Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

Through April 18, 2026

It’s the grand finale for the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts’ bigger-than-ever-before World Circus Week celebration. The all-ages event features festivities including free performances, free (and paid) circus workshops, and tons of chances to see aerialists, jugglers and acrobats in action.

On Saturday, the fest closes things out with two Philly-themed live shows featuring amazing aerial feats, acrobatics and theatrics. Bring your little acrobats-in-training for From History to Gritty, a gravity-defying, family-friendly performance. Or end the night at Nitty Gritty, a mischievous adults-only cabaret.

Now open

A new brick-and-mortar bakery in Queen Village is whipping up a seriously delicious blend of flavors.

Creole-Jewish bakery Rougarou Baking — named for swamp werewolf from Louisiana folklore with a penchant for sweets — is a love letter to the culinary traditions of wife-and-husband bakers Paige and Zach Wernick, featuring sweet and savory breads, pastries and other baked goods.

Items like the jambalaya-stuffed hand pies and king cake are a call back to Paige’s Cajun flavors, while goods like chocolate babka and challah are part of Zach’s Jewish heritage. The menu changes daily, and the couple aims to host community events and promos — like grab-and-go beignet days — in the near future.

Now open

Billed as the city’s largest restaurant, Liberty Point is back for the season with seating for 1,400 people across three indoor-outdoor levels.

The Delaware River waterfront-located establishment boasts five bars and multiple elevated outdoor decks used for dining, dancing and live entertainment — perfect for viewing the river while you vibe and sip. Don’t miss fan favorites like jumbo chicken wings and frozen margaritas (with strawberry, mango and watermelon flavors).

Kick off the week with a little cathartic group screaming! Brought to you in coordinated-yet-chaotic harmony, Philly’s own Bearded Ladies invite you to sing along to tunes fit for welcoming America’s 250th anniversary (with all the freedom of speech that entails).

The event is pay what you can; food, bevvies and other treats are available for purchase courtesy of Reading Terminal Market vendors Fox & Son Fair Foods, Tambayan, Molly Malloy’s Bar, and Flying Monkey Bakery; and the show is hosted by Philly drag scene veterans Jess Conda and Jarbeaux, with guest cabaret artist Messapotamia Lefae.

Opens Monday, April 13, 2026

Sips with a view are back on the menu as one of Philly’s top rooftop bars kicks off its 2025 season.

Sunset Social — part of University City’s equally spectacular rooftop park, Cira Green — opens daily with picnic-like pay-as-you-go eats (think burgers, ice cream, tendies and water ice); assorted beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks; and a full lineup of weekly events.

Throughout the warm-weather season, look forward to lawn games, outdoor movie screenings, Phillies game watch parties, rooftop Quizzo, DJ dance parties, pet-friendly days and more. Sunset Social is free to enter.

Look up! This week gets you all starry-eyed with a free early-week stargazing party at Independence National Historical Park.

Taking place right outside the Liberty Bell Center, the party features family-friendly science activities (like measuring sky brightness and listening for migratory birds), free giveaways (like America250 window clings), and all the astronomical tidbits you could ever want.

Plus, lendable telescopes, helpful volunteers and real astronomers are on deck — including The Franklin Institute’s own chief astronomer, Derrick Pitts. No RSVP required.

And they’re in! The Philadelphia Flyers have punched their ticket into the playoffs, ending a five-year postseason drought (thank Gritty).

Watch the Orange and Black take a victory lap with one last set of regular-season home games this week. First up, the boys face off against the Carolina Hurricanes (Monday), immediately followed by the Montreal Canadiens (Tuesday).

Stay tuned for the Flyers’ Round 1 playoff schedule, with NHL postseason games slated to begin this Saturday.

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.

Here. They. Come. A feisty Sixers squad, playing without injured star center Joel Embiid, have fought their way into the 2026 NBA Play-in Tournament.

First up: Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and co. host a home meeting with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. A win vaults the Sixers into the No. 7 seed in the NBA Playoffs and a first-round matchup with the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics (boo!) this weekend.

A loss to the Magic means a second-chance game on Friday night in South Philly against the loser of the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets.

Trust the process.

Feel your heart breaking a little bit, but you kinda like it? Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has that effect on people.

After a two-year hiatus, the beloved performer made his triumphant comeback in 2025, releasing a new EP, which has spawned instant hits Almost, The Day That I Die and its eponymous song, Survive. Sing along to these and more when the heartfelt performer comes to The Liacouras Center.

It ain’t easy being breezy, but this fun outdoor family fest in South Philly’s Point Breeze neighborhood makes it look effortless with a chill day of live music, activities and local vendors.

The free and open-to-the-public event features more than 20 local food and craft vendors set up along Point Breeze Avenue, with beats by DJ Diamond Kuts.

The fest kicks off with a press conference featuring Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, showcasing all sorts of 2026 celebrations and community initiatives.

Starting Thursday, April 16, 2026

Starting this Thursday, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) — currently the only cruise line embarking from our fair city — sets sail from Philadelphia to destinations in the Bahamas, Bermuda, islands in the Caribbean and points north like New England and Canada. Cruises last docked in Philly in 2011, with 2026 marking the city’s return as a homeport.

NCL cruises depart from the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal — which has nearly wrapped up its construction on the Delaware River waterfront, just a stone’s throw from Philadelphia International Airport.

Cruise passengers are already signing up for adventures across the ocean, with Philly as a key destination and with many more locales on the horizon.

Opens Thursday, April 16, 2026

Thirsty? Riverside oasis Morgan’s Pier returns this week for another season of craft drinks, casual eats, live music and DJ nights.

Named after George C. Morgan — the first person to cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge — the popular outdoor hang offers plenty of seating to enjoy glorious waterfront views. Team up for trivia, sing your heart out at karaoke, dance the night away or just kick back with a frosty adult bev.

Morgan’s Pier is open seven days a week (weather permitting).

FringeArts and Cannonball — Philadelphia’s popular purveyors of what’s new, innovative and (occasionally) strange in contemporary performance — team up this week for a mini version of the annual fall Fringe Festival.

Now in its fourth year, Miniball is an epic multi-day fest with 20 events from more than a dozen artists, including new plays, musical pieces, performance art, immersive installations, original dance choreography, variety shows and plenty of in-progress works.

Tickets are required per show, or you can ’ball to your heart’s content with full festival badges (featuring a special gift and a champagne toast at Thursday’s CAST OFF! opening night party).

April 16 – August, 2026

Through 50-plus workshops, Mural Arts Philadelphia asked the public to create art that answers the question: “What does freedom require today?”

The vibrant answers make their debut in a new exhibition — Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence — at the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library. The exhibit, timed to coincide with the year-long Semiquincentennial celebration, stays on view through August.

The grand unveiling happens at the exhibition’s free opening reception this Thursday evening, where participants can also check out the pop-up printmaking station.

April 17-23, 2026

Bust out the popcorn: The Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) is at it again with a cinema-lover’s dream.

PFS’s week-long SpringFest showcases the future of filmmaking with seven days of flicks by emerging filmmakers — local, national and international — along with film premieres, filmmaker Q&As, and community events.

Don’t miss the opening night mixer this Friday in the Film Society East lounge with pay-as-you-go drinks, photo ops and the chance to mingle with your fellow cinephiles. Tickets are required per event and screening, and the opening night mixer is open to all ticketholders 21 and up.

The lines between fantasy and reality, past and present, identity and ecology blur in The Magic Gardens Museum’s newest exhibition, Entre Raíces y Alas. 

Artist Santiago Galeas focuses his paintbrush on first-generation and immigrant LGBTQ+ subjects, imbuing them with vibrant, magical qualities and surrounding them with equally bold worlds, inspired by the landscapes of both Latin America and North America.

In this installation — the artists’ first solo exhibition — Galeas explores themes of gender, sexuality, immigration, diaspora and more.

Be among the first to see the collection during this week’s pay-what-you-wish opening reception (Friday)

Take a stroll through lilies, tulips, Virginia bluebells and more during Bartram’s Garden’s free annual springtime celebration.

Guests of all ages can look forward to shopping with local vendors, live performances, an art exhibition, kids activities like face painting and paper flower crown crafts, and a 52 Weeks of Firsts Firstival (more on that below!).

Green thumbs in particular might be interested in guided medicinal herbs plant walks,  the plant nursery’s season reopening and other interactive activities like seed swaps and book exchanges.

The beloved Northern Liberties Farmers Market kicks off a brand-new season with a celebration.

A free, family-friendly fest, this lively block party takes over the Piazza Alta with live music, games, free fitness classes, hands-on activities for kids and fun photo ops.  Expect local vendors selling everything from your classic farmers market finds to ready-to-eat food and bevvies to hand-crafted artisanal goods.

Register in advance to be entered into a raffle for a prize.

Historic Franklin Square springs to life this Saturday as its iconic dancing fountain turns back on to kick off its 20th anniversary season.

Guests of all ages are in for a day of special springtime festivities. Along with musical fountain water shows every half hour, folks can enjoy pay-as-you-go food at SquareBurger, ticketed games of Philly Mini Golf and rides aboard the Parx Liberty Carousel, free Earth Day activities (like nature crafts and sorting games), and children’s fitness programs from GO With YOYO.

Franklin Square is free to enter.

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

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

This Saturday, don’t miss the celebration of the nation’s first botanical garden (1728) at Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly.

A little retail therapy never hurt anyone. Make your way to the Spring Makers Market, an annual tradition at Elfreth’s Alley.

During the free-to-attend pop up, artists, crafters, makers and vintage vendors from around the region set up shop right along the cobblestones of Philadelphia’s most historic street. On offer: artwork, plants, candles, jewelry, home goods, vintage wares and more.

The Owls have come home to roost during this free and open-to-the-public celebration of local entrepreneurship.

This street festival highlights more than 90 business owners selling jewelry, apparel and more all across Temple University’s campus — right off North Broad. The coolest part? All of the entrepreneurs call Temple their alma mater, showcasing the strong camaraderie and network of Temple students and alumni.

Bonus: Food trucks serve bites throughout the day, and the littles can have some fun of their own with kid-friendly activities at the dedicated Kids Zone.

Talk about larger than life. Watch the world’s best driver-athletes and their 12,000-pound beasts on four wheels put their skills and speed to the test during Monster Jam — a family-friendly tradition for 30-plus years — in the dirt at Lincoln Financial Field.

See legendary monster trucks like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco and Sparkle Smash in action at skills events with head-to-head racing and freestyle, where drivers show off their jumps, wheelies, donuts and see-to-believe auto acrobatics.

Come early for previews, driver interviews, opening ceremonies and more before the official competitions begin.

Doop! Things kick into high gear this week for the Philadelphia Union. The boys in blue  go toe-to-toe against their Eastern Conference rivals, D.C. United, at beautiful Subaru Park in West Chester.

This Saturday, each cheer for Bruno Damiani and Andre Blake is a cheer for cleaner, greener planet, because it’s Greener Goals Night, the club’s Earth Month celebration highlighting its sustainability initiatives. For each Union goal scored tonight and throughout the rest of the season, the team promises to plant 25 trees.

Disney-Channel-starlet-turned-global-superstar, Demi Lovato, is back in her dance-pop bag with an album full of catchy, hip-shaking, club-ready bangers and a high-energy arena show to match.

Bust a move to an electrifying mix of the Cool for the Summer singer’s biggest hits and brand-new releases at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Occurring each year on April 18, the International Day of Monuments & Sites honors heritage, diversity, community and the environment worldwide.

This year, Philly — America’s very first World Heritage City — celebrates its 67 National Historic Landmarks with a weekend of open houses, specialized tours and discounted admission at several historic sites and attractions, including Mother Bethel AME Church, Stenton in Germantown and Laurel Hill Cemetery East (Saturday). For the complete list of featured sites, check out the official website.

One of the nation’s biggest outdoor Asian food festivals comes to Dilworth Park when family-friendly Panda Fest spends the weekend in the shadow of City Hall.

A ticket gives all-day access to experiential activities, tastings and market fairs that showcase the vibrant cuisine, art and traditions of Asia, including more than 60 food and merch vendors offering 100-plus Asian street food options.

No pandas were harmed in the making of this festival (lol), but attendees can check out the giant panda inflatable, panda-related merch and receive two free gifts: a custom Philly panda pin and a headband.

Ready to get crafty?

Maker Faire Philadelphia returns for another year of ingenuity, featuring creations from more than 80 vendors and organizations, including the Science History Institute, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and the Independence Seaport Museum.

Plus, the event offers free interactive activities at 20 different stations, where attendees can learn to solder circuits, embroider fabric, create mosaics, take 3D photos, and experiment with all sorts of other tools, techniques and materials.

The family-friendly Maker Faire Philadelphia is open to everyone — from veteran inventors to curious first-timers — and tickets are sold on a choose-your-price sliding scale.

Dozens of food trucks join the neighborhood restaurants that line Manayunk’s Main Street during one of the city’s biggest foodie events: the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival.

More than 70 food trucks and gourmet food vendors dish out everything from BBQ and sweet treats to wine and craft beer while live musicians play across two stages at either end of the closed-to-traffic Main Street.

This year’s festival — free to attend with pay-as-you-go food and drink — also features a brand new family-friendly area on Lock Street.

Begins Sunday, April 19, 2026

Get ready to explore! This interactive scavenger hunt takes participants to 19 parks, gardens, arboretums, historic cemeteries and museums across Germantown — like Wyck, Stenton and Awbury Arboretum — to collect stamps, answer questions and win prizes.

More stamps (and correct answers) equal better prizes. At least 10 stamps and answers get adults the book Pennsylvania Day Trips by Lori Litchman and a Historic Germantown membership, or a GoGo the Groundhog plushie for kids.

Seventeen or more stamps and answers get you all of the above, plus the chance to win an explorer backpack (for youth) or the chance to win a garden-themed gift basket with a historic rose plant from Wyck, seeds and two event tickets from Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion.

April 1-30, 2026 (dates vary by event)

This 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. This week:

• Philadelphia Histories Month Events at the Founder’s Hall Museum at Girard College: The Founder’s Hall Museum at Girard College marks Philadelphia Histories Month with two guided tours this week highlighting the historic campus and the many stories hidden behind its walls (Wednesday) and its rich architectural grandeur (Saturday).
• Dinah Day 250 at Stenton Museum: History tells us that Stenton — an 18th-century historic home-turned-museum — has one person to thank for its modern-day existence. Her name is Dinah. The Germantown museum celebrates the formerly enslaved woman’s courage with a free afternoon of tours, crafts, live performances and more (Saturday).
• Juried Art Show: Everyday Freedom Heroes at the African American Museum in Philadelphia: The African American Museum in Philadelphia passes the paintbrush to Philly’s youngest artists for a juried art competition, featuring works inspired by “the spirit of everyday freedom fighters.” The showcase is free to attend and open to the public (Saturday).
• Open Saturday at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum: Treat yourself to a serene Saturday along the Delaware River at Andalusia. Pack a picnic and stroll along the riverbanks and gardens. Or go on a historical excursion with a guided tour of the historic house. Tickets are required (Saturday).
• Ashes to Ashes Walking Tour at Laurel Hill East: For Philadelphia Histories Month, Laurel Hill — the historic garden cemetery and 265-acre arboretum — offers a slate of public programs with history and horticulture themes. This week, don’t miss Liberty or Death: Revolutionary War Patriots, a walking tour of Laurel Hill East highlighting the stories of war heroes (Sunday).

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 this April with Philly Jazz Month. Here are some of the city’s top jazz events this week:

• West Philadelphia Orchestra at Pretzel Park: West Philly’s Balkan brass band, the West Philadelphia Orchestra, brings its signature brand of joyful (and exceptionally danceable) jazz across the city to Manayunk’s Pretzel Park for a free, family-friendly, open-air concert (Friday).
• Tim Warfield Quartet at The Church of Saint Luke & The Epiphany: Saxophonist Tim Warfield has played with the greats, from Dizzy Gillespie to Philly’s own Christian McBride. Known for blending that traditional jazz sound with modern technical mastery, the Tim Warfield Quartet takes the stage at The Church of Saint Luke & The Epiphany for a hard-swinging evening of jazz and soul (Friday).
• Pablo Batista: Latin Jazz Orchestra at Teatro Esperanza: Kicking off its new, annual Latin jazz series, Grammy Award-winning percussionist Pablo Batista leads the Primera Primavera orchestra — 20 big band musicians decked out in vintage formal wear — performing legendary Latin jazz tunes  (Friday).
• Philly Jazz Month at Bok Bar: Who knew golden hour atop Bok Bar’s picturesque perch could get any more magical? This week, Philly’s Clef Club provides the soundtrack to your rooftop sips with a special Philly Jazz Month performance from on high (Saturday).
• Sunday Jazz over the City at The Rail Park: Pack a picnic and settle in among the trees of The Rail Park’s elevated urban greenscape for a free, late-afternoon performance under the sun by Haitian American saxophonist Mervin Toussaint and his band. Expect a mix of jazz, gospel and contemporary influences all wrapped into one (Sunday).

Dates vary by event

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

• $17.76 Philly First Beer and Cheesesteak Special at Campo’s: Cheesesteaks and beer: name a more iconic duo — we’ll wait. The Old City staple for Philly’s official sandwich, Campo’s, joins America’s 250th birthday festivities with a limited-time steak-and-sip special, pairing the sando with Visit Philly’s (that’s us!) and Victory Brewing’s anniversary brew, Philly First, for only $17.76 (ongoing).
• From Mint to Merwah: A Philly Firsts Wine Tasting at Jet Wine Bar: Home to many, many firsts, Philly has caught history’s eye many times. Professional archaeologist and owner of Jet Wine Bar, Jill Weber leads a special wine tasting highlighting low-intervention bottles from OG vino regions, like Georgia and Lebanon, and fun facts about the city we know and love. Tickets include five, 3-ounce pours paired with complimentary light bites (Wednesday).
• The Munch around the Market Scavenger Hunt at Reading Terminal: Strap on your thinking cap and stretchy pants for a whirlwind scavenger hunt around historic Reading Terminal Market. Test your wits with tricky riddles while snacking away on chocolates, pretzels, cappuccinos and other goodies from market vendors. Tickets are required, and remember to bring $10 cash with you for brain food. (Saturday)
• Magic 8: The Future is Brewing at Love City Brewing: The future is in your hands at Love City Brewing’s magical eighth anniversary bash. Celebrate eight years of good times and even better brews with free tarot readings, custom fortune cookies, drink specials, limited-edition beer cocktails and more (Saturday).
• A New Pour at Pennsylvania German Society: Philly loves a good brew fest, A New Pour is the newest craft beverage festival on the block. Championing inclusivity within the beverage industry, the fest features over 35 breweries, including Aristaeus Craft Brewing, Bluebird Distilling, Triple Bottom Brewing, and more, and supports the Pink Boot Society’s women and non-binary brewers (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.

• Lily Allen at The Met: Lily Allen’s newest critically acclaimed album comes with a side of piping hot tea. After channeling the chaos of life — in this case, a devastating divorce — into song, the West End Girl performs the new album in full at The Met this week (Friday). Can’t make it? The London native will be back this fall for a show at Xfinity Mobile Arena (Thursday, September 6, 2026).
• Seng’s Hair Salon at The Drake: From Interact Theatre Company comes this world premiere production with political and cultural overtones centered around three generations of a South Philly Laotian family who can’t seem to agree on how to keep their beloved matriarch safe from a fatal sickness (Friday through May 10, 2026).
• Raye at The Met: A rising star from across the pond, Raye isn’t afraid to say the quiet part out loud. After all, the Brit spent much of 2025 manifesting the love of her life in her jazzy viral hit, WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! (emphasis all hers). With a name like This Tour May Contain New Music, you know exactly what to expect when the show hits The Met: brand-new songs, retro-pop vibes and her straightforward charm (Sunday).
• PHILADANCO! Explosive! at the Kimmel Center: Tick. Tick. BOOM! Risk, innovation and raw physical power are on full display in Philadanco’s fiery new program, Explosive!. Featuring four new works by some of contemporary dance’s most dynamic choreographers, the show takes center stage at the Kimmel Center this weekend (Friday through Sunday).
• Juvenile at the Theatre of Living Arts: At this time, we ask everyone to please stand for the national anthem *cues Back That Thang Up by Juvenile.* NOLA hip-hop legend Juvenile has provided the soundtrack for late nights and early mornings to generations of partiers. Back it up and do the rodeo live and in person when the rapper hits the TLA this weekend (Saturday).

Dates vary by tour

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

• Magic Gardens Studio & Dina Wind Art Foundation/John Wind Studio Combo Tour: Celebrate creativity, legacy and artistic vision during this two-for-one art tour of South Philly. Discover Isaiah Zagar’s massive Magic Gardens Studio with a 60-minute guided walkthrough and solo exploration, before touring the Dina Wind Art Foundation to experience over 300 bold metal sculptures and the working studio of her son, acclaimed artist John Wind. The tour ends with refreshments, rooftop views and curated art for sale (Tuesday).
• Tavern Tours Starting at the National Liberty Museum: Just as much of the Framers’ revolutionary work happened over beers in pubs and taverns as it did in Independence Hall or on the battlefield. Follow in the Founding Fathers’ footsteps, tankard in hand, during the National Liberty Museum’s brand-new walking tour, highlighting the historic watering holes where our Founding Fathers gathered and planned the Revolution (Saturday).
• Art, Plants & History: A Walking Tour with Jody Graff at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum: Artist Jody Graff weaves together the story and natural beauty of Andalusia in a brand-new art installation featuring vibrant, large-scale quilts, presented in collaboration with Radical Americana (more on that below). Learn all about the process and inspiration straight from the source during a one-hour walking tour led by Graff herself (Saturday).
• Curator Tour: Some American Dreams at the Fabric Workshop Museum: Some of the country’s most recognizable symbols and figures, from the American flag and George Washington to low-rider cars and Muhammad Ali, are reimagined in the Fabric Workshop Museum’s new installation celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The museum’s curatorial fellow Hilde Nelson leads a tour of the 27-piece collection, featuring 20 artists (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:

• Broadway Rave at Underground Arts: Calling all theater nerds: This 21-and-over Broadway bash spins your favorite showtunes, cast albums and musical hits. Dress as your favorite stage character, belt out Defying Gravity and live out your Broadway dreams — while enjoying a few surprise guests (Friday).
• My Chemical Slow Dance (Emo Prom): “King For A Day” Edition at Warehouse on Watts: You are cordially invited to “a gathering of most exquisite sorrow,” My Chemical Slow Dance (Emo Prom). Don your finest emo or medieval-inspired dress and get ready to sing your lungs out to the greatest emo and pop punk anthems. Also on deck: live performances, prom portraits and more (Friday).
• ASTRO PERREO: Latin Party at NOTO Philadelphia: Blast off to a different galaxy — one 100% powered by reggaeton basslines and nonstop dance. For one night only, ASTRO PERREO transforms NOTO into the ultimate intergalactic experience with out-of-this-world visuals, cosmic vibes and a stellar playlist of Latino music (Friday).
• Day Shift: An R&B Experience at Stratus Rooftop: Clock in, party people. It’s time to shake your thing on the dance floor to all your favorite R&B classics during this all-R&B rooftop day party at Stratus in Old City (Sunday).

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 Rittenhouse Square’s buzzy escape Walnut Garden, 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, April 26, 2026

Seeking to “represent the people around [him],” Noah Davis spent his career capturing the intricacies and beauty of everyday Black life in Los Angeles.

Though he was known for his visually interesting — often dreamlike — paintings exploring politics, race, mythology and more, Davis’ practice included photography-collecting, experimental sculpture-work, collage- and website-making, and, eventually, the opening of his own museum.

This landmark retrospective pays homage to the full breadth of the acclaimed artist’s life and work. After stops in LA, Germany and England, the incredible collection of over 60 pieces comes to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Through Sunday, May 3, 2026

Spring has officially sprung 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 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.

Music — more specifically, jazz — is in the air as the outdoor fest joins the Philly Jazz Month festivities. Four talented local musicians are popping up throughout the day to serenade guests with swinging melodies and jazzy riffs (Saturday).

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.

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 Puertorricaño and many more. Dates and times vary by location with the exhibition running through July.

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 General Manager 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 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 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 202, 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: East Fairmount Park’s Azalea Garden, tucked between Boathouse Row and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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 brand-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:

• Say what? You can pick the inscription for Philly’s newest statue.
• Goal! Two brand-new pitches pop up in Philly ahead of FIFA World Cup 26.
• The drama: A new partnership helps Philly students take center stage.
• A national pickleball tourney is coming to Philly — for a good cause.
• Here’s how the Philadelphia Zoo marks America’s 250th with gestures big and small.

Need some easy reading for your picnic under the last cherry blossoms? We’ve got you covered with more content from visitphilly.com:

• Kick off the city’s Pride season with a massive, nonstop celebration of Philly’s vibrant Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community at Philly Black Pride. Find out when, where and how to join the fun in our fresh, new guide to the annual fest.
• Where else can you find puppet parades, a traditional Japanese garden and Senegalese cuisine all within the same few miles, but in the collection of neighborhoods we call West Philadelphia? Discover West Philly — beyond the sitcom theme song — in our new guide.
• Mural Arts Philadelphia — the nation’s largest public art program — celebrates America’s 250th anniversary the only way it knows how: by immersing communities across the city in stunning public art. Learn all about the blockbuster programming lineup and how you can get involved in our updated guide.