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If we have to say good-bye to summer, then we’ve got to make it good.
Thankfully, the City of Brotherly Love celebrates Labor Day — aka the unofficial end of summer — with a loooong weekend of awesome things to do, can’t-miss events and only-in-Philly experiences.
Music? We got that. WDAS legend Patty Jackson’s annual concert, Patty’s Party in the Park, takes over the Mann with a soulful lineup of acts.
History? Fun programming continues at iconic Philly sites like Independence National Historical Park and the Betsy Ross House through the weekend.
Food? Dine at Philly’s award-winning eateries, snack on iconic Philly staples (you know the ones), or sip away in the sunshine at one of Philadelphia’s many rooftop or seasonal bars and restaurants.
If you’re looking for some bonus summer fun in the region, witness bedlam at the Bank as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park, catch a fireworks show during Saturday Night unWINEd at Shady Brook Farm, or take advantage of last call at seasonal attractions like the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square.
Below, find the best things to do in Philadelphia for Labor Day weekend 2025.
Through Sunday, August 31, 2025
Historic Franklin Square’s glowing celebration of light and culture, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival wraps up its 2025 run this Labor Day weekend. Celebrate the Year of the Snake among dozens of massive, intricate and handcrafted lanterns and installations constructed by Chinese artisans. (Bonus: Many of this year’s displays are whimsically interactive with group games, creative activities and fun moving elements.)
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 new 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 a 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
You don’t need a passport to take a safari this summer. Labor Day weekend is your last chance to catch Safari in Sand, the 2025 edition of this annual free display bringing larger-than-life sand sculptures to Peddler’s Village.
These aren’t your typical oceanside sand castles, either. World-renowned artists have been hard at work, crafting several supersized and intricate sculptures made entirely of sand. Located throughout the village, the colossal creations are free to view and portray animals and scenes from the Serengeti, like hippos at a watering hole, a lion in the grasslands and more.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
The Academy of Natural Sciences’ latest exhibition threads the needle between science and fashion, exploring the history of the clothing industry and its often devastating environmental impacts.
Pulling from Drexel University’s impressive (and very fabulous) Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection, The Ecology of Fashion finds pieces by contemporary household brands, big-name fashion houses (think: Oscar de la Renta and Givenchy) and modern-day changemakers displayed alongside specimens from the museum’s collections, underscoring fashion’s relationship to nature and how we can better care for the natural world without losing our eye for style.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Through Monday, September 1, 2025
When warm weather hits, the focus along the Delaware River waterfront is 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-tall Ferris wheel, mini-golf, a moon bounce, and a midway with boardwalk games and rides.
Or just chill and indulge in plenty of food and drink alongside soaring views of the river and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Admission is free; everything else is pay as you go.
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
First debuted during Pride Month, In Plain Sight is a bold new installation honoring transgender, queer, intersex and asexual members of the community.
Created in collaboration with local artists and creatives, the sculpture incorporates colors from the different LGBTQ+ pride flags, each representing a segment of the community. The piece sends a loud, clear and proud message that all LGBTQ+ visitors are wanted and welcomed warmly in the birthplace of liberty. The statue wraps up its Cherry Street Pier residency on Labor Day, but stay tuned for more information about In Plain Sight’s next home.
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
The latest iteration of the famous three-decade-old traveling exhibition, Body Worlds: Vital closes out its run at The Franklin Institute this Labor Day weekend.
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
On display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art through Labor Day weekend, Boom: Art and Design in the 1940s showcases the monumental changes in design aesthetics that came during and after World War II. The exhibit highlights a shift toward creativity and a departure from norms across media, including fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture and more.
Works from the museum’s permanent collections explore 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 across the decade.
Pro tip: Visiting on Saturday or Sunday? End your trip with cocktails and skyline views at Summer on the Steps, the museum’s seasonal pop up atop the iconic Rocky Steps.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
At the Once Upon a Nation Storytelling Benches, award-winning storytellers offer secrets about the history of Philadelphia and our nation through fun and interactive tales.
Uniformed storytellers share their three- to five-minute stories at special benches near several historic sites throughout Old City, including Independence Hall, the Independence Visitor Center and the Betsy Ross House.
Where: Various locations including Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stop by the Independence Visitor Center to hear first-hand accounts of history from costumed interpreters embodying some of Philly’s most famous figures (looking at you, Ben) and lesser-known characters.
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Betsy Ross skips the morning coffee, instead starting her days off with a quiet act of rebellion by secretly hoisting her thirteen-star spangled banner high above Old City.
Find out why the act was so revolutionary, especially in 1776, at daily ceremonial flag raisings at her historic home.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
One of the most convenient and inexpensive ways to travel around the city is aboard the colorful Philadelphia PHLASH Downtown Loop. Single rides on the purple buses are just $2 per person or $5 for an all-day pass, with free rides for children under 5, seniors, and SEPTA Pass and Key card holders.
The PHLASH service loops from Penn’s Landing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with over a dozen stops along the route near attractions like Independence National Historical Park, The Franklin Institute, LOVE Park and the Please Touch Museum.
Where: Various stops including the Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA
Ongoing
It’s summertime, and you know what that means: good times with good friends, preferably with a warm breeze and a cold drink.
Many of Philly’s most popular outdoor venues are open for Labor Day weekend, including:
Looking for even more outdoor options? Check out our 2025 guide to the city’s seasonal restaurants and bars. Cheers!
Where: Various locations including River Tiki at Liberty Point, 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
All summer long, Philly’s beloved roving beer garden Parks On Tap has been slinging brews and bites at urban parks and green spaces across Philadelphia, with a new neighborhood featured each week.
Expect drafts from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Conshohocken Brewing, 2SP Brewing and more, as well as cocktails, burgers, cheesesteaks and snacks. This Labor Day weekend, find the pop up at Penn Treaty Park from Wednesday through Sunday.
Where: Penn Treaty Park, 1301 N. Beach Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, September 28, 2025
The popular Spruce Street Harbor Park (SSHP) warm-weather attraction on the Delaware River features a bevy of activities, a boardwalk with 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.
Enjoy amenities including The Lazy Hammock covered bar and stage with video wall, Blue Anchor Barge local beer and cocktail bar, and The Trading Post waterside snack and ice cream bodega.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
The glorious waterworks at Longwood Gardens — 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 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, with special Fireworks & Fountains Shows on select dates (including Sunday, August 31, 2025).
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Through Saturday, October 26, 2025 (Saturdays and 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, 1500 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Saturday, October 25, 2025
Who runs the world? The ladies of colonial Philadelphia, like entrepreneurial laundress Susanna Cooke and socialite Peggy Chew, join Betsy at her historic home to share true stories of their lives and answer your questions.
Animal lovers, kick off your Labor Day festivities among the big cats, reptiles and other critters that call the Philadelphia Zoo home.
Keeping its gates open late into the evening for Zoo After Hours, the historic zoo (America’s first!) invites you to visit your favorite animal exhibits, enjoy its attractions and jam out to indie folk band 3rowback (BYO-blankets and chairs welcome!) over bevvies and lawn games.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Shady Brook Farm’s ticketed Summer UnWINEd series brings live music, food, craft beer, specialty cocktails and wine from Rose Bank Winery to the farm one last time before the season (unofficially) ends.
While there are tons for adults to enjoy, the family-friendly event also features plenty of fun and activities for the kiddos, including go-karts and slides. The Saturday event closes summer out with a bang with an evening fireworks spectacle.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA
What better place to (unofficially) send off summer than the ballpark?
Root, root, root on our guys as they take on their pesky NL East rivals, the Atlanta Braves, during a four-game series at Citizens Bank Park.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA
North Philly closes out the unofficial summer season with a day full of family fun, community spirit and neighborhood pride.
Taking over Fotterall Square, the free event features live musical performances, treats from local vendors, all-ages games and activities, and a community resource fair.
Where: Fotterall Square, 1129 W. Cumberland Street, Philadelphia, PA
WDAS radio host Patty Jackson returns to The Dell for another edition of her late-summer R&B concert extravaganza, Patty’s Party in the Park.
This year’s smooth-singing lineup features slow jams and classics by timeless performers Jeffrey Osborne, After 7 and Heatwave.
Where: The Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Summer’s been good to Big Bird, Abby Cadabby and the rest of the Sesame Street gang, so it’s only right that everyone’s favorite furballs close out summer with a kid-approved Labor Day bash.
Snap a pic with Elmo, donning his red, white and blue best; snag a seat at a ticketed dinner with the fuzzy monster; and be sure to stick around until 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2025, for a colorful fireworks display.
Where: Sesame Place Philadelphia, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA
Get lost wandering the historic halls of an American treasure during Fonthill Castle’s ever-popular Meander Days.
Knowledgeable guides are on hand to answer questions (and make sure you don’t get too turned around) as you explore the massive concrete fortress’ 32 stairways, 44 distinct rooms, 200 windows and 18 fireplaces.
Where: Fonthill Castle, 525 E. Court Street, Doylestown, PA
This is the stuff dreams are made of: flavor-packed noodles, colorful handmade dumplings and satay skewers.
A bold celebration of Asian cuisine and culture, Dream Asia Food Fest brings together over 90 Asian food vendors representing countries from across Asia — including China, Korea, Japan, Thailand and India — for an epic day of good eats and family fun.
Also on deck: Asian food pop ups by famous New York City chefs; a cultural bazaar featuring handmade crafts, fashion and more; and live entertainment, including music, traditional dance, cultural showcases and kung fu workshops.
General and VIP admission are available, and food is pay as you go.
Where: Greater Philadelphia Fairgrounds, Perkiomen Mill Loop, Phoenixville, PA
Philly’s oldest German-American club celebrates its 153rd anniversary during this three-day German festival in Northeast Philadelphia.
This Labor Day tradition is full of authentic German food and classic American fare (think bratwurst, schnitzel, hamburgers, and cotton candy); live entertainment, including authentic folk dancing and non-stop music from local bands; vendors selling local and imported German crafts, clothes and gifts; family-friendly rides and activities; and — of course — plenty of beer and wine. Visitors can buy one-, two- or three-day passes at the gate.
Where: Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA
Special end-of-summer programming comes to the Museum of the American Revolution this Labor Day weekend.
Stop by the Old City museum for pop-up gallery talks and first-person theatrical performances by historical character actors; kid-centric crafts and activities; and the family-friendly Revolution Place, an interactive play space featuring three replicated 18th-century environments: a home, a tavern and a military encampment.
Bonus: Kids 12 and under are admitted free all weekend long.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
August 29 – September 1, 2025 (dates vary by event)
Seize the (extra) day. Labor Day parties are happening all weekend long, which means there’s plenty of opportunity to dance late into the night and flaunt your favorite white outfit before the Labor Day fashion clock strikes midnight.
Where: The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (4)
Cavanaugh's River Deck, 417 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
118 North, 118 North Wayne Avenue, Wayne, PA
Moshulu, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Bok Bar, 800 Mifflin Street, Philadelphia, PA
August 30-September 1 & September 6-7, 2025
The 59th annual Polish American Family Festival transforms the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa into one of the country’s oldest and largest Polish cultural fests. The five-day Doylestown party is a celebration of family, fun and heritage, attracting over 25,000 attendees.
The two-weekend event features amusement rides, a “little circus,” shopping, reenactors, tributes to Polish heritage, a Polish vodka tasting, and Polish cuisine like kielbasa and pierogi. Enjoy continuous entertainment on two outdoor stages with polka and disco polo bands, Polish folk dance groups and the Mummers’ Polish American String Band.
Where: The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road, Doylestown, PA
You don’t have to wait until the annual Fringe Festival (beginning September 4, 2025) to get your fix of enthralling experimental art. One of the annual fest’s hub partners, Cannonball Festival gets the party started early, kicking off its massive month-long art activation on Labor Day.
Cultivated by and for artists, this year’s fest is bigger than ever, featuring 135 different productions across multiple venues, including Asian Arts Initiative, Icebox Project Space and The Drake. The lineup spans live dance, circus, music, comedy and theater performances, with a special focus on diverse works reflecting Philly’s creative community.
Where: Various locations including Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA
Dates vary by screening
Bust out the popcorn and BYO blankets and chairs for these open-air film screenings in Greater Philadelphia:
Where: Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (3)
Hissey Playground, Philadelphia, PA
Suffolk Park, Philadelphia, PA
Sunset Social, 129 S. 30th Street, Philadelphia, PA
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. Looking for more? Go at your own pace and head out on one of these self-guided tours.
Where: Rocky Philadelphia Bus Tours depart from The Rocky Steps, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Laurel Hill East, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Twilight Tours depart from Liberty Bell Viewing Window, near South 5th & Chestnut streets, Philadelphia, PA
Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour depart from 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
A visit to Philly isn’t complete without a taste of the city’s iconic eats.
Dive into all the classic treats you know and love (we’re talking cheesesteaks, pretzels and water ice, of course), or try something unexpected at one of Philly’s award-winning restaurants and eateries.
Snap a pic (the camera always eats first), then learn what all the hype is about.
Where: Various locations including Philly Pretzel Factory, 1532 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Who isn’t trying to save few bucks these days? Luckily — just like life — many of the best things to do in Philly are free, so take a day (or two) to enjoy some of the top free things to do in Philly.
The city’s list of fee-free fun includes quintessential historic attractions (like the Liberty Bell Center and other attractions in Independence National Historical Park); outdoor hangs (like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Franklin Square); iconic public art (the Rocky Statue and LOVE sculpture) and much more.
Where: Various locations including Liberty Bell Center, 101 S. Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA
Think you’ve seen everything there is to see in Philly? Think again.
If you’re a fan of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, try out eclectic galleries like The Clay Studio or The Fabric Workshop and Museum. If you’re no stranger to the Liberty Bell, tour other historical sites like Cliveden or The Colored Girls Museum. And if science is your thing, swap out another trip to The Franklin Institute with a visit to the Science History Institute or the Wagner Free Institute of Science.
Step off the beaten path in Philly and you might just find something wonderful.
Where: Various locations including Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Old City, Fishtown, Spring Garden, University City, Chinatown, and South Street are all nighttime hubs frequented by creatives, performers, third-shift workers and industry professionals looking for a bite to eat, a post-shift drink, or good clean fun with quizzo, bowling, karaoke and more.
From live jazz and comedy clubs to cabarets and late-night DJs, Philly knows how to spend a night on the town.
Where: Various locations including North Bowl, 909 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Ah, the great outdoors. Whether you’re visiting from afar or a tried-and-true local, Greater Philadelphia offers a bevy of experiences for avid hikers eager to explore a hidden trail, water enthusiasts embarking on a boating adventure or nature lovers enjoying an afternoon of birding.
Fish, camp, climb and sail your way through Philly and the Countryside with our new comprehensive guide to the outdoors in Philly.
Where: Various locations including Bartram's Garden Dock & Community Boathouse, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Exploring where to stay in Philadelphia and looking for the ultimate deal? Take your Philadelphia trip to the next level with the Visit Philly Overnight Package, offering you free hotel parking for one- or two-night stays.
Booked nearly 200,000 times since 2001, the Visit Philly Overnight Package makes it effortless to stay overnight, without the stress (or cost) of parking.
Named the Most Walkable City in the U.S. three years in a row, Center City Philadelphia is easy to explore on foot. So park your car (for free!) — and forget about it.
Where: Available at 42 participating hotels including The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection, 21 N. Juniper Street, Philadelphia, PA
Booking a stay over the long weekend? There’s nothing better after a summer day of exploring the city than cooling off in a pool — preferably one with a view.
Before you book your stay, check out our complete guide to hotel pools in Philadelphia.
Where: Various hotels including the W Philadelphia, 1439 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
The region’s hotels are coming in hot with special packages and deals through Labor Day weekend that are heavy on the fun and accommodate a variety of budgets.
Think: attraction tickets, sporty perks, gift cards, meal deals and more. Pick the right perk for you and take your stay to the next level.
Where: Various hotels including Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philly’s boutique hotel scene offers stays for every kind of traveler.
Take your pick from fully equipped apartment-style lofts to high-tech, invisible-service hotels. Whether you’re looking for lodging that’s modern and trendy or an undeniably historic home away from home, Philadelphia’s boutique hotels offer style and substance.
Where: Various hotels including Anna & Bel, 1401 E. Susquehanna Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and priceless peace of mind.