Annual Events & Festivals Return To Greater Philadelphia In a Big Way In 2022

If 2021 was the warm-up, then 2022 is the comeback. And no one likes a comeback better than Philly. The region’s most-anticipated events and festivals are back, proving yet again that the City of Brotherly Love is the place to visit any time of year.

In March, the annual Philadelphia Auto Show and the Philly Home Show take over the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Come spring and summer, visitors bask in the return of in-person favorites like the Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival (re-imagined for 2022), the Juneteenth Parade & Festival, and, of course, Wawa Welcome America’s Juneteenth and Fourth of July celebrations. Plus: the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show makes a grand return to FDR Park. And fall and the holidays offer art (Fringe Festival, Doylestown Arts Festival), sports (Army-Navy Game, Head of the Schuylkill Regatta) and a bazillion holiday lights to usher in the most wonderful time of the year.

Pairing a top event with a night or two in Philly is an easy way to explore the region’s other bountiful offerings. And ease is the main appeal of the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, which includes hotel parking and a buy-one-get-one offer on attraction tickets sold at the Independence Visitor Center. The package is available at more than 40 hotels through winter. New package perks will be introduced in spring. It is bookable at visitphilly.com/overnight.

Here’s a look at some of the annual events and festivals taking place in Greater Philadelphia in 2022:

February:

• African American Children’s Book Fair – The 30th annual African American Children’s Book Fair — one of the oldest and largest single-day events for African American children’s books in the country — returns to in-person programming this year at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event features nationally known authors and illustrators, representatives from the multicultural literary community, enriching children’s books, and activities that promote the power and joy of reading. February 26, 2022.
• East Passyunk Avenue Restaurant Week – For 10 years running, diners can score prix-fixe lunch and dinner deals at many popular eateries in Philly’s East Passyunk neighborhood — known for its diverse dining scene and restaurants helmed by acclaimed chefs — during this once-a-year restaurant week. The three-course meals go for $20, $30, $40 or $55. February 28-March 11, 2022.

March:

• Philadelphia Auto Show – The automotive industry’s latest creations are on a more than a half-a-million-square-foot display at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the annual Philadelphia Auto Show, returning this year and running for nine days. Showgoers get an up-close look at hundreds of classic, luxury and exotic cars — and even have the opportunity to climb behind the wheel of some. March 5-13, 2022.
• Dine Latino Restaurant Week – Organized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this newer-to-the-scene restaurant week aims to boost business at the region’s Latinx-owned restaurants, which have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. The deal is straightforward: Diners who buy two entrees at a participating restaurant receive an appetizer or dessert for free. March 14-18, 2022.
• Philly Home Show – Hundreds of home exhibitors and home-design experts head to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for this two-weekend event that inspires homeowners and renters alike to freshen up their spaces. Experts in gardening, landscaping, interior design, furnishing, architecture and construction set up shop to answer questions and help guide attendees seeking advice and inspiration. March 18-20 & 25-27, 2022.
• qFlix LGBTQ+ Film Festival – Founded in 2014, this annual festival celebrates all genres of film that pertain to or were created by members of the LGBTQ communities. Film schedule and screening locations to be announced. March 20-27, 2022.

April:

• Philly Theatre Week – This 10-day regional theatrical festival features live performances, panel discussions, theater-related films, virtual events and interactive theater events. The best part? All of the performances are either free or cost just $15-$30. Bravo! April 1-10, 2022.
• Shofuso Cherry Blossom Festival – Fairmount Park’s Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center re-imagines its annual (and very popular) Cherry Blossom Festival for 2022, focusing on the community in the nearby Parkside neighborhood via local artist and performer spotlights. The more intimate festival includes music performances, workshops, online concerts and lectures exploring Japanese culture. April 8-10, 2022.
• South Street Headhouse District Easter Promenade – In spring, this long-running Easter strut returns in all its pastel glory. Kids and grown-ups alike come dressed in their Sunday best for a promenade down South Street, complete with live music, treats and a visit from the Easter Bunny, who judges the best-dressed contests. April 17, 2022.
• African American History & Culture Showcase – This annual event, spanning two full days at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, commemorates the important role African Americans have played throughout American history. On the docket: private exhibits never before seen in museums, documentary films, historical reenactments, panel discussions, lectures, workshops, poetry readings, theatrical performances and historical concerts. April 23-24, 2022.
• Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival – More than 50 food trucks and neighborhood restaurants line Manayunk’s Main Street, doling out dishes highlighting a spring ingredient — strawberries. Also on site this year: a farm stand, vendors and live music. April 24, 2022.
• Penn Relays – At the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate track meet — back for the first time since 2019 — high school, college and professional track stars compete at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field. The three-day event features morning, afternoon and evening race sessions. April 28-30, 2022.
• The Philadelphia Show – One of the nation’s leading art and design fairs takes place on the grounds of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the first time in its 60-year run. Staged on the museum’s East Terrace, the show — formally known as the Philadelphia Antiques Show — features 40 of the most outstanding exhibitors in the U.S., specializing in fine art, collectible design and antiques. April 29-May 1, 2022.

May:

• Blue Cross Broad Street Run – After a virtual 2020 race and a move to the fall for 2021, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run takes over the city’s central corridor the first Sunday in May once again. During the 40-plus-year-old 10-mile race, participants run from the Logan neighborhood in North Philly all the way down to The Navy Yard in South Philly — with spectators hooting, hollering and hoisting fun signs all along the way. May 1, 2022.
• Philly Tech Week – Back in person after a virtual festival last year, Philly Tech Week celebrates all-things technology and innovation within the Greater Philadelphia region. On the docket: networking events, coding and gaming sessions, and, of course, parties. May 6-14, 2022.
• South Street Spring Festival and Maifest – South Street’s grandest block party ushers in the height of springtime when revelers take part in alfresco family fun, food and music, spanning Headhouse Square and along South Street. The event typically includes a giant Maypole, a few dozen musical performances, eating contests, a kids’ zone, vendors and Maifest, Brauhaus Schmitz’s German-beer-and-dancing extravaganza. May 7, 2022.
• 121st Annual Student Exhibition – The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, America’s first fine arts school and museum shows off works by third- and fourth-year undergraduate students and second-year graduate students, making it the perfect opportunity to acquire works from artists before they make it big. Those who want in on the art action early can purchase tickets for the preview event on May 12. May 13-June 5, 2022.
• Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta – The largest collegiate regatta in North America takes places on the Schuylkill River, attracting competitors from more than 100 colleges across the country and Canada. May 13-14, 2022.
• Kensington Derby & Arts Festival – People fill the streets of Kensington and Fishtown to enjoy not only racing sculpture and art, but also live music and great food. The derby portion of the day celebrates human-powered transit as fanciful mobile sculptures parade along a three-mile urban obstacle course. May 14, 2022.
• New Hope Celebrates PrideFest – Drawing more 15,000 people annually, the New Hope Celebrates PrideFest event welcomes visitors from New Hope and neighboring Lambertville (and beyond) for a weekend-long LGBTQ tradition. The festival features a 600-participant-strong parade — beginning in Lambertville, crossing over the bridge and culminating in New Hope — a Pride fair, a cocktail contest and plenty of other parties. May 20-22, 2022.
• Radnor Hunt Races – In its 91st year, this annual horse race in Malvern draws in crowds to watch five races throughout the day; funds benefit the Brandywine Conservatory. May 21, 2022.
• Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival – A come-one, come-all street fest transforms the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood thanks to live music, outdoor shopping, fashion events and food from some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. May 21, 2022.
• South 9th Street Italian Market Festival – Famous for its delectable cuisine, the South 9th Street Italian Market puts on a boisterous weekend of food and culture, including the very-Philly greased-pole-climbing contest. The real spotlight here though is on the food, and that comes in the form of homemade sausages, delicious cannoli, imported meats and cheeses, cappuccino, beef and poultry, and fresh pasta. May 21-22, 2022.
• Devon Horse Show and Country Fair – The country’s oldest and largest event of its kind features equestrian disciplines, exhibitions and an old-fashioned country fair at the Devon Show Grounds. May 26-June 5, 2022.
• Philadelphia Latino Film Festival – Film fans can find works by established and emerging Latinx and Latino filmmakers during this annual festival. The lineup includes feature films, shorts, animations and documentaries, along with workshops and discussions. Lineup and schedule to be announced. May 29-June 5, 2022.

June:

• Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show – This popular twice-a-year event — the oldest outdoor fine arts show in the country (95 years strong in 2022) — returns to the perimeter of Rittenhouse Square park and features works by more than 140 professional artists specializing in media ranging from sculpture to pastels. June 3-5, 2022.
• Roots Picnic – After a two-year hiatus, the Roots Picnic returns to The Mann in Philadelphia’s Fairmount for a two-day festival that brings together artists from various genres. This year’s lineup includes Mary J. Blige (performing with the Roots), Summer Walker, Wizkid, Jazmine Sullivan, Kamasi Washington and dozens of others. The live podcast stage features recordings of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, New Rori & Mal and VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s Love + Grit. June 4-5, 2022.
• PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – The nation’s longest-running horticultural event returns to the great outdoors for the second time in its 193-year history. Themed “In Full Bloom,” the show once again uses South Philadelphia’s expansive and lush FDR Park as the setting for its breathtaking displays by the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. As always, the annual gardening celebration features top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, demonstrations, entertainment, themed nights and a marketplace. June 11-19, 2022.
• ODUNDE Festival – The largest African American street festival in the country, now in its 47th year, begins with a week of events and culminates on Sunday, June 12 with a festival featuring more than 100 vendors and two stages of live entertainment. June 5-12, 2022.
• Bloomsday – James Joyce fans celebrate the day on which Ulysses hero Leopold Bloom made his odyssey through Dublin with a daylong reading on Delancey Place. June 16, 2022.
• Juneteenth Parade & Festival – Philadelphia marks the anniversary of African Americans’ emancipation from enslavement with a return to in-person commemorations, including a parade and festival with vendors, food and music. June 19, 2022.
• Wawa Welcome America – This Fourth of July festival in the nation’s birthplace includes several days of multicultural, family-friendly programming. The event, expanded last year to incorporate Juneteenth celebrations, culminates with a stunning fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. June 19-July 4, 2022.
• Manayunk Arts Festival – Featuring artists from around the country, as well as crafts, food and music, this two-day festival runs along Main Street in Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood. June 25-26, 2022.
• Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square – The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival illuminates Franklin Square with grand, artistic creations. The square comes alive with thousands of LED lights strewn across different displays of intricate, handcrafted lanterns constructed by lantern artisans from China. Summer 2022 (dates to be announced).

August:

• BlackStar Film Festival – 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 citywide. August 3-7, 2022.

September:

• Made In America – The Jay-Z-curated Made in America music festival returns to take over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with what’s sure to be an epic lineup of some of the hottest established and up-and-coming musicians. 2021’s performers included Justin Bieber, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Rody Ricch, Kehlani, Young Thug and Tinashe. September 3-4, 2022.
• Fringe Festival – For nearly a month, avant-garde performance meets street theater during the annual Fringe Festival. Each year, the festival brings performances ranging from circus arts to comedy to traditional and unexpected venues throughout the city.
• Kennett Square Mushroom Festival – The “Mushroom Capital of the World” is just outside of Philadelphia, and to celebrate its unusual claim to fame, the charming town of Kennett Square hosts a two-day Mushroom Festival, full of fungi-themed food, music, exhibits and activities. September 10-11, 2022.
• Doylestown Arts Festival – Spotlighting the bustling arts scene in Bucks County, this two-day juried art, music and food showcase takes place along the streets of Doylestown. This year — the festival’s 31st anniversary — attendees can expect more than 150 artists specializing in glass, pottery, wood ang printmaking. Also on tap: live art demonstrations, music and a vast food court. September 10-11, 2022.
• Hispanic Heritage Month – Philadelphia typically honors this national event with the Feria del Barrio in El Centro de Oro, a Latin American Book Fair and the Puerto Rican Day Parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, among other happenings. More info about 2022’s events to be announced later in the year. September 15-October 15, 2022. 
• XPoNential Music Festival – WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers along the Camden waterfront for this can’t-miss annual fest at Wiggins Waterfront Park and Waterfront Music Pavilion. This year’s lineup to be announced. September 16-18, 2022.
• Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show – The fall edition of this twice-a-year event — the oldest outdoor fine arts show in the country — brings paintings, glassware, sketches and more art to Rittenhouse Square for an outdoor gallery featuring work by talented artists and crafters. September 16-18, 2022. 
• Downingtown Fall Fest – Neighbors and visitors enjoy live music, a variety of food and craft vendors and the Victory Beer Garden, all along blocked-off Green Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. September 25, 2022.
• Halloween Nights – Eastern State Penitentiary opens the cell blocks after dark for a not-too-spooky iteration of its Halloween event that underwent a makeover in 2021. With haunted houses, a psychedelic walk-through experience, interactive performances and more, this event in the nation’s first penitentiary offers the perfect setting for seasonal frights. September-November 2022 (TBA).
• Philadelphia Film Festival – This annual festival showcases the best in independent and foreign cinema — shorts, features, animated and guest-accompanied films — in theaters and venues around Philadelphia. Fall 2022 (dates to be announced).

October:

• OctoberFeast – Peddler’s Village transports visitors to Germany for two days during its annual OctoberFeast. Revelers sample beers in the beer garden — in their own custom stein — enjoy fare from food trucks and delight in German brass music and folk dances. October 15-16, 2022.
• Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) – Hundreds of artists and community spaces open their doors to the public during this annual event that seeks to make workshops, galleries and other creative spaces more accessible. Check POST’s website for the list of participating artists and galleries on each date. October 15-16 & 22-23, 2022.
• Head of the Schuylkill Regatta – 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. The race winds along Kelly Drive, which offers optimal viewing points and a festive atmosphere made up of rowers and spectators alike. October 29-30, 2022.
• South Street Headhouse District PumpkinFest – Fans of fall celebrate the season under the Headhouse Shambles during this annual South Street Headhouse District event that features pumpkin-carving and -decorating activities, trick-or-treating at local businesses, live music and shopping. October 29, 2022.

November:

• Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival – The largest East Coast film festival of its kind celebrates and showcases the stories of Asians and Pacific Islanders in film, performance art, music and other creative expressions during its 11-day run and during special events throughout the year. November 3-13, 2022.
• Apple Festival – Fall’s premier fruit steals the scene this weekend at Peddler’s Village. From fresh apple cider to apple pies, no apple delicacy is off limits for tasting and purchase. November 5-6, 2022.
• Philadelphia Museum of Art 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. November 11-13, 2022.
• Philadelphia Marathon Weekend – One of the country’s premier — and most scenic — running events typically sends 30,000 athletes through historic Center City, past the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Boathouse Row. The weekend typically includes an 8K race, half-marathon, a Kids Fun Run and the Health & Fitness Expo. November 18-20, 2022.
• 6abc/Dunkin’ Donuts Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade – The nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade — originally founded in 1920 — brings larger-than-life floats, spectacular marching bands, dazzling dancers, A-listers and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. November 24, 2022.

December:

• Army-Navy Game – The Army Black Knights take on the Navy Midshipmen in this epic collegiate rivalry, now in its 123rd year and returning to Lincoln Financial Field for the 14th time since 2003. Saturday, December 10, 2022.
• Holidays and New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia – The holidays are a magical time in Philadelphia. As the temperature dips and the year nears its end, the city is aglow with shimmering light shows, can’t-miss pop-up markets, festive decorations and stellar only-in-Philly attractions. The city typically rings in the new year with unforgettable fireworks displays over the Delaware River and the Mummers Parade, an event that’s been a Philly New Year’s Day tradition for more than a century. December 2022.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets. 6^th & Market Streets, (800) 537-7676

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