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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
Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s work takes center stage at the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s latest exhibition, Afrofuturism in Costume Design.
Carter won Oscars for her costume designs for the Black Panther films and was also just nominated in 2026 for her work on Sinners. She is the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards in any category.
The modular exhibition — with interactive elements — showcases costumes and artifacts from Carter’s esteemed career, including a rare glimpse of the artist’s personal sketches and costumes from Carter’s private collection.
Wakanda Forever! Black Panther is a big deal in my family, so a trip to costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s exhibition was a must.
Seeing the Dora Milaje’s fiery uniforms and Queen Mother Ramonda’s regal headdress and gown up close activated major levels of nostalgia — as expected — but Wakanda was just the beginning.
Sketches, murals and movie clips, plus stunning costumes from over 10 films — and one video game — transported me from the fictional nations of Wakanda and Zamunda to Civil Rights-era Georgia to 1980s Brooklyn. Along the way, the exhibition highlighted the real-life people, cultures and history that inspired classics like Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X and Sinners.
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Friday, March 6, 2026
Dining deals return to one of Philly’s best foodie streets, with participating restaurants offering three-course fixed lunch and dinner menus at one of three price points ($20, $40 or $60 per person) during the 14th annual East Passyunk Restaurant Week.
More than 20 neighborhood streetfront restaurants get in on the action, including Thanh Nguyen’s James Beard Award-honored Gabriella’s Vietnam, hip burger spot P’unk Burger, Italy-inspired Le Virtù, oenophile fave Barcelona Wine Bar and more.
Where: Participating restaurants including Townsend, 1623 Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Through Saturday, March 7, 2026
Philly’s historic Chinatown neighborhood goes big for Lunar New Year this year, rolling out three weeks’ worth of celebrations — all meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the community.
This year’s festivities include parades, a 52 Weeks of Firsts Firstival, food tours, mahjong socials, a variety of workshops and more.
Where: Various locations in Chinatown, Philadelphia, PA
Dates vary by event
The horticultural minds at Longwood Gardens prove winter means more than bare trees in their winter slumber. There are a few more days to enjoy winter’s splendor at the Kennett Square attraction before the bulbs start peeking out for spring at these two events:
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA
Through Sunday, March 22, 2026
This January, the Arden Theatre presents the Philadelphia premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ play, Good Bones. The play confronts issues of gentrification in a humorous yet biting one-act play. As a stadium project severs a community, urban planner Aisha buys a fixer-upper in her rapidly changing old neighborhood.
Theater lovers might be interested in the brand-new Citywide James Ijames Pass, offering access to three Ijames plays for $130. The Arden, Wilma Theater and Philadelphia Theatre Company partnered to offer the pass, which includes Good Bones, The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington at the Wilma Theater (March 17 to April 5, 2026) and the world premiere of Wilderness Generation at Philadelphia Theatre Company (April 10 to May 3, 2026).
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, April 12, 2026 (select dates)
Play the song … 1-2-3-4-5-76ers! With warmer days on the horizon, the Philadelphia 76ers continue to turn up the heat for the tail end of the 2025/26 NBA season.
The season-long 25th anniversary celebration of the 2001 Eastern Conference Champions continues, with several nights dedicated to the anniversary. Expect promotional throwbacks, alumni tributes and lots of merch.
Plus, fans can look forward to a number of theme nights, to round out the season, including Jewish Community Night (Tuesday, March 10, 2026), 76ers Homecoming Night (Wednesday, March 25, 2026), Hispanic Heritage Night (Friday, April 3, 2026) and Fan Appreciation Night (Saturday, April 4, 2026).
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Through Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (select dates)
With the end of the NHL regular season within view, the Philadelphia Flyers’ relentless playoff pursuit kicks into high gear.
Cheer on the black-and-orange at high-octane home-ice tilts at Xfinity Mobile Arena against the likes of the Washington Capitals (Wednesday, March 11, 2026), the Boston Bruins (Sunday, April 5, 2026), the Montreal Canadiens (Tuesday, April 14, 2026) and more.
Bonus: The team wraps up the season with a handful of fun promo nights and giveaways, including a game inspired by The Office (Saturday, March 14, 2026).
Through Monday, September 7, 2026
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
Through Saturday, November 7, 2026
DOOP! On the heels of a stellar season with a hard-fought loss in the playoffs in 2025, Andre Blake, Alejandro Bedoya and local wunderkind Cavan Sullivan join the rest of the Philadelphia Union crew to kick off their 17th season.
The team is set to take the field against Chicago (Saturday, March 21, 2026), Washington D.C. (Saturday, April 18, 2026), Columbus (Saturday, May 16, 2026) and more at their Delaware County stadium, Subaru Park.
Where: Subaru Park, 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester, PA
Through Saturday, December 26, 2026
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 Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly, America’s very first botanical garden.
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 Bartram's Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Through Sunday, January 3, 2027
“When in the course of human events …” The document from which that seminal phrase originates is the centerpiece of the Museum of the American Revolution’s 2026 programming. The Declaration’s Journey exhibition traces the history of America’s founding charter and its continuing influence, inspiring over 100 independence movements worldwide.
The Declaration’s legacy is explored through records, art and artifacts, including Thomas Jefferson’s chair, a Marquis de Lafayette-annotated draft of the French Declaration of Rights, the prison bench where Martin Luther King Jr. penned “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” a spinning wheel presented by Gandhi and more.
Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Philly’s stages just keep heating up all winter long:
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (1)
The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
A city staple since 1829, the annual Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show — the oldest and largest indoor horticultural event in the world — draws tens of thousands to the Pennsylvania Convention Center each year.
Beyond larger-than-life immersive displays, the floral spectacle hosts major juried competitions, tons of all-ages activities, gardening talks, demonstrations, special events, a sprawling market and more.
The 2026 theme — Rooted: Origins of American Gardening — coincides with the Semiquincentennial and looks back at horticultural legacies and cultural practices that shaped our current gardening landscapes.
There’s a lot to love about the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, but for the last few years, my favorite part has been Artisan Row, where showgoers have the opportunity to dig in and get crafty. I’ve designed a terrarium, created a dried floral bouquet and made a picture-perfect wreath — now beautiful accents in my home that serve as a reminder of the joy that is the Flower Show all year long!
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
After a chance meeting at the local dance, Romeo and Juliet fall hard for each other — despite the fact that their families hate each other.
A timeless tale reimagined for a modern audience by favorite Philadelphia director Amina Robinson, this classic Shakespeare tragedy examines the costs of love and loyalty to family. Bonus: Check out the official website for information about special nights for teens and young adults, as well as talkbacks with the artistic team.
Rock out to Tina Turner’s greatest hits with this rollicking jukebox musical from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall.
Using the powerhouse’s iconic music, 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 triumphant comeback in the ʼ80s.
Pay tribute to Tina’s resilience, perseverance and legacy when this high-energy show hits the Miller stage.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Opens Saturday, March 14, 2026
An abandoned 19th-century bank in Old City has been transformed into an immersive, 6-story work of art called Ministry of Awe (MoA) — just in time for the city’s big 2026 celebration.
The building-wide work of art celebrates “human-ness” with installations, interactive sculptures, immersive soundscapes, live performances and murals. Global artist and creative mind behind the transformative art experience, Meg Saligman, collaborated with more than 100 artists to create the massive work.
MoA offers timed-ticket entry six days a week.
Where: Ministry of Awe, 27 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
As the country’s second-largest Irish heritage city, Philly knows a thing or two about how to put on a top-notch St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The annual Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway returns this year with green fanfare, marching bands, dance troops and epic revelry. This year’s theme — 250 Years of Irish Contributions to America — tips a hat to the Semiquincennial.
The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at 16th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, heads east around City Hall to Market Street, and continues east until the parade ends at 5th Street.
Where: Starts at John F Kennedy Boulevard & North 16th Street, Philadelphia, PA
The James Beard Foundation — known for its annual culinary awards honoring the best restaurants and chefs in the nation — brings its national tasting series event, Taste America, to the ballroom at The Bellevue Hotel to honor the city’s restaurant community.
Chefs, special guests and diners celebrate independent eateries through tastings from a dozen walk-around food stations curated by some of the region’s top culinary talents, including past James Beard Award semifinalists and nominees (Ange Branca and Sam Pritchard, Nicholas Elmi, Yun Fuentes, Emily Riddell), 2026 emerging chef nominee Frankie Ramirez and so many more.
Where: The Bellevue Hotel, 200 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Warmer temps mean the return of open-air concert season! Philly sees some of music’s biggest stars rolling into venues across the city — both indoors and out — this spring.
Where: The Liacouras Center, 1776 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
VIEW OTHER LOCATIONS (5)
The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen Street, Philadelphia, PA
Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
The Met, 858 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
March 20 & 22, 2026
A college basketball hotbed for over a century, Philly will feel March’s madness first-hand in 2026 as Xfinity Mobile Arena hosts a slate of first- and second-round games during the 87th NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
The six early-round games — hosted by St. Joseph’s University — will feature eight top programs from around the nation fighting for a spot in the Sweet 16. This will mark the 29th time Philadelphia has played host to men’s tourney games since 1939, including Christian Laettner’s famous game-winner in 1992 and the 1976 and 1981 Final Fours.
We all know how the Revolutionary War ended. Now, a brand-new exhibition at the Independence Seaport Museum explores how our new nation built its economy back up in the aftermath.
Featuring roughly 150 rarely seen objects and artifacts, Seeking Profit and Power: Philadelphia, China Trade and the Making of America examines how the dream of America survived (and thrived) through new economic relationships and international trade alliances — and how China helped build America into the global superpower it is today.
Where: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
March 21 – April 25, 2026 (Saturdays)
Harriet’s Bookshop owner Jeannine Cook launched this trolley tour in 2021 as a way to uplift her community. Still going strong five years later, the 2026 trolley tour offers two time slots across six Saturdays this Spring.
Starting at Cook’s Fishtown bookstore, participants hop on a trolley while host Starfire spins stories and whisks the group to visit four more Black-owned businesses, with different stops on the morning and afternoon tours.
Tour guests can hop off at all the spots to explore each business’s wares, from plants and teas to gifts, art and desserts. Tickets are required and include a complimentary journal.
Where: Tour begins at Harriett's Bookshop, 258 E. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
When the cherry blossom blooms paint Fairmount Park pink and white, spring has officially arrived. To mark the occasion, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP) hosts the annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, featuring hundreds of sakura, or cherry trees.
Highlighting the beauty of Japanese culture, the family-friendly festival typically includes music, dancing, cultural activities, workshops, food vendors, and lots and lots of cherry trees. This year’s fest is extra special as Philly’s OG trees — a gift from the Japanese government to Philadelphia on the eve of the nation’s 150th birthday — celebrate their “Sakura Centennial”.
Where: Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Horticultural & Lansdowne drives, Philadelphia, PA
It’s not a pop quiz. (Or is it…?) What do you know 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
March 26 – September 27, 2026 (select dates)
After back-to-back National League East Championship titles, the Phils return to the Bank for a new season full of high hopes, starting with the home opener against the Texas Rangers (Thursday, March 26, 2026).
Early-season match-ups include games against the Washington Nationals, the Atlanta Braves and more. The most notable stretch in the six-month-long campaign comes in mid-July when Citizens Bank Park hosts the MLB All-Star Game (more on that below), followed by series against the division-rival New York Mets, the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees.
Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA
Spring has officially sprung at Longwood Gardens, Philly’s largest horticultural display garden.
The familiar colors and fragrances of the season are ready to be experienced during the annual Spring Blooms event, offering opportunities to take in the world-renowned thousand-acre attraction’s early spring bulbs, vibrant blooms of aromatic tulips, beloved wisteria, flowering trees and more.
Pierre du Pont’s tranquil botanic oasis showcases nearly 10,000 varieties among its indoor and outdoor grounds. Timed admission tickets are required.
Sixty-five years ago, audiences first fell in love with a defiant nun, a prickly captain and his seven rambunctious children in Rodger & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music.
Return to pre-World War II Austria in this new staging of the beloved musical helmed by Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien. Rediscover — or discover anew — Maria and the von Trapp family’s story of love and courage, soundtracked by a classic score that includes songs like My Favorite Things and Do-Re-Me. We have confidence that it’ll become one of your favorite things — if it isn’t already.
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
April 2026 through September 2027
Two of Philly’s most storied art institutions team up with avid art collectors John and Leigh Middleton for a blockbuster Semiquincentennial exhibition.
Highlighting over 300 years of American art, the collection showcases over 1,000 portraits, sculptures, furniture, photographs and more across two museums. Viewers find some of art’s biggest names — including Mary Cassatt and Charles Willson Peale — exhibited alongside oft-overlooked Black, Indigenous, immigrant and historically underrepresented artists.
A Nation of Artists debuts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (April 12, 2026 to July 5, 2027) and at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (May 2026 through September 2027).
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Opens Saturday, April 4, 2026
Started over 35 years ago by refugee and immigrant community members, Philly’s nationally renowned Southeast Asian Market pops up every weekend (save for during Eagles home games and occasional special events), showcasing some of the city’s best Lao, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine.
Last year’s market saw over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, authentic street food and culturally specific produce, plus plants, jewelry and clothing. For the best experience, pack a picnic blanket and don’t forget to bring cash — some vendors are cash-only, and there’s no ATM on site.
Where: Southeast Asian Market, 1500 Pattison Avenue & South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
The twice-a-year Dine Latino Restaurant Week aims to boost business for local Latino restaurants and food trucks both in the city and the countryside.
Each spring, some of Filadelfia’s favorite Latino eateries — spanning Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Colombian, Peruvian spots and more — offer either a special limited-time menu or a buy-two-entrees, get-an-appetizer-free promotion. Keep an eye on the official website or the Dine Latino Instagram — participating restaurants and food trucks will be announced soon!
Where: Participating restaurants TBA, Philadelphia, PA
Film, video and immersive art installations tell the stories of how Americans of color have helped shape our shared identity throughout the past 250 years at this Barnes Foundation exhibition, timed to coincide with the Semiquincentennial.
Moving-image artists Arthur Jafa, David Hartt, Garrett Bradley, Ja’Tovia Gary and Tourmaline create a contemporary meditation on the past, present and future, and ask viewers to contemplate how Americans of color have carved out spaces of joy and resistance despite systems that seek to oppress.
Access to the special exhibition comes with regular museum admission, good for two days.
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Nearly a half-century before Hamilton, Broadway was privy to another iconic show focused on the Revolution.
This year, the Walnut Street Theatre hosts a new production of the 1969 classic 1776: The Musical. The award-winning retelling recounts the story — set right here in Philadelphia — of Adams, Franklin and Jefferson as they fight for independence against a deadlocked Continental Congress, with humor, romance and nail-biting tension.
Need more historical significance? Walnut Street Theatre remains the oldest continuously operating theater in the entire English-speaking world, opened just 30 years after the events depicted.
Where: Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, 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, the Caribbean, Canada and New England.
Where: PhilaPort (The Port of Philadelphia), 3460 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Got a need for speed? Watch the world’s best driver-athletes and their 12,000-pound beasts on four wheels put their skills to the test during Monster Jam — a family-friendly tradition for over 30 years — in the dirt at Lincoln Financial Field.
See legendary monster trucks, like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco and Megalodon, go head to head in skills challenges, speed racing and freestyle competitions, where drivers show off their jumps, wheelies, donuts and see-to-believe acrobatics. Tickets are also available for the pre-show Pit Party and post-event driver meet-and-greet for an additional cost.
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA
One of the nation’s biggest outdoor Asian food festivals returns to Dilworth Park when Panda Fest spends the weekend outside of City Hall.
Enjoy experiential activities, tastings, market fairs and live performances that showcase the vibrant cuisine, art and traditions of Asia. No pandas were harmed in the making of this festival (lol), but attendees can check out a massive panda inflatable and plentiful panda-inspired merch.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Dozens of food trucks and neighborhood restaurants line Manayunk’s Main Street during one of the city’s biggest foodie events: the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival.
More than 50 food trucks and gourmet food vendors dish out everything from BBQ and sweet treats to wine and craft beer. No food festival is complete with live music, and StrEAT includes six different acts playing two stages at either end of closed-to-traffic Main Street Manayunk. The festival is free to attend with pay-as-you-go food and drink.
Where: Main Street, Philadelphia, PA
Thousands of revelers come from far and wide for Philly Black Pride, an annual homecoming celebration for Philly’s community of LGBTQ+ people of color.
This year’s fest — themed 250 Reasons to Celebrate for the Semiquincentennial — is bigger than ever, filling a full week with parties, podcast recordings, an open mic night, a gaming tournament, and other events highlighting Black LGBTQ+ culture, community, joy, wellness and love.
Keep an eye on the official website for the full schedule of events and more information. Staying over? The Warwick Hotel offers a special discounted rate for attendees.
Where: Locations TBA, Philadelphia, PA
Oh, shucks, Broadway’s corniest musical is making its way to Philadelphia.
A “farm-to-fable” story straight out of Cob County, USA, this close-knit town keeps to itself and likes it that way — thanks in no small part to the literal wall of corn protecting the community from the dangers of the outside world.
But when its golden treasure — its corn — mysteriously begins to die, our heroine, Maizy, is forced to leave her home for help. What will she find? What will she bring back? Find out when the hilarious, Tony Award-winning hit Shucked comes to the Forrest Theatre this spring.
Where: Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
April 23, 2026 – April 2027
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History marks the Semiquincentennial by overhauling its space to include a 4,500-square-foot special exhibition space, plus two new permanent exhibit spaces later this year.
The space’s first special exhibition, The First Salute, takes a look at never-before-told stories of the Jewish community’s connections to the American Revolution. The exhibit features rare artifacts, original films and immersive videos, all weaving together a story about religious freedom, antisemitism in the colonial world, trade and life on the high seas.
Where: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, PA
Digging into Philly’s scrumptious restaurant scene has never tasted so good.
Each year, dozens of eateries across the Greater Philadelphia region participate in Dining Out for Life, a nationwide dining blitz that raises funds for community-based organizations serving people living with or impacted by HIV.
Restaurants donate a percentage of their sales from the event to a local HIV service organization — Action Wellness, in Philly’s case.
Where: Participating restaurants including Barclay Prime, 237 S. 18th Street, Philadelphia, PA
As the world’s first, longest-running and most widely recognized track meet, the Penn Relays features a massive three-day festival each year at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field.
The event includes heated competitions between the nation’s top high school, college and professional runners. Stay tuned for more: The weekend typically also features a Carnival Village full of music, parties, merch and apparel stalls, and food and drink vendors.
Where: Franklin Field, 235 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Raise the curtain! Back for its ninth year, Philly Theatre Week spotlights the artists, organizations and audiences at the center of one of the most vibrant theater communities in the nation.
The showstopping fest features a variety of productions, readings, interactive events, and more, and tickets to all Theatre Week events are pay what you wish, while supplies last. The full slate of programming will be revealed in late March, so keep an eye on the official website for details.
Where: Various locations throughout Philadelphia, 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
Best described as motocross on steroids, supercross challenges the best dirt bike racers to take their skills to the max.
That’s what fans experience at the AMA Supercross Championship, where, with the help of 26 million pounds of dirt, Lincoln Financial Field transforms into the ultimate motorbike obstacle course, forcing competitors to jump, turn and race their way to victory.
The day kicks off at noon at the Supercross FanFest with qualifying races, special exhibitions, giveaways and more, while the main event starts at 6:30 p.m.
All roads lead to Rocky, don’t they?
Inspired by one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of Philadelphia — the Rocky Statue — this brand-new exhibition is all about monuments: Why we make them. Who gets one. And the role they play in society.
Curated by Paul Farber, co-founder of Monument Lab and the host of NPR and WHYY’s acclaimed podcast The Statue (TL:DR: He knows his stuff), the expansive exhibition covers 2,000 years of history and features over 150 artifacts and works of art by 50-plus artists, including Keith Haring, Carrie Mae Weems and Andy Warhol.
The show arrives at the Philadelphia Museum of Art just in time for the 50th anniversary of the movie that started it all.
South Philly comes alive each spring during the annual Flavors on the Avenue, bringing East Passyunk’s top restaurants together for a five-block outdoor extravaganza along East Passyunk Avenue from Broad Street to Dickinson Street.
The free-to-attend, pay-as-you-go event offers kid-friendly activities, live music across multiple stages, and an array of shopping and sidewalk sales from more than 100 local makers and shops. Of course, diners can look forward to plenty of food — from barbecue to burgers to dim sum — and drink specials from the neighborhood’s critically acclaimed restaurants.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue between Broad Street and Dickinson Street, Philadelphia, PA
Among Philly’s spectacular street fests, the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival earns its spot among the biggest and best.
Typically, the annual upscale warm-weather event attracts over 50,000 festivalgoers, highlighting the neighborhood’s reputation as a top food and culture hotspot. Revelers can look forward to live music, family-friendly activities and dozens of booths on Walnut Street offering shopping, specialty cocktails and delicious bites.
Stay tuned to the official website for more details about this year’s event.
Where: Rittenhouse Square, 1800 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Break out the dirndls and lederhosen, ladies and lads. This German beer hall on South Street brings major springtime vibes with its take on Germany’s traditional Maifest celebration. The lively street festival typically features a maypole, music, dancing and, of course, plenty of German beer.
Food and drink are pay as you go, but VIP packages are available, offering a liter mug, six tokens for beer, a VIP buffet, super sweet swag and access to private indoor restrooms. Prost!
Where: 700 block of South Street, Philadelphia, PA
A sweet tradition since 1978, the Strawberry Festival at charming food-and-shopping hotspot Peddler’s Village in Lahaska features two days of events centered on fresh, locally grown strawberries.
The popular annual event includes a bevy of berry-licious treats from pastries to fruit-flavored drinks, plus live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and shop specials. Bonus: Strawberry-themed food and drink specials are available across the village’s restaurants and eateries throughout May.
Where: Peddler's Village, 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
Tens of thousands of athletes traverse a 10-mile course straight down Broad Street — from North Philly all the way down to South Philly — during the largest 10-mile race in the nation. Expect a festival-like atmosphere as thousands of spectators dot the iconic course to motivate runners with music, noisemakers and witty signs.
The 2026 race runs from Broad Street between Fisher Avenue and Somerville Avenue to The Navy Yard. Look forward to prize money awarded to the top male, female and non-binary runners.
Inspired by the spirit and culture of Mexico, LUZIA is a high-flying, vibrant, dreamlike celebration of light (luz) and rain (lluvia).
The folklore-themed circus performance weaves together nature and surreal visuals with water acrobatics — a first for a touring Cirque du Soleil production — while aerial feats, contortion, clowning and other spectacular displays of artistry engage your senses in four dimensions.
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA
All late spring and summer, Longwood Gardens’ glorious fountains jet 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 jets in changing patterns, spinning and dancing to music. Nighttime brings the dazzling displays of the spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performances.
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
Returning to the home that started it all, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Chicago is back at the Forrest Theatre this May — the very same venue where the show had its world premiere 50 years ago.
Currently Broadway’s longest-running musical, the vaudeville-themed show tells a story of fame and fortune as rivals Velma and Roxie get away with murder, competing for the media spotlight. Expect stellar dance choreography, dazzling visuals and all that jazz.
Famous for its delectable cuisine, Philly’s most historic open-air market — one of the oldest and largest in the nation — puts on a boisterous weekend of food and culture during the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, including craft vendors, live music, game tournaments, the traditional Procession of Saints and the very-Philly greased-pole-climbing contest.
But the real spotlight? The food, of course. Stroll the market for great deals on homemade sausages, decadent cannoli, imported cheeses, cappuccino, fresh pasta and more.
Where: South 9th Street Italian Market, Philadelphia, PA
This Jewish American Heritage Month, Philly celebrates the sounds of the Jewish diaspora and the power of music with the first-ever Philly Jewish Music Festival.
The day-long fest showcases a diverse slate of international, national and local performers, spanning hip-hop, rock, and Mizrahi, Sephardic and Klezmer musical traditions. Headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Matisyahu, the stacked lineup features folk artist Lily Henley and singer-songwriter Jodavi, among others.
Hosted by comedian Eitan Levine, the day’s festivities also include comedy sets, children’s programming, audience activations and more. Tickets are required for the festival, which is a part of the Jewish American Heritage Month events at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.
Where: Location TBA, Philadelphia, PA
Giddy up! The beloved Devon Horse Show is an annual equine tradition dating back to 1896, making it the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse competition in the nation. Held at Chester County’s famous Devon Show Grounds, the pageant features equestrian disciplines, open-air exhibitions and events including a dog show, a carriage showcase and a Memorial Day tribute.
Alongside the competition is the old-fashioned Devon Country Fair, itself an institution since 1919, with a half-dozen pop-up restaurants and plenty of fair food stands, dozens of boutique shopping and souvenir vendors, and a family-friendly Midway featuring a Ferris wheel and carousel.
Where: Devon Horse Show & Country Fair, 23 Dorset Road, Devon, PA
Film buffs and fans of Latino culture celebrate cinematic grandeur from established and emerging Latino filmmakers at the 15th annual Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival.
This season’s selections traditionally feature more than 100 films, shorts, music videos, animations, web series and documentaries, along with new and emerging digital media like virtual reality.
2026’s festival also features the return of its annual LOLA Awards, which recognize achievements in artistic direction, acting, writing, cinematography and storytelling. The theme of this year’s LOLA Awards? Joy.
Stay gold, Ponyboy. A four-time Tony Award-winning musical, The Outsiders is a musical take on the classic coming-of-age story by the same name — featuring the same sense of gritty determination, paired with new high-energy choreography and even more emotional heft.
Ponyboy Curtis, Cade and their band of greasers dream of bigger things in a world that refuses to accept outsiders like them. The family-friendly musical explores what it means to break away from your labels and become the person you want to be.
Fan Expo returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center this May, honoring all things genre from sci-fi, horror and gaming to comics, anime and cosplay.
The expo — drawing around 50,000 attendees annually — features plenty of panels, workshops, screening rooms, red carpets, trivia competitions and fan group meetups, plus a quarter-million square feet of exhibitor space for creators, independent artists and game developers.
The event also welcomes a slew of voice actors, special guests and celebrities, with 2026’s event featuring a Lord of the Rings hobbit reunion with Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd; Star Trek: The Next Generation’s own Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden and Jonathan Frakes; and so many more.
What is it like to actually live and create art in the City of Brotherly Love?
That’s the idea behind the brand-new What Now creative festival — presented by arts and culture organization ArtPhilly — which features 10 days of multidisciplinary arts, including thought-provoking musical concerts, theatrical shows, dance performances, visual art exhibits and new museum experiences from over 80 local artists.
The fest — focusing on Philly’s history, neighborhoods and artistic legacy — makes all of Philadelphia a stage with performances, exhibitions and projects taking place across a selection of iconic museums, landmarks and venues.
Philly’s annual Pride Month kickoff goes bigger than ever in honor of the Semiquincentennial.
Themed “Pride Is Power,” this year’s celebration spans a whole week (!) and includes panels and roundtables, a poetry slam, unfurlings of the massive 1,000-foot Pride flag (the largest in Philly history) at iconic locations across the region, and more.
The supersized celebration culminates with a day of marching, music, art and community at the annual Pride March & Festival (Sunday, June 7, 2026).
Originally built as part of America’s bicentennial festivities in 1976, Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts hits the big 5-0 this year.
In celebration of both the anniversary milestone and America’s 250th anniversary, the beloved open-air music venue is collaborating with titans of Philly arts and culture for four major celebratory performances, plus a brand-new mural by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
Don’t miss a weekend of epic ballet performances with Ballet X (June 4-5, 2026), a world premiere concert with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Grammy Award-winning choir The Crossing (Wednesday, June 17, 2026), and a culminating commemorative concert with the orchestra (Thursday, June 18, 2026).
Where: Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Light up the night at historic Franklin Square with the must-see Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Old City.
2026’s fantastical light display celebrates the Year of the Horse with dozens of massive, intricate and handcrafted lanterns and installations constructed by Chinese artisans, plus cultural performances and plenty of international food and drink.
Stay tuned for more info on the 2026 theme, which highlights countries represented at FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia. (More on that below.)
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
June 5-7 & September 18-20, 2026
This twice-a-year event — the oldest outdoor fine arts show in the country — curates fine art from across a variety of media to Rittenhouse Square for a massive outdoor gallery of work by nearly 150 talented artists and crafters.
Held in June and September this year, the art event traditionally showcases paintings, glassware, illustrations, sculptures, accessories, photography, textiles and so much more. Check out the official website for the upcoming lineup of artists, along with works from last year’s exhibitors.
ODUNDE — one of the country’s largest Black and African cultural festivals — has brought an authentic taste of Africa to South Philly each summer for the last 50 years and counting.
The beloved celebration begins with a week of events (June 7 to 13, 2026) and culminates on the second Sunday of June with a high-spirited outdoor festival along South Street. Festivalgoers can expect dozens of vendors, live music, performances, and pay-as-you-go African, Caribbean and soul food dishes. Stay tuned to the official website for announcements about this year’s event.
Where: Centered around South 23rd & South streets, Philadelphia, PA
Visit Philadelphia and TED are collaborating to create TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures — a one-day event 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 features 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. Tickets are on sale now.
Where: Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
June 14 – July 4, 2026 (select dates)
This summer, the eyes of the world will be on South Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field (which will be temporarily renamed Philadelphia Stadium), one of just 11 U.S. stadiums to hold matches during the FIFA World Cup 26 soccer tournament.
The Linc is hosting 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 is also hosting a FIFA FanFestival at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park featuring giant game-watch screens, food, music, parties and more.
Lemon Hill, Philadelphia, PA
The cornerstone of Independence Day festivities in Philadelphia is always the annual Wawa Welcome America festival.
The multi-week celebration commences on Juneteenth and culminates on July Fourth. This year’s events include the Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia; Red, White, & Blue To-Do parade and block party in the Historic District; a massive July Fourth parade; and a headline concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway followed by a massive fireworks show above the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Check out the full festival lineup for 2026 on the official website.
Where: Various locations including Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Summa, summa, summatimeeee. With an ever-growing list of artists and tours coming through Philadelphia, the city’s concert scene couldn’t get any hotter this summer.
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Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, NJ
Lincoln Financial Field, 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA
Summer 2026
Wanna hear a story? Expert wordsmiths with a knack for the overlooked and hidden history of Philadelphia man sites across the Historic District during the warm-weather months.
Costumed History Makers regale visitors with memories from their past, while specially trained, uniformed storytellers are stationed at benches near historic sites, bringing to life free three- to five-minute tales.
In honor of the milestone year, Once Upon a Nation adds several additional storytelling benches to its roster — bringing the total to a whopping 13 — and an expanded cast of History Makers.
Where: Various locations including Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA
As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we cannot forget that Jefferson’s words — “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” — did not extend to all Americans in 1776.
Each year, the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival honors the anniversary of when the last enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865.
One of the largest in the nation, Philly’s Juneteenth Parade typically features 25,000 attendees, 2,000 participants and over two-dozen floats parading through West Philly.
The day culminates with music, vendors, a youth pavilion, a car show and more at the Juneteenth Festival at Malcolm X Park. Stay tuned for more details about this year’s event.
Where: Various locations including Malcolm X Memorial, 5100 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA
The largest outdoor juried arts festival in the tri-state area, the Manayunk Arts Festival returns to Main Street for two days of food, fun and creativity. The 37th annual free-to-attend festival in Manayunk brings together over 300 fine arts and crafts artists and creators from around the country.
Artisans showcase works in media from glass and ceramics to photography and paintings. Art fans, collectors, buyers and designers can also look forward to two days of music, food from Manayunk restaurants, and shopping around the neighborhood’s boutiques and shops.
Opening Wednesday, July 1, 2026
From Memorial Hall in 1876 to the African American Museum in 1976, Philadelphia has a long history of institutions constructed for milestone anniversaries. The most prominent for 2026 is the reopening of the site of the First Bank of the United States, which will be publicly accessible for the first time in half a century with new temporary exhibits.
The First Bank — located in Independence National Historical Park — originally opened in 1797 under Alexander Hamilton as the nation’s first centralized national bank, and opens again with a ribbon cutting the morning of July 1, 2026.
Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming exhibits (which include an exhibit being displayed for the first time ever in the United States), as well as special events like the First Bank Gala on June 16, 2026.
Where: First Bank of the United States, 120 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
This national historic park — a gift from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the American people in honor of America’s last big birthday — toasts its Golden Jubilee with a weekend of festivities.
Bookended by opening and closing ceremonies on July 3 and July 5, 2026, Valley Forge’s birthday celebrations really get going on July Fourth with celebratory musket and cannon firings, birthday and thank-you card signings, and — the main event — a party at Washington’s Headquarters with live music and a reenactor portraying Anna Morris Holstein, who helped pave the way for the site’s preservation.
Bonus: Keep an eye out for special Semiquincentennial exhibits and events throughout the national park all year long.
Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA
July 4, December 13 & December 25, 2026
Washington Crossing Historic Park — the site of George Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware — honors the bravery, dedication and lasting legacy of the general and the Continental Army.
In addition to its regular lineup of living history programs, guided tours and more, the park is set to host three major community-wide events in 2026: an expanded Independence Day celebration and fireworks display (Saturday, July 4, 2026), and two reimagined December Crossing Reenactments (December 13 & 25, 2026).
The park is also debuting some exciting new enhancements to the visitor experience, including upgrades to its Visitor Center Gallery and renovations to its historic buildings. Stay tuned to the official website for more information.
Where: Washington Crossing Historic Park, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, 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 this July. Stars from across the National and American leagues 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 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.
Just off the main drag in West Powelton, the Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival at Saunders Park Greene draws thousands of revelers each year to celebrate jazz music in all its flavors.
This year, the free festival honors the legacy and music of John Coltrane, the legendary artist who once called Philly home, with an afternoon and evening of performances. The family-friendly event typically also features pay-as-you-go shopping with local vendors and tasty food truck eats.
Where: Saunders Park, 39th Street and Powelton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Get ready to cry. Based on the best-selling Nicholas Sparks novel that inspired the cult classic film, The Notebook follows Allie and Noah, whose devotion endures across a lifetime despite coming from very different worlds.
A story about determination, memory and rain-soaked declarations of love, this musical adaptation features original music and songs by Ingrid Michaelson.
Everything is peachy keen come August as Bucks County play-shop-and-dine destination Peddler’s Village brings the fuzzy, delicious fun during an annual free-to-attend, pay-as-you-go fest to kick off National Peach Month.
Every year, the Peach Festival offers live entertainment, summer gardens strolls, elaborate sand sculptures, and a slew of peach-themed food and drink specials at restaurants and eateries throughout the campus. Shops remain open additional hours on Saturday, and parking is always free.
Showcasing films by Black, Brown and Indigenous artists from around the world, the BlackStar Film Festival brings features, shorts, documentaries, panel discussions and parties to venues around the city.
Stay tuned to the official website for more details about the 2026 festival’s programming, including the full slate of genre-defying films.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival shines the spotlight on contemporary and legendary folk artists and bands with three full days of effervescent performances.
The 63rd annual event, produced by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, also offers camping, craft vendors, festival food, and plenty of all-ages activities at the 40-acre Old Pool Farm site in Montgomery County. Keep an eye on the official website for this year’s performances and additional details.
Where: Old Pool Farm, 1212 Barnbridge Drive, Collegeville, PA
Break out the spandex! The Philadelphia Cycling Classic is back after a decade-long hiatus as part of Philly’s monster year celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
The internationally renowned race — a beloved tradition in the city for more than 30 years — returns for the first time since 2016 with both men’s and women’s races.
A 14.4-mile circuit course takes riders down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through Lemon Hill and up the “Manayunk Wall,” a grueling hill featuring a 17% grade. Ouch. Catch us rooting from the sidelines.
Where: Course begins at Logan Square, 200 N. 19th Street, Philadelphia, PA
One of Bucks County’s favorite autumnal happenings, Scarecrows in the Village at Peddler’s Village is back for its 47th 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 free display’s apex is the annual Scarecrow Festival, with scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live music and kids’ activities (September 19 and 20, 2026).
The fall fun doesn’t end there. Ready your stein: The village’s German-inspired OctoberFeast celebration brings food, beer, music and more (October 10 and 11, 2026).
Philly’s boldest and most adventurous artists burst onto Philly’s theatre scene each fall for the annual Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
This 19-day celebration showcases hundreds of alternative, cutting-edge and avant-garde performances throughout the city — ranging from theater and dance to film screenings and immersive gallery installations to cabaret shows and stand-up comedy. The 2026 lineup is still in the works, so keep an eye on the official website for updates.
Spotlighting the bustling arts scene in Bucks County, the Doylestown Arts Festival is a two-day juried art, music and food showcase along the streets of Doylestown.
Celebrating its 35th year in September, the festival features over 160 vendors, live art demonstrations, five stages of live music and a food court.
Where: Doylestown, Doylestown, PA
WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and rising stars — including many local names — for one can’t-miss annual fest at Wiggins Waterfront Park in Camden.
Over the last 30 years, the XPoNential Music Festival’s eclectic lineup has included everyone from Bob Dylan and Sarah McLachlan to Kurt Vile and The War on Drugs. This year’s performance slate is still TBA.
Where: Wiggins Waterfront Park, 2 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
That autumnal chill can’t stop the music. Check out these performances coming to area venues this fall:
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
Produced by the Center for Architecture and Design, DesignPhiladelphia highlights the brilliance and creativity of Philadelphia’s design community — from young aspiring artists to the most seasoned designers.
Now in its 22nd year, the multi-day fest features a whole host of events and installations. Be on the lookout for panels, parties, hands-on family-friendly activities and tours when this year’s programming is announced on the event’s official website.
October 1-25, 2026 (dates vary by event)
It’s the Philadelphia Film Society’s big 35 (and we’re not just talking about mm film). Bust out the proverbial popcorn for these Film Society celebrations:
Where: Various locations including Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
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 20 neighborhoods across the city, making POST one of the largest open studio events in the nation. Studios west of Broad Street are open October 10 and 11, 2026, while studios east of Broad Street are open October 17 and 18, 2026.
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 (NCOD).
The festival block party (known as OutFest until 2022) typically features live performances and DJ sets, craft and apparel vendors, festival refreshments, and scores of organizations offering NCOD resources and promoting LGBTQ+ visibility.
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 Museum of Art 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
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 over 8,000 rowers and 20,000 to 30,000 spectators, the 2.3-mile 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
Celebrate a half-century of hand-crafted art and singular talent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show.
Museum-quality handmade jewelry, textiles and mixed media are on display and for sale during this juried show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The highly anticipated annual event commemorates its milestone anniversary year by exhibiting 195 artists across 13 different categories of craft and design.
Salute the 70,000 vets who live in the Philadelphia region with this annual Veterans Day celebration.
The celebration typically kicks off along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the annual parade — featuring marching bands, honorarium brigades, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, local celebrities, and motorcyclists — before culminating with an all-ages festival at Eakins Oval.
Where: Parade begins at 21st Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
One of the country’s top — and most scenic — running events, the Philadelphia Marathon sends thousands of athletes through the city.
Racers traverse Center City, Fairmount Park, University City and Manayunk past iconic landmarks like Penn’s Landing and Boathouse Row before ending at the Rocky Steps … all while hordes of spectators (and their memorable signs) cheer them on.
The marathon is only one part of a full weekend that also includes an 8K, 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 illuminated fountain shows combine to create an incredible winter wonderland at A Longwood Christmas.
Marvel at miles of lights setting the award-winning botanic garden aglow, before slipping inside Pierre S. du Pont’s Historic Main Conservatory, with its festively decorated trees, thousands of poinsettias and plentiful magical decor.
With more than 65 specialty shops perfect for holiday shopping, picturesque Peddler’s Village rings in the holiday season with festive events and plenty of decorations.
Santa personally ushers the festivities with live entertainment at Holiday Kickoff Weekend (November 20 to 22, 2026) and the Grand Illumination celebration (November 20, 2026), where the village is set aglow with 1 million twinkling lights. Other festive happenings include the annual Gingerbread Competition & Display (November 20, 2026 to January 10, 2027) and plenty of family-friendly fun during Holly Jolly Weekend (December 5 and 6, 2026).
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 FIFA World Cup 26 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.
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 much more to be announced in the coming months.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
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