady, plus many more (Saturday).

Dates vary by performance

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.

• Boyz II Men With The Philly Pops at Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts: It’s so hard to say goodbye … but it’s a little easier with a full orchestra. Backed by the beloved Philly Pops, homegrown R&B superstars Boyz II Men take us into the last official weekend of summer with Grammy Award-laden hits (End of the Road), deep cuts (Water Runs Dry) and anthems (Motownphilly — obviously) (Friday).
• These Shining Lives at Stagecrafters Theater: Finding honest work, financial independence and true friendship at a job was no small feat for working women in the early 20th century. These four coworkers-turned-friends thought they had hit the jackpot at the Radium Dial Company — until they learned just how disposable the company believed they were. The women’s stories and history-changing court case come to the stage this week in These Shining Lives (Friday to Sunday, October 4, 2026). 
• Drunk Black History at Punch Line Philly: Get your fill of Black history with a comedic twist as these funny people (who happen to be a tiny bit tipsy) school the audience in the biographies of lesser known Black figures and stories. Comedian Brandon Collins hosts the traveling show and invites local personalities Jacen Bowman of Philly Black Pride, Trenae Nuri of City Cast and Camille Smith of STEM Talks on Tap to join the fun (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.  

Want the full scoop? Read on in our guide.

Know before you go: 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.

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 sunshine-y 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 
• 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 Saturday, September 26, 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. 

Historic Germantown’s brand-new visitor center is the perfect place to start (or end) your adventure. The center features exhibits detailing Germantown’s 300-year history, starting before it was even part of Philadelphia, plus maps to guide your exploration and a gift shop with Germantown-themed merch.

Don’t miss: Wyck, which houses one of the oldest rose gardens in America, boasts more than 50 cultivars of historic roses — some dating back to the late 1700s

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. This Sunday’s special space-themed show — set to the music of Elton John, the Beastie Boys and more — culminates with a dazzling fireworks display. 

Don’t miss: Longwood’s fine dining restaurant, 1906. Helmed by executive chef George Murkowicz, it has garnered the attention of Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan.

Through Tuesday, September 29, 2026 (Tuesdays only)

Let the good times flow! Every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., over two dozen of your favorite Fishtown restaurants and bars, like Barcade and LMNO, offer a whole bevy of food and drink deals for Fishtown Taps. 

Get your fill of $5 beers, $6 wines, $7 signature cocktails and discounted apps for your after-work indulgence.

Know before you go: Pop into Fishtown shops like Harriet’s Bookshop or Toile in between sips. 

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.

Don’t miss: The Secret Knock (punch of house-aged whiskey) at Bank & Bourbon inside the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. 

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.

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.

Don’t miss: Chiliboats Adventures and a new fleet of Swan Boats — sign up for after-dark Glow Night rides! — provide plenty of water fun. 

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: Borski Park in Northeast Philly’s Bridesburg section. This idyllic new riverfront destination (opened in July 2025!) is a 10-acre wonderland located on the Delaware River, where Delaware Avenue meets Orthodox Street. 

Good for: A cold one with your besties or a grown-up treat while the kiddos run around

Through Sunday, October 18, 2026

On the heels of its year-long Nation of Artists exhibition (see below), the Philadelphia Museum of Art hosts an exhibition showcasing the region’s historic arts and crafts works as part of the museum’s 150th anniversary programming.

The exhibition features 250 objects — like ceramics, furniture, textiles, stained glass and more — that tell the story of how Philadelphia’s Centennial Exhibition and reputation as the “workshop of the world” contributed to arts and crafts making in America.

Good for: Learning about Philly’s role in American arts and crafts

Through Sunday, October 25, 2026

Roam the streets and shop till you drop on Sundays — from now through October — as one of Philadelphia’s top shopping and dining destinations transforms into a car-free oasis.

During Open Streets: West Walnut, pedestrians can shop, dine and mosey along seven car-free blocks while enjoying acoustic music, strolling performers and family-friendly activities. Check out the official website for an entertainment schedule and a list of retailer and restaurant happenings.

The Open-Streets zone runs on Walnut Street between Broad Street and 19th Street, and on 18th Street between Locust Street and Chestnut Street. 

Vibe: Car-free and care-free strolling

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? West Philadelphia.

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!

Vibe: Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man chartered a tour bus.

Through Sunday, December 13, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays)

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.

Vibe: Paul Revere took over SEPTA.

Through Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Saturdays & Sundays)

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.

This year’s market sees over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, authentic street food and culturally specific produce, plus plants, jewelry and clothing. 

Know before you go: 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.

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. 

Don’t miss: Head over to Valley Forge National Historical Park to see the General Baron von Steuben statue, erected in 1915. 

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.

Don’t miss: George Washington’s war tent, aka the First Oval Office.

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.

Vibe: Sacajawea retells the fateful events of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 

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.

Know before you go: The exhibit is included with general admission at both museums. Purchase a full-price ticket to either museum for 50% off admission to the second museum (valid within seven days).

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:

• Sneak peek: Here’s a first glimpse at what the new Sixers and Flyers arena will look like. 
• Anchors aweigh! You can now hit the high seas from Philly’s newest cruise terminal.
• Here are the nominees in Philly’s biggest theater awards of the year.
• Ride on! The Schuylkill River Trail now spans 70 miles — from Philly to Reading. 
• The Curtis Institute’s newest piano prodigy is just 7 years old. 

And we’re not done yet! The latest on visitphilly.com coming to you in 5, 4, 3, 2 …

• Halloween is a real scream in Philadelphia. As one of the nation’s oldest — and possibly most haunted — cities, Philadelphia is home to a bevy of haunted houses, startling hayrides, scary attractions and ghastly ghost tours. Find out where to go to get your scares in this spooky season with this guide.
• From North Philly to South Philly, delicious Latin food is everywhere you go in Philadelphia. That’s thanks to the city’s vibrant, multiethnic and multiracial restaurant owners, who bring culture and family heritage to their dishes. Our updated guide highlights dozens of tasty spots, from regional Mexican fare to vegan Puerto Rican twists.
• Curated artisan gifts; delicacies from the Caribbean, Central and South America; and small-batch wine and spirits are all part of this city’s dynamic retail and dining scene. Whether you’re visiting the region — or have lived in Philly your whole life — our updated guide to Latino-owned shops showcases where to find your next treasures.