Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

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One of the country’s oldest and largest public markets is World Cup-ready.

The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market transforms 15,000 square feet of the 1100 block of Filbert Street into an extended gathering space, filled with artisanal stalls and outdoor seating, plus a pop-up bar run by Molly Malloy’s. Look for daily acoustic sets from live bands along with limited-time vendors, like Moon Lake Studio, Aqua Headwear, Brown Girl Candle Cafe, A’s Aprons and many more.

The Plaza arrives for an eight-week activation, coinciding with marquee summer events, including FIFA World Cup 26, the MLB All-Star Game and America’s 250th birthday.

June 15-21, 2026 (select dates)

The Fightins are back in town.

The Philadelphia Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park for a six-game homestand that opens on Monday against the Miami Marlins. Hot-hitting Otto Lopez — MLB’s batting average leader — headlines the first game, where the first 2,000 fans receive a stylish Phanatic cowboy sun hat.

Afterward, the division rival New York Mets, guided by slugger Juan Soto, come to town for a three-game set (Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Then, on Friday, the Phillies host their annual Pride Night celebration by giving away rainbow visors, among other surprise activations honoring the LGBTQ+ community.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Grammy Award-winning choir The Crossing take the stage at this open-air music venue in West Fairmount Park for two performances.

On Wednesday, A Hundred Years On, a musical tribute to the 1876 Centennial Exposition, humanizes that pivotal period in American history. Tickets start at $18.76.

On Thursday, 50 Years of Music in the Park honors the timeless works of Beethoven, Ravel and Holst. Tickets start at $19.76.

Bonus: Later in the summer, don’t miss the free Highmark Mann Milestone Mashup (August 22, 2026), a community day featuring live performances, vendors and more.

It’s officially summer festival season in Delco.

Rose Tree Park’s scenic outdoor amphitheater kicks Juneteenth off with Friday Nite Summerfest, a cultural heritage celebration featuring music, art and food, in partnership with Grace Church and Collingdale Borough Council.

The event is part of the larger Delco Rose Tree Summer Festival, which first started bringing free concerts to the park in 1975. The festival runs Wednesday through Sunday for nine weeks (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for seating.

Dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, the United We Heal Film Festival comes to Underground Arts on Thursday and Friday. This annual event, now in its fifth year, showcases 11 Black and Brown filmmakers across genres, from debut shorts to award-winning documentaries.

See and hear from visionary storytellers, including Lanaa Dantzler, Julia Mallory, Diop Russell, Victoria Wilcox, Tony Suarez Jr., David Dylan Thomas, Kamryn Bonds, Simone Holland, Shuja Moore, Joseline Hardrick and Xenia Matthews. Two-day festival passes include pre-game tickets for a special musical celebration on opening night.

June 18 – October 31, 2026 (Thursdays through Saturdays)

Party like it’s 1776 and transport back to Colonial Philadelphia.

Meet the Women of the 18th Century at the Betsy Ross House for the opening weekend of this four-month series focused on the contributions of women to the American Revolution. Hear from Betsy herself, in addition to proud patriots like Susanna Cooke, Peggy Chew, Sarah Coltman and Hannah Till, a servant and cook for George Washington.

Meet at the courtyard outside the Betsy Ross House for this free event, sponsored by Historic Philadelphia Inc., every Thursday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Celebrate “audacious freedom” and Black culture at this vibrant Juneteenth festival outside of the African American Museum in Philadelphia as Visit Philadelphia (hey, that’s us!) partners with Wawa Welcome America for this year’s celebration.

The free event features live performances from legendary hip-hop artists Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh, plus Philly’s favorite spinner, DJ Jazzy Jeff, as he brings the summer, summer, summertime vibes. Look for family-friendly activities, local food trucks, and opportunities to shop and support Black-owned businesses.

New for 2026: The Jazz Tunnel, featuring a 15-piece jazz band alongside a relaxed lounge and shaded seating areas.

Additionally, on Friday, join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and creator of The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, for the Juneteenth Evening Conversation from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Independence National Historical Park.

Wooder ice meets the World Cup.

East Passyunk Avenue kicks off the first of The Avenue’s three FIFA World Cup 26 watch parties on Friday night. The World Cup Block Party stretches across the 1700 block of East Passyunk Avenue, filling it up with jumbo screens and street vendors, spilling out past favorite South Philly hangouts like Barcelona Wine Bar, Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria, and Human Robot Süd.

Additional World Cup block parties are scheduled for June 27 and July 3, 2026.

The Ambler Arts & Music Festival jams down the main drag on Butler Avenue starting on Friday evening and continuing into Saturday for 12 hours of musical performances.

Concerts include up-and-coming local acts like the Mike DelGuidice Band (Billy Joel covers) and Main Street Band, a 10-piece horn band fronted by three lead singers. The festival also features local food trucks and fresh pours from Forest & Main Brewing Company.

Fun fact: The town of Ambler is named after Quaker hero Mary Ambler, who treated the wounded and organized rescue efforts following a horrific train crash in 1856.

Music, dancing and fútbol. Need we say more?

First, see Haiti battle Brazil in a FIFA World Cup 26 watch party on Friday night during the Philly Caribbean Carnival. Hosted by the United Caribbean Association of Philadelphia, this annual love letter to Afro-Caribbean culture takes over Fairmount Park on Saturday — remember, June is Caribbean American Heritage Month — for a full day of island-inspired indulgences.

Listen to reggae, steelpan and calypso. Eat roti, Trinidadian doubles and callaloo. Immerse yourself in live entertainment, including a concert by sosa sensation Freezy Madrass of Saint Lucia.

Dads are full of hot air, right? So, take yours on a hot air balloon ride.

The Chester County Balloon Festival returns to Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds in Chester Springs on Father’s Day weekend. This three-day celebration shows why balloonatics have more fun by putting this niche hobby on full display through tethered balloon rides and pilot briefings amid a special Father’s Day cat show.

Pro tip: The best time to see balloons in the air is early in the morning (6 a.m. to 8 a.m.) or later in the evening (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Fog and wind can play a factor, and tickets are required.

Wawa Welcome America, the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation (and one of the largest free festivals in the country — period), grows even bigger in 2026 to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence right here in Philly.

As always, Wawa Welcome America brings dozens of free concerts and events, with a whopping six days of fireworks, and other surprises during the 16-day celebration — including performances by award-winning superstars Idina Menzel, Queen Latifah, Eve, Kirk Franklin and more. This year, festivities kick off on Friday with the Juneteenth Jubilee at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (more on that above).

June 19 – July 4, 2026 (dates vary by attraction)

Wawa Welcome America brings back Free Museum Days, a two-week-long celebration of 50 of Philadelphia’s most beloved attractions.

Each day from June 19 through July 4, at least one Philly museum or attraction offers free (or pay-what-you-wish) admission.

This week’s free museums and attractions include:

• African American Museum in Philadelphia | Friday, June 19, 2026 | No pre-registration required
• Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center | Saturday, June 20, 2026 | No pre-registration required
• Ryerss Museum & Library | Sunday, June 21, 2026 | Pre-registration required here
• Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery | Monday, June 22, 2026 | No pre-registration required
• Woodmere | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | No pre-registration required

June 19 – July 4, 2026 (dates vary by title)

C’mon, you know you want to see Colman Domingo and Kim Cattrall on the city’s largest movie screen. Free Movie Days at the Philadelphia Film Society makes it a reality on Friday when Rustin and Mannequin hit the main screen.

This eclectic program spans two weeks and only screens movies by and about Philadelphia. Other must-see movies include: Split (June 22, 2026), Creed (June 24, 2026), Invincible (June 30, 2026) and National Treasure (July 1, 2026).

Tickets are 100% free, but organizers ask guests to reserve them ahead of time due to space constraints.

Established in 1895, Clark Park is an urban oasis that embodies the can-do spirit of West Philly. It’s also a great place to ring in the Summer Solstice.

The Clark Park Music & Arts Festival, a neighborhood tradition at 43rd Street and Chester Avenue since 1970, brings the community together for an action-packed day of concerts, crafts and artwork, as well as a community art garden. Listen for grungry, punk rockers like Seelie, along with soulful melodies from multi-instrumentalist Moustapha Noumbissi and the deeply personal sound of indie singer-songwriter Erin Fox

As always, Clark Park Fest is free and open to the public.

52 Weeks of Firsts honors 250 years of Philly pioneering by celebrating the city’s many historic achievements — every Saturday, all throughout 2026.

This Firstival honors the First Annual Reminders Demonstration when, in 1965 (before Stonewall) thousands of activists gathered at Independence Hall in support of gay rights. Also, Jenn Procacci created a stirring piece of art to mark the occasion.

Other 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.

Wait, a dance party on the steps of The Franklin Institute? Yes, please.

TFI Block Party turns Philly’s famed science museum into a boisterous bash, with big Bill Nye vibes. Starting on the stoop and spilling inside The Franklin Institute, DJ Ben Arsenal sets the soundtrack for an all-day party featuring hands-on science experiments — including a live weather show from NBC10’s Justin Godynick — and a physics lesson on force, motion and friction as it relates to soccer, hosted by the Philadelphia Union.

Pro tip: Wear your favorite Union gear and receive 10% off at the museum store.

Cold beer here! The Fishtown Beer Festival returns for a second straight year as Evil Genius Beer Company takes over Front Street (between Columbia Avenue and Palmer Street) on Saturday to shine a spotlight on one of Philly’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Oh, by the way, there will be beer — plenty of beer from the city’s best craft breweries, including Love City Brewing, Broad Street Brewing, Cartesian Brewing, Broken Goblet Brewing, Punch Buggy Brewing Company, Space Cadet Brewing Co., Tired Hands Brewing Company, Wissahickon Brewing and more.

This event is rain or shine. Designated driver tickets available, too.

The longest day of the year means extra hours to shop!

Third Annual Summer Solstice Festival, hosted by South Street Headhouse District, puts Fabric Row — once a bustling corridor for textiles of every pattern, including rhinestone trim — front and center with an outdoor marketplace and music festival.

Look for vintage goods, hands-on workshops, splash zones and music blasting on the block around S. 4th Street (from Lombard Street to Catharine Street). Confirmed vendors include Stitch & Destroy, South Street Art Mart, Sweet Peel Vintage, Moon + Arrow, Queen Village Bicycles, Approved Textiles, Fleishman’s Fabrics, and more.

Visit the place where Harriet Tubman sheltered and fed enslaved people on their journey to freedom. The history pulses through the floorboards here.

The Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival at the Johnson House Historic Site, a significant stop on the Underground Railroad, celebrates its 20th anniversary on Saturday along the 6300 block of Germantown Avenue. This event beautifully combines community engagement and historical perspective, commemorating Juneteenth through music, food and re-enactments, plus panel discussions and children’s activities.

Pro tip: Pop upstairs and check out the third-floor attic where freedom seekers hid.

Pick out a floral crown and wear your best flowy dress.

Midsommarfest! at the American Swedish Historical Museum is the biggest maypole party in Philadelphia, turning the oldest Swedish museum in the U.S. into a Nordic wonderland. Guests can feast on smörgåstårta (a sweet cake, often stuffed with seafood and hard-boiled eggs) and join in a traditional maypole dance, soundtracked by folksy duo Last Chance, while making flower crowns on-site.

Fun fact: The museum houses many historical artifacts, including Viking swords and a painted iron strongbox (called: Sinnickson Chest), which dates back to 1656.

Go ahead and sing along, you know the words: Wake me up inside … call my name and save me from the dark.

American rock band Evanescence hits the stage at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on Saturday night for a spirited show alongside opening acts Spiritbox and the Nova Twins. With a catalog of hits, including the aforementioned Bring Me to Life, Evanescence melds gothic metal and symphonic rock into a genre-breaking sound led by singer Amy Lee.

Frenzy takes on new meaning at Linvilla Orchards when food trucks play a starring role at this two-day event.

Summer Food Truck Frenzy once again turns this charming farm into a foodie paradise where 20-plus local food trucks compete for your taste buds’ attention. This kid-friendly event also features hayrides, face painting, train adventures and a mobile petting zoo, complete with free pony rides.

Pro tip: Grab a seat in the Ship Bottom Beer Garden and enjoy a from-scratch beer from Ship Bottom Brewery or another local craft brewery.

June 20 – August 1, 2026 (Saturdays only)

Yo, Eastern State Penitentiary is more than just a Halloween destination!

Summer Nights kicks off its expansive weekly series at this famous Fairmount prison on Saturday with Pride Night, telling real tales of LGBTQ+ inmates who served time at Eastern State and how their stories matter today. Guests can also engage with art installations, listen to pop-up talks and tour the penitentiary.

Future dates in this series include: Pay What You Wish Night (June 27, 2026), On the Big Screen Night (July 11, 2026), Music & Open Mic Night (July 18, 2026), and more.

One question begs an answer: “Who all gon be there?”

This is the query, and name of one of the exhibition rooms, leading conversations at The House, The Oracle, and The Table, a new installation from sculptor Vanessa German, in collaboration with The Colored Girls Museum.

Two rooms on the first floor of this memoir museum in Germantown get transformed into canvases for thought-provoking art, forcing guests to ask themselves serious questions about life, equality and race.

The exhibit is an extension of German’s Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud which first opened at The Colored Girls Museum last November. Incorporating gemstones and found objects, it is a conversation starter.

This isn’t the first time Philadelphia has hosted a major birthday bash for the nation. Way back in 1876, the city hosted an event so spectacular, we’re still talking about it 100 years later.

Philly’s Centennial District — the site of the historic Centennial Exhibition — honors the spirit of that 1876 event with a brand-new, family-friendly celebration that unfolds across three festive days.

Enjoy live performances by Philly music stars Gerald Veasley and Carol Riddick (Saturday) and Pink Sweat$ (Sunday), among other local performers. Discover interactive exhibits and activities (did someone say giant trapeze?) curated by Philly cultural institutions, like the Philadelphia Zoo and the Please Touch Museum.

Taste your way through 13 food trucks representing the original 13 colonies, and cap off the festivities with two nights of fireworks (Saturday and Sunday).

How have Philadelphia’s artists portrayed their ideas of America throughout the past 250 years? Woodmere — an art museum set on six acres of land in Northwest Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood — hopes to answer that question with a commemorative exhibition curated to coincide with the citywide Semiquincentennial celebration.

Pulling from the museum’s expansive collection of more than 8,000 paintings, sculptures and works on paper from Philadelphia artists, Arc of Promise focuses on art from the 1790s to today that examines the country’s painful histories while remaining hopeful about America’s future.

The Frances M. Maguire Art Museum at St. Joseph’s University celebrates America’s big birthday with brand-new major art exhibitions.

Part one of its Semiquincentennial slate, Philly Voices: Celebrating the Heartbeat of a City, showcases art that demonstrates what makes Philly, well, Philly. With the work of 29 different local photographers, painters, sculptors and artists on display, the new exhibition shows off the city’s diversity of people, cultures and neighborhoods.

Bonus: Stay tuned for information about the museum’s next exhibition honoring America’s 250th, Evolving Freedoms: Exploring Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we cannot forget that Jefferson’s words — “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…” — did not extend to all Americans in 1776.

Each year, the Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival honors the anniversary of when the last enslaved African Americans were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865.

Grand marshaled by Philly icon DJ Jazzy Jeff for 2026, Philly’s Juneteenth Parade features about 25,000 attendees, 2,000 participants and over two-dozen floats parading through West Philly, making it one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the nation.

The day culminates with music — including appearances from Lady Alma, Lay Lay Bankz, Lady B and DJ Touchstone — vendors, a youth pavilion, a car show and more at the Juneteenth Festival at Malcolm X Park.

Another day, another milestone birthday for a famous Philly attraction. America’s first museum and school of fine arts, dating back to 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) blows out 220 candles this year, and it’s celebrating with a colorful party on the school’s Lenfest Plaza on North Broad.

On deck for the family-friendly celebration: hands‑on artmaking, live performances, guided tours of the museum designed with kids in mind, live performances and some fun b-day surprises. Oh, you get a gift too: free admission to the museum all day long.

Dates vary by event

Take a load off, Pops. Father’s Day is this Sunday, and Philly lets the good times roll with fun events for all the father figures in your life:

• Father’s Day Fan Fest at Sesame Place: Sports fever has swept Philly, and even Sesame Street, er Place, is feeling it. Kids and fathers alike get their fill of family fun as Elmo and the gang welcome soccer-loving fans and Philly’s favorite mascots, like Phang from the Philadelphia Union, to the kid-approved amusement park for Father’s Day. Don’t miss dance parties, live drumline performances and a sports zone with games, music and more (Saturday and Sunday).
• Father’s Day Cruises Aboard the Philadelphia Spirit: Set sail and enjoy a special Father’s Day buffet brunch or dinner on the high seas (of the Delaware River). Alongside live DJ beats, brunch includes bottomless mimosas and dinner features games and dancing.
• Father’s Day at Elmwood Park Zoo:  Elmwood Park Zoo is pulling out all the stops for Pops this Sunday. We’re talking derby races, live music and special complimentary admission for all the fathers for the day. Getting peckish? Pick up a dollar dog and peruse the special Father’s Day beer offerings at the ZooBrew, including a new beer collaboration with a local brewery (Sunday).
• Father’s Day With Tattooed Dad & Love City Brewing at Tattooed Mom: Tattooed Mom is switching things up this Sunday, all in the name of Dad — literally. The South Street dive adopts the moniker Tattooed Dad for the day and serves up Love City drafts on tap, crafts, giveaways and more (Sunday)
• Father’s Day at 48 Record Bar: Don’t touch that dial. Following a special Father’s Day edition of its popular Vinyl Pop Up market series, 48 Records hosts a dad rock extravaganza. The listening room blasts the sounds of The Stones, Springsteen, Bob Dylan and, yes, Steely Dan (among others) all night long. Plus, enjoy a dad rock vinyl pop-up sale and ticket giveaways for September’s Outlaw Music Festival.

Dates vary by event

The season of freedom kicks off with a celebration of Juneteenth, the annual commemoration of the end of slavery in America in 1865. Here’s a taste of what’s going on this week:

• Juneteenth Celebration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: The Philadelphia Museum of Art dedicates this week’s addition of its Friday night after-hours celebration to Black music, history, heritage, culture and, of course, art. Don’t miss pop-up gallery talks, a live performance by the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale, pay-what-you-wish admission and more (Friday).
• Juneteenth Celebration at the Please Touch Museum: Celebrate Juneteenth with the little ones this year. Fairmount Park’s children’s museum has a day of special programming planned, including Juneteenth-themed art workshops, storytimes, activities and performances (Friday).
• Juneteenth Celebration at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church: Known as the mother church of the nation’s first Black denomination, Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church sits on the oldest parcel of land in Philadelphia continuously owned by African Americans and dates back to the late 18th century. The historic church and museum marks Freedom Day with free live theatrical performances, museum tours, a children’s zone, a vendor market and more (Friday).
• Voices Underground in Chester County: Chester County’s Voices Underground curates a stellar schedule of Juneteenth events. This year’s lineup boasts performances by Philadelphia Dance Company at the beautifully bucolic Longwood Gardens (Friday), a family-friendly event at Kennett Library (Saturday) and outdoor family fun — including yard games, face painting and snacks for purchase — at Oxford Memorial Park (Sunday).
• Interna$hional Bounce Juneteenth Festival at Spruce Street Harbor Park: Wrap your Juneteenth weekend at Spruce Street Harbor Park’s oasis on the waterfront as the 6th Annual Interna$hional Bounce Juneteenth Festival takes over the park for a celebration of Black culture and music. Listen to live music and DJ-spun tunes while checking out the vendors, making some art or just kicking back and enjoying the communal vibe. (Sunday).
• More Juneteenth Events: Black history is Philly history, and the above events only scratch the surface of Juneteenth in the region, spanning attractions like the National Constitution Center, the Museum of the American Revolution and Cherry Street Pier. Check out our full guide for all the details.

The FIFA World Cup 26 spotlight is back on Philly this Friday as Brazil takes on Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium.

Brazil owns a record five World Cup titles dating back to 1958, yet they enter this tournament on a lull. The so-called Seleção Canarinho (Canary Squad) finished fifth in its worst-ever qualifying campaign, but Brazil, on reputation, remains a favorite to win it all.

You know how Philly loves underdogs — and Haiti, nicknamed Les Grenadiers, brings a nothing-to-lose attitude into international competition. This marks the Caribbean nation’s first FIFA World Cup berth in 52 years. Led by star striker Duckens Nazon, Haiti topped Group C in qualifying matches.

Fun fact: Danley Jean Jacques, a 25-year-old midfielder for the Philadelphia Union, is suiting up for the Haitian national team. He was born in Petit-Goâve, Haiti.

Through Sunday, July 19, 2026

FIFA Fan Festival has officially taken over Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park, overlooking the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row. While the 39-day fest is free and open to all, revelers must register at Philadelphia Soccer 2026 for the once-in-a-lifetime event dubbed as “Soccer Coachella.”

Open on match days and non-match days, expect to see ginormous screens showing live matches, merch tents offering souvenirs and live music blaring from stages, in addition to food trucks showcasing the best Philly eats and international flavors.

The full schedule varies by day, so check for updates.

Through Sunday, July 19, 2026

Philly’s contagious FIFA World Cup 26 energy isn’t limited to Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia Stadium or FIFA Fan Fest (see above), with the fun spilling over into bars, restaurants, event spaces and outdoor venues throughout the city.

Ready to get your cheer on? Pick your match-day vibe at special events and watch parties at riverfront hotspot Fringebar, buzzy Latin-inspired go-to Mamajuana Cafe, concert venue-turned-FIFA World Cup central Brooklyn Bowl, Northeast Philly German biergarten Cannstatter Volksfest Verein and James Beard Award-winning restaurant Casa Mexico. For more, check out our full guide to where to watch FIFA World Cup 26 in Philadelphia.

Through Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Philadelphia celebrates Pride Month with another supersized week of celebrations, including:

• LOVE OUT LOUD: A Pride-Themed PlayFest at Tattooed Mom’s: Celebrate Pride at a literary love fest at South Street’s Tattooed Mom, featuring dramatic readings of new works from six emerging playwrights all about queer love and joy (Tuesday).
• Chester County PrideFest: Thousands of LGBTQ+ community members and allies take to Bridge Street in Phoenixville to celebrate love, equality and the entire rainbow spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities during this all-out Pride festival in Chester County. The day’s festivities include live music, art and entertainment, as well as shopping with local vendors, games and other all-ages activities. (Saturday).
• Pride at the Park at Narberth Park: The kids are gonna be all right. This Montco Pride celebration — created and organized by local young people from Narberth and Lower Merion Township — features a day full of live music and performances by LGBTQ+ artists, shopping with local vendors and artists, delicious food and family-friendly activities (Saturday).
• Serve, Sip & Slay Drag Brunch at Ballers PHL: The unrivaled, unbreakable, un****withable queens of the Philly Drag Mafia host an afternoon of drag, music, brunch and pickleball at one of Philly’s newest waterfront destinations, Ballers PHL. Miss Boss Lady herself, Brittney Lynn, is joined by fellow featured queens Billy Cavallo, Lisa Lisa and Gay Sinatra (Sunday).

Through Thursday, July 2, 2026

With the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration well underway, what better moment to look back at the last two-and-a-half centuries of American life and ask, “What now?” ArtPhilly, a five-week-long arts and culture festival, answers that question through over 30 performances, exhibitions and more. This week, don’t miss:

• Long Live the Queen: A Her-Story of Drag: This collaborative experience featuring Andrea Clearfield and Cookie Diorio (along with guest performers from many of Philly’s LGBTQ+ choral groups) combines opera, drag, performance art and multimedia cantata to take listeners through a her-story of drag in the hour-long work (Thursday to Saturday).
• From Our Forefathers: Climate Crisis Through Museum Tours: Artist, curator and public historian Aislinn Pentecost-Farren takes tour-goers through Philadelphia’s Science History Institute this week, exploring the history of the climate crisis through its art and artifacts (Wednesday).
• Iron and Paper: Unfolding Philadelphia’s Chinatown: Featuring a gigantic pop-up book, artist Colette Fu partnered with curator Dave Kyu to create an immersive art experience that examines what makes Philly’s Chinatown neighborhood special. Visitors can flip pages by turning a crank to learn more about Chinatown’s vibrant culture.

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:

• How To Train Your Dragon (2025) at Wentz Run Park (Tuesday)
• The Hunger Games: The Ballads of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) at Sunset Social (Wednesday)
• Rear Window (1954) at McMichael Park (Thursday)
• Bend It Like Beckham (2002) on the Schuylkill Banks (Thursday)
• The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing (2025) at Clark Park (Friday)
• Harriet (2019) at Independence National Historical Park (Friday)
• Charlie the Wonderdog (2025) at Sunset Social (Saturday)
• Superman (2025) at Benson Park (Saturday)
• Sword of Doom (1966) & Shogun Assassin (1980) at Penn Treaty Park (Saturday)

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.

• Wines of Greece and the Mediterranean at Fond: Do you miss Fond’s cozy East Passyunk outpost? Would a Mediterranean vacation entice you to pay the fine dining restaurant’s new Delaware County digs a visit? Typically a BYOB, Fond takes you halfway around the world with a multicourse Mediterranean meal featuring Greek gazpacho, lamb kofta kebab and more. Each course is paired with a sumptuous wine straight from the lauded vineyards of Greece (Tuesday).
• Cask & Cellar: Summer Tasting Series at The Prime Rib: Master Distiller and Great Grandson of Jim Beam — yes, that Jim Beam —  Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III brings a special collection of whiskeys to life, pairing the spirits with indulgent bites like dark chocolate truffles and Wagyu tartare crisps, in this special edition tasting event (Wednesday).
• Aperol Hour at Cafe Click: When life gives you lemons, you make lemon-flavored spritzes. Stephen Starr’s open-air, Center City oasis gets dipped in sunshine and citrus for its uber-popular, annual happy hour. Don a summery, citrus-inspired ensemble and indulge in splashy specialty cocktails and drink specials, fun activations, and seasonal sounds from live DJs. Tickets are required (Thursday).
• Wine Cup 2026 at Philadelphia Navy Yard: FIFA’s not the only game in town this weekend. The first-ever Wine Cup takes over the Philadelphia Navy Yard with over 40 different wine, beer and spirits vendors, delicious food, live music and entertainment, and plenty of small businesses to shop (Saturday).
• Honeysuckle’s Annual Juneteenth Cookout at Plowshare Farms: Award-winning North Broad restaurant Honeysuckle celebrates Juneteenth with an afternoon community cookout at Plowshare Farm in Bucks County. On the menu: whole hog barbecue, plus sides, desserts and drinks. Guests can also expect family-friendly activities, like communal planting and farm tours, scavenger hunts for the littles, and dominoes and spades for the adults. Tickets are required, with an option to take a bus from Honeysuckle to the farm (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.

• King Lear at The Drake: Kaged Tiger Productions presents one of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedies centered around what happens when the king tries to divvy up the kingdom amongst his three daughters. Spoiler alert: The resulting body count remains one of Shakespeare’s highest (opens Thursday).
• Disney’s The Lion King Live in Concert With The Philadelphia Orchestra at Highmark Mann: Quick: What’s your favorite Disney movie and why is it The Lion King? Revisit the 1994 classic as The Philadelphia Orchestra reminds you why it’s one of Disney’s most beloved scores and quotable films of all time, inspiring pets named Simba and Nala everywhere. Everybody now: Hakuna Matataaaa. (We’ll work on it ….) (Saturday.)
  
• Romeo and Juliet … a tragic love story With the Chocolate Ballerina Company at the Mandell Theater: The dancers of Philadelphia’s Chocolate Ballerina Company — a collective of Black dancers — reimagine Shakespeare’s classic tale of young love gone terribly, terribly wrong in this world premiere performance at Drexel’s Mendell Theater (Saturday).
• Bluey’s Big Play at the Miller Theater: Every generation has a spunky blue dog to teach them the mysteries of life. Your favorite little person’s favorite Australian pup makes the leap from the screen to the stage with a brand-new live show, featuring a never-before-seen story and new, original music from the team behind the Emmy Award-winning television show (Saturday and 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.

• Weekly Garden Tours at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum: The gardens at Andalusia — the historic house, gardens and arboretum nestled along the Delaware River in Bucks County — are in full bloom. Stroll the beautiful maze of florals and greenery with this brand-new weekly tour series, led by Andalusia’s expert gardeners (Friday).
• Fireworks Tour at the Science History Institute: What does Chinese New Year, Italian holy days and the Fourth of July have in common? Our infatuation with the dazzling light shows isn’t new, going back thousands of years. But the technology behind it hasn’t stopped changing and evolving since that very first bang. This free drop-in tour of the Science History Institute’s Semiquincentennial-inspired exhibition explores it all (Saturday).
• Follow the Sound at Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden: Things are getting a little wild at Stoneleigh in Delaware County. Rich saxophone melodies and playful trombone trills are joining the chorus of buzzing bees, tweeting birds and wistful whistling of the wildlife. Explore this rich environmental soundscape in all its glory during this naturalist-led walk, punctuated by impromptu performances from local artists (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
• verdant happy hour getaway The Garden Bar at the Rodin Museum
• super secret city hideout Frankie’s Summer Club, 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.

Through Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Ready to tell your love story? Now’s your chance! The Philly LOVE Story activation comes to Fashion District Philadelphia for the month of June.

Inspired by Visit Philadelphia’s popular Philly LOVE Stories video series, the note wall activation encourages residents and visitors to leave handwritten love notes celebrating the people, places, memories and moments that make Philadelphia special.

Tell us a story — big or small — about someone or something that made you fall in love with this city. Sign your name or keep it anonymous. The choice is yours!

Now on view (dates vary by attraction)

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 Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (Tuesdays only)

Last month’s Open Streets transformed Philly’s Rittenhouse neighborhood into a car-free, weekend oasis. Now, June sets its sights on Midtown Village, where pedestrians can shop, dine and mosey along five car-free blocks while enjoying expanded outdoor dining, sidewalk sales and live entertainment.

Shifting to Tuesdays from 4 to 9 p.m. (to accommodate the after-work crowd), Open Streets: Midtown Village takes over 13th Street from Chestnut to Walnut streets, Sansom Street between Juniper and 12th streets, plus Drury Street.

Check out the official website for info about entertainment and participating retailers and restaurants.

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 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, including soccer-themed designs reflecting the countries of teams coming to Philly for FIFA World Cup 26.

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 Sunday, August 26, 2026 (Wednesdays only)

The pay-as-you-go Center City District Sips series is back for its 22nd season with lots of happy hour revelry. The 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. Returning favorites include Franky Bradley’s, Harp & Crown, Independence Beer Garden, Bud & Marilyn’s, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Continental Midtown, and more. After happy hour, enjoy 15% off dinner after 7 p.m. at select locations.

Through Saturday, August 29, 2026

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

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.

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.

Bonus: This week, A Nation of Artists is joined by another rare, limited-time presentation starring two of legendary painter Vincent van Gogh’s famous sunflower paintings, exhibited side-by-side (opens Saturday).

Through September 2026

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 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 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. ​

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.

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.

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. Plus, Chiliboats Adventures and a new fleet of Swan Boats provide plenty of water fun.

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.

Bonus: Cha-cha down to the riverfront park for an evening of Latin dance this Friday. Free salsa and bachata lessons start at 6 p.m., followed by a live DJ and open dance time.

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: Fernhill Park in Germantown.

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? Lower Bustleton and Castor Gardens.

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!

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 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, beginning June 1, 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Meet the middle-aged Philly guys behind social media’s hottest music sensation.
• Beep, beep: There’s a brand-new tool to help drivers navigate a jam-packed Philly summer.
• Look: This Philly music venue’s multimillion-dollar makeover nears completion.
• The gnomes and fairies come out of hiding during this whimsical Philly festival.
• A trailblazing Philly director lands a new leading role.

The sun shines on Philly this summer – and on visitphilly.com’s glimmering, new content …

• Your first FIFA World Cup? Ours — aka Philadelphia’s — too. That’s not the case for Visit Philly’s own Andrew Zwarych — a young goalie-turned-globe-trotting-soccer fan-turned-former-Philadelphia-Union-staffer. Just for us, Zwarych dons his expert’s cap, sharing his most helpful hints for making the most of FIFA World Cup 26 in Philly.
• From waterfront concerts to pop-up performances in parks, Philadelphia lives up to its title as “The Original Music City,” hosting a blockbuster slate of free summer concerts all across the city. Grab a seat — or BYO — sit back and enjoy the music at one of Philly’s over 20 top free concerts.
• In preparation for FIFA World Cup 26, the MLB All-Star Game and so much more, the Philadelphia Visitor Center is expanding its fleet of visitor centers with extended hours, upgraded amenities and additional hospitality hubs to help visitors (and locals) keep the party going. Find out where and how to access Philadelphia’s permanent and temporary visitor centers in our brand-new guide.
• Play ball! The country’s best baseball players head to Philadelphia this July for a week of all-star sporting events, all leading up to the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Get the inside scoop on everything fans can expect from the Midsummer Classic in our freshly updated guide.
• When William Penn founded Philadelphia, he wanted to establish a “greene countrie towne,” bursting with public parks. Today, Fairmount Park encompasses more than 2,050 acres to stroll, bike, hike and picnic. Rather than wander around two thousand acres without a plan, check out our guide to the most essential sites and activities in Fairmount Park.