Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend

Need a pick-me-up this weekend? Sure you do.

It’s all about the strawbs at Bucks County’s Shady Brook Farm one last time during the final days of this fun festival devoted to all things red.

Look forward to bursts of berry-centric fun, including pre-picked (or limited pick-your-own) local berries, strawberry-themed sweet treats and drinks, live bands, and tons of family-friendly activities (think: wagon rides, playgrounds, go-carts, a petting zoo and more).

Tickets are required and include a wagon ride to the strawberry patch and over 25 Festival Field activities. As always, crop availability depends on Mother Nature.

Through Sunday, June 7, 2026

Let’s get ready for a final rumble … in the rain.

The Outsiders closes out its run at the Academy of Music this weekend, bringing (real) rain to the stage for an epic fight scene, as part of Ensemble Arts’ 2026 Broadway lineup.

The beloved coming-of-age tale about rival teen gangs, first featured in S.E. Hinton’s classic novel and later a Francis Ford Coppola film, paints the classic struggle between the haves and the have-nots.

Shortly after opening on Broadway in 2024, the musical won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. See Ponyboy, Johnny and the other outsiders transform the stage into 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma, as they struggle for acceptance.

Through Sunday, June 7, 2026

A few days remain to escape to a magical, Mexican dreamscape as contemporary acrobatic circus group Cirque du Soleil brings Luzia to the Big Top at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks.

Enjoy dazzling costumes and colors as circus stars seemingly defy gravity with aerial acrobatics, juggling and freestyle street dancing set to the sounds of Mexico with cumbia, norteño and marimba providing the soundtrack.

Bonus: See the troupe’s new water features, brought on tour for the first time.

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

Now open

You know the old adage: Taters gonna tate.

Chef Ange Branca’s pop-up potato concept ushers in a new era on South Street. Based on her formative experiences studying in Scotland, Mod Spuds delivers “comfort food with a passport” as crispy, salt-rubbed potato skins get pumped full of sweet and savory fillings like chili con carne, pulled barbecue jackfruit and chicken tikka masala.

Yes, there is a strong Southeast Asian influence on a tight menu of surefire hits, but subtle nods to Philly make the fast-casual restaurant stand out. Try the Philly Spud (cheesesteak and pepper relish) and wash it down with a housemade Shirley Temple or Malaysian iced tea.

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!

June 1 – August 31, 2026

Peddler’s Village’s fifth annual sand sculpture display gets the America 250 treatment at Sights in Sand: An American Road Trip. Celebrating iconic national landmarks — stretching coast to coast, from sea to shining sea — this free event promises visitors the chance to travel the entire country in under two hours. Well, in scalable sand dunes.

Look for beach-ready versions of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Kennedy Space Center and more from world-renowned sand artists.

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.

Along with the massive Pride March & Festival (more on that below), Philadelphia kicks off Pride Month with a supersized weekend of celebrations, including:

• The Queer Show at CSz Philadelphia: Cue the applause: Some of the brightest LGBTQ+ stars of Philly’s comedy scene get the last laugh at this Pride-themed improv show at CSz Philadelphia, the home of ComedySportz (Friday).
• Philly Pride Arts Festival: This June marks the debut of a new arts festival devoted entirely to queer art. The Philly Pride Arts Festival, or Philly PrideAF, offers a month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ art, stories and performances. Expect a cavalcade of programming that includes live music like opera and choir, performing arts like drag shows and theater, plus interactive events like musical theater karaoke (select dates beginning Friday through June 26, 2026).
• Delco Pride Parade & Pride on State Street: Performers, community groups, nonprofit orgs and more show out — loud and proud — in Media during this vehicle-free procession of banners, costumes, music and protest signs down State Street, followed by a lively evening of LGBTQ+ celebrations (Saturday).
• Pride Weekend Parties: What’s Pride without a party? There’s a dance party, mixer or all-out rager for every personality under the rainbow this week, including Pride on the Pier at Liberty Point, SWEAT 2026 Philly Pride Edition at Cavanaugh’s River Deck, CURFEW Philadelphia Pride 2026 at Broad Hall, PHYSICAL at The Fillmore and Sip City Prom Redo at the W Hotel (dates vary by event)

It’s been 106 years since women were granted the right to vote. There’s still much work to be done.

Revolutionary: Our Declaration of Belonging explores the untold stories, ones of unfulfilled promises and regrettable truths dating back to the Declaration of Independence, through a series of hard conversations about American democracy.

You’ll hear from Nikole Hannah-Jones (the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project), as well as award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter (a direct relative of famed Philly civil rights activist Paul Robeson), and New York Times bestselling author Erika L. Sanchez (anti-ICE crusader and the daughter of Mexican immigrants). RSVP required.

Mr. Solo Dolo finally returns to Philly after a broken foot forced him to cancel in 2024.

We first met Kid Cudi as an under-the-radar 20-something with a mixtape and dream, but over the years we’ve watched the Day’n’Nite rapper grow into a true renaissance man — a genre-expanding, multidisciplinary artist; a New York Times bestselling author; a mental health advocate and more.

The performer returns to the stage with a setlist that celebrates the full scope of his discography from early hits like Mr. Rager and Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) to new music from his latest album, Free.

Get ready to see El Presidente beers in the tailgate lots. Why? Because Nick Castellanos is making his sudsy return to Philly when his San Diego Padres take on the Phillies for a three-game set at Citizens Bank Park. (It’ll be interesting to see how the hometown fans welcome Casty back. Remember, he did apologize for bringing beer into the dugout.)

Either way, the Phillies’ promotional department is bringing the bobblehead heat during this long homestand. On Wednesday, the first 4,000 fans receive a Bryce Harper Mandalorian and Grogu bobblehead, followed by a Jhoan Duran Card Show Bobble on Sunday.

June 2-30, 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.

June 3 – 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.

Opens Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Philadelphia Zoo has completed a bear of a project.

After a $25 million renovation, the nation’s oldest zoo reopens its ursine habitat — the new Francis J. Carey Bear Country — now with a new third bear habitat, an extension of the Zoo360 exploration trail allowing the bears to explore (!), interactive educational exhibits and new glass viewing areas where guests can come nose-to-snout with the bears.

The new space also includes digging pits for the zoo’s Andean and sloth bears to forage, a 14-foot climbing structure, and new pools for drinking and splashing.

Pro tip: look for a sampling tent from Victory Brewing Company and ask to try the Semiquincentennial-inspired Philly First beer.

Cue up the pithy punchlines at Philly Sketchfest 2026, which brightly spotlights sketch comedy on the big screen on Thursday night at PhilaMOCA.

This two-hour laughfest, now in its 11th year, brings a hilarious array of short films and comedic skits — from the brilliant to the absurd, to the best possible version of dumb — from 20 up-and-coming comedians.

The festival ends with an encore presentation of House of Guns 3, an over-the-top, action-parody film created by the Philadelphia-based comedy troupe Incredible Dreamz. (Spoiler alert: it was shot entirely on an iPhone.)

If you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, check out the spring version of the semiannual Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, returning for its 16th year along University City’s main thoroughfare, between 40th Street and 51st Street.

The annual fest offers special $1, $3 and $5 deals from participating vendors and neighborhood businesses at multiple locations like Cedar Park, 50th Street Triangle, Trolley Portal Gardens and the HMS School, plus a block party along 48th Street with live music and crafts.

Also on offer: pay-as-you-go food and drinks (including beer and cocktails).

Woot woot (block) party in the Historic District! Old City’s annual celebration of the tastiest plates and greatest sips in the neighborhood is back for one night only.

Some of the neighborhood’s most beloved restaurants and bars — including 48 Record Bar, Almanac, Royal Boucherie and Han Dynasty — take the party outdoors, offering pay-as-you-go snacks, beer, cocktails and wine.

New for this year, Old City Eats expands beyond its 2nd Street outpost (between Market Street and Chestnut Street), spilling over onto the 100 block of Chestnut Street.

Check out the official website for the full list of featured eateries and specials.

History is a dish best served alfresco.

Join local Philly expert (and former Visit Philadelphia staffer) Cara Schneider Bongiorno for her free Philly History Pop Up series, highlighting the city’s hidden historical gems.

Gather round the picnic tables at Corinthian Gardens for the moving — but oft-overlooked — story of the “Father of the Underground Railroad,” William Still, a 19th-century African American abolitionist who aided hundreds of slaves in their escapes to freedom.

Domestic life’s been good to A$AP Rocky, with the Harlem-born rapper, actor, style icon and family man taking eight years off from music. But don’t get it twisted: When it comes to said music, it’s the same swagger, the same experimental bent, the same Pretty Flacka — only better.

A$AP Rocky makes his highly anticipated return to the stage this summer with the Don’t Be Dumb Tour, stopping at Xfinity Mobile Arena this Thursday. (Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for his wife.)

Experience a new interpretation of a stunning musical expression. The Four Seasons Reimagined takes Vivaldi’s iconic score and uses original choreography to bring it to life, moving in perfect rhythm to winter, spring, summer and fall.

Co-commissioned by ArtPhilly and Highmark Mann, this harmonic dance routine aims to spark hope and drive change in everyone who sees it. Award-winning costume designer Emma Kingsbury uses colors to set the mood, with composer Dan Deacon adding a bold electronic sound to Mother Nature’s love letter.

The Four Seasons Reimagined is the latest show in the Mann’s 50th Anniversary Performance Series, with extraordinary support from Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, BalletX.

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

• an evening of fun, free, interactive and, yes, educational activities exploring the science behind sports,
• a Friday night fete featuring local art and handcrafted cocktails at the Gaslamp Hotel,
• the grand opening of a massive underground street art gallery and exhibit,
• a celebration of Latino music and film at the Barnes Foundation, and
• a full day of live music, restaurant specials and events (like the 4th Annual Pride Party at NoName Gallery), plus deals and extended hours at local retailers in Chestnut Hill.

Summer Walker had a story to tell in 2019. Three albums and plenty of hits later, the emotionally raw R&B princess has given fans enough cathartic confessionals and break-up anthems to carry them from one heartbreak to their next honeymoon phase, without any repeats.

The Grammy-nominated singer closes out her Over It trilogy once and for all with a massive arena tour. Summer heats up the Xfinity Mobile Arena stage, alongside rising R&B star Odeal and Houston Hip-Hop Pimpcess Monaleo this Friday night.

This is your chance to join in the early debates that first rocked the fledgling nation that would one day become the United States of America.

Cocktails & Congress and Independence After Hours send you back in time to 1774 when the First Continental Congress gathered at Carpenters’ Hall to test the waters of independence. Here, in the same building where it happened, re-enactors call to appeal the Intolerable Acts and draw up a proposal for an embargo on British trade.

Oh, and you’ll have a smart cocktail in your hand as John Adams and John Dickinson duke it out over the inevitability of the Revolutionary War.

Of course, the dogs want in on the Semiquincentennial celebration. For three days in June, the American Kennel Club’s most elite pups take over the Marine Parade Grounds at the Philadelphia Navy Yard for a competition and free family-friendly festival.

While the dogs show off their diving and agility skills, the humans can grab a bite at one of the food trucks on site and kiddos can play in a dedicated fun zone. Bonus: Head over to the meet-and-greet area to learn about the competing dogs. No tickets or registration are required.

The popular biannual Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show — the oldest outdoor fine arts show in the country — celebrates 99 years this June. The free gallery event showcases over 1,240 professional fine artists manning booths ringing Rittenhouse Square park (plus student artists in the central patio) offering works in oil, acrylic, drawing, printmaking, watercolor, sculpture and more.

Peruse the collections at the rain-or-shine show, buy something to take home, or just meet and greet with some of the best fine artists from across the city and nation.

Like a shopping mall food court … but way better.

Foodees Fest turns the Philadelphia Premium Outlets into a food lover’s paradise, filled with at least 40 food trucks and family-friendly programming (think: face-painting). This free nationwide tour, with 39 cities on the 2026 calendar, sets up shop in Pottstown for three action-packed days.

What’s on the menu? What’s not! Confirmed vendors include nearly every kind of cuisine, from lobster rolls and homemade root beer floats to halal kitchens and pickles on a stick. One fave: Wilt’s Chocolate Smothered Berries, a staple at Reading Terminal Market and Citizens Bank Park.

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.

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 first American flag (1777), kicking off Flag Fest at the Betsy Ross House in Old City (more on that below).

No need to sugarcoat this one: This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the annual Sugar Cane Festival sponsored by the Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM).

What started as a way to honor Puerto Rican workers has morphed into one of the most talked-about festivals of the summer season, complete with a cutthroat dominoes tournament and a sugar cane table where festivalgoers can grab two-inch pieces to chew on.

But the real star of the show is APM’s social services resource fair. This is where residents can find information on jobs, health care and financial support, in addition to affordable housing, food security, foster care and employment assistance.

You had us at scavenger hunt.

The Rail Park once again hosts the popular Asian Arts Initiative’s Block Party for a free family-friendly showcase that blends arts, food and cultural diversity along a little slice of heaven on Noble Street. The main attraction at this year’s event centers around a student-imagined public mural based on a mythological creation story.

To make it even more fun and accessible, join the accompanying scavenger hunt. Look for clues and hints hidden in the mural, then traverse The Rail Park for three-dimensional works related to the art project. As always, food trucks and kids’ games round out the festivities.

The residents here only allow people to wander into these private residences two times per year. This is one of them.

Elfreth’s Alley Day: A Neighborhood Fête, an event dating back to 1934, remains a source of community pride for those folks fortunate enough to live on the cobbles of the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the U.S. The sights and sounds beckon from neighboring sidewalks as historical figures give live demonstrations on pottery and fortune-telling while serving Colonial-inspired refreshments.

Don’t miss: Hang in the courtyard at the newly opened Dolly Ottey Park, named for the woman who guided preservation efforts for Elfreth’s Alley.

Sunshine and music come once again to the gardens of Laurel Hill Mansion. Predating the Revolution, the historic home overlooking the Schuylkill River saw the dawn of the new nation — and all of the highs and lows the last 250 years have brought it.

What better way to celebrate this semiquincentennial summer than with an elegant garden party? Consider yourself cordially invited to an afternoon of live jazz, seasonal hors d’eurves, a boozy open bar with celebratory cocktails and scenic riverfront views. Tickets are required.

America’s most famous seamstress and her historic home celebrate the Semiquincentennial with an expanded, nine-day Flag Fest featuring free, family-friendly activities like English country dancing, crafts, textile demonstrations and interpreters donning Colonial garb — like Betsy herself.

Flag Fest kicks off with a Saturday Firstival celebrating the first American flag (more on that above). Other festival highlights include: immersive tours and historical re-enactments, a series of Curator’s Corner presentations showcasing rarely seen artifacts, the annual Philadelphia Heritage Chorale concert (June 13, 2026) and an epic unveiling of a new artifact — publicly displayed for the first time on Flag Day (June 14, 2026).

Get ready to celebrate Pride month in a big way, as this year’s Philadelphia Pride March & Festival heads to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Last year’s festival attendance in the Gayborhood reached over 147,000 people, with even more revelers expected in 2026.

The march, themed Pride Is Power this year, typically features a welcome ceremony, speeches, music and the famous record-breaking 600-foot Pride flag, followed by a supersized Pride Festival.

Just a heads up, a $10 admission fee is required to enter the festival grounds, with numerous community partners offering free admission as well as VIP packages. More info is available on the official website.

Pop star Khalid and his It’s Always Summer Somewhere Tour bring sunshine and much-needed warm-weather vibes to Highmark Mann to kick off the Fairmount Park outdoor amphitheater’s 2026 season.

Get in a summery state of mind while singing along to hits like Better and Young Dumb & Broke, plus new releases from his most recent album, after the sun goes down. Lauv serves as a special guest on the tour.

Big voices deserve big stages.

Two of music’s most legendary vocalists and brightest stars — Josh Groban and Jennifer Hudson — team up to bring you an unforgettable evening of music across genres ranging from classical to soul. See — and hear — your favorite singers’ favorite singers blow the house down at South Philly’s Xfinity Mobile Arena.

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:

• Say Yes, Philly: Urban Movement Arts spotlights Black American music and dance with a series of community events featuring emergent and mid-career dance and music artists (Tuesday through Saturday, June 13, 2026, select dates).
• Patina/Promise: Director Glenn Holsten partners with artist Majesty Royale-Jackson to present a film and audio collage project that captures the essence of Philadelphia. After a training workshop, participants set out with their cell phone cameras and drones to create “an urban self-portrait” of Philly (Wednesday). Can’t make it this week? You have a second chance next Saturday, June 13, 2026.
• Vote that Jawn: Growing from a summer program to encourage high school and college students to use their voices and their art to make change, Vote that Jawn brings these new works to life in live performances, videos and social media (Wednesday).
• Joyful Abundance: Emerging Artists: As part of its 150th anniversary celebration, the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia spotlights the next generation of composers and poets by inviting these emerging artists to create short choral works to make their world premiere during the Semiquincentennial celebration (Saturday).

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:

• Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) at Sunset Social (Wednesday)
• cinéSPEAK Under the Stars Festival 2026: Steal This Story, Please! (2025) at Clark Park (Friday)
• Dial M for Murder (1954) and The Bird with the Crystal Plumage (1970) at Penn Treaty Park (Saturday)
• Hoppers (2026) at Sunset Social (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.

• Javelin x Ranstead Room Cocktail Collaboration: The head mixologist behind one of the best if-you-know-you-know speakeasies in Philadelphia, Ranstead Room’s Margarito Munive, pops up at Japanese restaurant Javelin for a cocktail bonanza, featuring eight handcrafted, here-tonight-gone-tomorrow drinks (Tuesday).
• T for Tuesday: Takeout Throwbacks With Midnight Pasta at Wine Dive: Pizza and pasta and breadsticks, oh my! A collaboration made in our noodle-wrapped dreams, Midnight Pasta by Natalia — Philly’s uber-popular pasta-making queen — takes over the kitchen at Wine Dive with a menu of fine Italian takeout classics. On the menu: personal pan focaccia pizzas, vodka cream sauce cavatelli, tiramisu soft serve and more. Pro-tip: No seat, no problem! In true takeout fashion, everything is packed to go (Tuesday).
• Field Study by Slow Drinks at Philadelphia Distilling: Curated by James Beard Award-winning ethnobotanist, Danny Childs, Field Study at Philadelphia Distilling is like a science fair — but trade in your poster boards and dioramas for cocktail tasting stations and live drink demonstrations. Meet-and-drink with mixology experts from local favorites, like Almanac, and world-renowned bars, like De Vie in Paris. Come nighttime, the party moves to Vernick Fish for exclusive drinks and menu items (Thursday).
• Strawberry Festival at Linvilla Orchards: Spring and summer mean strawberry season! Linvilla Orchards celebrates the season’s peak with a day-long festival dedicated to the sweet, warm-weather treats. Head to the family-friendly attraction for live entertainment, tons of food and the largest strawberry shortcake in Delco (Saturday).
• Cantina la Vientiane at Vientiane Bistro: Cantina la Martina — Dionicio Jiménez’s James Beard award-winning restaurant — returns to its old stomping grounds in Kensington to team up with Vientiane Bistro for a one-night-only collaboration dinner. Available for takeout or dine-in, the menu is jam-packed with Mexican, Laotian and Thai flavors. On deck: saigawk (a Lao sausage) tacos, penang curry manchamanteles (a crossover between Mexican mole and Thai curry, topped with a pork chop), Thai tea tres leches cake, and more (Tuesday).

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.

• Musiq Soulchild at Longwood Gardens: When it comes to neo-soul, Philly knows ball. And so does Musiq Soulchild, one of the chief architects of the iconic R&B sound. The Just Friends singer and native Philadelphian takes his talents out to Longwood Gardens for a one-night-only sunset show in its opulent open-air garden theater (Wednesday).
• The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Gershwin and Bernstein at the Kimmel Center: Party it up with Philly’s hometown orchestra as it closes out the season with a big 125th birthday bash showcasing masterpieces by American music greats, George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein (Thursday through Sunday).
• Pop-Ups at The Portal in University City: Round of applause, please: University City closes out five weeks of family-friendly music at its flagship public park, the 40th Street Trolley Portal, with a very special live performance by the indie singer-songwriter (and series curator) Gretchen Elise. The show is free to attend, but you can make it a picnic with pay-as-you-go Mediterranean fare from Renata’s Kitchen (Thursday).
• St. Vincent with the Philly Pops at The Met: Alt-rock singer-songwriter Annie Clark — better known as St. Vincent — teams up with Philly’s favorite genre-traversing music ensemble for an unforgettable symphonic experience featuring hits like Marry Me and Actor reimagined for a full orchestra. Don’t miss the six-time Grammy Award winner, backed by the Philly Pops, when she comes to the Met this weekend (Saturday).
• Fête Galante: 18th Century Opera at Cliveden: Party like it’s 1799 at Cliveden. The historic Germantown estate — recently restored with Revolutionary-era decor, a nod to its place in history as a witness to the Battle of Germantown —  hosts an evening of 18th-century opera in its carriage house. The period-appropriate recital showcases music from well-known composers, like Mozart and Handel, as well as works by lesser-known names (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.

• Founding Footsteps BYOB Trolley Tour: Philly knows a winner when it sees one. Just named the No. 1 best history tour in the nation by USA Today 10Best, Founding Footsteps BYOB Trolley Tour runs historian-led tours that lean a little more sassy. Recurring selections include the Old City Historic Walking Tour and A Taste of History, and these 90- to 180-minute expeditions offer “great stories, bad jokes and [BYO] cold beer” guided by charismatic characters (ongoing).
• Germantown Industrial Village, 1690-1890, Walking Tour: Discover the forgotten mills, remarkable geology, and teeming plant and bird life of Historic Rittenhousetown — the home of America’s first paper mill and a local engine of industrial development for 200 years —  with this two-hour walking tour (Saturday).
• Saturday Tours at Laurel Hill Cemetery: Walk among the dead at Philadelphia’s most famous graveyard. Explore the life and times of Laurel Hill Cemetery’s trailblazing LGBTQ+ residents with a special guided walking tour. Or delve into Philadelphia’s 18th and 19th-century abolition movement with a two-part experience, highlighting the cemetery’s resident abolitionists as well as their opposition (Saturday). The tour continues next Saturday, June 15, 2026 at local historic African American burial ground, Eden Cemetery.
• Guided Tour: America’s First Peoples at Penn Museum: Centuries of Indigenous history unfold across the Penn Museum’s Native North American Gallery, a new exhibition developed in partnership with Indigenous consulting curators. With an expert as your guide, explore over 250 Indigenous artifacts and contemporary art pieces, highlighting 13,000 years of resilience, artistry and traditions from across the United States (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.

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.

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 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 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.

Pro tip: Check out 2026 DRWC Flag Exhibition: Roots of Resilience, which tells proud immigrant stories through a curated cohort of international artists who made Philadelphia their permanent home. Look for colorful flags flying high above Spruce Street all summer.

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: Powers Park in Port Richmond.

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? Manayunk!

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 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:

• Philly’s glow-up for America 250th birthday continues — literally.
• Here’s the winning quote chosen to adorn Philly’s new Harriet Tubman statue.
• Philly keeps on climbing in national green-space rankings.
• Explore Philly’s brand-new rooftop lounge and music venue with space for 5,000 friends.
• Flower power: This West Oak Lane family business has been flourishing for 55 years.

Philly’s heating up, and we’ve been in the kitchen cooking up some super hot fiyah from visitphilly.com. Bon appétit!

• Once designated as secret queer spaces, underground LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs in Philadelphia have become more than just mainstream cool. They’re daily resets for LGBTQ+ Philadelphians and nightly celebrations of Philly queer culture. Explore bars across the city that proudly welcome LGBTQ+ guests and support LGBTQ+ workers.
• The epic finale to Philly’s 16-day-long — yes, you read that right — Independence Day celebration, the One Philly Unity Concert for America, promises to bring live music, A-list stars, a show-stopping fireworks show and loads of free activities to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Find out who’s performing and how to secure your spot for the show in our brand-new guide.
• Philly’s kind of a drag — and we’re okay with that. Long gone are the days of mere celebrity impersonation; the Philly drag scene is full of top-tier queens with original performances and personalities bigger than their hair. Grab a mimosa and laugh until your sides hurt, witness spectacles that’ll leave you gooped  or find your new best friends with our guide to Philly’s best drag brunches, cabarets and shows.
• Winding roads, rolling farmland and distinctly cool small towns: Bucks County’s patchwork of landscapes rewards visitors with each vista. Yet this region northeast of Philly is much more than a pretty face — it’s an entrancing destination for history buffs, arts aficionados, outdoorspeople and/or anyone seeking a quiet getaway. Learn all about it in our newly updated guide.