Events
You already know that Rocky is quintessential Philly. But when’s the last time you watched cinema’s most famous underdog story on the big screen? Go the distance this month with a free screening of Rocky at the Philadelphia Film Center. (You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll yell, “Adrian!”) Seats are limited, so reserve your tickets in advance.
PECO Go 4th & Learn
June 27, June 30 & July 4, 2023
PECO cranks up the energy with a series of free family-friendly activities:
- PECO Go 4th and Learn: A Cultural Journey: Step onto the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival grounds for a morning of special events, including music performances, lantern-making and block printing demos, a tai chi class and more. Bonus: Kids can enjoy face painting and a free book giveaway (June 27, 2023).
- PECO Go 4th and Learn: Sports, STEM, Music and More: This lively morning offers a ton of hands-on activities and family fun. Look forward to science experiments with The Franklin Institute, soccer with the Philadelphia Union, drumming with the West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad and so much more (June 30, 2023).
- PECO Go 4th and Learn: A Great Debate: How did the past shape our present day? Experience history with programs exploring the early days of our nation on the grounds where America was born (July 4, 2023).
What’s better than a free hoagie? Seven tons of free hoagies! On Wawa Hoagie Day, competing teams of first responders, military members and other everyday heroes gather at Independence Mall to take part in the ultimate Philly showdown: a hoagie-building competition. Everyone’s a winner in this friendly food fight as the teams build and distribute 25,000 (!) free Wawa Shorti hoagies to residents and visitors.
You can’t celebrate freedom in just one day. The National Constitution Center keeps the celebrations going with special Independence Day events all throughout the week. In addition to the permanent galleries, events include flag etiquette workshops, pop-up talks and a recreated revolutionary war encampment, where you can watch a blacksmith forge steel and test out the wooden muskets. Can’t decide which day to go? Stop by June 28 for free museum day, July 2 for the Finding the Fathers scholarly series or July 4 for Independence Day games and a show, all for the low, low price of $0.
Ten-hut! Join the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus for America the Beautiful, a celebration of veterans across every generation with moving musical performances and visual presentations. BYO blankets and chairs.
June 30 & July 14, 2023
This hittin’ season, phans can enjoy dazzling post-game fireworks not once, but twice. Stick around for a spectacle after the game on June 30 against the Nationals and again on July 14 after facing off against the Padres.
Celebrate the Fourth in Historic Philadelphia with revolutionary activities and performances for all ages. Alongside access to the museum’s daily events and special exhibitions, museumgoers can enjoy plenty of special programming including a naturalization ceremony for new Americans, stage performances telling the stories of Elizabeth Freeman (a woman who sued for her freedom from slavery and won) and James Forten (a prominent Black Philadelphian abolitionist and entrepreneur), and a hands-on program where kids join the Continental Army and sort out historic equipment.
Check out live performances and workshops, chow down at various pay-as-you-go food trucks or even zoom down a 120-foot (!) slide during this festive celebration on the Avenue of the Arts. The block party also features free giveaways, a family-friendly dance party and — onstage at the Kimmel Center — preview performances from Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Disney’s Frozen. The day’s events are free to attend, but RSVPs are recommended.
A special edition of Shady Brook Farm’s ticketed Summer UnWINEd series features live music, food, craft beer, specialty cocktails and wine from Rose Bank Winery. Top it all of with an Independence Day fireworks spectacle.
Originally formed back in 1922 by General John J. Pershing, the United States Army band Pershing’s Own comes to Philadelphia for a patriotic, star-spangled concert — capped off by an exciting fireworks show over the water. (And Philly has no shortage of spots to enjoy the fireworks.)
Kennett Square’s uber-popular and breathtakingly beautiful botanical garden celebrates the Fourth with musical selections and soaring water shows that highlight the unbreakable spirit of America. Pieces span Lin-Manuel Miranda’s The Story of Tonight (from Hamilton) to Whitney Houston and the Florida Orchestra’s rendition of The Star Spangled Banner.
Hosted by legendary Philly radio personality Patty Jackson, this powerful and uplifting evening of gospel music commemorates the 160th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. BYO blankets and chairs for the free concert, which features performances from the Six Singing Sista’s Ensemble and Philly Remembers Choir.
Jackpot! Rivers Casino Philadelphia joins in on the Fourth of July festivities with a huge outdoor party in Fishtown. On the docket: Local food trucks, games like cornhole and giant Connect Four, family fun like face painting and balloon artists, a live stage featuring both a DJ and a Michael Jackson tribute band, and the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the river.
Multi-award-winning singer and actress Vanessa Williams graces Philly on Independence Day eve with a night of enchanting performances. The concert is free to attend.
Mayor Jim Kenney — and various guest speakers — take the stage in front of Independence Hall for a reading of the Declaration of Independence and an award ceremony, followed by a performance by the Black Pearl Orchestra.
Philly’s Revolutionary War-era fort rings in the Fourth with contests, games, guided tours, musket and cannon demos, and more. Bring your own picnic to enjoy on the riverfront while you learn about U.S. history (or reserve a table for a $10 fee).
Celebrate the Fourth of July, Philly style! The official Fourth of July parade returns this year with patriotic floats, historic characters and performances from Miss America 2023, marching bands, dance troupes, military units and more.
Let the folks at Peddler’s Village handle the grilling this Fourth of July. The Bucks County shopping destination’s annual Independence Day event offers an all-American barbecue picnic alongside live music, family-friendly entertainment and activities for the kiddos.
This is it: the big one. Wawa Welcome America culminates in a giant, free-for-everyone party on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on the evening of the Fourth of July. The centerpiece of the celebration is a high-energy concert headlined by superstars Ludacris and Demi Lovato ahead of a stunning fireworks finale. Note: Guests can enter the Parkway through gates at 20th Street and Logan Circle beginning at 4 p.m.
The Chester County Concert Band treats the town to patriotic tunes while folks gather in Wayne’s Wilson Farm Park ahead of an Independence Day fireworks display, lighting up the skies at dusk. This year, grab refreshments at one of the pay-as-you-go food and ice cream trucks, or pack your own lawn chairs and picnics.
Following the free concert, this fantastic fireworks show lights up the sky above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Crowds gather on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway between Eakins Oval and Logan Circle and look skyward for the 16-day celebration’s signature send-off. Boom!
Seasonal Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia
Springtime in Philly means good times with good friends, preferably with a breeze at your back and a cold drink in your hand. Many of Philly’s most popular outdoor venues are now open for the season, including waterfront destinations like Morgan’s Pier and Liberty Point, lush beer gardens like Independence Beer Garden in the Historic District and the Rodin Garden Bar (Fridays only), Uptown Beer Garden in Center City and PHS Pop Up Gardens on South Street and in Manayunk, and the ever-popular rooftop Bok Bar in South Philly. Cheers!
Saturdays and Sundays
Bring an empty stomach to this now-permanent (yes!) weekend market in FDR Park, featuring dozens of food tents serving up Southeast Asian street food, exotic produce, flavorful spice blends and delicious beverages. For folks already tuned in to this South Philly treasure, note that, starting in July, the market moves to a new location in the park.
Dates vary
Philly’s roving beer garden brings brews and bites to parks and green spaces in nearly every corner of the city this year. Around Independence Day, catch Parks on Tap at the following locations:
- The Discovery Center in Fairmount Park: A century-old abandoned reservoir turned wildlife sanctuary (June 21-25, 2023),
- McMichael Park in East Falls: A five-acre green space with benches and shady trees (June 28 to July 2, 2023), and
- FDR Park in South Philly: A massive, ecologically diverse park featuring trails, fishing points and plenty of picnic space (July 4-9, 2023).
Franklin Square lights up the night with the return of the ticketed Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Old City. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit among dozens of spectacular glowing installations (some never seen before), live stage performances, festival-themed crafts by Chinese artisans, and international food and drink — including the return of the super-popular Dragon Beer Garden.
Through Sunday, July 16, 2023
Lace up! This spring, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park paints the town rainbow with colorful springtime skate sessions. Vibrant overhead art and the checkerboard rink floor bring good times and retro vibes. For more fun, chow down at the Dilworth Park Café, fuel up at the Air Grille pop-up beer garden or hop your way through the Dilworth Park dancing fountain. Advance reservations for hour-long skating sessions are strongly recommended, and discounted matinee skate sessions are offered Mondays and Tuesdays.
Through Sunday, August 27, 2023
The House of Mouse celebrates a century of dazzling audiences with a brand-new exhibition, making its world premiere in Philadelphia. Disney100: The Exhibition opens the vaults for behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company’s most popular characters, films, shows and attractions, offering 10 themed galleries with interactive installations covering everything from Snow White to Star Wars. Pro tip: Score complimentary tix to the exhibition when you book the Visit Philly Overnight Package for stays through August 20, 2023.
Through Sunday, September 24, 2023
When the ice melts and the shades come out, it’s time for Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. The annual Penn’s Landing extravaganza boasts boardwalk games, carnival rides, mini-golf, an arcade, the city’s largest outdoor roller skating rink and much, much more. The fest has plenty of food and drink options on deck, including faves like the funnel cake at Skelly’s, the creative cocktails at The Lodge Bar or the Crabfries at Chickie’s & Pete’s. General admission is free (everything else is pay-as-you-go).
Through Sunday, September 24, 2023
Enthusiasts of riverside chilling enjoy hammocks, patio and arcade games, musical performances and tasty treats from local purveyors while strolling the boardwalk at this warm-weather attraction. Spruce Street Harbor Park is the perfect escape for visitors looking to relax and locals hoping to unwind.
