Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

It’s “wherefore art thou” with a twist.

Shakespeare’s tale of two star-crossed lovers comes to life in this ballet version of Romeo and Juliet, with new choreography set to Sergei Prokofiev’s score.

Need a refresher on the timeless tragedy? Two young lovers from feuding families secretly get married, misunderstandings ensue and (430-year-old spoiler warning) they die — but it’s really all about the journey along the way.

The performance’s choreographer, Juliano Nunes, stands out in the ballet world for his modern, fluid and almost cinematic approach to dance, allowing him to remix multiple forms of art in ways that appeal to new generations. Catch the show before it closes this week.

Now open

Broken burrata was something you never knew you needed.

At Liguria, the new Fishtown spot from pizza-making brothers Amro and Sherif Nagud, specialty pies are lathered in scamorza (cow’s milk cheese) and kissed with San Marzano tomatoes, among other recipes inspired by the Italian Riviera.

As the Inquirer pointed out, be sure to try the luxurious “Broken Burrata” pizza, featuring spooned stracciatella, arugula and six-year-aged balsamic. Crusts are airy and light.

Liguria also features a killer cheesesteak, drawing on the owner’s experiences at suburban cult-favorite shop Verona Pizza in Maple Glen, PA.

Now open

Grab-and-go ice cream never tasted so good. Franklin Fountain’s auxiliary shop, Franklin Ice Cream Bar, is back for the summer season.

Known for their custom-dipped Keystone Bars, available in dizzying new flavors like strawberry and matcha swirl, this quick-service outpost of the Berley Brothers’ old-timey ice cream fountain hits the sweetest of spots. Look for made-to-order ice cream bars hand-dipped in Shane Confectionery chocolate, too.

Franklin Ice Cream Bar is open on Saturdays (4 to 10 p.m.) and Sundays (3 to 9 p.m.), with hours extending throughout the summer as the weather heats up.

Now open

Shady Brook Farm’s ticketed Summer UnWINEd series brings concert performances, fireworks, food vendors, craft beer, specialty cocktails and local wine to the farm every Friday night, along with special themed Saturday nights, including Taylor Swift Era Tribute Concert (July 11) and Christmas in July (July 25).

Rose Bank Winery is popping up with cool wines to beat the summer swelter. Plus, visitors can extend the fun with live music, kids’ activities and laid-back vibes each weekend at the free-to-attend Party on the Patio (through August 30, 2026).

Each year, Philly Tech Week celebrates technology and innovation at spaces all throughout Greater Philadelphia. The multi-day gathering features over 90 events, including networking mixers, parties, a summit for start-ups, a conference and more.

Highlights from the jam-packed schedule include open-to-the-public events like the multiday Code to Costa Rica Hackathon competition and showcase (Monday through Friday), the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival (Tuesday through Friday), the 1Philadelphia Playground Summit Afterparty at Ballers (Wednesday) and more. Registration is required for most Philly Tech Week events, and costs vary.

Welcome to the Donnie Baseball era.

Following an interesting week — Topper, we’ll remember 2022 — the Phillies hunker down for a huge homestand. Don Mattingly is the skipper, with a new motto: “Let the players play.”

First up, Oakland (May 5 to 7). The Phils should face a stiff test against the top team in the AL West. Save the date for May 7, when all fans receive a retro cap.

Colorado comes to the Bank (May 8 to 10). It’ll be a homecoming for former Phillies No. 1 pick Mickey Moniak, who’s off to a hot start in his new home (perhaps the perfect example to show Mom about perseverance during their Mother’s Day giveaway).

Alfresco dining is in style this spring and summer in Media as Delaware County’s annual Dining Under the Stars event kicks off.

Every Wednesday from May through September, State Street closes to car traffic from Jackson Street to Orange Street so pedestrians can enjoy peaceful evenings of strolling with friends and family, restaurant specials and outdoor dining, drinking and sidewalk shopping from your favorite local stores and eateries.

Over two dozen restaurants are participating this year, including 320 Market Cafe, John Robert Cellars, Maris and more.

Celebrate Greek food, culture and community all weekend long at Montgomery County’s OPA! Festival.

Local restaurants and chefs give you a taste of the Mediterranean with a long menu of Greek food, coffee, wine and beer, with eats like moussaka, spanakopita, baklava and — of course — fresh sliced gyro. Plus, look forward to live performances including traditional music and dancing.

The fest is free to attend, and food and drink are pay as you go.

Escape to a magical, Mexican dreamscape as contemporary acrobatic circus group Cirque du Soleil brings LUZIA to the Big Top at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks.

Enjoy dazzling costumes and colors as circus stars seemingly defy gravity with aerial acrobatics, juggling and freestyle street dancing set to the sounds of Mexico with cumbia, norteño and marimba providing the soundtrack. Bonus: See the troupe’s new water features, brought on tour for the first time.

Tickets are required, with VIP features like drinks, food, backstage tours and meet-the-artist options available with upgrades.

In just about a decade, the Founding Fathers and everyday Philadelphians alike went from identifying as loyal royal subjects of King George III to rebellious revolutionaries.

This new exhibition at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Paths to Independence, traces the dramatic evolution, from the Founding Fathers’ pre-war debates to the colonies’ fight for independence to the early days of the new republic.

Guests can expect close-up looks at rare original documents — letters, pamphlets, drafts of the Articles of Confederation and more — as well as insider stories featuring familiar names (including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson) and little-known colonists.

Opens Friday, May 8, 2026

In 1751, Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond founded Pennsylvania Hospital to treat Philadelphia’s poorest residents, free of charge. Their legacy lives on at the nation’s oldest hospital, now a brand-new museum on the historic campus.

The Pennsylvania Hospital Museum transforms the historic Pine Building into a series of galleries showcasing the evolution of modern medicine and the hospital’s long legacy of care, having treated patients from the American Revolution through today.

Curious museumgoers can expect an array of exhibits, including a reconstruction of the hospital’s original apothecary, and galleries featuring interactive video and activities highlighting the hospital’s place in modern medical history.

Did you know bananas hit American soil for the first time during the 1876 U.S. Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia? Peel that back.

The Museum of the American Revolution shines a spotlight on 250 years of citywide innovation with an after-hours program focused on Philly’s groundbreaking role in hosting global events, highlighted by a “Toast to the Spirit of ’76” at 6 p.m.

Stay and linger for an intimate close-up of Washington’s War Tent — one of the country’s first traveling exhibitions, on display in 1876 — in the Alan B. Miller Theater.

We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United Free Republic of E Street Nation.

The defenders of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band embark on a major, nationwide tour — no, mission — to spread hope and happiness across all the land, and the boss wants you for the “Rock’n’Rebellion.”

Dance, sing and party for good with the Born in the USA legend when he comes to Xfinity Mobile Arena.

May 8 & 10, 2026

After a historic comeback over the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, the Sixers return home for games three and four of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals against the rival New York Knicks.

Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey and company look to continue their post-season revenge tour as they welcome a Knicks roster loaded with former Villanova stars, including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, to South Philly.

Show up. Get loud. Trust the Process.

A companion to the park’s annual fall fine arts shows, the Rittenhouse Square Spring Fine Craft Show showcases over 150 artisans and their master-level works in ceramics, jewelry, wood, digital art, decorative and wearable fiber, furniture, glass, photography and more.

The event at Rittenhouse Square, free to the public and held rain or shine, is organized by Rose Squared Art Shows in collaboration with the Friends of Rittenhouse Square and offers attendees the opportunity to explore and purchase singular handcrafted items directly from the artists.

Coming to a screen near you: this top-rated independent film festival with both East and West Coast iterations, back in the City of Brotherly Love for its 29th Philly-centered fest.

Screening local and international films by filmmakers at all stages of their craft, from seasoned professionals to first-timers and students, the FirstGlance Film Festival is known to span every genre — drama, comedy, documentary, horror and sci-fi.

In addition to screening more than 40 shorts and features, the three-day event also includes after-parties and an awards ceremony.

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.

Saturday, May 9, 2026

It’s been a long week … Treat Yo’ Self, with an ice cream buzz.

Tipsy Scoop opens its first “Barlour” during a grand opening party on May 9 in Rittenhouse Square, offering liquor-infused sundaes and boozy scoops, in collaboration with innovative local distiller BOTLD. The first 25 guests in line receive swag bags, along with the first chance to taste Philly-inspired flavors like Bird Gang Blitz and Philly Phreeze, a spiked water ice.

First established in New York City in 2014, this buzzy concept traces its roots back to Scotland (via Italy), where owner Melissa Tavss’ great-great-great-grandfather started slinging homemade gelato from a pushcart.

52 Weeks of Firsts honors 250 years of Philly pioneering by celebrating the city’s many historic achievements — every Saturday, all throughout 2026. Featured Philadelphia “firsts” include inventions like the Slinky, cultural milestones such as Mother’s Day and significant locations like the first African Methodist Episcopal church.

The free celebrations take place at the original location of each first (or in spaces that represent where these significant milestones occurred) and include guest speakers, a sculpture, monthly marquee events and historic deep dives by Once Upon a Nation.

This Saturday, don’t miss the celebration of America’s first Mother’s Day celebration (1908) at the Historic St. George’s Museum & Archives in Old City.

Rev up your engines and get ready to smell history.

The Simeone Foundation Museum — the only museum of its kind in North America — is hosting its fourth Demo Day of 2026: The American Formula: The Full Bore! Beginning at 11 a.m., visitors can see and feel what it means to be an American race-car driver by going through an official safety check (called scrutineering) before witnessing a live vehicle demonstration.

Experience the thrills of a proud legacy forged in “audacity and resilience” as classic cars like the 1970 Plymouth Superbird and 1933 Auburn 12-165 Salon Speedster hit the tarmac.

Music, food trucks and craft brews? Yes, please. Roxborough pulls out all the stops for the annual Roxborough Spring Fest — taking over Ridge Avenue from Leverington Ave to Fountain Street — and the 2026 edition goes big for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The family-friendly celebration features live music across three stages, over 70 local artists and crafters showcasing their wares, and a roaring collection of classic and souped-up cars as part of the Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show.

Also on deck: fare from over 15 local food trucks and Ridge Avenue eateries, boozy and non-boozy beverage stands, and more.

New spring, new festival. The Northern Liberties Spring Festival debuts for a one-day-only banger across 3rd Street and Liberty Lands Park.

Promising good vibes and spring blooms, this pay-as-you-go neighborhood block party combines community pride and family fun. Listen for live music vibrating from two stages, including a kid-friendly performance of Hansel and Gretel by Liberty City Arts, and a centrally-located Community Wellness Village offering rest and relaxation, plus free Wawa soft pretzels.

Don’t forget to peep Ortlieb’s Hot Dog Hangout, setting the scene for a competitive hot dog-eating contest to close out the high-energy festival.

West Philly’s leafy community hotspot, Clark Park, gets in on the springtime fun this week with its annual, family-friendly May Fair.

Browse goods by local artisans and vendors, get to know local community groups and organizations, jam to live music, and grab a bite from food trucks, while the kids enjoy the bounce house, a petting zoo and a variety of other interactive activities during the open-air fest.

Revelers can also keep an eye out for some fun raffles throughout the day. The event is free to attend.

Leave it to 93.3 WWMR — one of the longest-running rock radio stations in the nation — to give you a lesson on how it’s done. Your classroom? MMRBQ, the Philly institution’s annual waterfront music festival at Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.

This year’s lineup features national names, including headliners Godsmack, Alice Cooper, The Hooters and Everclear, along with a lineup of local rising stars and even live band karaoke. The fest hits a little harder this year, as a testament to the life of late WMMR radio legend Pierre Robert.

From doom and destruction to rebirth and renewal, the Nanny Goat Festival runs the full gamut of emotions and shows what is possible when a community bands together.

Commemorating the resilience of Irish residents who rebuilt in the aftermath of one of the most egregious acts of anti-immigrant violence in Philadelphia history — the Nativist Riots of 1844 — this one-day street festival in Olde Kensington brings food trucks, craft beer, step dancing and folk bands together in a joyous celebration of Irish heritage.

Set a timer for 1 p.m. when the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission dedicates a historical marker at American Street & Jefferson Street, officially honoring the ground where 30 Irish homes and storefronts burned to the ground, including St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Get carded … and have fun doing it.

Break out your bingo blotter and join Action Wellness in celebrating 30 years of raising awareness for AIDS. Hosted by a wild bunch of drag queens called the Bingo Verifying Divas, this monthly fundraiser gives new meaning to diamonds and daubers.

Head over to Congregation Rodeph Shalom (doors open at 6 p.m.) and support their Back to School Drive by bringing a backpack or another school supply for children affected by HIV. Costumes encouraged. Glitter welcomed.

Philly’s Germantown neighborhood hosts special tours, events, workshops and more at sites across the district on the second Saturday of each month, from May through October. The best part? Most of the historic homes and locations also offer free admission for the day.

For May, you can take advantage of a free tour of the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion; shop till you drop at the Spring Art Market at Allens Lane Art Center; celebrate the debut of the new exhibition, Looking Glass, at Cliveden; and more. Check out the official website for the full round-up of events.

Need a last-minute gift for mom? Head right on over to the annual rain-or-shine Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar for the one-weekend-only market at Cherry Street Pier featuring handcrafted wares from dozens of vendors. Expect crowds at this popular free event, which saw about 10,000 shoppers last year.

Visitors can also enjoy free event totes — 75 are given out at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day — make-and-take activities, a full cash bar, and food from Philly Taco, Tokio Sushi Truck and Irv’s Ice Cream. Pets on leashes are welcome.

Drawing more than 15,000 spectators annually for over 20 years, New Hope Celebrates PrideFest welcomes visitors from both sides of the Delaware for one of the nation’s earliest Pride events of the year.

Themed “In Full Color” for 2026, the festivities kick off in New Hope this weekend with the unfurling of a 100-foot-long progress pride flag, plus an opening tea (re: cocktails) party at The Cub Room (Saturday).

The fun continues next week with an awesome lineup, including the main events: the official New Hope Pride Parade and Fair with vendors, food, live entertainment, and appearances by Crystal Waters and Vincint (Saturday, May 16, 2026).

This Saturday marks the start of Love Your Park Week, a nine-day citywide celebration of Philly flora.

You can look forward to plenty of tree-planting and park clean-ups, or you can love Philly parks in other ways during some of the week’s free or low-cost events.

This week’s schedule of events includes walks and hikes at area green spaces like the Philadelphia Zoo, family-friendly crafts at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, all-ages games and activities at Laurel Hill West, and more. Check out the official website for the full event lineup.

Dates vary by event

Celebrate your favorite ladies — whether it be your mom, aunt, grandma, partner, neighbor or friend — with a packed weekend of special Mother’s Day events, activities and dining specials, including:

• Petals & Promenades in Fishtown: Fishtown is a-bloom with potential as the neighborhood hosts a floral-themed shopping blitz ahead of Mother’s Day, featuring festive window displays, sidewalk sales, pop-ups, and special promos at participating shops and boutiques. Pick up a gift for the maternal figure in your life will love — or better yet, take her on a shopping spree she’ll never forget (through Sunday).
• Mother’s Day Weekend 2026 at the Museum of the American Revolution: The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates mom with programs honoring the trailblazing women of the Revolutionary War. Enjoy live pop-up talks, an artifact discovery cart, family-friendly spaces and access to the museum galleries, including its current special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey (Saturday & Sunday).
• Mother’s Day Cruises aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia: It’s Mother’s Day on the high seas (aka the Delaware River) during the lavish Mother’s Day brunch and dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia. On top of a chef-prepared buffet and DJ entertainment, enjoy sweeping views of the waterfront (Sunday).
• Mother’s Day Brunch at various locations: Give mom the break she deserves. Treat the women in your life to scrumptious Mother’s Day brunches at restaurants and attractions all throughout Philly, including The Prime Rib, City Winery, High Street and Terra Grill.

Dates vary by screening

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

• F1 The Movie (2025) at Sunset Social (Wednesday)
• How to Train Your Dragon (2010) at the John Welsh Memorial Fountain (Friday)
• Shrek (2001) at Sunset Social (Saturday)

May 1-31, 2026 (dates vary by event)

Through festive celebrations, art installations, authentic cuisine and more, Philly honors the achievements and contributions of the city’s Asian American, Pacific Island American and Native Hawaiian communities during AAPI Heritage Month and beyond. Events this week include:

• AAPI Month at the Philadelphia Film Society Center: Grab the popcorn! As part of its Lost in Animation film series, the Philadelphia Film Society showcases different modern and classic anime films each month. This week, cinephiles can catch not one of animator and filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda’s classics, Mirai and Wolf Children (Saturday).
• Friday Night: AAPI Heritage Month Edition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Each Friday night, the PMA keeps its galleries open late for a fun-filled social event. The AAPI Heritage Month edition features live music, Chinese zodiac animal art and more.

Through Sunday, May 31, 2026

Since the first Jewish immigrant’s arrival in 1701, Philadelphia has been an important Jewish cultural city with one of the world’s largest Jewish populations.

Celebrate Jewish-American Heritage Month with visits to significant sites like the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, a collection of 30,000 objects reflecting the Jewish experience in America; the circa-1740 Mikveh Israel Cemetery, the city’s oldest Jewish cemetery; or Elkins Park’s Beth Sholom, the only synagogue designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Or take advantage of special events like the Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media Festival’s spring film series, Docs & Dialogues (Monday and Tuesday).

What started as a week-long event has now blossomed into a month-long celebration of Philadelphia’s designation as a World Heritage City. World Heritage Month offers programs across the city celebrating our diverse cultural heritage, including:

• Bok Open Studios: This twice-a-year event opens up all nine floors of South Philly’s Bok building for visitors to explore the studios and meet local artists. Get a behind-the-scenes look at dozens of fine artists, glassblowers, bakers, jewelers, photographers, designers, ceramicists, instrument makers and more, along with pop-up art and tunes throughout the building. Plus, grab pay-as-you-go bites and sips at Irwin’s or rooftop hotspot Bok Bar (Friday).
• Eagle & Empire: Music of Colonial Mexico at Esperanza Arts Center: A fusion of Indigenous and European traditions, this live concert performance and culinary experience evokes the spirit of the Aztec empire. Acclaimed vocalists and period instrumentalists collab for a night of song, dance and traditional Indigenous cuisine from Latin America and the Caribbean. Tickets are required, and food is pay as you go (Friday).
• CURRENTS: A Multimedia Exhibition Opening Reception at Fairmount Water Works: Want a glimpse into the hidden architecture and mysterious corridors beneath Fairmount Water Works? Ten local artists reveal the historic site’s secrets with immersive artworks, ranging from ambient projections and tunes to haunting multimedia installations. Each evokes the history and ecology of the Schuylkill River, from Colonial times to now (opens Saturday).
• A Century in the Making: 100 Years of ASHM at the American Swedish Historical Museum: This new museum-wide exhibition charts the evolution of the American Swedish Historical Museum with rare artifacts, captivating photos and personal stories from all throughout the past century. Take a journey through history and envision the museum’s next 100 years. The exhibition is included with general admission and runs through January 10, 2026 (opens Sunday).

Dates vary by event

Treat yourself at one of these food-related happenings in Greater Philadelphia. Hungry for more? Chow down on our guide to Philly’s newest restaurant openings this spring.

• Oops, All Berries! at Wilder: Treat yourself to a dry (but oh-so-sweet) Wednesday when Wilder and Bar Palmina collab for this alcohol-free cocktail pop up in Rittenhouse Square. The themed one-night-only drink menu features fruit-forward berry-themed non-alcoholic cocktails inspired by the zero-proof drink program at Bar Palmina, with shucked oysters and other snackies courtesy of Wilder (Wednesday).
• Blooms & Brews at Love City Brewing: Things get fresh and floral at Love City’s outdoor beer garden this Saturday, when the brewery celebrates spring’s arrival with Blooms & Brews: A Garden Gathering. The all-day springtime celebration features Kölsch-style beer service, where the beer keeps flowing until you say when. Plus, make your own flower crowns and bouquets (*cough* Mother’s Day *cough*). The event is free to attend, but refreshments and activities are pay as you go (Saturday).
• Libertee Grounds Masters & Brew Fest: (Saturday). Celebrate Libertee Grounds’ fifth anniversary with free mini-golf, bottomless brews, DJ sets, vendors and more. Fifty golfers putt for the coveted title in an open-to-the-public tournament (with prizes including a pair of Phillies tickets and a free lifetime membership!). Simultaneously, the hotspot hosts its Brewmasters Cup & Brew Fest, with limitless pours from 20-plus local breweries and distilleries, like Victory Brewing and Stateside (Saturday).
• Dumpling Academy Mother’s Day Dumpling Experience: When Sisqó said she had dumps like a truck, this is probably what he meant. Celebrate all the ladies and maternal figures in your life with this three-hour dumpling-making experience where couples and small groups can fold, fill, cook and eat savory dumplings of their own making, along with tangyuan (special sweet rice dumplings). Can’t make it? The Father’s Day edition is happening on June 21, 2026 (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.

• Jazz Series: Rhiannon Giddens at the Miller Theater: With two Grammy Awards, a MacArthur Fellowship and a Pulitzer Prize under her belt, singer-slash-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens has touched just about every music field there is — from opera and ballet to TV and film. This performance at the Miller Theater showcases works by the jazz virtuoso that are as historic as they are contemporary (Tuesday).
• The Lady Hoofers Spring Concert Series at Penn Live Arts: Oh, we tappin’ now. All-female tap ensemble The Lady Hoofers kick off their 15th season with lightning-fast footwork and plenty of innovative choreography during their annual Spring Concert Series. This year’s performance brings new movements by local choreographers Lisa LaTouche and Caleb Teicher, plus a world-premiere performance designed by NYC’s Dre Torres (Saturday).
• Musicians’ Choice at the Kimmel Center: This omakase of musician-selected performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra leaves the setlist up to the professionals, with a diverse concert of new pieces, old faves and signature works hand-picked by each performer. Plus, the musicians cue up and wind down each set by speaking — live on stage — about the backstories of the music (Thursday through Saturday).
• PinkPantheress at The Met: Since popping up on the scene, TikTok darling PinkPantheress has mesmerized the masses with viral, Y2K-esque dance-pop hits like Boy’s a liar, Illegal and Pain. Everyone’s favorite internet bestie jumps from the screen to the stage for her Evening With PinkPantheress tour. Two unforgettable nights at The Met with the pop princess feels … illegal (Saturday & Sunday).
• Girl Dolls: The American Musical at FringeArts: BYOFD (bring your own favorite doll) as you explore America’s obsession with dolls and what it says about childhood and identity. This musical comedy featuring Jackie Soro and Pax Ressler — together with The Bearded Ladies Cabaret — delivers laughs, tears and cringeworthy moments during a ’90s-powered trip down memory lane (opens Saturday).

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.

• Second Saturday Guided Hike of West Fairmount Park: The Fairmount Park Conservancy teams up with the Philadelphia Zoo for a family-friendly hike and bioblitz around West Fairmount Park. During the educator-led 1.5-mile jaunt, tourgoers can learn about local plant and animal species around the park’s Centennial and Concourse lakes before jumping into a fast-paced bioblitz — AKA finding and identifying as many plants and wildlife as possible. (Think Pokémon, but with the goal of helping real conservation science.) (Saturday)
• Living Legacy: A Tree Walk Through Historic Fair Hill: Historic Fair Hill in Germantown is home to more than American history. The hidden gem plays host to a wide variety of arboreal wonders, with a tree collection including sycamores, oaks, viburnums, lindens, black locusts and American chestnuts. The tour — led by local guide Shay Pilot — guides visitors through the flora, all while dropping lore about the plants’ history, ecology and cultural significance (Saturday).
• Colonial Farm Experience at the Mercer Museum: Ah, the Colonial days, when water came straight from the well, log houses were the norm and electricity was about 100 years away. Curious about what life was like in pre-Revolution America? This educator-led, family-friendly experience at the Mercer Museum in Bucks County shows what life was like on Colonial-era farms with an immersive 45-minute program (Saturday).
• East Falls Tour: Wrapped in natural beauty and village vibes, Northwest Philly’s East Falls is downright charming. The neighborhood is known for its waterfront views and access to popular outdoor attractions — and this guided tour by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia explores how the riverside hamlet transformed from a small fishing outpost and mill town in the 1800s to the bustling neighborhood it is today. The tour explores the old Tudor District, Oak Road and more. Audio headsets are available (Sunday).

Dates vary by event

Can we get a “whoop whoop”? Can we get an “oh yeah”? Philly nightlife is looking cooler than cool with these dance parties this week:

• ¡Cinco de Mayo Fiesta! at El Techo: Rooftop Cinco de Mayo party? Say less. This Tuesday, El Techo — cresting the top of Condesa in Rittenhouse Square — transforms itself from modern Mexican hotspot to Party Central. The rooftop bash features DJ beats, live entertainers and plenty of dancing — for eight hours straight. The event is 21-and-over only, and pay-as-you-go food and drink are on deck (Tuesday). [email + photo from Natalie]
• Cinco de Mayo at Craft Hall: Rally the amigos and get ready to dance: Local fave Craft Hall brings Cinco de Mayo festivities to the Delaware River waterfront. While you chow down on pay-as-you-go pub grub, and sip your way through the respectable beer and cocktail list, jam to live culturally inspired music sets from local DJs Ash, Caution and Luka (Tuesday).
• JUST DANCE at Silk City: Bar/diner/restaurant/beer garden/nightclub Silk City is back with another night of electrifying sounds in Northern Liberties. Drink up and wind down in the retro diner before going wild on the dance floor. If you’re not bopping with DJs Krispy, Swizzymack and Meer Meer, are you truly living? (Friday.)
• Crimewave: A Goth, Post-Punk & Darkwave Party at Kung Fu Necktie: This one’s for all the goths. Fishtown’s Kung Fu Necktie is hosting a 21-plus party featuring all of your darkwave, post-punk and industrial faves. Shuffle apathetically to The Cure, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and more, and prove to mom that it was never just a phase (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.

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. Want the full scoop? Read on in our guide.

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
• lively waterfront hot spot Liberty Point, 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.

Ongoing

Visitors to the National Constitution Center can now experience the highly anticipated America’s Founding gallery, offering high-tech snapshots of Revolutionary America in dramatic detail.

The new permanent gallery tells the story of how early Americans fought for independence, created the U.S. Constitution, drafted the Bill of Rights and ultimately laid the groundwork for our democracy. Visitors can explore immersive corridors, interact with tactile installations, watch engaging videos and view real-life artifacts.

In addition to other artifacts, the new space includes an original copy (!) of the U.S. Constitution — one of only 14 surviving — on display throughout 2026, along with rare first printings of 17 constitutional amendments.

Ongoing

Two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s work takes center stage at the African American Museum in Philadelphia’s latest exhibit, Afrofuturism in Costume Design, which explores how Carter’s hand-drawn costume images helped define iconic film characters.

The modular exhibition — which features interactive elements — 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.

Carter — aka the most nominated Black woman in Oscar history — won Oscars for her costume designs for the Black Panther films and is the first Black woman to win multiple Academy Awards in any category.

Through Sunday, May 17, 2026 (Sundays only)

Roam the streets and shop till you drop. For seven Sundays this April and May, one of Philadelphia’s top shopping and dining destinations transforms into a car-free oasis.

During Open Streets: West Walnut, pedestrians can shop, dine and mosey along seven car-free blocks while enjoying acoustic music, strolling performers and family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Open-Streets zone runs on Walnut Street between Broad Street and 19th Street, and on 18th Street between Locust Street and Chestnut Street. Check out the official website for an entertainment schedule and a list of retailer and restaurant happenings.

Through Sunday, May 24, 2026

The tiniest creatures come alive in Eric Carle’s iconic children’s books, like The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The illustrations of these Small Living Things take center stage at the Michener Art Museum’s latest exhibit, showcasing the author-illustrator’s art.

The exhibit at the Doylestown museum features original art from beloved Carle titles like: The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Busy Spider and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Visitors also have the opportunity to see Carle’s early sketches along with a peek into the artist’s process.

April 14 – May 31, 2026

Nearly a half-century before Hamilton, Broadway debuted another iconic show focused on the Revolution. And in 2026, 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.

Through Sunday, July 5, 2026

To commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, The Clay Studio — the nation’s largest ceramic arts organization — creates an expansive exhibition showcasing work from 27 artists across 16 arts and culture sites. Artists ground their creative work in historical research conducted at these sites to inspire pieces that explore themes of independence throughout the evolution of America.

Look out for Radical Americana exhibits at places like The Clay Studio, Cliveden, Taller Puertorriqueño and many more. Dates and times vary by location, with the exhibition running through July.

Through Sunday, July 12, 2026

When the world tried to erase them, their work and their subjects, these Philly-based artists claimed their space — on their own terms, through their own work.

Unfolding across not one, but two Philly museums — Woodmere and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts — Bodies and Souls explores how artists’ work asserted the complexities of the human experience, tackling gender, sexuality, relationships and more; cultivated compassion; and imagined a better world.

The powerful exhibition showcases over 130 paintings, drawings and sculptures by artists such as Barbara Bullock and Marta Sanchez, and from Philadelphia art collectors Robert and Frances Coulborn Kohler’s collection.

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.

Pairing historical Shaker-made artifacts straight out of the Testament of Ann Lee with contemporary artworks inspired by the community, this new exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art explores how the group developed a distinctive visual language marked by simplicity, innovation and purpose.

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

Through Saturday, September 5, 2027

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.

Bonus: Bring the kiddos with you to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts for interactive crafts and free museum admission with advance registration during Family Day (Sunday).

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.

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: FDR Park in Southwest Philadelphia.

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.

Through Saturday, October 31, 2026

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.

Last year’s market saw over 70 vendors offering traditional dishes, authentic street food and culturally specific produce, plus plants, jewelry and clothing. Pack a picnic blanket and don’t forget to bring cash — some vendors are cash-only, and there’s no ATM on site.

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.

March 28, 2026 – 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.

Through Monday, January 3, 2028

We all know how the American Revolutionary War ended. Now, a new exhibition — timed to coincide with the year-long Semiquincentennial celebration — 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.

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:

• Look up: Here’s something new to do while you wait for the bus.
• Here are the pop-up businesses coming to Market East for summer 2026.
• Meet the Philly player who just took down a Jeopardy champ’s record-setting streak.
• Round and round: Take a look at Center City’s brand-new bus station.
• A historic marble floor gets new life in unexpected places.

Extra, extra! Read all about it — it being all the awesome things happening in Philly — with new content from visitphilly.com:

• In Philly, all roads lead to Rocky — one way or another. After sparking spin-offs, podcasts, bus tours and generations of fandoms, Philly’s favorite fictional son is at the center of a major, new exhibition at the city’s premier art institution. We’ve rounded up our top five reasons why the show lands with Rocky, boxing and art fans alike.
• Each year, May — observed as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States — offers us a special opportunity to highlight the achievements, contributions and cultures of Asian Americans, Pacific Island Americans and Native Hawaiians. You can join in AAPI Heritage Month festivities at attractions like the National Constitution Center, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and more using our 2026 guide.