This July in Philly: The 37 Biggest Events, Festivals & Exhibitions

Through Sunday, July 16, 2023

Lace up! Through mid-July, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park paints the town rainbow with colorful springtime skate sessions. Vibrant overhead art and a checkerboard rink floor bring good times and retro vibes. For more fun, chow down at the Dilworth Park Café, fuel up at the Air Grille pop-up beer garden or hop your way through the Dilworth Park dancing fountain. Advance reservations for hour-long skating sessions are strongly recommended, and discounted matinee skate sessions are offered Mondays and Tuesdays.

Now Open

Summer in Philly equals cold drinks, delicious grub and good times with friends. Many of Philly’s most popular outdoor venues are now open for the season, including waterfront destinations like Morgan’s Pier and Liberty Point; lush beer gardens like Independence Beer Garden in the Historic District and the Rodin Garden Bar (Fridays only), Uptown Beer Garden in Center City and PHS Pop Up Gardens on South Street and in Manayunk; and the ever-popular rooftop Bok Bar in South Philly. Cheers!

Dates vary by tour

Brush up on Philly history — or learn something brand new — with these top Philadelphia tours for July:

• The Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour: Tour Philadelphia’s Historic District on this brand-new tour led by a rotating cast of costumed history makers. Each 45-minute tour is led by an actor portraying one of three real-life Philadelphians: Trooper Robert Hare, a colonial brewer credited as the first person to brew porter in the U.S.; Bishop Richard Allen, founder of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church; and James Forten, a free Black man and abolitionist who was present at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Tours depart from the Independence Visitor Center at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Saturday and make stops outside of The President’s House, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall and Franklin Court (Saturdays only through September 2, 2023).
• Twilight Tours hosted by Independence National Historical Trust: These daily dusk tours are completely free and offer insights into our nation’s founding through one-hour walks along the cobblestone paths of the Historic District. Led by knowledgeable guides from the Independence National Historical Trust, tours depart from the Commodore Barry Statue behind Independence Hall at 6 p.m. each night through Labor Day (daily through September 4, 2023).
• Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ History Tours from Beyond the Bell Tours: Expand your horizons with a Philly Gayborhood and LGBTQ History Tour, which promises to “get under the skin of queer Philly,” touching on the controversies, paradoxes and hidden histories of the community. During these tours (offered on select dates year-round), you can expect to learn about the nation’s longest continually operating LGBTQ+ bookstore; the work of activists such as Kiyoshi Kuromiya, Gloria Casarez and Barbara Gittings; and the history of Pride itself (select dates).

Dates vary by screening 

Break out the popcorn and catch alfresco movies under the stars all summer long. The flicks at parks and outdoor venues around Philly include blockbuster epics like Top Gun: Maverick and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; classics like Jaws and The Dark Crystal; and family-friendly faves like Encanto and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Through July 4, 2023

All culminating in a stunning fireworks display on the Fourth of July (more on that below), this massive Independence Day festival features several weeks of multicultural, family-friendly programming, including:

• Avenue of the Arts Block Party: Check out live performances and workshops, chow down at various pay-as-you-go food trucks or even zoom down a 120-foot (!) slide during this festive celebration on the Avenue of the Arts. The block party also features free giveaways, a family-friendly dance party and — onstage at the Kimmel Center — preview performances from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Disney’s Frozen. The day’s events are free to attend, but RSVPs are recommended (July 1, 2023).
• Gospel on Independence: This powerful and uplifting evening of gospel music commemorates the 160th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. BYO blankets and chairs for the free concert, which features performances from the Six Singing Sista’s Ensemble and Philly Remembers Choir (rescheduled to July 3, 2023).
• Free Museum Days: More than 30 of Philly’s most-celebrated museums and attractions offer free or pay-what-you-wish admission during Wawa Welcome America. July attractions include the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary and more (dates vary by location).

Franklin Square lights up the night with the return of the ticketed Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Old City. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit among dozens of spectacular glowing installations (some never seen before), live stage performances, festival-themed crafts by Chinese artisans, and international food and drink — including the return of the super-popular Dragon Beer Garden.

Through Sunday, August 27, 2023 

The House of Mouse celebrates a century of dazzling audiences with a brand-new exhibition, making its world premiere in Philadelphia. Disney100: The Exhibition opens the vaults for behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company’s most popular characters, films, shows and attractions, offering 10 themed galleries with interactive installations covering everything from Snow White to Star Wars. Pro tip: Score complimentary tix to the exhibition when you book the Visit Philly Overnight Package for stays through August 20, 2023.

Through Wednesday, August 30, 2023 (Wednesdays only) 

No summertime sadness here: The dog days mark the start of Philly’s favorite Wednesday night party. Center City District SIPS features happy hour deals at participating restaurants and bars all summer long, with $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beer and half-priced apps at establishments like Double Knot and the Air Grille Garden at Dilworth Park. This year, you can also look forward to SIPS Style, which promotes Wednesday discounts on merchandise and services at select Center City retailers.

Through Thursday, August 31, 2023 (Thursdays only)

Move over, Friday: Thursday might be Philly’s favorite happy hour and date night this summer thanks to Old City Eats. More than 20 participating bars, restaurants and eateries in Old City offer small plate and drink specials from 5 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through August 31, 2023. In addition to returning participants like The Olde Bar, Stratus Lounge and Lucha Cartel, five new spots join the party for 2023, including Amina, Franklin Social American Kitchen & Bar and Vista Peru.

June 25 – September 10, 2023

An exhibition featuring over 60 of William Edmondson’s most memorable works comes to the Barnes Foundation. The late sculptor’s work spans gravestones and garden ornaments, to more figurative carvings like people, animals and angels. And in 1937, Edmonson was the first Black American artist to have a solo exhibition at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The Barnes exhibition space explores his work as it relates to Black culture and includes a brand-new performance, choreographed by Chicago-based artist Brendan Fernandes.

Through Sunday, September 24, 2023

When the ice melts and the shades come out, it’s time for Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. The annual Penn’s Landing extravaganza boasts boardwalk games, carnival rides, mini-golf, an arcade, the city’s largest outdoor roller skating rink and much, much more. The fest has plenty of food and drink options on deck, including faves like the funnel cake at Skelly’s, the creative cocktails at The Lodge Bar or the Crabfries at Chickie’s & Pete’s. General admission to the fest is free (everything else is pay-as-you-go). New for July: Pixar Putt comes to Philly at the Great Plaza just next door, bringing iconic Disney and Pixar films to life with a special Instagram-worthy 18-hole mini-golf course.

Through Sunday, September 24, 2023

Enthusiasts of riverside chilling enjoy hammocks, patio and arcade games, musical performances and tasty treats from local purveyors while strolling the boardwalk at this warm-weather attraction. Spruce Street Harbor Park is the perfect escape for visitors looking to relax and locals hoping to unwind. And through August 14, don’t miss Loop, an interactive zoetrope-inspired art installation, where you play a short movie by kinetically powering a giant, flipbook-style cylinder.

Through Thursday, September 28, 2023 (select dates)

Summer is typically hittin’ season at Citizens Bank Park, and July’s forecast calls for plenty of long drives in South Philly as the Fightin’ Phils host four big home series:

• First up is a series with the rival Washington Nationals (July 1-2, 2023). Stick around after the July 1 game for a free live DJ set from NBA legend-turned-master-emcee Shaquille O’Neal (performing under his stage name, Diesel).
• Following the All Star Break, the San Diego Padres return to Citizens Bank Park for the first time since Bedlam at the Bank broke out during the 2022 National League Championship series (July 14-16, 2023). Enjoy a post-game fireworks show on July 14.
• The Phils take on the Milwaukee Brewers for three big games (July 18-20, 2023) in a series featuring an Irish heritage celebration (July 18) and a chance for kids to run the bases (July 20).
• July’s home matchups close out with three games against the Baltimore Orioles (July 24-26, 2023). Get in the spirit during the July 25 game when the stadium Phils Christmas in July.

Through Sunday, October 1, 2023 (Wednesdays through Sundays)

Philly’s roving beer garden brings brews and bites to parks and green spaces in neighborhoods in nearly every corner of the city this year. Here’s where to enjoy draft beers from Mainstay Independent Brewing, cocktails, and finger foods and sandwiches this month:

• McMichael Park (June 28 to July 2, 2023)
• FDR Park (July 4 to 9, 2023)
• Belmont Plateau (July 12 to 16, 2023)
• Gorgas Park (July 19 to 23, 2023)
• Pretzel Park (July 26 to 30, 2023)

Through Saturday, October 7, 2023 (select dates)

Doop! The fired-up Philadelphia Union look to keep the ball rolling this July on their 2023 redemption arc. Major upcoming matchups include:

• Regular season match vs. New York City FC (July 15, 2023)
• Leagues Cup match vs. Queretaro FC (July 26, 2023)
• Philadelphia Union II squad vs. Wrexham AFC — the team co-owned by Philly native Rob McElhenney and some guy named Ryan Reynolds (July 28, 2023)

Through Sunday, October 8, 2023

“Is the sun rising or setting on the experiment of American democracy?” Nearly two dozen artists interpret that question into new artworks in this collaborative exhibition at both the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and The African American Museum in Philadelphia.

Through Sunday, November 26, 2023

This exhibition charts the life of James Forten, a free man of African descent who fought in the war for American independence in 1781, then returned to Philadelphia to become a successful businessman, philanthropist and stalwart abolitionist. Chronicle Forten’s life and follow his family’s 100-year story from the American Revolution through the lead up to the Civil War and women’s suffrage movement.

Jackpot! Rivers Casino Philadelphia gets the Fourth of July festivities started early with a free riverfront celebration in Fishtown. Look forward to local food trucks, games like cornhole and giant Connect Four, family fun a la face painting and balloon artists, a live stage featuring both a DJ and a Michael Jackson tribute band, and the 9 p.m. fireworks finale over the river.

Reopens Monday, July 3, 2023

Following the completion of a multi-million dollar preservation project and additional repairs stemming from a fire in late 2022, Carpenters’ Hall reopens to the public in July for the first time in more than a year. The historic hall was the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774, which resulted in the American colony’s first unified act of resistance against the British crown — an important precursor to the Revolutionary War. A brand-new exhibit, Artifacts and Architecture, features archeological artifacts uncovered during the preservation project as well as photos of the project taken by an architectural photographer. Carpenters’ Hall is free to visit.   

This is it: the big one. Wawa Welcome America culminates in a giant, free-for-everyone party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the evening of the Fourth of July. The centerpiece of the celebration is a high-energy concert (beginning at 7 p.m.) headlined by superstars Demi Lovato, Ludacris and Adam Blackstone ahead of a stunning fireworks finale at 9:45 p.m. Here’s our guide to the best places to catch Philly’s July Fourth fireworks. Note: Guests can enter the Parkway through gates at 20th Street and Logan Circle beginning at 4 p.m.

Let the folks at Peddler’s Village handle the grilling this Fourth of July. The Bucks County shopping destination’s annual Independence Day event offers an all-American barbecue picnic alongside live music, family-friendly entertainment and activities for the kiddos.

Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 hit film gets the full musical treatment in this sexy stage adaptation, which scored 10 Tony Awards, including best musical. Following a cast of performers at the Moulin Rouge, a cabaret club in Paris at the turn of the 20th century, the story is one of mistaken identity, class struggle and heartache.

July 7 – September 4, 2023 (select dates)

It’s shaping up to be another stellar summer at The Oval — the pop-up urban oasis located just across the street from the famous Rocky Steps and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. For 2023, The Oval features a 21,000-square-foot beer garden, lawn games, an enormous Ben Franklin-inspired ground mural from Mural Arts Philadelphia, kid-friendly activations and a rotating lineup of local food trucks. Things kick off July 7 with a free concert headlined by Philly brass band SNACKTIME. Also taking the stage: DJ Killsing and songwriter Rachel Andie.

The little blue fruit shines at this all-day festival in Delco. Pick your own blueberries, enjoy blueberry treats or participate in a good old-fashioned blueberry pie-eating contest. The event also features live music and a magic show. The festival is free to attend; however, there is a charge to pick your own blueberries.

Find your new favorite work of art inside the centerpiece red art barn or in the shade of surrounding trees at this annual, two-day event benefiting more than 30 nonprofit organizations. Browse creations from more than 300 artists and artisans, buy a perfect gift for the special someone (or yourself), enjoy tasty treats and dig through thousands of titles inside the book wagon. Also on the docket: plenty of live music and interactive activities for the kiddos.

When she’s not being an activist, author, philanthropist, film producer and entrepreneur, the original girl on fire finds time to drop hit after hit as one of the most decorated music artists of all time. Alicia’s Keys to the Summer Tour reimagines the concert experience with an innovative, colorful and sensory 360-degree performance.

Monday, July 10, 2023 | 8 p.m. – midnight

Co-sponsored by Visit Philadelphia, the city’s popular Hispanic & Latinx Industry Night series continues this summer with a showcase of all-star Mexican mixologists. Grab a drink (or several), support underrepresented voices and witness some of the city’s finest Latino bartenders — this time hailing from Sor Ynez, the Ranstead Room, Parc and Vedge. The event is free to attend and open to the public, with pay-as-you-go food and drinks, one-night-only specials, and both indoor and alfresco seating.

Who run the world? The only correct answer is Beyoncé. Queen Bey brings her highly anticipated Renaissance tour to the sports complex complete with elaborate choreography, sets, costumes and vocals.

Phoenixville, Chester County — where parts of the campy 1950s horror/sci-fi flick The Blob were filmed — hosts a wacky three-day festival of film screenings, live stage shows, themed competitions and even a recreation of the pivotal movie scene in which frightened townspeople flee the Colonial Theatre. This year, enjoy scary-good music and 70-plus vendors at the Blobfest Street Fair (Saturday, July 15, 2023) or blob for your life at the Blob Run 5k (Sunday, July 16, 2023). Tickets are required for the weekend’s events.

This West Philly festival draws thousands of revelers each year to celebrate jazz music in all its flavors. Tap your toes to some of Philly’s funkiest jazz musicians, visit community vendors to buy locally made goods, or take a load off with cool treats and summer eats at the food trucks. The Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Fest is free to attend, with pay-as-you-go food and refreshments. For updates and this year’s lineup, keep an eye on the festival’s Instagram.

Take your taste buds on a world tour with $20, $30 and $40 meal deals from University City’s many locally and internationally inspired restaurants. Culinary options include the $20 meal-for-two at Woosa Bubble Tea, the $30 choose-your-own three-course dinner at NAM Vietnamese Kitchen and much more.

Live music, uh, finds a way. The Philadelphia Orchestra plays John Williams’ iconic score live while 1993’s Jurassic Park plays in high definition across three enormous screens during this special, 30th-anniversary screening of the film, which stars Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and some spectacularly rendered prehistoric pals.

Are you ready for some football? (The other kind of football, to be clear.) This summer, the Linc hosts three matchups starring teams from England’s prestigious Premier League as part of a summer series kicking off in five U.S. cities. On July 22, Chelsea takes on Brighton before a July 23 doubleheader pits Fulham vs. Brentford and Newcastle United vs. Aston Villa. The weekend of footie is a perfect warmup for Philly’s highly anticipated stint as a host city for the 2026 World Cup.

A beloved West Philly tradition continues as one of The Bard’s earliest works gets the musical treatment during this free production in Clark Park. Serving as a template of sorts for future Shakespearian plays, this early comedy explores familiar themes of friendship and the foolishness of lovers. The free performances kick off at 7 p.m. each night inside “the Bowl” in Clark Park.

The Grammy-nominated country artist is the first person to rack up 15 No. 1 songs on country radio. Perhaps many of those chart-topping hits like Going, Going, Gone; Hurricane; and Beer Never Broke My Heart will appear on Luke Combs’ Linc setlist.

Class is in session during the High School Reunion Tour, which sees collaborators Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa (did you see their 2012 stoner comedy Mac & Devin Go To High School?) reunite once again. The bill is rounded out by West Coast rappers Too $hort, Warren G and Berner.

Two of the most influential voices in hip-hop take the stage in South Philly for Drake’s first tour in five years. Spanning the past decade of Drake’s career, the It’s All A Blur tour will celebrate moments like Hotline Bling through Her Loss, a collaborative album with 21 Savage.