Ways to Celebrate Arts & Culture Recovery Week in Philadelphia

You might make the case (we certainly do!) that every week in Philly is Arts & Culture Week, given the region’s impressive public art, top-notch museums, stellar music venues and dynamic neighborhood experiences.

All the more reason to spend an entire week celebrating all the awesome things that make Philly Philly during Arts & Culture Recovery Week (ACRW), an inaugural experience designed to support the people and institutions that faced drastic cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic that runs July 5-11, 2021.

Spearheaded by the office of Philadelphia City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, and in collaboration with lead partner Forman Arts Initiative and other organizations, ACRW aims to bring attention to the diverse arts scene with a jam-packed calendar of events for all ages.

  — Photo by D. Nichole for Visit Philadelphia

The week kicks off on Monday, July 5, with the Welcome Back to the Block block party at 33rd and Cecil B. Moore avenues along the edge of Fairmount Park in Strawberry Mansion, organized by the city’s Arts & Culture Taskforce. Local artists will host performances and demonstrations between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. to launch a week of activities.

Additional highlights include:

• Tuesday, July 6: Youth Arts Market at Vernon Park in Germantown
• Wednesday, July 7: The dedication of Electric Philadelphia, a Mural Arts and VISIT PHILADELPHIA collaboration in Old City
• Thursday, July 8: A Double Dutch competition at Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown
• Saturday, July 10: Gospel Fest at Triumph Baptist Church in Hunting Park

Throughout the week, find comedy showcases, musical performances from emerging local artists, street art tutorials and more offerings that boost Philly creators, bring communities together and re-energize the city’s nightlife.

Plus, Arts & Culture Recovery Week includes ongoing neighborhood events like Chestnut Hill’s Second Saturdays (July 11).

Check back with the Art & Culture Recovery Week website for more events and details, and make plans to participate in this exciting new event series!