Copied to Clipboard
On July Fourth, 1776, the nation was born here in Philadelphia — and we threw a giant party. Over the 249 years since, Philly has continued to celebrate Independence Day and the summer season all July long.
Kick off the patriotic month with the culmination of the 16-day Wawa Welcome America, including pre-Fourth events like the Red White & Blue To-Do, leading to the big day’s Salute to Independence Parade and July 4th Concert and Fireworks along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Festival season heats up with celebrations including the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival and Blobfest, tasty happenings at the Ice Cream Festival on Filbert and the Philadelphia Zoo Summer Ale Fest, and cultural events like 125 Years of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Shakespeare in Clark Park.
Then get your summer on at ongoing spaces like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest or find your own space during Parks on Tap, University City Dining Days and Center City SIPS.
Check out our guide to the biggest events and most awesome things to do in Greater Philadelphia in July 2025.
Through July 4, 2025
During Wawa Welcome America, dozens of Philadelphia’s most beloved attractions offer complimentary (or pay-what-you-wish) admission during Free Museum Days. Each day from June 19 through July 4, at least one Philly museum or attraction participates in the promotion. Here’s where to go this July:
Where: Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through July 6, 2025
Film buffs and fans of Latino culture have a few more days to celebrate cinematic grandeur from established and emerging Latino filmmakers at the 14th annual Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PLFF). This season’s 180-plus selections include features, shorts, animations, web series and documentaries.
Other festival-related events include the festival’s Luz Programs (including a work-in-progress lab and filmmaker Q&A sessions) and the annual LOLA Awards, which honor filmmaking achievements in the Latino creative community. Keep an eye on the PLFF website for updates, schedules and locations, which include venues throughout the city.
Where: Various locations including the Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, July 27, 2025
Lewis Tanner Moore — great-nephew of Henry Ossawa Tanner, the first internationally acclaimed African American painter — dedicated much of his life advocating for Black artists, challenging institutions not to overlook their work and talent.
The Michener Art Museum in Doylestown pays tribute to the curator with the Yesterday’s Dreams Are Real: Collecting Black Art and The Legacy of Lewis Tanner Moore exhibition, which features 35 paintings, photographs, sculptures and paper works Moore helped the museum acquire. The collection includes creations from the advocate’s forefather, as well as local artists Moe Brooker, Barbara Bullock and James Brantley.
Where: Michener Art Museum, 138 S. Pine Street, Doylestown, PA
Through Sunday, August 10, 2025
Hundreds of flags and banners stitched by colonial Philadelphia flagmakers like Betsy Ross and Rebecca Flower Young were carried by Revolutionary soldiers and militiamen. But only 30 are known to have survived.
The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War and the birth of the U.S. Armed Forces with the milestone exhibit Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags, which showcases over a dozen of these original flags — the largest collection of Revolutionary-era colors seen together in over 200 years.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Wednesday, August 27, 2025 (Wednesdays only)
The pay-as-you-go Center City District SIPS series is back for its 21st season with lots of happy hour revelry. The weekly Wednesday night program offers substantial discounts at nearly 100 (and counting) bars, restaurants and beer gardens throughout Center City.
The CCD SIPS promotion is simple: enjoy $5 beer, $6 wine, $7 cocktails and half-priced appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. at favorites like Franky Bradley’s, Taste Cheesesteak Bar, Harp & Crown, Independence Beer Garden, Square 1682, Bud & Marilyn’s, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Continental Midtown. After happy hour, enjoy 15% off dinner at select locations.
Where: Various locations including Air Grille at Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, August 31, 2025
Light up the night at historic Franklin Square during the must-see Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Old City. Celebrate the Year of the Snake among dozens of massive, intricate and handcrafted lanterns and installations constructed by Chinese artisans spread around the park.
Along with the fantastical light display, enjoy live cultural performances, folk art, dumpling-making, fountain shows, festival-themed crafts and lots of international food and drink, including brews at the popular Dragon Beer Garden. Advanced tickets (timed Fridays through Sundays) are required to attend the event, which starts after the park closes.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
All eyes turn from France to the French-inspired Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the From Paris to Provence exhibition highlighting the Barnes Foundation’s own collection. This self-study of over 50 works examines how France itself informed the native impressionist and post-impressionist painters who have significant presence within the existing gallery.
See how late-19th and early-20th century masters like Monet, Renoir, Manet, van Gogh and Cézanne were influenced by La République, from the streets of Paris to the coasts of Normandy to the South of France, through art, culture and personality.
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Through Monday, September 1, 2025
The latest iteration of the famous three-decade-old traveling exhibition, Body Worlds: Vital is on display now through September at The Franklin Institute. A joint work of anatomists and over 13,000 body donors, the exhibit is an exposition of dissected human bodies, animals and other anatomical figures, which allows visitors to view complex anatomy structures and functions in an unprecedented way through the innovative preservation process of plastination.
The exhibit explores health concerns of contemporary times and celebrates the living human body in its optimal state: healthy, vibrant, vigorous and in motion.
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA
An intriguing exhibition is on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, showcasing the monumental changes in design aesthetics that came during and after World War II. Boom: Art and Design in the 1940s highlights a shift toward creativity and a departure from norms across media, including fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture and more.
Within this exhibition featuring works from the museum’s permanent collections, see how artists brought new ideas to their work and began to express a creative spirit that flourished — despite the restrictions and adversity of the era from across the decade.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
During warm-weather months, the focus along the Delaware River waterfront turns to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. The open-air festival’s centerpiece is the NHL-sized rollerskating rink surrounded by a double-decker carousel, a 60-foot Ferris wheel, mini-golf, a moon bounce, and a midway with boardwalk games and rides.
Hit up any of those popular tentpole attractions, or just chill and indulge in plenty of food and drink alongside soaring views of the river and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Admission to the festival is free, with food, rides and skating pay-as-you-go.
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, September 28, 2025
The popular summertime pop-up attraction at Spruce Street Harbor Park (SSHP) on the Delaware River features a bevy of summery activities, a boardwalk with food and drink concessions and plenty of spaces to chill — in waterside Adirondack chairs, in flat-bottomed net lounges above the river or in cozy hammocks in the meadow.
Favorite amenities back for 2025 include The Lazy Hammock covered bar and performance stage (with video wall), The Blue Anchor Barge local beer and cocktail bar, and The Trading Post waterside snack and ice cream bodega, plus much more.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
The glorious waterworks at Longwood Gardens — recently named one of the world’s 100 greatest places — spring to life across its Kennett Square campus during the attraction’s annual Festival of Fountains
Daytime performances include the daily Main Fountain Garden show with its 1,719 jets soaring as high as 175 feet (also viewable from the Conservatory Overlook,) and the 110-year-old Open Air Theatre’s 750 sprays in changing patterns spinning and dancing to music. Nighttime brings the dazzling displays of the spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performances.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Through Saturday, September 28, 2025 (select dates)
Summer is heating up and so are Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler and the rest of your 2025 Philadelphia Phillies as the Fightins hit midseason at Citizens Bank Park.
The schedule starts with a series wrap against Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (July 1 to 2, 2025), followed by a three-game set with the Cincinnati Reds (July 4 to 6, 2025) before the 2025 All-Star Game. The Phils return from the break to take on South Jersey’s Mike Trout and his Los Angeles Angels (July 18 to 20, 2025) before closing the month with an interleaguer versus the Boston Red Sox (July 21 to 23, 2025).
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, October 12, 2025 (Wednesdays through Sundays)
Philly’s beloved roving beer garden Parks on Tap brings brews and bites to urban parks and green spaces across Philadelphia, with a new neighborhood to visit each week. Expect drafts from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Conshohocken Brewing, 2SP Brewing and more, as well as cocktails, burgers, cheesesteaks and snacks.
Find Parks on Tap at these great spaces this month:
Where: Schuylkill Banks, 2501 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (4)
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Horticultural Drive, Philadelphia, PA
McMichael Park, 3299 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Columbus Square Park, 1200 Wharton Street, Philadelphia, PA
Gorgas Park, 6300 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Saturday, October 18, 2025 (select dates)
Dooooop! The Philadelphia Union reach midseason as Kai Wagner, Andre Blake, Alejandro Bedoya and their teammates kick into July’s three-game slate at soccer-specific Subaru Park in Chester, before and after the MLS All-Star Game.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, see the Union take on the MLS Cup finalist New York Red Bulls and superstar Emil Forsberg, followed by a matchup with playoff contender CF Montréal on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The Boys in Blue return from break on Saturday, July 26, 2025, for a battle on the pitch with the Colorado Rapids.
Where: Subaru Park, 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester, PA
Through Sunday, October 26, 2025 (Saturdays & Sundays)
Hailed as “one of the best food markets in the United States” by Food & Wine, the seasonal Southeast Asian Market brings the tastes of the region to FDR Park each weekend through October.
The massive culinary treasure includes over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, street food, native produce, plants, jewelry, apparel and more, all set up at the festival’s ”season two” location on the bank of Edgewood Lake. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy your food fresh along with your take-home haul. Please note: Some vendors are cash-only and there’s no ATM on site.
Where: Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, January 4, 2026
As part of The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration — honoring milestone semiquincentennial birthdays of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps — museums across the city are offering special exhibits, including a display at the American Swedish Historical Museum.
The And Let Victory Tell the Rest: 250 Years of Navy Shipbuilding in Philadelphia exhibition spotlights Philly as one of the world’s premier shipbuilding regions from the time of the Continental Navy through the Cold War and beyond. The exhibit showcases these ships, the people that built them and their role in defending America.
Where: American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Ongoing
Give the City of Brotherly Love a standing ovation: The internationally renowned TKTS ticket booth service is available right here in Philly.
Joining the ranks of New York, Tokyo and London, TKTS Philadelphia offers unbeatable deals of 30% to 50% off last-minute tickets to select Philly theater and performing arts shows (within 72 hours of the start time), including performances by Ensemble Arts Philly and The Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as shows at over 20 venues like The Wilma Theater, Forrest Theatre and Walnut Street Theatre. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Independence Visitor Center.
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (6)
America declared its independence from England on July 2, 1776, and John Adams campaigned for that day to become America’s Independence Day. That didn’t happen (obviously), but the annual Red, White, & Blue To-Do aims to honor the Founding Father’s wishes.
During the commemoration, enjoy a special flag raising, events at sites and museums throughout the Historic District, the Pomp & Parade procession along Independence National Historical Park, freedom celebrations, games, restaurant and retail specials, extended hours at attractions, a patriotic concert on Independence Mall and the All American Block Party on 3rd Street.
Where: Various locations including the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Join over 80,000 spectators for the annual Salute to Independence Parade – the nation’s largest Independence Day procession — featuring dozens of colorful floats along with thousands of dancers, marching bands, drummers, color guards, drill teams and celebrities celebrating our nation.
Find a spot on the sidelines to view highlights including a dance set to original song America My Home Sweet Home, the world champion Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps and the debut of the first float set designed for America’s semiquincentennial in 2026. The parade begins near Independence Hall and ends north of City Hall.
Where: Begins at South 5th & Chestnut streets, Philadelphia, PA
Nothing says Independence Day like burgers, hot dogs, ribs and … blueberries? That’s the juicy purple vibe at the Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash at Bucks County play-shop-and-dine destination Peddler’s Village.
This Independence Day “’cue-berry” all-day outdoor BBQ features all-American grill favorites and blueberry-themed food and drinks, live music including patriotic selections, old fashioned games (for prizes) and lots of blueberry vibes. Then enjoy the remainder of your day around the site’s 42 acres and over 70 shops and restaurants, recently voted one of the nation’s 10 best shopping centers.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
Friday, July 4, 2025 | Concert 7 p.m., Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
After 16 days of Wawa Welcome America, the last Independence Day before next year’s semiquincentennial culminates with a free evening-long party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring a big-name concert followed by fantastic fireworks filling the sky.
The July 4th Concert and Fireworks festival is highlighted by music from Álvaro Díaz and JoJo, along with food trucks, vendors, wellness activities, a beer garden, games and family-friendly fun. Then join thousands lining the Parkway to take in a breathtaking fireworks show above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Looking for where to watch the display? We’ve got you covered.
As Independence City, Philly knows its fireworks.
Throughout the July 4th Wawa Welcome America concert, the crowd’s energy was electric as superstars belted out certified bangers. But then, as the music wound down and the fireworks began lighting up the night, silence.
It was a hush so quiet you could hear the drip of melting Firecracker Ice Pops. People stopped in place. All eyes were on the skies as bursts of cascading color rumbled above the Art Museum. For 15 magical minutes, we were family.
Tip: Don’t worry if you can’t get as close as you’d like. There’s not a bad seat on the Parkway.
Where: Entrance at Logan Circle, 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Ahead of FIFA World Cup 26 descending on Philly in summer 2026, the FIFA Club World Cup — the global competition for club teams featuring champion squads from the six continental football federations — visits Lincoln Financial Field, providing an incredible preview of what’s to come while offering plenty of thrilling club-level action.
Independence Day marks the culmination of the Philly region’s bracket, with a nighttime Quarterfinal matchup on the Linc pitch between the site’s two remaining teams vying for a spot in the tournament’s “final four” at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Fans can enjoy 20% off tickets to the matches on June 28 or July 4, 2025 or take advantage of FIFA’s Family Special, featuring free tickets for children 16 and under.
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA
For 26 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); Sunday Blobfest 5K, 10K & Half Marathon; and an event-long short-film contest. But the highlight is two The Blob screenings, followed by “run-out” recreations of the pivotal scene where frightened townspeople flee the famous theater.
Where: The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA
World famous alt-circus Cirque du Soleil returns to the Wells Fargo Center with its cherished production OVO, including all the acrobatic performances, high-energy acts, colorful visuals and elaborate costumes expected from the French-Canadian troupe.
The romantic, family-friendly story immerses audiences in the bustling world of insects on the arrival of a quirky bug known as The Foreigner and his mysterious egg (“ovo” in Portuguese), which becomes a symbol of life and transformation within the insect community. The vibrant production includes foot-juggling ants, hand-balancing dragonflies, and contorting spiders on slackwires.
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 blueberry frozen lemonade, blueberry apple cider slushy, blueberry goat cheese salad and blueberry smash sundae.
Expect a slew of other rousing blueberry-themed and fun activities, with live bluegrass and indie folk music, kids performers and more favorites seen at past events. The festival is free to attend, however tickets are required to pick blueberries.
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA
I scream, you scream, we all scream for the Ice Cream Festival on Filbert at Reading Terminal Market. The annual outdoor celebration of the frozen treat brings together nearly a dozen shops from the Philly artisanal ice cream community.
Among participating ice creameries scooping at the event are Bassetts Ice Cream, Cloud Cups, Milk Jawn, Franklin Fountain, Scoop DeVille, Siddiq’s Water Ice and more offering their creations out on Filbert Street in front of the venue. The free-to-attend, pay-as-you-go event also includes activities like ice cream demonstrations, games and live music.
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
A striking adaptation of the Yann Martel book and Ang Lee film of the same name, Life of Pi enthralled audiences on Broadway with its larger-than-life puppetry and enchanting tale of survival and faith.
The story tells of shipwrecked 16-year-old Pi Patel as he floats through the Pacific Ocean all alone, save for his unlikely travel companions: a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger. The Tony and Olivier Award-winning play transforms the Academy of Music stage, bringing to life Pi’s fantastical account of his 227 days at sea.
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Take your taste buds on a West Philly world tour with special “three courses, three prices” $20, $30 and $40 promotional meal deals from local restaurants as University City Dining Days returns to the neighborhood to highlight the district’s culinary scene as one of the most diverse and robust in the city.
Participating restaurants include Co-Op Restaurant, Han Dynasty, Louie Louie, Renata’s Kitchen, White Dog Cafe and more.
Where: Various locations including Garces Trading Company, 2929 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Just off the main drag in West Powelton, the annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival at Saunders Park Greene draws thousands of revelers each year to celebrate jazz music in all its flavors.
Tap your toes to some of Philly’s funkiest jazz musicians, visit community vendors to buy locally made goods, or take a load off with cool treats and summer eats at the food trucks. The festival is free to attend, with pay-as-you-go food and refreshments. For updates and this year’s lineup, keep an eye on the festival’s website.
Where: Saunders Park Greene, North 39th Street & Powelton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Lions and tigers and … beers, oh my! Take a sip on the wild side at the annual Summer Ale Fest at the Philadelphia Zoo. This 21-and-up event features over 100 craft beers, ciders, hard iced teas and seltzers to enjoy while you explore the zoo at night.
The region’s only beer festival where attendees can visit wild animals while sipping tasty brews also features local food trucks and live music from Ridge Runners, Kind Hearted Strangers and Nik Greeley & the Operators. Advance tickets are required and are not offered at the door.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
It’s an E-A-G-L-E-S celebration on the R-I-V-E-R! Gather around at Cherry Street Pier to witness the spectacular sights in the night during the illuminating Deck the Hulls: Philadelphia Eagles Boat Parade and pier party to honor the Super Bowl LIX champs.
The event brings together Birds fans and boating lovers to watch a fleet of dazzling Eagles-themed craft cruise the Delaware River while competing for prizes like best-decorated, fan favorite and most innovative. Also expect live entertainment, food vendors, Eagles merch, meet-and-greets with former players and more up on dry land.
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Come to the spectacular Mann Center for the Performing Arts to honor those “Fabulous Philadelphians” as they mark their sesquicentennial anniversary with the celebratory 125 Years of The Philadelphia Orchestra birthday showcase.
Pack a picnic and join conductor Naomi Woo and the world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra for an open-air evening of classical music hits at its long-time summer home. The program features Disney’s Fantasia score (which was originally recorded by the orchestra in 1939), Bach’s Toccata & Fugue in D minor, Paul Dukas’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and Jean Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2.
Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
A West Philly tradition celebrating 20 years, the Bard takes center (outdoor) stage as Shakespeare in Clark Park Presents Midsummer, a “psychedelic new musical” adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The vibrant show is set in a whimsical forest as four young lovers’ romantic entanglements become increasingly convoluted with meddling from magical beings like fairy king Oberon and mischievous Puck, infused with musical styles from psychedelia and folk and punk to disco. The free professional productions begin at 7 p.m. each night inside “the Bowl.” Don’t forget snacks, blankets and lawn chairs.
If that’s not enough Eagles revelry, don your finest kelly green eveningwear and head to The Mann Center for a viewing of the Super Bowl LIX title season’s video yearbook with a special soundtrack, as NFL Films Presents Philadelphia Eagles: A Championship Season backed by The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Join conductor Anthony Parnther, host and voice of the Eagles Merrill Reese, mascot Swoop and the Eagles Cheerleaders as the video diary is presented on three giant screens to the inspiring symphonic music of NFL Films performed live. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family.
July 25 & 27, 2025
The annual Make The World Better Concert Weekend is back again with two musical days of genre-blending beats at FDR Park. This year’s headliners include former Philly resident Lucy Dacus — also of indie rock darlings boygenius — on Friday, July 25, 2025, supported by Jay Som and Hop Along, and the funk pop/neo-soul sounds of Remi Wolf taking the stage on Sunday, July 27, 2025, with Magdalena Bay and Ani DiRusso for support.
The uplifting festival — founded in 2013 by former Eagles linebacker Connor Barwin — benefits the Make The World Better Foundation, which is committed to revitalizing Philly’s public parks.
Where: FDR Park, South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
All aboard! Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of miniature railroading as the long-running Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show makes a (whistle) stop at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. The event is designed for children of all ages along with modelers, collectors and enthusiasts.
Scope out hundreds of tables of beautifully designed train layouts, accessories, scale models and collectible toys from model builders and dealers from across the country, along with kids activities and free workshops and seminars for teens and adults. Bonus: Kids’ admission is free.
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA
Showcasing films by Black, Brown and Indigenous artists, the BlackStar Film Festival brings features, shorts, documentaries, panel discussions and parties to multiple intriguing venues across the city. The annual Oscar-qualifying fest celebrates some of the most influential voices in filmmaking and visual arts.
The 2025 event — its 14th year — is expected to feature nearly 100 films (including several world premieres) representing dozens of countries. Tickets are available for individual performances or as blanket festival-long passes.
Where: Various locations including Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
There’s nowhere better than Philly for outdoor urban attractions running all summer long, highlighted by Spruce Street Harbor Park’s floating riverside net lounges, boardwalk and LED-lit tree-slung hammocks.
Then hop upriver to Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest at Penn’s Landing with its full-sized rollerskating rink, double-decker carousel, 60-foot Ferris wheel and boardwalk midway. And when you’re done by the Delaware, head into the city for the festivities at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square with its massive handcrafted lanterns, international food options and the Dragon Beer Garden.
Let the music wash over you on a warm July evening at a plethora of open-air concert venues in Philly, the largest of which — Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion — holds 26,000 between seats and the lawn with across-the-river views of the Philly skyline.
West Fairmount Park’s The Mann Center pavilion and lawn accommodates 14,000 with stunning skyline views from one of the city’s highest points, while East Fairmount Park’s secluded Dell Music Center hosts up to 5,300. And don’t miss colossal summer shows at Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park stadiums.
There is no better place in the whole U-S-of-A to enjoy the festivities celebrating Independence Day than in Philadelphia, the birthplace of America. Philly features scores of events — many part of Wawa Welcome America — leading up to and on July Fourth.
Take your pick from Free Museum Days, the Salute to Independence Parade, the Red, White, & Blue To-Do, the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, a sundown concert with some of pop’s biggest stars, and the stunning fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
July’s summery temps and sunny days are the perfect weather to get out and enjoy outdoor dining spaces and streateries across the city to feast alfresco. Grab a seat under the sun (or stars … or awning) at a new or favorite restaurant, bistro, café or diner that features open-air seating at patio tables, street enclosures, rooftop decks and parklets.
Philly offers a plethora of outdoor spots from balconies to beer gardens, including favorites like Suraya, LMNO, Sunset Social, Independence Beer Garden, Liberty Point, Morgan’s Pier or your favorite rooftop space or seasonal bar.
Whether you favor an urban park, hidden trail or botanic garden, there are countless ways to get outside and enjoy National Parks & Recreation Month in July. Hikers and bikers can find amazing trails through the woods at Fairmount Park or Wissahickon Valley Park, and joggers and strollers can enjoy views from the Delaware River Trail or Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk.
Aquaphiles can grab a kayak or canoe at Glen Foerd or Penn’s Landing, or if you’d rather relax with an amble among the flowers, check out Morris Arboretum and Longwood Gardens.
Summertime in Philly means exciting Philadelphia Phillies baseball with the most passionate fans in sports at Citizens Bank Park, one of the game’s most beautiful venues. Cheer on your favorite stars or grab some of the nation’s best ballpark food at spots like Bull’s BBQ, Chickie’s & Pete’s, Federal Donuts and along the Ashburn Alley corridor behind centerfield.
Or hit the pitch with the Philadelphia Union at gorgeous soccer-specific Subaru Park in Chester with its marquee views of the Commodore Barry Bridge soaring above the stadium and the exuberant Sons of Ben supporters’ group.
It’s a somewhat confusing name, but water ice — locally pronounced “wooder ice” — is a quintessentially Philly warm-weather treat. Similar to (but different from) Italian ice, the simple combination of fruit or syrup with finely shaved ice can be found at shops across the city.
Explore traditional flavors at shops like John’s Water Ice, Rose’s Real Italian Water Ice, Morrone’s Water Ice, Tranzilli’s Real Italian, Yardley Ice House and Philly’s ubiquitous Rita’s Water Ice. For creative flavors like daiquiri and cantaloupe, visit Siddiq’s Water Ice, or enjoy gourmet options at D’Emilio’s Old World Ice Treats.
When you’re on vacation (or staycation), there’s nothing like hitting a relaxing, luxurious hotel pool to cool down, get some exercise or chill poolside. Here are some of Philly’s best.
Check out: the 57th-floor indoor infinity pool at Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center, the four-story glass atrium rooftop pool at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City, AKA University City’s 75-foot-long stainless steel “pool in the sky,” the Philly-themed Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown pool, The Logan’s salt water pool or the heated rooftop at the W Philadelphia (which offers day passes for non-guests).
Make no mistake: July in Philadelphia can get pretty hot, but temps remain relatively comfortable for mid-summer. Daytime high temperatures average 87 degrees Fahrenheit with overnight lows around 70 degrees.
July is also the city’s sunniest month, averaging nearly nine hours of sunshine per day, with only around 11 days experiencing at least some rain all month, with occasional brief scattered summer thunderstorms. The record high temperature for July is 104 degrees, way back in 1936. But don’t fret: Philadelphia has not experienced a 100-degree July day since 2012.
Yes, and there is none better. As the birthplace of our nation, Philadelphia does it up right every year for Independence Day. July Fourth brings citywide celebrations, block parties, historical reenactments and lots of summertime food.
Annual highlights include Free Museum Days, a massive Salute to Independence Parade (the largest in the nation), a free sundown concert with some of pop’s biggest stars and a spectacular fireworks display. Come early and enjoy other Wawa Welcome America events starting on Juneteenth and running through Independence Day.
Surround yourself with good eats, good drinks, good music and good company outdoors along the blacktops and sidewalks of Philly neighborhoods during the apex of summer street festival season.
The warm weather invites locals and visitors alike to a slew of annual July fests like Summer Ale Fest at the Philadelphia Zoo, Reading Terminal Market’s Ice Cream Festival on Filbert, Phoenixville’s Blobfest, the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival and the Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival. And for something berry special, celebrate National Blueberry Month with fests at Linvilla Orchards and Peddler’s Village.
Many locals would target the sports scene in Philly in July as one of the best, headlined by the Phillies, who garner the city’s attention for a full month of games as midseason arrives at Citizens Bank Park.
Or head down to stunning soccer-specific Subaru Park in Chester below the Commodore Barry Bridge to see the MLS’ Union hit the pitch as their campaign also hits midseason. And join recreational athletes across the city at parks, courts and fields playing everything from tennis and softball to disc golf and water polo.
Oh, yeah! Philadelphia can get pretty warm during July. That makes for a great month to head into the air conditioning at one of the city’s many art, cultural, science and historical museums.
Start at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the city’s largest with 14,865 feet of gallery space. From there, discover more spots along the Ben Franklin Parkway and beyond, from the beloved Franklin Institute and historic Academy of Natural Sciences to the eerie Mütter Museum and quirky American Treasure Tour, all in the comfy indoors.
Let’s be honest: Where else would you want to be during the height of Independence Day season but Philadelphia? Join the thousands that descend upon the city in July to celebrate the birth of our nation in its birthplace.
Along with a slew of July Fourth activities, it’s the perfect month for outdoor fun at summerlong outdoor attractions like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, happy hour celebration Center City District SIPS or the Parks on Tap roving beer garden series.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?