The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market will extend its footprint outdoors this summer with The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson, a new pedestrian-friendly destination transforming 15,000 square feet of the 1100 block of Filbert Street into an outdoor gathering space in the heart of Center City. The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson will feature expanded outdoor seating, live entertainment, local vendors, sponsor activations, and a bar operated by Molly Malloy’s. The eight-week activation arrives as Philadelphia prepares to welcome visitors for a summer filled with major events, including FIFA World Cup activities, America’s 250th anniversary celebration, and MLB All-Star Week. Market Day Stalls on the Plaza will feature more than 15 rotating local entrepreneurs offering handmade goods, artwork, apparel, candles, cosmetics, and other specialty products. Reading Terminal Market will also operate a Market Merch cart featuring limited-edition soccer and market-themed apparel, with proceeds benefitting the nonprofit steward of Philadelphia’s public market, the Reading Terminal Market Corporation.
When: Monday, June 8-Aug. 2 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 1100 block of Filbert Street
Night Market
East Market’s vibrant, weekly Night Market transforms Chestnut Walk into a glowing open-air marketplace every Tuesday evening this spring. Weather permitting, visitors can explore a curated mix of local vendors offering fresh food, handcrafted goods, seasonal produce, plants, and much more, all set against the backdrop of live music and a lively happy hour atmosphere. Happy hour specials from the East Market Bar Cart and seasonal samples from restaurants Mi Vida and The Wayward add to the fun. Guests are encouraged to stroll beneath string lights, discover unique offerings at each vendor’s booth and unwind with friends as the sun sets over East Market.
When: Tuesdays through June 16 from 3–7 p.m.
Where: Chestnut Walk, 34 S. 11th St.
A conversation with Dr. Jill Biden
In “View From The East Wing,” Dr. Biden tells her story in her own words — the story of an ordinary woman living an extraordinary life, and what it truly means to serve as wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and First Lady all at once. In this onstage program, she offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at life in the East Wing — from grading papers in the Rose Garden to traveling aboard Air Force One, from weekends at Camp David to the unforgettable moment her husband’s reelection bid came to an unexpected end.
When: Tuesday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
Center City District SIPS returns
Center City’s premier after-work experience returns on Wednesday evenings this summer at dozens of locations. Participating locations will serve $8 cocktails, including specials made with Hornitos® Tequila, $7 wine, including selections from Kim Crawford, $6 beer, and appetizers under $10. For the first time, mocktails will be offered for just $6 at all locations. Some restaurants will offer 15% off dinner after 7 p.m. From vibrant beer gardens and lounges to popular restaurants, there’s a place for everyone at Center City District Sips.
When: Wednesdays through Aug. 26 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: various locations including Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
Fourth Annual Message in the Music Series
This Black Music Month, WURD Radio invites the community to celebrate a defining era in Philadelphia music and culture at the fourth annual Message in the Music series, “Beats, Flows and Neo Soul.” he event explores the impact and influence of Philadelphia’s music scene between 1990 and 2005, an era that gave rise to groundbreaking artists such as The Roots, Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and many others, helping to shape the global sounds of hip-hop, neo soul, spoken word, and R&B while establishing Philadelphia as a cultural epicenter for Black music and artistic expression. The evening builds upon WURD’s monthlong on-air vignette series, featuring stories told by the musicians, poets, singers, rappers, producers, radio personalities, club owners, event promoters, stylists, and fans who experienced the movement firsthand. Guests will also enjoy live hip-hop, R&B, and spoken word performances, an open mic opportunity, and a dance party curated by DJ Mike Nyce. Tickets are required.
When: Thursday, June 11 from 6:30-11 p.m.
Where: City Winery Philadelphia, 990 Filbert St.
”To Be Here”
Journey Arts will present “To Be Here,” a multi-day exhibition and storytelling performance created by artists Lynda Grace Black and Magda Martinez. Rooted in communal storytelling, “To Be Here” reflects on family journeys to Philadelphia, the realities of staying, and the resilience required to build a life here. Through shared experiences of loss, transformation and connection, participants offer a deeply personal and collective portrait of the city. Developed over the course of a year, “To Be Here” grew from a series of story circles led by Black and Martinez. Participants engaged in writing, drawing, and conversation, shaping narratives that now form the foundation of both the exhibition and performance. The exhibition begins as audiences enter the building, unfolding from the elevator into the theater space. It features personal objects contributed by participants–items that carry memory, history, and meaning. These include letters, family photographs, heirlooms such as cookware carried across generations, and handmade works. Collectively these objects form an immersive environment that reflects cultural inheritance and lived experience.
When: Thursday, June 11-13
Where: Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American St.
”Franklin’s Key”
Step into the world of “Franklin’s Key” from Pig Iron Theatre Company, a thrilling sci-fi adventure that transforms Philadelphia’s history of invention, revolution, and curiosity into an immersive live experience. Set across iconic Philadelphia landmarks, the Barrymore Award-winning production follows two teenage prodigies as they uncover a hidden mystery tied to Benjamin Franklin’s long-lost technology, leading them through secret tunnels, historic sites, and a race against powerful forces. Blending history, science, imagination, and spectacle, “Franklin’s Key” offers an unforgettable Philadelphia story perfect for families, students, and visitors exploring the city during the semiquincentennial.
Where: Pig Iron Theatre Company, 1714 Delancey St.
”This Is (Not) a Celebration: Queer Resistance 1976/2026”
On Thursday, the William Way LGBT Community Center will debut “This Is (Not) a Celebration: Queer Resistance 1976/2026,” a powerful new exhibition reframing the Bicentennial. The exhibition features newly commissioned works by Philadelphia artists Scarlett DeLorme, Justin Jain, and Amy Cousins. Through wet-plate photography, ceramics, printmaking, and fiber-based installations, the artists explore themes of resistance, identity, and belonging while highlighting a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. The exhibition is presented alongside materials from the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives, home to Philadelphia’s largest collection documenting LGBTQ+ history. Featured archival materials include the 1976 Lesbian Feminist Declaration by Dyketactics!, documentation from counter-Bicentennial demonstrations, and early coverage from publications including The Philadelphia Gay News, offering visitors a deeper understanding of how LGBTQ+ activists responded to the national celebration.
When: Thursday, June 11-July 3
Where: Huddle, 338 Brown St.
”CLUE: A Walking Mystery”
An all-new immersive experience that invites audiences to step into the world of the iconic CLUE board game as the descendants of its beloved characters — Mayor Green, Colonel Mustard, Solicitor Peacock, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlett, and Chef White. Players will explore Philadelphia and travel to different locations as newly minted detectives to solve the mystery of who murdered the elusive Mr. Boddy. The experience begins and ends at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, with clues hidden across multiple locations and landmarks throughout the city. Designed as a family-friendly experience, “CLUE: A Walking Mystery” is perfect for families, large groups, friends, and even unique date nights.
When: Thursday, June 11-July 5
Where: Starts and Ends at the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Friday Night at PMA: Pride Edition
Celebrate Pride Month at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Enjoy a night of live music from Black Buttafly, drop-in artmaking with artist De’von Downes to create paper-sculpted orchids, staff-led gallery talks highlighting queer experiences, and explore local organizations at our community tabling. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Pay what you wish for entry to the museum.
When: Friday, July 12 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Soccer Fan Cruises aboard Spirit of Philadelphia
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Philadelphia will introduce a new on-water fan experience during the tournament. Fans Owned Travel, in partnership with Philly PR Girl, alongside City Cruises Philadelphia, will host a series of fan cruises aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia as part of the city’s match atmosphere. The Global Soccer Fan Cruise Series is designed as a social, high-energy experience that brings together local and international fans. Each cruise will feature live DJ entertainment, a lively crowd, and indoor and outdoor decks offering beautiful skyline views of Philadelphia. This cruise is perfect for both Ivory Coast and Ecuador fans, as well as anyone looking to celebrate the opening energy of the tournament on the water.
When: Saturday, June 13 boarding at 11:30 a.m., cruising from 12-2 p.m.
Where: depart from Penn’s Landing, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Clay Fest
The Clay Studio Center for Innovation in Ceramic Art (The Clay Studio) welcomes people of all ages for a day of creating art and muddy fun during the 11th annual Clay Fest, supported by PNC Arts Alive. Clay Fest attendees can participate in a number of free activities for all ages exploring themes around the meaning of home inspired The Clay Studio’s new exhibition, American Crib: What’s Happening? by ceramic artist, poet, and activist Roberto Lugo. On display in the Jill Bonovitz Gallery through July 9, Lugo’s exhibition welcomes visitors into an imagined living space celebrating his Philadelphia roots and cultural heritage. Clay Fest 2025 is a rain or shine event and all activities are free. All clay projects made by attendees will be fired by The Clay Studio for free.
When: Saturday, June 13 from 12-5 p.m.
Where: The Clay Studio, 1425 N. American St.
Delaware County Pride Festival
Get ready for the largest annual Pride celebration in Delaware County. Join us as we bring together communities from Norristown to Center City, from Media to Chester for an unforgettable celebration. Over 130 vendors will be featured, offering a diverse selection of LGBTQ+ businesses, artists, and community organizations. The festival will showcase a spectacular lineup of live entertainment, including drag performances, DJs, live music, ballroom, dancing, and more. A variety of cultural cuisine will be available, featuring delicious food vendors with something for everyone. There will be all-ages activities and kid-friendly fun, including face painting, interactive games, and special performances to make this Pride an inclusive celebration for the whole family. The event is rain or shine.
When: Saturday, June 13 from 1-6 .m.
Where: Upper Darby Township Municipal Building, 100 Garrett Rd., Upper Darby, PA 19082
La Panarda at Le Virtù
One of America’s most extravagant and authentic Italian dining traditions is returning to Philadelphia, where the unofficial motto for the day is “eat until you bust.” Le Virtù, the South Philly restaurant honoring the cuisine of Italy’s Abruzzo region, will host La Panarda. The eight-hour experience is an excessive, joyful family-style feast featuring at least 40 dishes served over a multi-hour span, testing the resolve of cooks and diners alike. Prepared by Executive Chef Andrew Wood and inspired by the annual sacred Panarda held in Villavallelonga, Abruzzo since 1657, the feast is widely recognized as the only authentic representation of that tradition held anywhere in the United States. Tickets are $550 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) and include 10+ wine pairings curated by house sommelier Chris O’Brien.
When: Sunday, June 14 from 12-8 p.m.
Where: Le Virtù, 1927 East Passyunk Ave.
”The Great Privation (How to Flip Ten Cents into a Dollar)”
Experience “The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar)” at Theatre Exile, a powerful and darkly comic production that explores a troubling chapter of Philadelphia history through themes of family, resilience, and survival. Set in both 1832 and the present day, the play examines the morally fraught world of grave robbing, the human cost behind America’s early medical discoveries, and the lasting impact these histories continue to have across generations. Written by Nia Akilah Robinson and directed by Ontaria Kim Wilson, the production balances unsettling history with humor, heart, and hope.
When: ends Sunday, June 14
Where: Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th St.
Stamp Rally
April marks the return of Historic Germantown’s highly-anticipated spring Stamp Rally. The theme for the popular program is “Trees of Germantown.” The free program allows participants to pick up a passport book and collect stamps at various sites, providing residents and visitors with a fun, interactive way to explore Germantown. Participants have the opportunity to discover the neighborhood through an entertaining scavenger hunt, with prizes awarded to those who complete the challenge.
When: through Sunday, June 21
Where: various locations throughout Germantown
”Dear Evan Hansen”
Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen follows Evan, a high school senior who becomes entangled in a misunderstanding that grows into a fabricated story he cannot control. As the lie deepens, Evan must navigate the exciting new connections he’s created and the truth he’s avoiding. Featuring iconic songs like “Waving Through a Window” and “You Will Be Found,” this all-new production explores how young people navigate connection and mental health against today’s all-consuming social media landscape. This production is co-conceived with Jorge Cousineau, a longtime collaborator of the Arden whose past scenic and projection work includes Sunday in the Park with George, Next to Normal, and The Lehman Trilogy. In this production, projections and screens create a world where digital and real life intersect, reflecting how quickly a single moment can spiral in the age of social media.
When: through Monday, June 29
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
”America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print” at the Print Center
“America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print” brings the works of more than 30 artists from across the country together to explore core principles of democracy, including civil rights, social justice, racial equality, and political engagement. With Philadelphia at the center of America’s founding, the exhibition bridges past and present, inviting audiences to reflect on how democratic ideals continue to evolve at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Featuring widely recognized artists whose work has been exhibited in major museums around the world, “America Today” offers a compelling opportunity to engage with contemporary perspectives on urgent national issues.
When: through Saturday, July 25
Where: The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St.
”Muliebrity” by Viola Bordon
Philadelphia-based interdisciplinary textile artist and educator Viola Bordon blends sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and fibers to explore the interplay between materiality and environmental fluctuation. Her textile-focused practice draws upon pre-industrial craft techniques like weaving and quilting, intertwining them with inquiries into contemporary issues in our society. For Radical Americana, Bordon conducted research at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to create her exhibition, Muliebrity, where she examines the invention and evolving meanings of American liberty in the national identity.
When: through Sunday, July 26
Where: Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd St.
”Freedom Dreams” at the Barnes
As Philadelphia and the nation prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, Freedom Dreams brings together powerful works by artists in film, video, and installation that invite viewers to immerse themselves in the memories, dreams, and histories of Black Americans. The exhibition features works by Arthur Jafa, David Hartt, Garrett Bradley, Ja’Tovia Gary, and Tourmaline, all exploring history, archives, and cultural memory. Freedom Dreams highlights the fluid boundary between past, present, and future and encourages viewers to reflect on how Americans of color have shaped identities and created spaces of resistance, joy, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression. The exhibition is co-curated by Maori Karmael Holmes, Chief Executive and Artistic Officer of BlackStar Projects, and James Claiborne, Fleischner Family Vice President for Engagement at the Barnes.
When: through Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026
In celebration of the Year of the Horse — symbolizing energy, passion, freedom and transformation — the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will glow with breathtaking light, art, culture, and global spirit. The Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Visitors will wander through glowing landscapes filled with magnificent, illuminated sculptures, each piece crafted from steel frames and vibrant silk. All of the lanterns will be brand new, including one-of-a-kind lanterns celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer. The lanterns blend the magic of Chinese tradition with the spirit of global connection and friendly competition, along with themes of animals and flowers. In addition to the stunning lantern displays, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, as well as food and drink offerings such as Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and signature cocktails in the Cocktail Garden.
When: through Sunday, Aug. 16
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
Planet Fitness’ Free High School Summer Pass
As summer kicks off, Planet Fitness is opening its doors to local teens. Now in its sixth year, the initiative encourages high school teens ages 14 to 19 to prioritize fitness this summer by working out for free at any of Planet Fitness’ 2,900 participating locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Teens can register today at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass to gain club access beginning Monday.
When: through Monday, Aug. 31
Where: Planet Fitness near you
”Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence” at Parkway Central Library
What would the Declaration of Independence say if ordinary people from all walks of life came together to write it today? This spring, Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Free Library of Philadelphia present Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence, an exhibition of hundreds of posters created by Philadelphians who were asked to share their visions of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This special exhibition is part of Printmaking by the People, the largest 2026 public art and engagement project in Philadelphia inspired by the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. The vibrant, colorful, and compelling artworks in the exhibition were created by hand in 35 artist-led workshops, held in 13 neighborhoods across the city. Over a thousand people attended these workshops, utilizing various printmaking techniques to bring their ideas to life—including some of the very same techniques used to communicate during the time of the American Revolution. The result is hundreds of unique posters and prints, representing a rich and diverse assemblage of aspirations for our nation, our city, and ourselves, as we move into the next chapter of our country’s historic journey.
When: through August 2026
Where: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
“Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at AAMP
The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) presents a cultural milestone exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” The acclaimed exhibition, celebrating the power of art, identity, and imagination, marks its Philadelphia debut with nearly 80 original costumes from films that have shaped global culture — including “Black Panther,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Amistad,” “Dolomite is My Name,” “Coming 2 America,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and, for the first time ever, “Sinners.” As the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards, Ruth E. Carter has transformed costume design into a form of cultural storytelling, honoring the past while envisioning what’s possible for the future. Her journey from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Hollywood’s most celebrated stages resonates deeply with Philadelphians.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
”Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” at Franklin Institute
Step inside the creative and innovative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions, including “Jaws,” “Illumination’s Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Sing,” SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “Jurassic World,” DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal Monsters, and more. Play your way through eight themed galleries, where 100 original artifacts bring each experience to life. From authentic costumes and iconic props to early concept models, experience the creativity, artistry, and innovation behind Universal’s most epic attractions. Snap a photo, storyboard a ride, design and animate horror masks, cue a live show, and experiment with animation and projection mapping — all while hearing directly from the creators, animators, and show writers who make it happen. “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” is a timed-entry exhibit, which allows the museum to manage the number of guests in the exhibit, providing the best possible experience for everyone. Advanced tickets are recommended.
When: through Monday, Sept. 7
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
Twilight Tours
Enjoy a free after-hours walking tour around the national park hosted by Independence Historical Trust. Knowledgeable Twilight Guides lead visitors through iconic landmarks and hidden corners, sharing stories that bring Philadelphia’s history to life. Meeting Point at the Liberty Bell Center viewing window.
When: through Monday, Sept. 7 at 5:15 p.m.
Where: Liberty Bell Center, 101 S. Independence Mall W.
”Paths to Independence, 1765-1787” at HSP
In 1763, most American colonists proudly saw themselves as members of the British Empire. Yet by 1776, many were ready to break from Britain and condemn King George III as a ‘Royal Brute.’ Paths to Independence explores how this remarkable shift happened in just over a decade. The exhibit showcases rare documents from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania—including letters, pamphlets, broadsides, prints, and early drafts of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Tracing the complex path to American independence, these documents reveal the ideas of well‑known leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Wilson, as well as the everyday Philadelphians whose experiences shaped the struggle for independence.
When: through Friday, Sept. 18
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
”Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly”
Just in time to mark America’s 250th, Morris Arboretum & Gardens brings America’s past and present vividly to life through three interconnected exhibitions. Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly invites visitors of all ages to take a miniature journey through eighteenth-century Philadelphia. Bustling model trains wind along more than a third of a mile of track, passing handcrafted replicas of iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, and scenes modeled after events like the Battle of Germantown. Running in conjunction with the Garden Railway, the self-guided exhibition Plants from the Colonial Era highlights the trees, herbs, and flowers that fed, healed, sheltered, and inspired colonial Philadelphians.
When: through Wednesday, Sept. 30
Where: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation welcomes the return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest for its 2026 Season. While Summerfest returns for the season with its signature roller skating in partnership with Independence Blue Cross, DRWC is expanding its wellness programming across its Waterfront parks, offering more opportunities for visitors to stay active through accessible outdoor experiences, including Wellness on the Waterfront: Yoga at Race Street Pier presented by Independence Blue Cross, Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 in partnership with Riverways. The Independence Blue Cross RiverRink has long shaped the Philadelphia Delaware River Waterfront as the go-to destination for seasonal traditions and outdoor recreation. This Summer 2026, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink will transform into Summerfest – offering Philadelphia’s ONLY outdoor roller-skating rink – to create the ultimate family-friendly summer hangout. Against the backdrop of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Summerfest will continue to prioritize accessibility with free entry and flexible, pay-as-you-go options that invite visitors to create their own experience
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
”Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga” at Penn Museum
Spotlighting century-old watercolor paintings by Egyptian artist Ahmed Yousef, Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga will go on view at the Penn Museum. Last exhibited in Cairo during the 1920s, the watercolor paintings have been carefully preserved in the Penn Museum’s Archives for more than 100 years. They have never been on display in the United States. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors reveals the often underappreciated, but critical function of art in archaeology. The 1,500 sq. ft. exhibition highlights elaborately decorated tomb chapels during the New Kingdom (approximately 1550 BCE-1070 BCE), a “golden age” that marked the height of Egypt’s power and wealth. Many affluent officials built their tombs at Dra Abu el-Naga — a key part of the larger Theban Necropolis. Their tomb paintings show scenes from everyday life and imagery depicting the journey to the netherworld — illuminating how much the ancient Egyptians valued family bonds, honoring their ancestors, and continuing one’s identity into the next life. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors will close in November—just ahead of the grand opening for the Penn Museum’s Egypt Galleries: Life and Afterlife on Dec. 12.
When: through November 2026
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
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