Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

Through Sunday, August 9, 2026 (excluding Saturdays)

Last call to get a pastrami sandwich bigger than your head.

Queen Village Restaurant Week comes to its delicious conclusion this weekend as more than 20 participating restaurants and bars beckon from South Street and beyond. 

Try Spam Musabi (grilled Spam, wrapped in rice) at Mahalo Hawaiian BBQ or grab a corned beef special (slow-brined and spiced, according to a family recipe) from Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized Famous 4th Street Deli. Plus, don’t forget to stop into Tattooed Mom for their addictive Pickletini. 

Lunch meal deals are $25 or less, while dinner runs $40 to $60. 

Don’t miss: The cool, collectible poster from local artist Shay Lynn.

Through Sunday, August 9, 2026

Immerse yourself in the memories, dreams and histories of Black Americans. 

Here, art installations tell the stories of how people of color have helped shape our shared identity throughout the past 250 years, with this exhibition at the Barnes Foundation, 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.

Know before you go: Access to the special exhibition comes with regular museum admission and is good for two days.

Through Sunday, August 9, 2026

You can tell a lot about a person from their home. For the Shakers — a religious community that originated in 18th-century England and flourished in the United States — their strong beliefs around community, labor and equality extended to every facet of life, including their furniture, architecture and everyday goods. 

Closing this week, the Institute of Contemporary Art exhibit pairs historical Shaker-made artifacts straight out of the Testament of Ann Lee with contemporary artworks inspired by the religious community.

Wanna learn even more? The exhibition was featured in this article from The New York Times. 

Know before you go: ICA admission is always free! Be sure to check the official website for the full list of current exhibitions and that day’s hours. 

Dates vary by restaurant

From budget-friendly omakase to Vietnamese comfort food, there is a taste for every appetite at these new spots. As Ferris Bueller reminded us, life moves pretty fast, so take a moment to stop and look around.

• Oroshi Sushi Omakase on South Broad: Oroshi — the name translates to grated in Japanese — brings affordable sushi to town without skimping on quality or elegance. Omakase dinners start at $68 (15 courses) and $48 for lunch (10 courses), affectionately known as “zoomakase” (now open). 

• Vegans Are Us in Chinatown: This plant-based soul food restaurant opens inside Chinatown Square, serving up new classics like the Philly V-Steak, made with seasoned vegan steak, cheddar cheese, sweet peppers and special sauce. Singer Ashanti gave them her stamp of approval (now open)!

• Pomelo Rooftop Terrace & Merrick’s Tavern in Radnor: The Brandywine Hotel gets a new happy hour destination as Pomelo Rooftop Terrace delivers seasonal small plates and botanical-inspired cocktails from five stories up. Also: Merrick’s Tavern opened earlier this year in the lobby (Saturday). 

• Anh Em in Point Breeze: This 45-seater from the husband-wife team of Victor Nguyen and Anna Huynh promises Vietnamese comfort food in the form of pho and banh mi alongside a 20-seat bar. Their crispy-fried tofu dish is already drawing drools on Instagram (Saturday).

Wasting away again in … the ballpark.

The Philadelphia Phillies host Margaritaville Night on Monday, featuring a powder blue bucket hat giveaway and free concert from Jimmy and the Parrots in Ashburn Alley to kick off a four-game set against the Washington Nationals (Bryce Harper’s former team). 

Then, “The Man!” Chase Utley — one of the most beloved players of all time (ask Rob Mac) — gets inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame on Friday night in a ceremony sure to incite tears and cheers. Oh, and the World Series runner-up Toronto Blue Jays are here for three games, too! 

Know before you go: Since the MLB trade deadline is Monday, August 3, 2026, you might be catching a first glimpse of some new Phillies players! 

August 3-28, 2026 (weekdays)

Need a mid-week excuse to get out of the office? This new summertime lunch deal in Center City is the ticket, with $10, $15 and $20 lunch deals at dozens of restaurants, cafes and other tasty spots. 

Participating eateries include Prunella, Darling Jack’s Tavern, Koto Sushi, Dolce Italian and Thanal Indian Tavern. 

Know before you go: Scope out the scene with this hand-dandy map on the official site.

The Semiquincentennial rolls on with 1776 Seconds: Philadelphia Illuminated, a new documentary from Creative Philadelphia that chronicles Philly’s biggest year yet in 29 minutes and 36 seconds. 

You’ll hear insights and observations from city residents on how their neighborhoods celebrated the 250th anniversary, with a special focus on marquee events like the Odunde Festival, FreedomFest and the Johnson House Juneteenth Jubilee. 

In addition to the movie premiere, which is being cast on the façade of City Hall, 1776 Seconds honors more than 1,000 public art works in and around Philadelphia. 

Vibe: Your neighbors dug up a time capsule and broke out the projector screen.

Brewerytown Sidewalk Social takes over Girard Avenue, showcasing a vibrant stretch between 26th and 28th streets, for a full day of community fun. Presented by Park to Broad, this is a great opportunity to discover an under-the-radar part of Philly as it bathes in the afterglow of its FIFA World Cup moment. 

This bustling and eclectic corridor closes off to traffic as top restaurants like Baby’s Kusina and Spot Gourmet Burgers sell craveworthy food, alongside neighborhood staples like Deborah’s Kitchen and Irie Jamaican Restaurant. 

The area is a thrifter’s paradise, too. top in at Retro Rewind Vintage & Thrift and Community Thrift, and check out a special BOGO deal from Shaw’s Beauties. 

Good for: Anyone looking to get off the beaten path. Check out Together Skateboarding & Coffee, a hip cafe located at 1301 N 27th Street. Ask for Ron!

Cavan Sullivan has arrived. The 16-year-old phenom showed off his world-class dribbling the last time out at Subaru Park, finishing with one shot on target in 89 minutes. 

He’ll lead the Philadelphia Union on Thursday against Cruz Azul, a dominant club in Mexico’s Liga MX. The match is part of the Leagues Cup, an annual tournament featuring MLS clubs from the U.S. and Canada, plus top clubs from Mexico. 

The Union and Cruz Azul played to a 1-1 draw in 2024, the only other time they faced off, with Cruz Azul winning 5-3 on penalties. 

Vibe: The World Cup never ended. Goooooal!

Showcasing films by Black, Brown and Indigenous artists from around the world, BlackStar Film Festival brings features, shorts, documentaries, panel discussions and parties to venues around the city.

Celebrating 15 years in 2026, this year’s festival offers 91 films from more than 30 countries, with dozens of world, North American, U.S., East Coast and Philly premieres. Grab your festival pass here and peruse the extensive lineup of global cinema.

Don’t miss: Parties and pop-up events throughout the festival, including a free opening night party at Frankie’s Summer Club.

Fridays shouldn’t have all the fun, yet they always seem to do, especially when the clock hits 5 p.m., and you know the weekend has come to whisk you away. Here’s where to go:

• revel in a speakeasy lounge from Dad’s Hat Whiskey and cold strozzapreti salad from Midnight Pasta Co. at The Gas Lamp Hotel,

• learn about the chemistry behind the dyes stitched into your clothes during this hands-on workshop at the Science History Institute,

• find out what pioneering women like Hannah Sharp Breintnall and Sybilla Righton Masters did during this special movie screening and interactive program presented by the Betsy Ross House, 

• join the party along Elfreth’s Alley (tip: That music you hear blasting from America’s oldest residential street isn’t from 1776), 

• plus, check out more first-Friday happenings at Cherry Street Pier, the Barnes Foundation and Arch Enemy Arts.

Grab a leather outback hat and call Mick Dundee.

Wine Safari returns to Elmwood Park Zoo for another whirlwind tour, granting after-hours strolls and unlimited wine tastings with paid admission. This is the best way to come face to face with the zoo’s animals — c’mon, you know you want to feed a giraffe! — while enjoying a free concert from Bucks County’s own Mikey Junior.

Elmwood Park Zoo houses an enviable collection of animals including two bald eagles, Noah and Reggie, who routinely show up for photo opportunities at Philadelphia Eagles home games. Also, be sure to see an African straw-colored fruit bat, an Allegheny woodrat and an American bison. 

Know before you go: Wine Safari adventurers receive a free souvenir tasting glass, plus food (available for purchase) from local favorites Tosco’s, Oasis and Zoo Brew. 

It’s clobberin’ time! Wrap up the work week by watching an epic showdown, as WWE comes to South Philly’s Xfinity Mobile Arena for a Friday Night Smackdown. 

The star-studded lineup includes CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton and Randy Orton.

Expect a high-energy event, with the ring action and stadium cheering really ramping up during the televised part of the program. 

Don’t miss: Pre- and post-show “dark matches,” exclusive to live audience ticketholders

This two-day community event in North Philadelphia has morphed into a neighborhood staple, further enhanced this year by headlining funk band Heatwave. The Nicetown 24th Annual Giveback Community Festival and Concerts continues its mission of highlighting peace and unity. 

Look for food vendors and merch tents, as well as live musical performances from the Lovett Hines Legacy Ensemble, Annisa Hargrove, Tyrone Toomer — doing a Bobby Womack tribute — plus the Tabernacle Reggae Band, originally hailing from Kingston, Jamaica. 

Don’t miss: The Walk for Health & Peace. Registration starts at 11 a.m. and the walk steps off at noon. 

Attention comic book and anime lovers! Head out to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center this weekend for the fourth annual Liberty Comic Con to meet like-minded pop culture fans, stop by a slew of vendors, and interact with voice actors, artists, writers, cosplayers and more over the three-day weekend.

The event features panels, cosplay performances and contests, gaming tournaments from Video Game Corners, quizzo challenges, and opportunities to meet and greet with voice artists from series like Bleach, Jujutsu Kaisen and more.

Don’t miss: Philadelphia native Aqua Forge visits the festival for meet and greets as the festival’s Featured Cosplayer.

Following in history’s footsteps at Second Saturday in Germantown. 

The event offers free house tours of Cliveden and Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, plus a fascinating spin through the architecture of master carpenter Jacob Knorr. Look out for horticultural workshops at Wyck, demos on farm life at Awbury Arboretum and a special BET (Bringing Everything Together) cookout on the lawn. 

Good for: History buffs – and, for those wanting to dive deeper, grab a Historic Germantown One Pass (valid through August 29, 2026). 

In a world full of roses, be a sunflower. 

With more than 5,000 plants and eight different varieties planted in the garden, the Sunflower Festival at Linvilla Orchards is a magical experience that transforms the 300-acre farm into a Vincent van Gogh canvas. 

Stroll through the blooms — you can cut your own sunflowers, too! — and soak in the sunshine, amid live music and entertainment, with an animal barnyard and tasty bites and beverages from the Ship Bottom Beer Garden. 

Harvest Grill is paying tribute to the orchards’ beloved peach crop, which was lost to a devastating spring freeze. Look out for peach pies, peach lemonade and peach cider slushies sourced from other farms. Rain date is Sunday, August 9, 2026. 

Don’t miss: Peach Paradise: layers of vanilla and peach cider slushie, topped generously with a peach pie. 

It’s still a party in the USA. On Saturday, the borough of Newtown in Bucks County honors America’s 250th birthday with an action-packed day of events. 

The free, family-friendly event features historical displays, a fife-and-drum band, crafts for kids, a Revolutionary War encampment, graveyard tours at the Old Presbyterian Church of Newtown, a cookout with free hot dogs, chips and drinks, a coloring contest, and more. Throughout the day, more than 60 reenactors — including British soldiers, William Penn and Harriet Tubman — bring Newtown’s rich history to life at sites across town.

Good for: Anyone who wants to meet William Penn. No, seriously. He’ll be appearing at Newtown Borough Hall. 

People are dying to get into this car show.

The 18th Annual Classic Hearse Show at Laurel Hill East brings vintage hearses and coffin cruisers to the historic East Falls cemetery — the first architecturally designed one in the country. 

Mohnton Professional Car Club sets the cryptic scene, loaning the graveyard some of its most eerie funeral cars and ambulances during this daylong affair devoted to the macabre. Listen to live music and chat with car buffs. Mini-tours of the cemetery are offered in the afternoon. 

Don’t miss: FYNLRYD, a 1947 Pontiac Superior hearse — painted deep purple and trimmed with chrome bones — is forever parked at the outside gates. 

Lions and tigers and history, oh my!

Chartered in 1859 and opened to the public in 1874, Philadelphia Zoo has witnessed many historic firsts, including the first chimpanzee and first cheetah born in the U.S. (we see you, Julius!), as well as the establishment of the first on-site animal care center. 

52 Weeks of Firsts’ Firstival touches down here to honor the past and present, unveiling a No. 1 sculpture from artist Gwenn Seemel who used polka-dot Cubist style techniques to paint images of some of the zoo’s most famous inhabitants and milestones. 

Vibe: Noah and Benjamin Franklin collaborated on a new Ark. 

Hakuna matata! African Culture Fest, a partnership between the Philadelphia Zoo and Odunde365, builds on the proud legacy of South Philly’s Odunde Festival. This cultural celebration melds African dance and music, alongside arts and crafts tables and African drum lessons. 

Since this is by Odunde — hosts of one of the largest African American Street Festivals in North America — keep an eye out for impromptu dancing in the zoo’s walkways and animal stalls. It means no worries for the rest of your days! 

Don’t miss: A special appearance from the West Philly Reading Captains who will be giving out themed books. 

Mr. Potato Head isn’t on the guest list for this one.

Port Richmond Pierogi Fest returns to Campbell Square Park for a decadent day devoted to dough — fried, boiled, whatever you want. 

The Philadelphia area’s best pierogi-makers contend for the coveted crown of Best Pierogi Vendor, with contenders like Mom Mom’s Kitchen, Dymski Pierogies, Donna’s Bar, Zosia’s Homemade Foods, Little Walter’s and many more. This year’s event features double the vendors! 

Know before you go: Don’t like pierogies? No problem. Sit in the beer garden and sip cold ones from Sacred Vice Brewing and Hillbilly Hooch. 

Everybody throw your hands up! Hip Hop in the Park takes over The Oval for its sixth year with an old-school hip-hop party showcasing the spirit of hip-hop culture through DJs, MCs, breaking, live graffiti, writing and giveaways. 

Philly’s own DJ Aktive headlines the all-star slate of nearly two dozen performers, including DJs (of course), poets and more. Admission to the festival is free with RSVP.

Don’t Miss: More fun and family-friendly pop-up fests throughout August as part of The Oval Minifest’s summer programming. 

Everything’s coming up rosé! Head on up to the rooftop at Sunset Social for Stop and Smell the Rose Wine Festival. 

The best and brightest in pink bubbles get all the attention here, with ticket-holders receiving eight 3-ounce pours of 15 different pink wines while DJ BM pumps a fuchsia-themed soundtrack. Sample charcuterie and light bites from 12 stories up, atop the 1.2-acre Cira Green, and enjoy stunning views of the Philly skyline. 

Guests are strongly encouraged to dress in pink attire, so dust off those pink heels.

Vibe: Chappell Roan hosted a wine mixer at her Philadelphia penthouse. 

Cake, cake, cake, cake … and constellations.

Crescent Moon Fête returns to Mural City Wine Garden for a second straight year to unearth astrological readings and pair them with baked goods from Bake Bake Philly. 

How does it work? It’s in the stars — 12 signs, 12 flavors, including a Leo cake (coconut sponge cake, white chocolate cookie crunchies, passionfruit curd, orange blossom and German buttercream) for August babies. Spin the Zodiac wheel for all 12 cakes!

Look beyond the frosting, though. This event also features tarot card readings, healing sessions, art vendors, apothecary goods and a live DJ. 

Don’t miss: Inquire about Mural City Cellars Wine Club and get three bottles of locally sourced wine every month! 

You’d look so perfect at this concert stop in Camden. 

While it’s a cold winter in their native Australia, the Sydney pop foursome 5 Seconds of Summer heats up the stage at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion for about 1,400 times that number of seconds on the heels of their most recent album, EVERYONE’S A STAR!

Kick off the band’s next chapter, singing along to new jams like Not OK and Telephone Busy and classics like Youngblood and She Looks So Perfect.

Know before you go: The RiverLink Ferry runs approximately every 30-45 minutes from Philly to Camden during shows, with the pick-up point at Independence Seaport Museum. 

Over two days, art and light converge to spotlight the people who make the South 9th Street Italian Market, a historic Philly hub of immigrant cultures, creativity and cuisine. 

The Our Market Project flips the switch to illuminate permanent public art and temporary light installations. Keep an eye out for glowing produce scales and lightboxes, a moveable illuminated push cart, and a multi-media box truck with projections designed to tell the stories of 9th Street’s workers and community. 

Don’t Miss: Special pay-what-you-wish guided tours, featuring yummy tastings from market shops and stands. RSVP required. 

Quit buggin’ out! It’s a wild and wiggly weekend of invertebrates at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University during the annual Bug Fest celebration, free with general admission to the museum.

Fest events include scientist-guided Bug Walks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the famous Roach Races, buggy exhibits from the Entomology Collection, “Ask the Experts” scientist meet and greets, and an outdoor

marketplace featuring vendors with nature-inspired wares. 

Know before you go: Members of the Academy can show their membership card to snag a free Bug Fest poster.

Torque about a good day!

Classic cars fuel your dreams at the New Hope Automobile Show, an annual road rally through Bucks County, which begins at New Hope-Solebury High School. The weekend is split into two parts, including a classic car show that honors the 100th anniversary of both Mercedes-Benz and Ducati in 2026. 

Meanwhile, the road rally teams two people (a navigator and a driver) up in one car as they race down scenic routes while looking for clues, scavenger hunt style. Traffic laws and signs must be obeyed at all times. 

Vibe: National Treasure turned into Gone in 60 Seconds. Wait, somebody call Nicolas Cage! 

Ardmore Rock N’ Ride 2026 turns up with two music stages for its 10th year. Backed by Ardmore Music Hall, the talent is top-notch — Too Many Zooz, Young Gun Silver Fox, Palmyra, Oh He Dead and more. . 

Also, sign up for the 1-mile bike race, fully sanctioned by USA Cycling, that winds the sharp turns around Lancaster Avenue and Suburban Square. 

Vibe: The Tour de France turned into Coachella. 

Celebrate the cemita — Mexico’s classic sandwich — at Cantina La Martina’s fourth annual Cemita Festival. 

Not familiar? The decadent sandwich features Oaxacan cheese and your choice of meat, sprinkled with papalo (peppery, aromatic herbs) and nestled inside sesame seed-topped sourdough-esque bread. 

This year, the fest taps the chefs behind some of Philadelphia’s buzziest eateries — including Gilda, Bolo and Vientiane — to put their spin on the cemita. 

Also on offer: pay-as-you-go drinks by Mural City Cellars, tunes by DJ Cali Rumba, live folk dance performances, face painting and more. 

Know before you go: Grab cash. Some of the vendors are cash-only.

’Tis the season for outdoor movie screenings. Bust out the popcorn and BYO blankets and chairs for these open-air films in Greater Philadelphia:

• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) at Jet Wine Bar (Thursday)
• Zootopia 2 at Sohnny Sample (Cobbs Creek) Recreation Center (Thursday)
• The LEGO Batman Movie on the Schuylkill River Banks (Thursday)
• Zootopia 2 at Carpenter Green (Friday)
• Lilo and Stitch (2025) at the John Welsh Memorial Fountain (Friday)
• A League of Their Own (1992) at Clark Park (Friday)
• Wonder (2017) at Alaine Locke School (Saturday)
• A Minecraft Movie (2025) at 3rd & Norris Street Playground (Saturday)

Dates vary by event

Treat yourself at one of these food-related happenings in Greater Philadelphia. Hungry for more? Chow down on our top picks for must-try roast pork sandwiches in Philadelphia.

• LeBron James food specials at Pat’s King of Steaks & Skinny Joey’s: Philly eateries are rolling out the royal red carpet for the newest 76er, promising King James lifetimes of free eats and debuting James-inspired specials. Pat’s King of Steaks and Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks even renamed steaks in his honor — the ultimate vote of confidence.

• National Oyster Day celebrations at various restaurants: Happy as a clam? How about ecstatic as an oyster? This Tuesday, a bunch of Philly restaurants offer special deals on the summertime delight, including the Shells of Liberty Oyster Bash at Carpenters’ Hall; buck-a-shuck deals at The Twisted Tail; and specials at Alice, Estia, Urban Farmer and more (Tuesday). 

• National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day at various restaurants: C is for … Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! (Let Cookie Monster rejoice.) And Philly’s favorite bakeries are celebrating the big day with deals, discounts and specials. Look out for $1 cookies at all Famous Fourth Street bakeshops, grab-and-go cookie bags at Termini Brothers, and more (Thursday). 

• Studio Visit, a brunch at Honeysuckle: The Michelin-Recognized spot in North Philly is hosting Studio Visit (meet-and-eat) focusing attention on the artwork and literature featured on the restaurant’s walls. Light brunch fare, accompanied by talks from Theaster Gates, Omar Tate, Sarah Tremain and Sudan Green — who founded Spirits Up, a yoga and healing experience (Saturday).

Dates vary by event

Soak up these live performances at venues across Greater Philadelphia. Looking for an encore? Pump up the jams with our seasonal guide to Philly’s biggest concerts.

• The Isley Brothers With Stephanie Mills and Breakwater at the Dell Music Center: If we’re talking musical dynasties, there’s no conversation without soul and funk pioneers O’Kelly, Rudolph and Ronald Isley. Watch the Isleys reunite with Grammy Award-winning artist Stephanie Mills, alongside Philly’s own Breakwater, for a nostalgic night out. If that doesn’t make you want to Shout, we don’t know what will (Thursday).

• Margaret Cho at Helium Comedy Club: One of the funniest female comedians of all time, per Vogue, Margaret Cho’s been a staple on the comedy scene, racking up hit comedy specials, movies and TV shows for years. This week, the comedian, actress and musician brings her talents to Helium Comedy Club for four nights of shows (Thursday to Sunday).

• Hilary Duff at the Highmark Mann Center for Performing Arts: Hey now, hey now, Lizzie McGuire — aka pop star and actress Hilary Duff — is all grown up, and she’s lived a lot of life since her Disney Channel days. Her new album — her first in 11 years — and her lucky me tour give fans a glimpse into what she’s been up to (Sunday). 

Dates vary by tour

Are you with the tour? (You should be.) Check out our picks for some of the top guided tours in Philly this week. Looking for more? Go at your own pace and head out on one of these self-guided tours.

• Adventure Mode Activated: A Minecraft-Inspired Program at the Penn Museum: Are you ready for some Minecraft mayhem? The wonderful build-your-own world of Minecraft comes to life with this family-friendly tour of the Penn Museum highlighting the tools, materials, artifacts and ideas from the ancient world that inspired those found in the game. Tickets are required (Wednesday).

• ASL Guide-Led Tour & Discussion at Eastern State Penitentiary: Some of history’s most infamous criminals — from bank robber “Slick Willie” Sutton to legendary gangster Al Capone — once called Eastern State Penitentiary home. Featuring both ASL and voice interpretation, this 45-minute tour guides members of the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities through the historic prison, uncovering these stories and many more (Saturday). 

Ongoing

Give the City of Brotherly Love a standing ovation: The internationally renowned TKTS ticket booth service is now here in Philly. Joining the ranks of New York City, Tokyo, and London, TKTS Philadelphia offers an unbeatable deal: 30% to 50% off tickets to select Philly theater and performing arts shows within 72 hours of the performance.  

Want the full scoop? Read on in our guide.

Know before you go: Tickets must be purchased in person at the Independence Visitor Center and include shows by Ensemble Arts, the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Wilma Theater and many more.

Ongoing

Now that Philly has officially thawed for springtime — or as we like to call it, outdoor dining season — you can’t let the warm-weather days, sultry nights and moments of sunshiney bliss go to waste. 

Take your meal alfresco at one of Philly’s uber-popular outdoor venues, like 

• cozy Old City hangout Liberty Beer Garden 
• buzzy Rittenhouse Square escape Walnut Garden 
• ever-popular rooftop attraction Bok Bar 
• always-changing Center City go-to Uptown Beer Garden
• lively waterfront hot spot Liberty Point 
• verdant happy hour getaway The Garden Bar at the Rodin Museum
• super secret city hideout Frankie’s Summer Club
• revolutionary open-air destination (and Founding Fathers’ favorite) The Garden at City Tavern, or 
• PHS Pop Up Gardens’ lush urban oases on South Street and in Manayunk. 

Feeling adventurous? Dig into something interesting with our brand-new guide to out-of-the-ordinary outdoor bars and restaurants. 

Dates vary by event

Let the good times flow! Some of your favorite neighborhood spots offer up discounted after-work drinks and bar bites during neighborhood-wide happy hours throughout the summer. Cheers to that! 

• Center City District Sips: Philly’s OG post-office hang, this weekly Wednesday night program offers substantial discounts at 60-plus (and counting) bars, restaurants and beer gardens throughout Center City. The CCD Sips promotion is simple: $6 beer, $7 wine, $8 cocktails, $6 mocktails and appetizers under $10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at spots like Franky Bradley’s and Harp & Crown. After happy hour, enjoy 15% off dinner after 7 p.m. at select locations (Wednesdays through August 26, 2026).

• Passayunk Passeggiata: This South Philly stroll down The Avenue — inspired by the Roman tradition of slowly walking the streets before dinner — delivers la dolce vita every Thursday evening starting at 5 p.m. During Passayunk Passeggiata, live jazz music sets the soundtrack for food and drink specials (most under $10) at participating restaurants, like Le Virtu and Stogie Joe’s Tavern, and extended hours at specialty shops like Red Gravy Goods and A Novel Idea (Thursdays through August 27, 2026).

• Fishtown Taps: Every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., over two dozen of your favorite Fishtown restaurants and bars, like Barcade and LMNO, offer a whole bevy of food and drink deals for Fishtown Taps. Get your fill of $5 beers, $6 wines, $7 signature cocktails and discounted apps for your after-work indulgence (Tuesdays through September 2026).

Through Sunday, August 16, 2026

Light up the night at historic Franklin Square with the must-see Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Old City, featuring all-new lanterns for 2026. Celebrate the Year of the Horse among dozens of massive, intricate and handcrafted lanterns.

Enjoy live cultural performances, folk art, fountain shows, festival-themed crafts and lots of international food and drink, including signature cocktails. Advanced tickets (timed Fridays through Sundays) are required to attend the event, which starts at 6 p.m. each night.

Through Saturday, August 29, 2026 (Fridays and Saturdays)

This spring and summer, experience nine of the community’s impressive sites — all for one affordable price — with the return of the Historic Germantown One Pass. 

Visit hidden gems like a completely intact 18th-century schoolhouse, the site of the Battle of Germantown and the Underground Railroad spot where family legend says Harriet Tubman laid her head. 

Historic Germantown’s brand-new visitor center is the perfect place to start (or end) your adventure. The center features exhibits detailing Germantown’s 300-year history, starting before it was even part of Philadelphia, plus maps to guide your exploration and a gift shop with Germantown-themed merch.

Don’t miss: Wyck, which houses one of the oldest rose gardens in America, boasts more than 50 cultivars of historic roses — some dating back to the late 1700s. 

Through Sunday, September 6, 2026

Celebrates Black history, community and culture — from colonial Philadelphia to modern-day Wakanda — with these exhibitions at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. 

• Afrofuturism in Costume Design: Two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s work takes center stage in this exhibition, which showcases award-winning 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. Keep an eye out for your favorite costumes from Black Panther, Sinners, Coming to America, Roots and more.

• A League Apart: The first interracial baseball game in the United States happened on September 3, 1869 on a historic field in North Philadelphia. Dig deeper into that story and many more during A League Apart, a new exhibition focusing on the never-before-told stories of the boundary-breaking Black baseball players, like Octavius Catto, Dick Allen and Mo’ne Davis, as well as the enduring legacy of the Philadelphia Negro Leagues. 

• Who Is Ona Judge: History is full of contradictions, and this immersive video installation dives into just one. Meet Ona Judge, a colonial young woman enslaved by Founding Father George Washington and his wife Martha. Hear about her life before and after taking her freedom, fleeing the Washingtons’ presidential household here in Philadelphia. 

Through Monday, September 7, 2026

No need to leave the city to enjoy a Universal theme-park experience. This world-premiere exhibition, 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 18,000 square feet and eight immersive galleries, the interactive experience showcases more than 100 vehicles, props and other original artifacts from world-famous rides, attractions and live shows. 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.

Good for: Gamers can channel their inner Mario, Luigi or Peach with a Nintendo World selfie station.

Through Monday, September 7, 2026

You know that warm-weather days are here to stay once Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest springs to life. 

The riverside venue’s spring and summertime version boasts a carnival-like atmosphere with a massive roller skating rink, rides, boardwalk and arcade games, mini-golf, food and drink options, and events throughout the season.

Admission to the family-friendly destination is free and open to the public. Mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay-as-you-go. ​

Know before you go: Dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas at Summerfest. Just make sure to keep your furbaby on a leash.

Through Sunday, September 27, 2026

All late spring and summer, Longwood Gardens’ glorious fountains come to life across its Kennett Square campus during the attraction’s annual Festival of Fountains.

Daily Main Fountain Garden Performances start at 11:15 a.m. and run every two hours throughout the day, featuring fountains with 1,719 jets soaring as high as 175 feet. Over in the Open Air Theatre, catch a bonus 5-minute show starting at 10:15, running every two hours.

Weekend evenings bring dazzling displays of color at the spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performances set to a rotating list of musical selections. 

This week, you’re in for a very special fountain and fireworks show set to swoon-worthy love songs by Lady Gaga, Sixpence None the Richer, Beyoncé and more (Saturday).

Don’t miss: Longwood’s fine dining restaurant, 1906. Helmed by executive chef George Murkowicz, it has garnered the attention of Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan.

Through Wednesday, September 30, 2026

It’s Philly’s biggest year yet, and hotels throughout the city are celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a toast to its birthplace.

More than 30 hotels are shaking things up during Philly’s Semiquincentennial celebrations as part of Spirit of 76: The Philadelphia Cocktail Trail.

These spots are serving up delicious history all spring and summer long in the form of innovative cocktails and mocktails inspired by Philadelphia’s central role in the nation’s founding.

Don’t miss: The Secret Knock (punch of house-aged whiskey) at Bank & Bourbon inside the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. 

Through September 2026

Reserve a hammock and a pedal boat: Serving as a Delaware River waterfront oasis since 2014, Spruce Street Harbor Park is open for the 2026 season with a treasure trove of goodies, including a boardwalk with concessions, plenty of spaces to chill (think: Adirondack chairs and flat-bottomed net lounges above the river, and a popping weekly events lineup.

Once the sun sets, the park lights up with hundreds of multi-colored LEDs strung among the tree canopy. The seasonal waterfront park is free and open to the public through the fall, with select activities pay-as-you-go.

Don’t miss: Chiliboats Adventures and a new fleet of Swan Boats — sign up for after-dark Glow Night rides! — provide plenty of water fun. 

Through Sunday, October 11, 2026 (Wednesdays through Sundays)

Back for 2026, Philly’s beloved roving beer garden, Parks on Tap, brews and bites at urban parks and green spaces across Philadelphia, with a new neighborhood featured each week. 

Expect cans and drafts from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Conshohocken Brewing, Dogfish Head and more, as well as sippable seasonal cocktails, and bites ranging from cheeseburgers and pulled pork sandwiches to raspberry cheesecake cups and adult Lunchables (!). 

This week’s stop: Wharton Square Park in Point Breeze. 

Good for: A laid-back escape from the daily hustle, surrounded by lush grass and tall trees. 

Through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only)

Through Sunday, October 25, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays only)

Philly has always been a city of neighborhoods, and for 20 weeks this spring, summer and fall you can take free, insider-curated tours to explore what makes each neighborhood special.

Each week, the Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series heads to a different ‘hood to visit local restaurants, shops, parks and historical landmarks — all led by an experienced guide. Where to this week? South Philly (with stops at FDR Park and Marconi Plaza).

Tours happen Fridays at 2 p.m., and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Registration is required in advance, so hit this link to sign up. Bonus: Participants get a free neighborhood tote!

Vibe: Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man chartered a tour bus.

Through Fall 2026

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the Philly PHLASH! Everyone’s favorite way to conveniently travel from one iconic Philadelphia attraction to another is back for a brand-new season. 

All-day passes run just $5 (free for SEPTA Key holders) and stops include Reading Terminal Market, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Zoo and many more. For the first time ever, the distinct purple bus also stops at 30th Street Station, the Mütter Museum and the Fashion District.

Vibe: Paul Revere took over SEPTA. 

Through Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Saturdays & Sundays)

This beloved culinary treasure returns to the heart of South Philly’s FDR Park, ushering in outdoor market season. A nationally renowned seasonal market, the Southeast Asian Market pops up every weekend (except for occasional special events), showcasing some of the best Lao, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian cuisine in the city.

This year’s market sees over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, authentic street food and culturally specific produce, plus plants, jewelry and clothing. 

Through Thursday, December 31, 2026

Stamp your ticket for LGBTQ+ history — and really neat swag — with the Pride Passport, a brand new collaboration between the Philly Pride Visitor Center, right here in the Gayborhood, and the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in New York City. How does it work? Glad you asked! 

Step 1: Pick up your free passport from either site.

Step 2: Visit both locations before the end of the year and collect a stamp at each.

Step 3: Show your completed passport to staff at either visitor center location to score a limited-edition Baron von Steuben tote bag and rock it with pride. 

Don’t miss: Head over to Valley Forge National Historical Park to see the General Baron von Steuben statue, erected in 1915. 

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.

Don’t miss: George Washington’s war tent, aka the First Oval Office. 

Through Sunday, February 14, 2027

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson tasked Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with exploring the nation’s western territories following the Louisiana Purchase. But did you know that Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences holds nearly all the explorers’ original journals and preserved specimens related to their botanical research in its Lewis & Clark Herbarium?

The museum’s new Botany of Nations exhibition reexamines that rich collection through an Indigenous lens, blending botany (the study of plants) with ethnobotany (the study of how people use plants) to reshape the way we interpret the colonial journey.

Vibe: Sacajawea retells the fateful events of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 

Through mid-2027 (dates vary by museum)

With storied histories of their own, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (the country’s very first art school and museum) delve into the richness and diversity of American art history for this blockbuster exhibition, timed to coincide with the Semiquincentennial.

Threading together 300 years of American art, the collection — which includes pieces from Phillies Owner John Middleton and his wife Leigh’s incredible personal collection — features over 1,000 portraits, sculptures, furniture, photographs and more across both museums. Viewers find some of art’s biggest names — including Mary Cassatt and Charles Willson Peale — exhibited side-by-side with oft-overlooked Black, Indigenous, immigrant and historically underrepresented artists and contemporary talents.

Know before you go: The exhibit is included with general admission at both museums. Purchase a full-price ticket to either museum for a 50% off admission to the second museum (valid within seven days).

It’s true: Philly is an award-winning, headline-grabbing kinda town. Need help keeping up with all the buzz? Get the scoop with this weekly roundup of our favorite Philly stories. Hot off the presses:

• All hail the king: How Philly’s newest Sixer is getting the royal treatment.
• Plot twist: Philly’s biggest summer ever gets the big screen treatment — with a twist.
• Philly-coded: Proof it’s not what Philadelphians say, but how we sign it. 
• A local entrepreneur proves inspiration can come in the unlikeliest places.
• Behind the griddle: These cheesesteak legends spill their secrets.

We’re a roll, and there’s no stopping us now! Don’t believe us? Check out the latest from visitphilly.com:

• John Coltrane’s legacy can’t be summed up with just one event. Philly — the pioneering jazz musician’s adopted hometown — is celebrating the legend’s 100th birthday with months’ worth of community events, tribute concerts and ticketed performances, now through November. Get the full rundown with our guide to the citywide event. 

• After a 10-year hiatus, the 14.4-mile Philadelphia Cycling Classic zooms back into the city this August. Find out all about the main event, which is likely to draw thousands of spectators and partyers, and the entire weekend — packed with events for professional cyclists, amateur bikers and the general public — in our rundown.

• Among Philly’s thriving small business scene is an array of Black-owned and -operated shops, boutiques and bookstores, from Manayunk to East Passyunk Avenue. Check out our curated list of just some of the city’s standout Black-owned shopping destinations for recs for where to get everything from comic books to candles.