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In Philly, there’s no such thing at the dog days of summer. Across Greater Philadelphia, the final days of summer are filled with riveting exhibitions, welcoming beer gardens with all the comforts of home, exciting open-daily waterfront attractions and shoppable pop-up markets.
At night? Watch live music, outdoor movies and even more live music. Catch a Union match, cheer on the Phillies or lounge in a hammock with drink in your hand by day, then rock out with Luke Bryan, Weezer, Wilco and more big names taking over Philly’s outdoor stages.
Look for blockbuster annual events like the Made in America Music Festival, Citadel Country Spirit USA and the Linvilla Orchards Peach Festival, plus the return of the Philadelphia International Unity Cup.
Pack light and plan big, because every single remaining weekend of summer in Philly is filled with things to do. Greater Philadelphia is an easy weekend destination and VISIT PHILADELPHIA is making it even more convenient with our summer giveaway. Enter to win an exciting weekend in Philly, complete with an overnight hotel stay, concert and attraction tickets, restaurant gift cards and more.
Pro tip: Exploring Philadelphia is still a bit different right now. Masks are recommended or required at many restaurants, businesses and attractions. For the best experience, call ahead or check online for details and read more about COVID-19 and Greater Philadelphia here.
Ongoing
For the rest of the season, fans of summer sips, tasty bites, and breathtaking views of Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill River can head to the seasonal Parks on Tap pop up at the Fairmount Water Works. Open daily until 10 p.m., this summer’s offerings include an expanded menu with weekend lunch options. Park yourself in a hammock or at a picnic table for savory snacks, sandwiches and barbecue platters and an array of drinks that includes special brews from Two Locals, Philly’s first Black-owned brewery.
Where: Fairmount Water Works, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Dates & times vary
Captivating installations, interactive exhibits and priceless works are on display all season long at the region’s top museums, where advance ticketing requirements make for a special, more intimate experience. Step inside these (air-conditioned!) attractions to see the final days of these exhibits and check out our guide to summer exhibitions for even more awesome art to see around Greater Philadelphia.
Where: Various locations including Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Through Saturday, August 28, 2021
Yoga classes, dance lessons, DJ tunes and more add to the fun at Franklin Square every Wednesday through Saturday this summer. In addition to park staples like the historic fountain (with daily performances every 30 minutes), mini-golf course and carousel, Summer Splash also offers an all-new beer and cocktail garden where visitors can enjoy live music and games with their bar purchases.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, September 26, 2021
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest offers a season of skating, Ferris wheel rides, boardwalk games and mini-golf, plus the return of the arcade and a menu full of summer snacks like funnel cake, lemonade, cotton candy and ice cream. Chickie’s & Pete’s also offers wings, Crabfries, beer and beverages with a QR code ordering system that brings food right to your table. Note that roller skating tickets must be purchased in advance.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Enthusiasts of riverside chilling enjoy hammocks, patio games, an arcade, mini-concerts and tasty treats while strolling the boardwalk at Spruce Street Harbor Park, the perfect summer escape for visitors looking to relax and locals hoping to unwind on the Philly waterfront. This season, look for new eateries French Toast Bites, Philly Taco, Dre’s Water Ice & Ice Cream, and a boardwalk-style concept; a recurring Makers Market; and the return of The Barge Bar. Visitors can also rent hammock lounges on the weekend by visiting the Spruce Street Harbor Park website or emailing [email protected].
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
This summer, Longwood Gardens’ three fountains jet to life with exciting performances — while glorious gardens showcase summer’s beauty — during the attraction’s Festival of Fountains, offering daily performances in the Main Fountain Garden and Open Air Theatre. Bonus: Don’t miss dazzling nighttime displays during spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performances, taking place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening through the end of October.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Through Sunday, October 31, 2021
Help bring the FIFA World Cup to Philadelphia in 2026 by stopping by the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Pitch at the Independence Visitor Center. Check out soccer challenges and interactive fun, and learn more about the city’s bid to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
A month of major end-of-summer performances kicks off with two big shows at top outdoor venues:
Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
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BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, NJ
One of the best things about summer in Philly? Any space can transform into an outdoor movie theater. This weekend, screenings take place at a top historic attraction and a beloved West Philly park. Plus, keep an eye on the PFS Drive-In schedule for films at the Navy Yard.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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The Navy Yard, 4747 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Skip the big box stores and check out pop-up markets where the theme is local. Philly retailers, artists, crafters, chefs and more head outside most weekends to alfresco markets where shoppers can support several businesses at once. This weekend’s offerings include:
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia’s Countryside is ripe with things to do (and fresh produce to pick!) all summer long. Across Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties, find sprawling farms, outdoor festivals, botanical gardens and family-oriented experiences. Here’s a sampling of this weekend’s events:
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (3)
Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, New Hope, PA
Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown, PA
The Phillies fill up the weekend with a three-game run against the Mets, and special events and fan promotions each night. On Friday, look for an on-field tribute and surprise guests at the first pitch to honor the Phils’ former president and CEO David Montgomery. Saturday offers a Manny Trillo Wall of Fame print to all fans and Sunday’s fans can get a Roy Halladay retired number statue.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA
Chestnut Hill goes to the dogs (and cats and other pet friends) during Petapalooza, featuring doggie pools, complimentary treats, a pet runway, a caricaturist and more. Human companions can enjoy themselves too, with face painting for the little ones, dog training exhibits and yappy hour specials at participating businesses.
Where: Germantown Avenue & East Highland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
There’s no shortage of live music this weekend as big names and local acts light up stages across the region. Here’s where to rock out:
Where: Various locations including BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, NJ
Family classics and independent shorts are on the outdoor screens this weekend. And don’t forget to check out the PFS Drive-In schedule for films at the Navy Yard.
Where: West Laurel Hill Cemetery, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA
The Navy Yard, 4747 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
People's Emergency Center, 325 N. 39th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Get all your shopping done outside this weekend thanks to a plethora of curated pop-up markets featuring local retail businesses, food and beverage makers, crafters, art galleries and nonprofit organizations.
Where: Various locations including Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Zoo adventures, waterfront experiences and historic tours? It must be Philadelphia’s Countryside. This weekend’s events showcase the historical importance of the Greater Philadelphia and the endless variety of things to do.
Where: American Helicopter Museum & Education Center, 1220 American Boulevard, West Chester, PA
Northbrook Canoe Co, 1810 Beagle Road, West Chester, PA
Kennett Square, Kennett Square, PA
Following a mid-week series against the Dodgers, the Phillies continue to play through the weekend against the Reds. At Saturday’s game, fans 14 and under can get a Bryce Harper T-shirt and on Sunday, fans 15 and older can get a sustainable water bottle with the Phillies logo on it.
BugFest is back! The Academy presents a hybrid version of its annual creepy-crawly event. At the museum, find live bug displays and shows, roach races, and fascinating Q&A sessions. Throughout the month on Zoom, bug enthusiasts can learn about insect mating rituals, take a bug-drawing class and hear from the experts who care for rare and endangered bugs.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Visitors are invited to reflect on a difficult year in a ceremony inspired by the Japanese Obon event series. Register in advance to float a lantern on the pond at Shofuso in memory of a lost loved one. Each August in Japan, families clean graveyards and light lanterns to welcome spirits home and then guide them back to the otherworld.
Where: Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Horticultural Drive, Philadelphia, PA
It’s a rock-tastic weekend on local stages with alt, classic and pop performances bringing the tunes to outdoor venues. Remember to hydrate and wear sunblock!
Where: Various locations including The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Explore West Philly and South Philly this weekend during totally free outdoor movie nights at local parks. Plus, scope out the PFS Drive-In schedule for films at the Navy Yard.
Where: Hawthorne Park, 1200 Catharine Street, Philadelphia, PA
Countryside attractions do what they do best this weekend: outdoor events and homemade. Don’t miss these events that offer a chance to explore nature in Chester County and sip local flavors in Delaware County.
Where: Chaddsford Winery, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA
Marsh Creek Satellite Rental, Marsh Creek Park, Downingtown, PA
The hills of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania come alive every summer with the sound of folk music during the long-running Philadelphia Folk Festival, where attendees gather to sing along, clap or just enjoy the music of new and favorite performers. The annual fest celebrates its 59 1/2 anniversary with a hybrid in-person/virtual “pocket” event this year with a jam-packed lineup, workshops, activities and events for all ages. The festival is the longest-running outdoor music festival of its kind in North America, with plans to return fully in person in 2022.
Where: Spring Mountain Ski Area, 757 Spring Mount Road, Schwenksville, PA
Visitors can take the opportunity to reflect on a difficult year in a ceremony inspired by the Japanese Obon event series. Register in advance to float a lantern on the pond at Shofuso in memory of a lost loved one. Each August in Japan, families clean graveyards and light lanterns to welcome spirits home and then guide them back to the otherworld.
Philly’s Major League Soccer club continues its regular season ahead of the mid-September CONCACAF Semifinals and the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs in November. This Saturday, catch an evening match against Montréal in Subaru Park.
Where: Subaru Park, 1 Stadium Drive, Chester, PA
The Phillies are home all weekend hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks (Thursday – Sunday) and fans 14 and under can score a back-to-school gym bag featuring the Phillies logo at Sunday’s game. This weekend is also the start of the Philadelphia International Unity Cup, a World Cup-style soccer tournament representing more than 50 countries with free matches across the city. Two dozen matches are set for opening weekend, featuring teams repping Turkey, Liberia, Greece, Italy, Honduras, the U.S. and more.
Where: Various locations including Germantown Supersite, 1199 E. Sedgwick Street, Philadelphia, PA
More than 30 independent and locally owned restaurants offer deals during Main Line Restaurant Week, serving up delicious deals and a chance for customers to support the recovery of the Greater Philadelphia restaurant industry. Diners can enjoy meals indoors or out during this inaugural event highlighting small businesses in Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties. Look for $24.95 three-course lunches and $36.95 three-course dinners and places like Al Pastor, La Cabra Brewing, Lola’s Garden, all Stove & Tap locations and more. Note than the fixed-price meals do not include taxes, beverages and gratuity.
Where: Al Pastor, 560 Wellington Square, Exton, PA
Whether country or doo-wop is your jam, outdoor venues offer both this weekend as a summer of major music events continues. Check out this weekend’s lineup:
Where: BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, NJ
Bristol Riverside Theatre, 120 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA
Giant screens pop up in North, West and South Philly this weekend with films that include blockbuster hits and an opera with live score. Don’t forget to check the PFS Drive-In schedule for films at the Navy Yard.
Where: Seamaac, 1711 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
This weekend’s outdoor markets are a treasure trove for shoppers in search of fine art, crafts and vintage goods. Find dozens of vendors in the hear of Center City and along the Delaware River waterfront.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
This five-day event includes a flag football tournament, esports competitions in more than 10 different games, a cosplay contest, basketball events, industry seminars, a streaming area, music performances in the Music Meets Gaming area, an indie developer pitch contest and more
Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA
Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds in Glenmoore, Chester County hosts three days of performances by country music’s biggest stars and serious up-and-comers, now a late-summer tradition in the Brandywine Valley. Among this year’s lineup: Brantley Gilbert, Miranda Lambert and Chris Young.
Where: Ludwig's Corner Horse Show Grounds, 1326 Pottstown Pike, Glenmoore, PA
Wells Fargo Center is the home of the Flyers and the 76s. And for one day only, it will transform into a massive public roller skating rink. Visitors can purchase tickets to take a spin around the rink for one-hour sessions on Saturday, August 28, with the option to also purchase skating or roller dance lessons from Great on Skates. Guests can bring their own skates or rent a pair for an additional fee.
Where: Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
The final weekend of summer in Philly features three jam-packed days of live music and performances, including the annual Made in American Music Festival (details below). Don’t miss these shows to say farewell to an incredible season:
Where: The Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA
The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
In addition to the stellar exhibitions at museums and attractions around the region all summer long (see above), a handful of special experiences wrap up on Labor Day weekend as summer fades to fall. Enjoy the final days of these exhibits and experiences across the region:
Where: Various locations including Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Soccer fans have it made this weekend thanks to the Philadelphia Union and a series of Unity Cup matches. Plus, Philadelphia welcomes back the Premier Lacrosse League. Get those foam fingers ready!
Where: Various locations including Subaru Park, 1 Stadium Drive, Chester, PA
Since 2012, Jay Z has hosted this popular two-day music festival, Made In America, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Previous performers have included Beyonce, Pearl Jam, The Weeknd, Rihanna and, of course, Jay Z. For 2021, headliners Justin Bieber and Lil Baby will be joined by Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, Bobby Shmurda, Baby Keem, Lil Durk, A$AP Ferg and more.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway & North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA
What makes Longwood Gardens’ fountain performances even better? Fireworks! The final Fireworks & Fountains display of the summer will have visitors humming along to Walking on Sunshine during the dazzling display.
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
A month-by-month guide to this year's top events in the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love...