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There is never a shortage of things to do, places to go and sights to see in Philly.
The City of Brotherly Love is a year-round destination for good food, good times and all-around revelry, including fun festivals, major concerts and brand-new exhibitions.
Below, find our curated guide to the biggest events, festivals and exhibitions in Philadelphia and the surrounding four counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery).
Can’t find your favorite event? Don’t worry. New events are added to this list regularly once they are officially announced.
One important note: Event dates and details can change at any time. Always check ahead with event organizers and/or on official event sites to confirm event dates and times.
Here’s a look at the biggest upcoming events, festivals and exhibitions in Greater Philadelphia.
Ongoing
A bold installation honoring transgender, queer, intersex and asexual members of the community, In Plain Sight debuted during Pride Month and continues to serve as a vibrant celebration of the TQ+ community on the Delaware River waterfront.
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.
In Plain Sight is currently on display at Cherry Street Pier, before moving to its long-term or permanent home (TBA).
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Through fall 2025
Play ball! The Philadelphia Phillies wrap up another season of bedlam at the bank in South Philly this fall, with team superstars Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler and 2025 MLB All-Star MVP Kyle Schwarber leading the boys to another postseason appearance. Plus, stay tuned for another Red October, kicking off on October 4, 2025.
Check out the online schedule for dates and times.
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, wraps up its warm-weather tour, bringing brews and bites to urban parks and green spaces across Philadelphia.
Expect drafts from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Conshohocken Brewing, 2SP Brewing and more, as well as cocktails, burgers, cheesesteaks and snacks. Remaining stops for the season include Cliveden Park in Mt. Airy, Powers Park in Port Richmond and the Strawberry Mansion Bridge above the picturesque Schuylkill River.
Where: Various locations including Cliveden Park, 6415 Musgrave Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Monday, October 13, 2025
Popular warm-weather attraction Spruce Street Harbor Park on the Delaware River features 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.
Returning amenities 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.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Through Saturday, October 18, 2025 (select dates)
Dooooop! Summer may officially be coming to a close, but nothing’s slowing down for your playoff-bound Philadelphia Union.
Head down to Delco’s stunning soccer-specific stadium, Subaru Park, under the Commodore Barry Bridge and catch Dániel Gazdag, Kai Wagner, Andre Blake and the rest of the gang as they close out the regular season. Plus, stay tuned for more information about the Union postseason as the team begins its run toward the MLS Cup.
Where: Subaru Park, 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester, PA
Through Saturday, October 25, 2025 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Time’s running out to enjoy “one of the best food markets in the United States” (per Food & Wine) as the seasonal Southeast Asian Market wraps up at FDR Park.
The massive culinary treasure includes over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, street food, native produce, plants, jewelry, apparel and more, set up in the (appropriately) southeast corner of the park. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy your food fresh along with your take-home haul. Note: Some vendors are cash-only and there’s no ATM on site.
A great meal is a walk in the park at the Southeast Asian Market. It’s accessible by subway or car, so pack some cash and a blanket, then prepare for a multi-course picnic. The grills fill the air. The fresh juice and fruit offer refreshing flavors for a summer’s day. Start off with a Vietnamese coffee or sugar cane juice before walking around to look at the endless options. After a walkthrough, go back to what stands out to you. Mix sweet and savory the whole way through. My choices (to start): stuffed chicken wings and papaya salad.
Where: Southeast Asian Market, 1500 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, October 26, 2025
One of Bucks County’s favorite autumnal happenings, Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler’s Village is back for its 46th season.
For six weeks, more than 150 creative and colorful locally handmade scarecrows (ranging from silly to spooky, and even some famous faces) line the grounds’ brick pathways, part of an annual competition during which you can vote for your faves.
The family-friendly display is totally free to peruse.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
Through Thursday, October 30, 2025
Known for its drive-thru holiday light display, Bucks County’s Shady Brook Farm gets into spooky season, too, during the family-friendly FallFest. The annual event features hayrides, barnyard animals, kids’ games, pedal go-cars, the Barn of Horror and a Sesame Street-themed corn maze, plus pick-your-own pumpkins, sunflowers and apples (sold separately).
When the sun goes down, the fun keeps going with bonfires, the Moonlit Maze, the not-so-scary Eerie Illuminations Halloween Light Show wagon ride, and live music on select weekends and evenings.
Where: Shady Brook Farm, 931 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA
Through Sunday, November 2, 2025
The name says it all when Linvilla Orchards’ annual Pumpkinland opens for the season. The gourd gala features a slew of daytime ticketed activities like harvest hayrides around the farm, corn and (slightly harder) hay-bale mazes, apple blaster target shooting, pick-your-own crops, fishing in Orchard Lake, and pony and train rides.
Things get spooky after dark with moonlight hayrides around the farm or to the nearby Witch’s House, ending at a campfire with cider and marshmallows.
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA
Through Saturday, November 8, 2025
Each fall, Eastern State Penitentiary opens its cell blocks after dark for Halloween Nights, which transforms the abandoned prison into one of America’s largest haunted houses.
During the annual fall festival, the legendary facility (which once housed infamous criminals from Willie Sutton to Al Capone) plays host to about a dozen different attractions, ranging from pure terror behind its walls to spooky storytimes around a campfire.
Along with prison tours and multiple haunted houses, this year features a bone-chilling lineup of brand-new attractions, including Dark Tides — an abandoned fishing village-style haunted house — and the high-octane Apocalypse Pass. Also debuting: new characters, expanded food offerings, enhanced sets and a redesigned layout. Tickets are required.
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through late December 2025
Catch your Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles live and in person this fall and early winter.
Head to rollicking Lincoln Financial Field and cheer on Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown and the rest of the team as they defend their title during at-home matchups against the likes of the Denver Broncos (October 5, 2025), the New York Giants (October 26, 2025), the Detroit Lions (November 16, 2025), the Chicago Bears (November 28, 2025), the Las Vegas Raiders (December 14, 2025) and the Washington Commanders (TBD).
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA
That autumnal chill can’t stop the music. Check out these performances coming to area venues this fall.
Where: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, NJ
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (6)
The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA
Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Led by its acclaimed artistic director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Philadelphia Orchestra kicks off its 125th anniversary season at the Kimmel Center alongside world-renowned pianist and Curtis Institute of Music alumna Yuja Wang.
Wang and the orchestra deliver spellbinding performances of Ravel’s Concerto in G Major — which received its U.S. premiere by the orchestra back in 1932 — and selections by noted contemporary composers Arturo Márquez and Julia Wolfe.
This is just the beginning: The Grammy Award-winning orchestra has a phenomenal season planned to mark its milestone anniversary. Visit the official website to learn more.
Where: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
¡Wepa! Thousands of spectators line the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for this annual parade and celebration of Latino culture.
More than 1,500 marchers make their way down the Parkway each year, featuring traditional Latino music, poetry, dance performances, floats and more.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Henry VIII’s former wives — all six of ’em — step out of his shadow and onto the stage in this Tony Award-winning Broadway production that channels 500 years of heartbreak into 21st-century empowerment.
Catch the Tudor queens-turned-pop princesses in action when the global sensation, SIX, takes the stage at the Academy of Music.
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Produced by the Center for Architecture and Design and celebrating its 21st year, DesignPhiladelphia is a multi-day fest highlighting the brilliance and creativity of Philadelphia’s design community — from the youngest designers to the most seasoned — with a host of events and installations.
The 2025 festival lineup features dozens of parties, indoor and outdoor exhibitions, family-friendly events, hands-on activities, panels, and more happening at locations across the city and beyond. Check out the official website for the full schedule of events and details.
Where: Locations TBA, Philadelphia, PA
The Delaware River Waterfront takes on a golden hue for its annual Fall Fest. Celebrated at Spruce Street Harbor Park through October 13, 2025 and at Cherry Street Pier all month long, the celebration transforms the riverfront parks into pumpkin-filled wonderlands with festive decor, seasonal activities and special events for guests of all ages, including the pups. Highlights include:
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (1)
Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Philly’s myriad of murals take center stage during Mural Arts Month. Themed “Voices of Philly” for 2025, the city-wide fest celebrates the many diverse people and stories that shape the city and features film screenings, interactive workshops, parties, public tours, panel conversations and mural dedications, like:
Check out the full lineup of events on the official website.
Where: Various locations including Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA
In celebration of National Coming Out Day, the vibrant neighborhood of Manayunk gets a bit more colorful with Out & About in MNYK, an annual festival featuring LGBTQ+ performances, drag story times and other family-friendly events.
Highlights include a free outdoor drag show, story time and American Idol-style karaoke competition hosted by the Philly Drag Mafia; a live shadowcast of Rocky Horror Picture with Transylvanian Nipple Productions (tickets required), and — new for 2025 — a free shuttle to and from Roxtoberfest, happening in Manayunk’s sister neighborhood of Roxborough (below).
Where: Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
Head up to Philly’s Roxborough neighborhood to join in the 13th annual Roxtoberfest free street festival.
Hit the hills for a massive celebration along Ridge Avenue that features food trucks, live music, costumed pets, activities for the kids and plenty of beer for the adults, plus over 100 local crafters, artists, makers and community organizations.
Where: Ridge Avenue from Lyceum Avenue to Leverington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Back by popular demand after a sold-out spring run, one of the nation’s biggest outdoor Asian food festivals returns to Dilworth Park.
Panda Fest promises a weekend full of experiential activities, yummy tastings and a market fair showcasing the beauty and richness of Asian culture and cuisine with over 35 food vendors offering more than 80 entree options.
No pandas were harmed in the making of this festival (lol), but attendees can check out a giant panda inflatable, panda-related merch and receive two free gifts: a custom Philly panda pin and an inflatable panda headband.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA
St. Nick’s Italian Festival in South Philly has paid tribute to the neighborhood’s Italian heritage annually since 1987, but its roots go back much further, dating back to the arrival of the first Italian immigrants in the early 1900s.
This annual celebration of faith, family and tradition features mass and an open-air religious procession; authentic Italian cuisine from beloved vendors like The Kitchen Consigliere, Marra’s Pizza and Termini Bros Bakery; live entertainment; and family-friendly fun including rides, face painting and games. The fest, which is open to the public, is free to attend with pay-as-you-go food and drink.
Where: 1700 block of South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Break out your favorite flannel for this fall celebration on the streets of Downingtown.
The annual street festival features a day full of great food, handmade crafts and the fan-favorite Victory Beer Garden — serving up seasonal brews from Victory Brewing Company, the beloved brewery that was founded in the borough in 1996.
Where: Green Street & East Pennsylvania Avenue, Downingtown, PA
October 9-16 & November 7-11, 2025
The U.S. Armed Forces kick off America’s 2026 Semiquincentennial in late 2025 with The Navy & Marine Corps 250th Celebration, honoring the 250th birthdays of both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The celebration will feature a historic gathering of ships at Penn’s Landing, events and a veterans’ reunion on Independence Mall, a large concert, an air show featuring the Blue Angels, the Navy Gala and Marine Ball and more, plus exhibits at museums like the American Swedish Historical Museum, Independence Seaport Museum and aboard Battleship New Jersey.
Where: Various locations including Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Each October, Philly’s celebrated Chinatown — one of the oldest and largest in the nation — hosts the YèShì Chinatown Night Market (with yèshì, or 夜市, the Mandarin word for night market).
The lively street festival takes over parts of 10th Street and Race Street for a night of food, live performance, arts, crafts and shopping.
Typically drawing over 60 vendors and 20,000 festivalgoers, the annual event is one of the biggest in Chinatown and a prime opportunity to explore the neighborhood’s rich culture and cuisine.
Where: North 10th & Race streets, Philadelphia, PA
Hold it steady! The 8 Seconds Rodeo, a traveling showcase of the “bravest riders, nastiest bulls, tastiest food” and livest entertainment in rodeo, rides into Philly for one night only. Come early for shopping, mechanical bull riding, line dancing, rope lessons, food vendors and a beer garden.
Then, don’t miss a single twist, turn or buck once the main event kicks off. Contemporary cowboys and girls pay tribute to the long legacy of Black rodeo — while throwing their (10-gallon) hat in the ring for the $60,000 grand prize. Featured events include mutton bustin’, bareback riding, barrel racing and bull riding, plus dancing on the dirt. Tickets are required.
Where: The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Transport yourself to Germany without leaving Bucks County when Peddler’s Village hosts its annual OctoberFeast.
Over the course of two days, visitors can sample beers in the beer garden, enjoy fare from food trucks, and delight in live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
October 11-12 & 18-19, 2025
Hundreds of artists and community spaces open their doors to the public during Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST), an annual tradition that seeks to make workshops, galleries and other creative spaces more accessible.
Expect free self-guided tours, live demonstrations, exhibitions and more to pop up in more than 26 neighborhoods across the city, making POST one of the largest open-studio events in the nation. Studios east of Broad Street are open October 11 and 12, 2025, while studios west of Broad Street are open October 18 and 19, 2025.
Where: Various locations including Chimaera Gallery, 3502 Scotts Lane, Philadelphia, PA
A large stretch of Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill transforms into an open-air arts and craft marketplace for the 41st annual family-friendly Fall for the Arts Festival.
More than 200 talented and diverse artists and vendors set up shop along the avenue, offering photographs, watercolors, sculptures, pottery, glass art, tapestries, jewelry and more.
Enjoy maker demonstrations, boutique shops highlighting the latest fashion trends, restaurants serving up delectable dishes, live demonstrations, live music, children’s activities and culinary delights. The event is free to attend, with pay-as-you-go food and drink.
Where: 8000 to 8600 blocks of Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Philly doesn’t revel in Pride just in June. Each October since 1990, the city has held the annual OURfest (which stands for “Our Uniting Resilience Festival”) to celebrate National Coming Out Day.
Themed “Out Loud, Out Front: Power Protection & Pride,” the festival block party (known as OutFest until 2022) features live performances and DJ sets, speeches, craft and apparel vendors, fair food, beer gardens, and scores of organizations offering NCOD resources and promoting LGBTQ+ visibility.
Kick off the weekend’s celebrations with the OURfest Symposium, followed by after-parties, on Saturday, October 11, 1025.
Where: Centered in the Gayborhood, Philadelphia, PA
As a resource for small businesses, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce celebrates Latino-owned and operated restaurants and food trucks across the region with a special promotion of one complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two dinner entrées, plus select limited-time menus.
The week-long campaign highlights the diversity and resilience of the Latino culinary community and culminates with a Chef’s Tasting led by Chef and founder of El Merkury, Sofia De Leon, on October 30. Keep an eye on the official website for this year’s participating spots.
Where: Various restaurants throughout Philadelphia including Arepa Grub Spot, 1112 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Long before European settlers renamed it, Penn Treaty Park on the Delaware River was an important site to the local Lenni-Lenape called Shackamaxon, a centuries-old gathering place for sachems from Indigenous tribes to meet for council. As such, the site is the fitting epicenter for the annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Philly celebration.
Indigenous communities from across the nation gather at Shackamaxon to mark five-plus centuries of First Nations history at this pay-what-you-wish festival (suggested donations are $12 for adults and $5 for kids and elders). The inspiring event typically features cultural performances, speakers, workshops, vendors, food and more. Details are forthcoming, so stay tuned for more information.
Where: Shackamaxon (Penn Treaty) Park, 1301 N. Beach Street, Philadelphia, PA
Started in 2017, this hyper-local music festival hits all the right notes, bringing out the best in Philly’s music scene. Over the course of seven nights, 22 bands take the stage at independently owned venues throughout the area, including Johnny Brenda’s, Ardmore Music Hall and Underground Arts.
Ranging from rock to hip-hop to jazz, this year’s lineup of performers features The Wonder Years, Matt Quinn and Dr. Dog. Check out the full lineup at the official festival site.
Where: Various locations including Johnny Brenda's, 1201 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
October 13, 2025 – April 26, 2026 (select dates)
The orange and black are back, baby! Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, Sean Couturier and the rest of the Philadelphia Flyers hit the ice for the first time at Xfinity Mobile Arena during the 2025-2026 home opener against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers (October 13, 2025).
Other notable early-season matchups at home include games against their intrastate rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins (October 28, 2025 and December 1, 2025); the two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers (November 12, 2025); the New Jersey Devils (November 22, 2025); and the Vancouver Canucks (December 22, 2025).
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
What does it take to create a society where everyone has a fair shot?
Join Visit Philadelphia for the third installment of the TED Democracy Speaker Series: Opportunity for All, a powerful exploration of how we can build a society where everyone has access to education, economic mobility, safety, belonging and dignity.
This free event (with registration) takes place at the Penn Museum, and also features light bites and refreshments.
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
Maze Days return again this October to Dilworth Park as City Hall’s “front yard” transforms into a Hay Maze, a fun-for-all-ages experience. Center City District presents this fall celebration, which includes kids’ storytime sessions, themed happy hours in the seasonal Air Grille Beer Garden, and pumpkin carving.
On-site activities change regularly throughout the two-week harvest celebration, which kicks into full gear on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with live music, apple cider making, and an outdoor movie screening.
Lights, camera … action! Each year, the Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) travels to festivals around the globe in search of innovative new films. For the event’s 34th season, curators returned with over 100 features, shorts and documentaries to screen during the 11-day Philadelphia Film Festival.
Held at each of the PFS’ three theaters, the fest also features star-studded red carpet moments, inspiring Q&A sessions and more. Stay tuned to the PFF website for the 2025 schedule.
Where: Various locations including Philadelphia Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
One of Philly’s favorite riverfront neighborhoods joins the fall fun with a fete of its own.
The inaugural Manayunk Fall Fest invites revelers down to Main Street for a day of eating, shopping and family fun. Guests can explore a lineup of local vendors and artisans to shop, in addition to the neighborhood’s many cute shops. The day also features food trucks, live music, kid-friendly games and activities, and a ticketed mac n’ cheese crawl.
The Philly Bike Ride invites cyclists of all skill levels to cruise through 20 miles of car-free streets. The closed-course route takes bicyclists from the Philadelphia Art Museum and back, ending with a festival featuring music, food and activities.
Registration is required to participate in the Philly Bike Ride, but the finish-line festival is open to the public and free to attend.
Where: Route begins at North 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
”When in the course of human events …” The centerpiece of the Museum of the American Revolution’s 2026 programming, The Declaration’s Journey exhibition traces the history of one of America’s founding documents over the 250 years since its adoption in 1776.
Utilizing artworks, documents and artifacts, the exhibition explores the Declaration’s complex legacy and its role in inspiring more than 100 independence movements across the world.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
With 18 works by Henri Rousseau in its galleries, the Barnes Foundation is home to the world’s largest collection of works by the artist.
Explore Rousseau’s genius in this new exhibition — a collaboration between the Benjamin Franklin Parkway museum and the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris — bringing together paintings from the Barnes’ permanent collection and pieces from around the world.
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Have you ever been determined to find happiness against all odds?
This hilarious and uplifting musical explores growing up — and growing old — from the perspective of the 16-year-old new kid in town, navigating a dysfunctional family, first loves, crime schemes and a rare genetic condition that causes rapid aging.
Don’t miss the Broadway hit, which went on to win a whopping five Tony Awards — including best musical — in 2023, when it comes to the Academy of Music this fall.
Bring the fam out to eclectic East Passyunk for a day of Halloween festivities. Kids can trick-or-treat up and down the Ave while parents browse the offerings at participating brick-and-mortar businesses and over 80 artisans and makers.
The free festival also features live music, pumpkin carving, a dog costume contest and tons of fun activations. Don’t miss a special spooky pop-up art display by the Drunkin Knit Wits and South Philly Yarn.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue between Morris Street and Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA
The 2025 PECO Multicultural Series season comes to a close with the 11th annual Taste of the Philippines festival at the Delaware River waterfront’s Cherry Street Pier.
Join attendees from all backgrounds in celebrating Filipino-American History Month at the largest festival highlighting Filipino heritage and culture in the region, with showcases from artists performing traditional dance and music, a bustling marketplace, and lots and lots of authentic Filipino cuisine, including adobo, sinigang, lumpia, lechon and more.
Cheer on fanciful kinetic sculptures and contraptions driven by human pilots racing down an urban obstacle course at the Kensington Derby and Arts Festival, an only-in-Philly event along Frankford Avenue between East York Street and Sergeant Street.
Also on the docket: plenty of street eats, live music and art demonstrations, regional shopping, and tons of family activities, including a Halloween costume contests for kids and pets. The day closes out with WWE-style wrestling matches, courtesy of Awful Wrestling, Philly’s newest wrestling league that’s debuting right here at the festival.
Where: Frankford Avenue between York Street and Sergeant Street, Philadelphia, PA
Rowers of all levels — high school, college, elite and world champions — converge on the Schuylkill River for the two-day Head of the Schuylkill Regatta.
Drawing 8,000 rowers and 20,000 to 30,000 spectators, the race winds along Kelly Drive, which offers optimal viewing points to enjoy the festive atmosphere and watch 260-plus clubs, high schools and colleges race.
Where: Centered around Kelly Drive & Fountain Green Drive, Philadelphia, PA
October 25, 2025 – April 12, 2026 (select dates)
Play the song … 1-2-3-4-5-76ers! With promising rookies — including first-round draft pick VJ Edgecombe — joining Tyrese Maxey, (fingers-crossed) Paul George and Joel Embiid on the floor, the Sixers aim to bounce back from a rough 2024-2025 season.
Catch the first glimmers of the season at the home opener against the Charlotte Hornets (October 25, 2025), followed by notable showdowns against the Boston Celtics (part of the NBA Cup in-season tournament, October 31, 2025); former teammate James Harden’s Los Angeles Clippers (November 17, 2025); Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors (December 4, 2025); and Lebron James’ Los Angeles Lakers (December 7, 2025).
Fall’s premier fruit steals the scene during this annual fall festival at Peddler’s Village. From fresh apple cider to apple pies, no apple delicacy is off-limits for tasting and purchase.
Pro tip: Bring cash — some vendors do not accept cards.
Art and culture lovers are in for a treat as the Woodmere, the Chestnut Hill museum showcasing work by Philadelphia artists, debuts its newest addition, the Frances M. Maguire Hall.
The 100-year-old estate — formerly a residence for Catholic sisters — has been transformed into a game-changing art space, featuring 14 different galleries and a children’s art studio. The surrounding grounds also underwent a makeover, adding a sculpture, 150 new trees and a fountain.
The Woodmere celebrates the milestone with two days of free family festivities, including tours of the renovated space, food, drink and live entertainment.
Where: Woodmere, 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Among the largest festivals of its kind, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival celebrates and showcases the stories of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in film, performance art, music and other creative expressions during its 10-day run.
The 2024 festival featured 14 feature films, 80 short films, and multiple premieres from both homegrown talent and international filmmakers from as far away as Kazakhstan. Details about the 2025 festival are forthcoming, so stay tuned for updates.
Museum-quality handmade jewelry, textiles and mixed media are on display and for sale during this juried show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Now in its 49th year, the show features 195 artists representing 13 different categories of art and design.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Immerse yourself in the ultra-expressive wonder and boundless creativity of Surrealism.
Celebrating the centennial of the boundary-breaking artistic movement, Dreamworld: Surrealism at 100 tells the story of the Surrealist movement — from its founding to the wartime expressions of artists like Dalí, Ernst and Picasso to the rise of the more esoteric, post-World War II style practiced by the likes of Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varos — through the art itself.
The Philadelphia edition of the traveling show features an exclusive gallery highlighting the artist communities — comprised of geniuses like Frida Kahlo and Mark Rothko — that took root in Mexico, the Caribbean and the U.S. as an escape from war-torn Europe.
Where: Philadelphia Art Museum, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Celebrate the 64,000 vets who live in the Philadelphia region at the 11th annual Philadelphia Veterans Parade & Festival.
The parade — featuring 7,000 marchers — kicks off in front of the Barnes Foundation before proceeding down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The procession ends at Eakins Oval, where the Veterans Festival takes over with live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden, a moon bounce and other fun activities for the kids. Dozens of veterans service organizations are also on hand to connect servicemembers with available resources. Stay tuned to the official website for additional information.
Where: Parade begins at North 21st Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Before Elsa, there was The Snow Queen, the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.
Enter an enchanting world of ice and magic as a young girl named Gerda sets out on a journey to save her brother. As she traverses the treacherous landscapes separating her from the queen’s frozen fortress and Kai, the power of love and connection becomes abundantly clear both to the brave young lady and the lucky audience (that’s you!).
Grab a seat for the fantastical production — the Wilma’s very first all-ages production — when it opens this fall.
Where: The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Now this is how you Netflix and chill.
King of Prussia, a Simon Property Mall will be one of the first two sites in the nation to experience the brand-new Netflix House, a 100,000-plus-square-foot streaming lovers’ paradise with interactive experience rooms inspired by shows like ONE PIECE and Wednesday, merch shops, Netflix-themed immersive VR games, Netflix Bites concessions, and even a restaurant with selections inspired by Netflix shows.
The year-round, multi-story experiential entertainment venue is located on the south side of the old “plaza” section of the mall (the former Lord & Taylor store).
Where: Netflix House at King of Prussia, 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA
With more than 60 specialty shops perfect for holiday shopping, picturesque Peddler’s Village rings in the holiday season with festive events and plenty of decorations.
The celebration starts with Holiday Kickoff Weekend (November 14 to 16, 2025) featuring live performances, pay-as-you-go food and drink, and a Grand Illumination celebration (November 14, 2025) where the village is set aglow with 1 million twinkling lights. Plus, don’t miss the Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 14, 2025 to January 18, 2026), featuring dozens of handcrafted gingerbread creations on display for free, and Holly Jolly Weekend (December 6 to 7, 2025), with two days of free Santa-themed festivities and parades.
Philly arrived as a certified culinary capital a looooong time ago. James Beard Award-winning restaurants and chefs? We got ʼem. Viral sensations? We have those, too. And the acclaimed Michelin Guide has officially come calling.
Philly’s piping-hot food scene deserves an equally blazing bash to celebrate it. Enter: The Inquirer Food Fest, a brand-new food and culture fête brought to you by our hometown newspaper. Sink your teeth into exclusive dishes, delicious craft cocktails, one-day-only chef collabs, live entertainment and interesting discussions with the folks who know Philly’s food scene best.
Where: The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA
Doop! Philly and Subaru Park — the beautiful home of the Philadelphia Union under the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester — kick onto the international stage when the United States men’s national soccer team goes head-to-head against Paraguay.
Another important step on the road to the FIFA World Cup 26 here in Philadelphia (among other cities), the matchup could quite possibly foreshadow what next year could hold, as both teams have already secured their places in the tournament.
November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (dates vary by event)
There are only two Sesame Street theme parks in the world — and one of them is right in Bucks County. With its sister park far away in sadly unseasonal San Diego, Langhorne’s Sesame Place is the only true wintry locale for enjoying some holiday fun with Elmo and friends.
Where: Sesame Place Philadelphia, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA
Great Scott! Marty McFly and Doc Brown find themselves in a race against time following a mishap involving a certain time-traveling DeLorean in this Broadway adaptation of the classic film Back to the Future.
Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for best new musical, the show features original music by multi-Grammy Award winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, plus hit songs from the film like The Power of Love and Earth Angel.
Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas despite his mom’s warnings that he’ll shoot his eye out. Will it be a Christmas miracle? Will he or won’t he be left eyeless? There’s only one way to find out.
A Christmas Story The Musical sets everyone’s favorite holiday movie to music, giving you all the nostalgia and fun of the ʼ80s classic — pink bunny pajamas, triple-dog-dares, scintillating leg lamps and all — wrapped up in a hilarious, heartwarming soundtrack, dazzling choreography and razor-sharp wit.
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
One of the country’s premier — and most scenic — running events sends thousands of athletes through historic Center City, past the Philadelphia Art Museum and Boathouse Row, while spectators (some with cheeky signs) cheer them on.
The weekend also includes an 8K race, a half-marathon, a Children’s Run and more.
Where: Begins at North 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and spectacular fountain shows combine to create an incredible winter wonderland at A Longwood Christmas.
Visitors can stroll the grounds of Longwood Gardens — recently named the best botanical garden in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and one of the world’s greatest places by Time — to marvel at miles of lights glowing in the trees, seasonal plants decorated with ornaments, a festive outdoor mini railway, and colorful fountains dancing to holiday music.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
The iconic LOVE Park transforms into an open-air European marketplace during the annual Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Traditionally, dozens of vendors set up shop in wooden stalls offering local and international gifts, ornaments, accessories, and wintry apparel.
After shopping up an appetite, indulge in tasty treats, which in years past have included raclette sandwiches, spiced wine, apple cider, strudels and more. Stay tuned for more info about this year’s goings-on.
Where: LOVE Park, North 15th & Arch streets, Philadelphia, PA
Opening Saturday, November 22, 2025
The nearly-140-year-old Penn Museum’s signature North American collection gets a major upgrade as the University of Pennsylvania institution opens its new 2,000-square-foot Native North American Gallery, a reimagined space to provide a comprehensive and contemporary perspective on Native American cultures.
Created in collaboration with consulting curators from diverse cultural and indigenous communities, the interactive gallery features more than 250 artifacts and highlights themes including land stewardship, resistance and resilience, forced migration, cultural continuity, creative practices and repatriation.
The museum marks the gallery’s opening with a full day of all-ages celebrations, performances and activities.
This wildly successful, transformative work by Anaïs Mitchell intertwines the love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and Persephone.
In this steampunk-esque retelling, Orpheus, an idealistic musician, falls in love with the drifter Eurydice. When she descends into Hadestown, he follows in hopes of saving her.
The vibrant, hopeful musical won an impressive eight Tony Awards in 2019, and its folk, New Orleans big band and blues-infused score won the 2020 Grammy Award for best musical theater album. You can see the heartbreakingly beautiful show for yourself when it returns to Philly this fall.
Where: Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
It’s just not the holidays in Philadelphia without The Nutcracker. The Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and all the magical inhabitants of The Land of Sweets twirl across the stage at the Academy of Music.
Join the world-class dancers of the Philadelphia Ballet as they inhabit these curious characters during this traditional performance of the George Balanchine classic, the 1950s version that features Tchaikovsky’s iconic 1892 score and popularized the timeless tale in America.
The holiday spirit arrives in full force with the Philly Pops’ A Philly Holiday Spectacular.
Under the direction of the Pops’ new music director, Chris Dragon, the Pops deliver all of your favorite holiday tunes, alongside appearances from returning vocalists Nikki Renée Daniels & Jeff Kready, the St. Thomas Gospel Choir, The Philadelphia Boys’ Choir and maybe even a surprise visit from Santa. The popular show has two performances this year.
From global holiday traditions to international superstars, Philly’s stages just keep heating up all winter long.
Acrobats, jugglers and aerial performers dazzle audiences during this 90-minute Broadway-style production.
The fantastical show features plenty of holiday elements — like reindeer, sugarplums and toy soldiers — plus an original score with fresh takes on classic seasonal tunes.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Take a journey through the wonderful world of Disney with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as your guides. Disney On Ice Presents: Jump In promises fans — both young and young-at-heart — an evening of music and magic.
Sing and dance along to songs from all the classics, from Toy Story (cue the nostalgia) to Frozen to Encanto; don’t miss any of the action as epic moments from Zootopia and Moana 2 come to life on the ice; and keep an eye out for the universe’s most lovable blue ball of chaos, Stitch.
What better way to celebrate the Semiquincentennial than by letting freedom ring?
Bells Across PA — a statewide art exhibition in partnership with America250PA and Mural Arts Philadelphia — is showcasing festively painted Liberty bell replicas in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, with Philadelphia alone set to display 20.
Philly’s large fiberglass Liberty Bell sculptures will be installed at commercial corridors and public parks, with each bell’s design capturing the spirit and identity of a different neighborhood.
Hosted by the Philadelphia Historic District, 52 Weeks of Firsts honors 250 years of Philly pioneering by celebrating the city’s many historic achievements all year long.
Featured Philadelphia “firsts” include inventions like bifocals; cultural milestones such as Mother’s Day; and significant locations like Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the home of the AME faith and the oldest piece of land continuously owned by African Americans.
Also on the docket: special guest speakers, free giveaways, historical tales told by professional storytellers, scavenger hunts and monthly main events.
Where: Various locations including Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, 419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Direct from Broadway, Suffs channels the vibe of Hamilton, taking the audience on a musical journey through the suffragettes’ struggles for women’s right to vote.
Creator Shaina Taub made history when she became the first woman to independently win Tony Awards for best score and best book.
Put it in drive and vrooom on down to the Philadelphia Auto Show. Returning for its 124th year, this annual can’t-miss winter event takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center for 10 days in January.
The massive exhibition typically features hundreds of concept, classic, luxury and exotic cars on display, with most major vehicle manufacturers represented, plus test-drive opportunities, interactive experiences and more. Stay tuned for more information about this year’s event, including the theme and exhibitors.
Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA
You know the story: Girl meets boy beast. Girl falls in love with beast. Beast undergoes a life-changing transformation. Girl and beast live happily ever after. It’s a timeless tale brought to life — not unlike the residents of a certain enchanted castle — by a cast of wacky and lovable characters and a timeless score in Beauty and the Beast.
Be our guest for this musical stage adaptation of the classic Disney story from Alan Menken, Tim Rice and Howard Ashman when it comes to the Academy of Music this winter.
How are theme parks made? This world-premiere exhibit, brought to you by The Franklin Institute and Universal Destinations & Experiences, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the innovation and world-building that goes into each Universal amusement park.
Spanning 18,0000 square feet and eight immersive galleries, the experience showcases over 100 vehicles, props and other original artifacts from world-famous rides, attractions and live shows, including Jurassic World, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda, and Universal Monsters. And in true Franklin Institute form, the display has an educational focus, playing up all the technology, engineering and artistry involved in theme park design.
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Join the Blue Man Group as their Bluevolution World Tour stops in Philly for a family-friendly music and dance experience.
Part rock concert, part immersive experimental theater, part comedy show, a night with the neon blue rockers is full of silliness and spectacle, so be prepared to get out of your seats and join in the fun.
The nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event brings a stunning display of flower power to the Pennsylvania Convention Center with immersive walk-through gardens, picture-perfect landscapes, hands-on activities, shopping and more.
Stay tuned for information about 2026’s theme and exhibitors.
Sunday, March 1, 2025 | noon & 5 p.m.
For 100 years (!) and counting, the Harlem Globetrotters have entertained generations of fans and families across the world with mind-blowing trick shots, expert ball-handling skills and a lot of laughs.
The ambassadors of goodwill and comic kings and queens of hoops celebrate a century of breathtaking thrills and family-friendly fun during their tour stop at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, hosting two sessions of unbelievable dunks, alley-oops, looooong shots and a little magic, plus pre- and post-game fan engagement and — if you’re lucky — during-game engagement.
Rock out to Tina’s greatest hits with this rollicking jukebox musical from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall.
Using the music of Tina Turner — iconic songs like Proud Mary, River Deep – Mountain High and Private Dancer — this critically acclaimed show follows the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll’s rise to solo stardom from her beginnings as Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee, to her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner, to her triumphant comeback in the ʼ80s.
Pay tribute to the powerhouse’s resilience, perseverance and legacy when this high-energy show hits the Miller stage.
A college basketball hotbed for a century, Philadelphia will feel the March Madness firsthand in 2026.
Philly’s Xfinity Mobile Arena was the first site named to host six games during the first and second rounds of the 87th NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, featuring dozens of the top basketball programs from around the nation fighting for a spot in the Sweet 16.
This will mark the 29th time Philadelphia has hosted men’s tourney games since 1939, including the 1976 and 1981 Final Fours.
It’s not a pop quiz. (Or is it…?) What do you remember about Lewis and Clarke?
You probably remember that President Thomas Jefferson tasked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with exploring the United States’ western territories after the Louisiana Purchase. But did you know that Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences is home to almost all of the explorers’ original journals and preserved specimens? And that the Corps of Discovery has the Indigenous peoples living out west to thank for much of the plant knowledge that they brought back?
This exhibition traces the explorers’ journey and highlights the stories, cultures and sciences of the Indigenous nations they met along the way.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Beginning Thursday, April 16, 2026
For the first time in over 15 years, the Port of Philadelphia on the Delaware River will be back open to a major cruise line.
Come 2026, the port welcomes two Norwegian Cruise Line ships for new routes steaming across the sea from Philly to nearby and international destinations and back, including Bermuda and Canada.
Where: PhilaPort (The Port of Philadelphia), 3460 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Following 2025’s grand introduction, the second annual Germantown Jazz Festival brings three electrifying days of music, art, culture and community — all celebrating Germantown’s jazz history and paving the way for the future of jazz.
Along with music performances all festival long, attendees can join workshops, refuel with local food vendors and enjoy rich cultural experiences.
Where: Various locations including Vernon Park, 5800 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
The PGA Championship — one of the PGA’s four major men’s golf tournaments — and over 150 professional golfers hit the links for four days of play at Delaware County’s Aronimink Golf Club.
Dating back to 1916, the premier event has seen major A-list champions, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus, compete for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy (named after the famed Philly-born department store operator Rodman Wanamaker) and typically draws 200,000 spectators.
While tickets for the tournament’s main events on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are sold out, verified resale tickets are available through SeatGeek, and tickets for the practice rounds earlier in the week are still up for grabs.
Where: Aronimink Golf Club, 3600 Saint Davids Road, Newtown Square, PA
The best city for street art in America knows a thing or two about nurturing creators and making a space for art. But what’s it like to live and create in the City of Brotherly Love?
What Now — a brand-new festival presented by the arts and culture organization ArtPhilly — features 10 days of multidisciplinary arts showcasing what it’s like to live and create in Philly. What Now focuses on Philly’s history, neighborhoods and artistic legacy, placing each at the center of important civic dialogues about our country’s past, present and future.
Visit Philadelphia and TED are collaborating to create TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures — a one-day event on June 13, 2026, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Held in honor of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, this flagship event marks the culmination of Visit Philadelphia’s three-year partnership with TED Democracy.
The full-day event will feature more than a dozen brand-new TED Talks from the Marian Anderson Hall stage, as well as interactive activations, performances, culinary pop-ups and networking opportunities. Sign up for the TED Democracy newsletter list to be the first to hear about ticketing options.
June 14 – July 4, 2026 (select dates)
The eyes of the world will be on Lincoln Financial Field (home to the NFL’s Eagles) in 2026, one of just 11 U.S. stadiums to hold matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. The Linc will host five Group Stage “pool play” matchups — featuring national teams from semi-randomly assigned groups — leading up to a July Fourth Round-of-16 Knockout Stage tilt for the right to advance to the Quarterfinals.
Philly will also host a FIFA FanFestival at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park featuring giant game-watch screens, food, music, parties and more.
The cornerstone of Independence Day festivities in Philadelphia is always the annual Welcome America festival.
The multi-week celebration commences on Juneteenth and culminates on July Fourth. Events in past years have included a parade and festival during the Red, White, & Blue To-Do; a reading of the Declaration of Independence; the country’s largest July Fourth parade; and a headline concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway followed by a massive fireworks show above the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Stay tuned for more about the 2026 iteration of Welcome America.
Where: Various locations including Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
The Midsummer Classic returns to Philly for the first time in 30 years when the 96th Annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game comes to Citizens Bank Park on July 14, 2026. Stars from across the National and American leagues will descend on Philly for the fifth time in the event’s existence — and first ever at “The Bank” — with the city previously hosting in 1943, 1952, 1976 and 1996.
Ahead of the game, All-Star Week festivities will also include the Home Run Derby, All-Star Futures Game, All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, MLB Draft and the All-Star Village fanfest. Stay tuned for more info on these events.
America marks a huge anniversary in 2026: its 250th birthday. As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia serves as the heart of the celebration. And we gotta say, it’s shaping up to be a pretty amazing year filled with festivals, fireworks, freedom and fun.
From major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game to dynamic festivals like ArtPhilly What Now and Red, White, & Blue To-Do to thought-provoking cultural events like the inaugural TED Democracy, you can expect nonstop happenings for all ages, all year long.
It’s never too early to start your Semiquincentennial planning. Check out our guide to 2026 in Philadelphia for the lowdown on how you should celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Be sure to check back often: There is so more to be announced in the coming months and year.
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.