Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

Through Thursday, April 30, 2026

As the birthplace and hometown of some of the most notable figures in jazz history, including Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Ethel Waters and Dizzy Gillespie, Philly’s jazz roots run deep — and the city is celebrating through the end of April with Philly Jazz Month.

Along with shows at quintessential jazz venues like Chris’ Jazz Cafe and SOUTH Restaurant & Jazz Club, some of the city’s top jazz events this week include Dance Like It’s 1829 at Christ Church Neighborhood House (Friday) and Corey Bernhard’s Eternity Ensemble at Johnny Brenda’s (Friday).

Through Thursday, April 30, 2026 (dates vary by event)

Through the end of April, cultural institutions across the city — in collaboration with the Histories Collaborative of Philadelphia — have teamed up for the first-ever Philadelphia Histories Month, a citywide celebration featuring special events, tours, exhibitions and more.

Can’t-miss events this week include the unveiling of The History of Quakerism: A Religious Revolution at Arch Street Meeting House, featuring immersive displays and rare artifacts spanning back to 17th-century England — all in an over-300-year-old Quaker place of worship (Thursday).

Through Sunday, May 3, 2026

Don’t miss your chance to see spring’s earliest blooms at Longwood Gardens, Philly’s largest horticultural display garden.

The familiar colors and fragrances of the season are ready to be experienced during the annual Spring Blooms event, offering opportunities to take in the world-renowned thousand-acre attraction’s early spring bulbs, vibrant blooms of aromatic tulips, beloved wisteria, flowering trees and more.

Pierre du Pont’s tranquil botanic oasis showcases nearly 10,000 varieties among its indoor and outdoor grounds. Timed admission tickets are required.

Through Sunday, May 3, 2026

This week’s your last chance to see the Forrest Theatre transform into the farm-filled fictional heartland of Cob County, USA. When the town’s vital corn crop begins to fail, a young woman must outsmart a con man to try to save her town from economic hardship in this Tony Award-winning musical comedy.

Expect plenty of corn-y jokes throughout, with Grammy Award-winning songwriting team Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally providing the soundtrack.

Through Sunday, May 3, 2026

A few more days remain to take in a show during Philly Theatre Week’s ninth year, celebrating the vibrant theater scene all across Greater Philadelphia through interactive events, live productions, readings and more.

Think of it like a wine tasting, but for theater — encouraging audiences to sample these productions and venues to find new-to-you places (or old faves!) with a wide variety of offerings, from family-friendly to improv to the classics.

About two dozen shows, events and workshops remain during the promotional event at theaters across the region, with pay-what-you-can tickets while they last. Shows wrapping up this week include the comedic 40-Year-Old Ballerino at Studio 34 and the Barrymore Award-recommended Man of La Mancha at Montco’s Montgomery Theater. (Note: Check the venue for regular-price tickets if the pay-what-you-can tickets sell out.)

Through Sunday, May 3, 2026 

Is blood truly thicker than water? You’ve got just one final week to find out.

When a family reunion in the Tidewater South turns from playful reminiscing to a tense reckoning, long-buried secrets surface in this world premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ Wilderness Generation.

Taking place over the course of one summer weekend, the humorous and heartbreaking play explores the laughter, music, memories and the process of healing — all from the perspectives of four cousins struggling to break free from generational trauma.

Shake off that rough start! The Fightin’s look to keep sluggin’ their way up the standings with a mid-week tilt at Citizens Bank Park. Next at bat: the San Francisco Giants.

Harper, Sánchez and the gang lead the charge, fueled by the energy of some of the younger additions, in a three-day East Coast/West Coast series. Can’t decide which game to attend? All we’re saying is that Tuesday is BOGO Hatfield hotdog night. (Wink wink.)

Opens Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Philly’s outdoor dining scene is officially back in full swing. One of the largest of its kind in the city, Uptown Beer Garden kicks off another season of fun at its prime location opposite LOVE Park.

The lively outdoor space can accommodate over 300 guests on its tree-shaded patio, and features parties and themed events throughout the year. On the menu: sandwiches, small plates and tacos, plus an expansive bar menu of wine, cocktails, frozen beverages and plenty of draft beer.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | TBD (if needed)

The Fly Guys keep the dream alive during a high-stakes Game 6 in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Goalie Dan Vladar has been an absolute wall early in the series, while electrifying offensive drivers Trevor Zegras, Sean Couturier and standout rookie Porter Martone look to bring it all home.

Let’s go, Flyers!

Thursday, April 30, 2026 | TBD (if needed)

10-9-8-76ers!

It’s been back-and-forth this playoff season as Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and the rest of the No. 7 seed 76ers aim to take down Jason Taytum and the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the first round.

The Sixers are looking for their first home playoff win since the 2024 campaign when Joel Embiid dropped 50 points against the Knicks in the building then-called the Wells Fargo Center — and with VJ Edgecombe being the youngest player to ever net 30 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff game, they’re already making history.

Philly’s Mexican Cultural Center and Fairmount Park Conservancy come together to celebrate Día del Niño, a traditional Mexican holiday honoring children’s rights and contributions to the world with a day of fun and heritage.

Littles across all cultures can enjoy an afterschool day outside with games, music and hands-on cultural activities all across FDR Park’s Gateway Plaza — a full celebration of what it means to be a kid.

The outdoor event is free and open to the public, and all kids must be accompanied by an adult.

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 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.

On the first Friday of each month, galleries, shops and attractions across Philly invite visitors and locals to experience the best of the city’s arts and culture scene with extended hours, monthly events and special showcases. This month’s highlights include:

• an evening of worldly music, sips and art at the Barnes Foundation
• two new exhibitions on the complexities of American life at the Fabric Workshop & Museum
• a Friday night fete featuring local art and handcrafted cocktails at the Gaslamp Hotel
• an art lover’s dream with free exhibitions, an artisans market and live entertainment at Cherry Street Pier, and
• a full day of events, live music, restaurant specials and new showcases (like the new dual exhibitions at NoName Gallery), plus deals and extended hours at local retailers in Chestnut Hill.

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

May is both AAPI Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. Through celebrations, art, cuisine and more, Philly honors Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian communities, right alongside its long-standing role as an important Jewish cultural city. Events this week include:

• Asian American & Pacific Islanders Heritage + Jewish American Heritage Month at the National Constitution Center: The National Constitution Center celebrates both May heritage months with a series of special programs exploring the lives and contributions of historical trailblazers like civil rights activist Fred Korematsu, former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, and suffragists Mabel Ping Hua Lee and Ernestine Hara Kettler. Programming is free with museum admission (Friday through Sunday, May 31, 2026)
• Dual Heritage Month Celebration 2026 at the Weitzman: This free double-heritage multicultural celebration gives you the best of both worlds. Bring the kiddos out for a packed afternoon of family-friendly activities and events, including music, dancing, crafts, workshops, tours and more. Both museum admission and the heritage celebration are free, but registration is required (Sunday).
• Children’s Day Celebration at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center: Experience Children’s Day at the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center with koinobori (fish-shaped streamers), origami helmet-making, kimono dressing, paper theater storytellers and a performance by the Keystone Japan Club. Plus, enjoy mini samurai armor displays, koi feeding and blooming gardens. After the Children’s Day festivities, displays remain through May 17, 2026 (Sunday).
• Animals in Art: Family Festival at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Celebrate Asian American artists at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s pay-what-you-wish Family Festival. Dive into art with ink painting on rice paper, create works inspired by artist Hui-Yi Kuo and witness a traditional Lion Dance by the Philadelphia Suns. Plus, kids can wind down in the designated sensory-friendly quiet zone (Sunday).

Opens Friday, May 1, 2026

From its musket-ball-pocked walls to its 19th-century Louis Vuitton trunks, Cliveden carries a fascinating history born from blood and strife.

Now a six-acre oasis in the middle of Germantown, the Cliveden estate offers tours, exhibits and artifacts that uncover details about life on northern plantations, including people’s efforts to escape enslavement and the maneuverings of Benjamin Chew, the home’s former owner and the patriarch of one of the largest slave-holding families in Philadelphia.

Fun fact: Cliveden was a major player in the Battle of Germantown — the only battle fought within the boundaries of Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. Admission is by request only, and tour tickets are required.

Opens Friday, May 1, 2026

While Fringe Bar — FringeArts’ adjoining bar and restaurant — serves up creative pub fare all year-round, the former pumphouse’s industrial charm and buzzy vibes spill out into the street come spring, summer and fall.

Haas Biergarten is outfitted with tons of seating in a family- and pup-friendly atmosphere. The industrial-chic beer garden invites you to the waterfront — with big views almost directly underneath the Ben Franklin Bridge — for everything from happy hour to dinner to weekend brunch to family pizza parties.

Opens Friday, May 1, 2026

One of Philly’s best-kept secrets, Frankie’s Summer Club is back on Broad Street for its second year.

Tucked away behind a 1970s-esque gateway, this university courtyard-turned-wine garden harnesses all the creativity of its former life (the courtyard of the University of the Arts’ Furness Hall) into a vibrant garden space.

The shady summer pop up features winding paths, eye-catching decor and a menu of food and drinks curated by Michael Ferreri, the executive chef at Irwin’s.

Drinks are just better with skyline views.

Open all year long, the warm-weather days are when Assembly Rooftop Lounge — the luxurious sky-high venue atop The Logan, Philadelphia’s Hotel — truly comes to life.

Celebrate the official arrival of rooftop season with an open bar, DJ beats, live violin and saxophone performances, breathtaking golden-hour views of the city, and a curated sample of the lounge’s seasonal food menu. Tickets are required.

Philly singer-songwriter extraordinaire Dave Hause has assembled the annual rock homecoming weekend he’s always wanted — and you’re invited.

Held on the grounds of Manayunk’s Venice Island Performing Arts Center, the three-day Sing Us Home Festival returns for its fourth year with a robust lineup including: Philly punk-rockers The Mezingers; indie-folk band The Mountain Goats; and Dave-times-three — performing with his band The Mermaid, as a member of his brother’s Tim Hause & The Pre-Existing Conditions and as part of the Hause Family Campfire.

Enjoy pay-as-you-go food and drink at the family-friendly music festival. Tickets are required.

May 1-31, 2026

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:

• Eraserhood Fest 2026: Honoring late filmmaker and PAFA alum David Lynch, Eraserhood Fest brings an immersive celebration of history, culture and community to Callowhill — the neighborhood that inspired Lynch’s experimental film Eraserhead. The fest features local vendors, cultural activities, food trucks, street murals, gallery exhibitions, live performances, interactive experiences and general Lynchian weirdness (Friday).
• Philadelphia Film Society movie screenings: The Philadelphia Film Society explores cultures from around the world this week with a slate of screenings at its Film Society Center theater. Options include a free screening of the 1992 Mexican classic Like Water for Chocolate (Friday) and a showing of the landmark 1971 Taiwanese film A Touch of Zen (Saturday).
• Richard Allen Museum Tours at Mother Bethel AME: Celebrate World Heritage Month with a powerful guided tour of the Richard Allen Museum at Mother Bethel — the home of the African Methodist Episcopal faith and the oldest parcel of Black-owned land in the nation. The hour-long expert-led tour explores the roots of Black Philadelphia, highlighting church founder Richard Allen’s legacy, the neighborhood’s history and artifacts from the church’s founding more than 200 years ago (Saturday).

Mt. Airy comes alive every spring for a free day of live music, family-friendly entertainment and community.

This year’s attendees can expect a jam-packed schedule of live entertainers (ranging from musical acts to balloon artists), more than 100 art and merch vendors, DJ beats all day long, and plenty of pay-as-you-go food vendors and restaurants serving delicious eats along Germantown Avenue.

Plus, bring the kiddos for face painting and other family-friendly fun.

One of Philly’s premier street festivals, the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival highlights the Center City neighborhood’s reputation as a cultural hot spot — and each block has its own vibe.

Dozens of booths line Walnut Street and the area around Rittenhouse Square park, with vendors selling handcrafted art, beauty products, fashion accessories and more. Enjoy family-friendly activities, food vendors, and beer and cocktail samplings, plus live music and local artist showcases.

This year’s festival features the return of the Starr Block Party, with decadent offerings from seven Starr Restaurants. We’re talking wagyu sliders, tiramisu, cheesesteak eggrolls, champagne jello shots (!!) and so much more.

Free to attend (with pay-as-you-go eats), the upscale fest traditionally draws more than 50,000 people.

One thing for certain, two things for sure: South Street knows how to party. Taking place at the height of springtime bliss, the massive South Street Spring Fest fills seven blocks of South Street, plus parts of East Passyunk Avenue and the Headhouse Plaza, with live entertainment, immersive art, family-friendly fun, local vendors, food, drinks and more.

Each block embodies a different personality. Highlights include Queen & Rook’s Renaissance Faire-themed block party along the 200 block of South Street, Twisted Tail’s posh Kentucky Derby Party at the Headhouse Plaza and Brauhaus Schmitz’s rollicking annual Maifest, centered at the German bierhall.

The Fishtown neighborhood under the El at Front and Palmer streets turns into a family-friendly street party, as the annual Fishtown Music & Arts Festival returns for its fourth year. In addition to the day-long lineup of live bands and DJs, visitors can enjoy pay-as-you-go food and beverages from local restaurants and vendors.

Festivalgoers need tickets to access the live music sections, while the food, craft and children’s play area remain free. Participating venues include LMNO, Percy, The International Bar and more.

The mad lads of the Philadelphia Union look to find their groove as they take to the pitch at Delco’s Subaru Park for a match against Nashville SC.

Living up to last year’s performance as one of the best teams in Major League Soccer is no small task, but a few offensive boosts from newbies Agustín Anello and Ezekiel Alladoh and the team’ll be doop-ing better than ever.

Plus, May the Fourth Second be with you: It’s Star Wars Night, featuring themed in-game entertainment, giveaways and other surprises.

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, for a weekend of bold performance and all-ages play along the Philadelphia waterfront. Cherry Street Pier gets the Big Top treatment, playing host to the first-ever Wild Horizon Circus and Play Festival.

Presented by Almanac Projects, this family-friendly fest stages spectacular, full-scale shows spanning circus, dance, comedy and theater; short-and-sweet pop-ups; and interactive performances, featuring talented global performers from as far away as Australia, Lithuania and Portugal. Check out the full schedule on the official website. The festival is free and open to the public.

Name a better duo than beer and music. Billed as “the world’s loudest, heaviest, headbangingest, two-day craft beer event,” Decibel magazine’s signature two-day music fest is back at The Fillmore for an electrifying ninth year.

Headlined by Grammy Award-nominated thrash metal bands Power Trip and Municipal Waste, the festival features high-energy sets by nearly a dozen acts and brews from 14 rocking breweries, including Pennsylvania breweries New Trail Brewing Co., Requiem Bier and Imprint Beer Co.

A sweet tradition since 1978, the Strawberry Festival at suburban food-and-shopping hotspot Peddler’s Village in Lahaska features two days of events centered on fresh, locally grown strawberries. Treats take the form of “berry-yummy” pastries, jams and chocolate-dipped bites along with, of course, actual strawberries available for purchase by the pint.

The popular annual event also includes a craft show, live music and entertainment, food trucks, kids’ activities, and shop specials. Bonus: Strawberry-themed food and drink specials are available across the village’s restaurants and eateries throughout May.

Each year, about 40,000 runners come to Philadelphia from across the country and the world to partake in the largest and most popular 10-mile race in the nation — the annual Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run.

As all those athletes run, thousands of spectators form a street party of support as they gather along the route to cheer on friends, family and strangers with music, noisemakers and witty signs.

Everything kicks off at 7 a.m. at Broad and Fisher streets in North Philadelphia, with the race finishing at The Navy Yard.

The best things in life are free — as proven by the return of the Barnes Foundation’s free monthly First Sunday Family Day. This time around, things get algebraic with a fun-filled celebration of science, technology, engineering, math and art.

View 3D models of iconic paintings designed by local students (and join for the award ceremonies), get hands-on with a variety of all-ages crafts, and enjoy an energetic performance by rising star DJ Long Legs.

Plus, this Sunday, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway museum offers 100% free admission (with registration) to its galleries — including its latest exhibition, Freedom Dreams. We’ve crunched the numbers, and you should definitely be there.

DIY’ers rejoice! The Chestnut Hill Home + Garden Festival returns with more than 300 home, garden, vintage/collectible and artisanal vendors lining Germantown Avenue (from 8100 to 8600), between Rex and Willow Grove avenues.

Shop for your spring and summer project needs or gather inspo from experts and artisans during live demonstrations in the festival’s Makers Village. The family-friendly streetfest also has live music, food and beverages (including decadent sweet treats!), dedicated activities for the kiddos, and plenty of Chestnut Hill shops and eateries to explore as you stroll.

One of the region’s most unusual beer events returns to Sly Fox Brewing Company‘s Tastin’ Room in Pottstown.

The annual Bock Fest & Goat Race benefit starts with live music, a goat parade and a stein hoist competition before 50-or-so speedy goats hit the track for a 90-minute race to determine which gets the honor of having its name adorn the day’s special Maibock, tapped after the race.

Note: You’ll need cash to buy Bock Fest tickets, the currency for food, beverages and merchandise. BYO as ATMS on site can get crowded. Advanced tickets required.

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.

• Table Sessions: Kristal Sotomayor at Bartram’s Garden: Kumbia-klezmer-punk collective Mariposa Galácticas sets the scene for an intimate evening of cinematic and culinary arts at Bartram’s Garden, curated by filmmaker Kristal Sotomayor. Pull up a seat for a screening of Sotomayor’s award-winning short film Expanding Sanctuary, paired with a delectable dinner by James Beard Award-winning chef Cristina Martínez of South Philly Barbacoa and Casa México (Thursday).
• A Taste of Spring at City Winery: The flavors of the season — from the warm, earthiness of mushrooms to the bright bite of a carrot to the juicy sweetness of a strawberry — come to life at this curated four-course dinner at City Winery. What’s dinner without a bit of wine? The Center City winery-music venue hybrid pairs each course with the perfect glass of vino (Friday).
• Crafted in Philly Brewery Tour: Clink, clink! Tap in for this self-guided brewery tour showcasing the very best of Philly’s craft beer scene. Running from May to July, Crafted in Philly is your ticket to free pours at over 30 different taphouses across the region, including Attic Brewing Company, Ship Bottom Brewing and Yards Brewing Company. And don’t forget to vote for your favorites using the Let’s Rallie app (Friday through July 31, 2026).
• Beer & Jazz at the German Society of Pennsylvania: Local jazz quartet The New Phily Sound supplies both the soundtrack and the inspiration for this full-sensory beer tasting experience. Led by Victory Brewing co-founder Bill Covaleski and local drinks author Marnie Old, the event pairs the quartet’s music with local craft brews that embody the mood and spirit of the songs (Sunday).

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.

• Copland’s American Inspiration at the Kimmel Center: The Philadelphia Orchestra presents three opportunities to immerse yourself in the iconic American music of Aaron Copland and composers he inspired (Thursday through Saturday).
• Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Theatre Horizon: The Tony Award-winning homage to jazz legend Fats Waller weaves humor and romance while bringing Jazz Age juke joints to life on stage, featuring hits like Honeysuckle Rose, and, of course, Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Wednesday through Sunday, May 17, 2026).
• Dexta Daps at the Theatre of Living Arts: Dexta Daps transforms South Street’s TLA into a proper Jamaican bashment with reggae grooves and raw dance hall energy. Get ready to be moving all night long when the Caribbean star comes to Philly this week (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.

• We Walk, We Tour at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center: Early evening strolls around West Fairmount Park? Count us in. Join Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center for a guided tour of its traditional-style Japanese house and its nationally ranked garden. Cap off your time outdoors with a leisurely walk through the Centennial District (Wednesday).
• Remember the Ladies: After-Hours Tour at Christ Church Burial Ground: The hidden heroines of herstory finally get their just due during this ticketed after-hours tour of Christ Church Burial Ground, highlighting the trailblazing Revolutionary-era women Julia Stockton Rush and Sarah Franklin Bache (Friday).
• Save Philly Festivals Bus Tour: Maiden Voyage at Cherry Street Pier: Three things Philadelphians take very seriously: our neighborhood allegiances, our festivals and our cheesesteaks (but that’s a story for a different article). Events and fests, like the Mummers Parade and the Juneteenth Festival, are more than an excuse to party. They’re an opportunity to honor and share culture, community and history. Hop aboard this citywide bus tour exploring Philly through beloved events of the past and present (Friday).
• West Fairmount Park Scavenger Hunt: Centennial District: Established as part of America’s 100th anniversary festivities, Philly’s Centennial District knows a thing or two about major milestone anniversaries. The historic swath of West Fairmount Park — now home to major attractions like the Philadelphia Zoo and hundreds of acres of parks — celebrates its own 100th birthday with a multi-month-long, self-guided scavenger hunt (with prizes!) for all ages (Friday through Monday, August 31, 2026).
• Philadelphia: A Walk Through History: Walking Tour and Reception at Carpenters’ Hall: Stroll the historic streets of Old City with award-winning journalist, author and Philly expert Natalie Pompilio as your guide. The hour-long tour culminates with light refreshments and conversation at Carpenters’ Hall, the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774 (Saturday).

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:

• Recession Pop Dance Party at Underground Arts: Times are tough, and dancing is way cheaper than therapy (but you should def do that, too). Leave it all — your worries, your cares, your existential dread — on the floor at this nostalgia-powered dance party featuring music from Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce and all your faves from the late oughts and 2010s (Saturday).
• House of Heavy Party at Milkboy: How you like your metal? The whole spectrum of hard-rocking bliss from nu-metal to thrash, alt-metal to the heavier stuff is on the playlist for this headbanger of a bash coming to Milkboy (Saturday).
• Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Electronic Dance Party at the Theatre of Living Arts: This experiential dance party takes over the South Street hotspot with DJs, light shows, music fest feels and a playlist ranging from The Killers to Tame Impala to Bad Bunny (really!) (Saturday).
• ​​BRAT BUNNY at Warehouse on Watts: The mashup you didn’t know you needed: Brat meet Bunny. Two of music’s most undeniable — and unapologetic — stars inspire a well-deserved night of dance and shenanigans at Warehouse on Watts. There will be drag, there will be go-go, there will be burlesque. Obviously, there will be an awesome pop-meets-perreo soundtrack (Saturday).
• Black Soul Summer Presents Vibe Check at Silk City: Want the recipe for a perfect night out? A cup of jersey club hits, a cup of cookout classics, a generous sprinkle of new-school hip-hop and a pinch of baile funk. Mix it all together, and you’ve got Vibe Check, the monthly party series that promises to get your innerG right. Just don’t tell them we told you (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.

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: Schuylkill River Park.

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:

• One of Philly’s most-visited spots ranks No. 1 in the country — again. Any guesses?
• Philly’s perks for FIFA World Cup 26 keep getting better and better.
• A little bit of LOVE comes to Philly’s newest skate park.
• A new Philly mural honors some truly legendary baseball stars.
• Coming to a neighborhood near you: a slate of street fests celebrating America’s 250th.
• Yum: The Atlantic says this Philly hot-spot has the best free bread in America.

A new week means new Visit Philly content to catch up on (talk about a gift that keeps on giving). Get the latest from visitphilly.com:

• Did you know out of Philadelphia’s thousands of small businesses, 11% are owned by people of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent? Among the many, many Asian and AAPI-owned businesses in Philadelphia are amazing boutiques and eateries ripe for exploring all year long. Our newly updated guide to AAPI-owned shops and restaurants guides highlight some of Philly’s favorite spots.
• Outdoor dining season — oh, how we’ve missed thee. Philly has no shortage of “here today, gone by winter” restaurants and bars, but how do you know where to begin? Well, our new roundup of Philly’s most distinctive outdoor dining destinations would like a word.
• Each year, the City of Brotherly Love — the literal birthplace of the nation — pulls out all the stops to celebrate Independence Day. And for the nation’s 250th birthday, Philly had to go even bigger. Get the full rundown on how to celebrate July Fourth in Philly in a brand-new guide.
• Every year, both first-time travelers and curious natives discover and rediscover this big, beautiful metropolis we call Philly. We’ve put together a cheat sheet with the basics every Philly visitor needs to know, from public transit to can’t-miss attractions, so you can focus on the good stuff: exploring the city’s history, customs, cuisine and more.