Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.

Soccer on South: Community Watch Party

This free, all-day event will feature a giant outdoor screen on South Street broadcasting three live World Cup matches, along with local food and beverage vendors, soccer-themed shopping, and a family-friendly activity zone. Set for Friday, July 3, activities will be available from 2 to 9 p.m., with matches airing at 2, 6, and 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair for viewing (the screen will be set up in Headhouse Plaza); more details can be found online.  

2nd and South streets, southstreet.com

LUMINISCENCE

‘LUMINISCENCE’ is live in Philly, and anyone can check out this “fusion of light, music, and storytelling.” Created by LOTCHI, the production regularly transforms historic sacred spaces around the world into multimedia environments through digital artistry and original musical compositions. During this milestone America 250 celebration, ‘LUMINISCENCE’ has created a “living dialogue between past and present.” Through light and music, audiences will be taken on a journey through the story of a community shaped by immigration, devotion, resilience, and hope.

Performances (held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul) will run on select weekdays and weekends, offering options like Luminiscence Live Plus (featuring a live choir and orchestra), Luminiscence Live (with a live choir only), or Luminiscence (featuring recorded music and a voiceover).

Ticket prices (starting at $35) vary depending on the type of experience, and discounts are available.

1723 Race St, luminiscence.com/philadelphia

First Friday Fete at the Gas Lamp Hotel

Locals can kick off the weekend and America 250 celebrations with The Gas Lamp Hotel’s First Friday Fête on July 3. As part of Old City’s monthly First Friday tradition, guests are invited to explore the hotel’s historic spaces while checking out live music from DJ Mac Wondo, handcrafted hoagies from Farina Di Vita, small-batch gelato from Cocco’s Gelato, and specialty cocktails featuring Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey in Newton’s Cellar speakeasy.

Admission is free, drinks are available for purchase, and vendors will run from 5 to 9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged through Eventbrite.

140 N. 2nd St., thegaslampphilly.com

World’s Biggest Bounce House

The Big Bounce America has returned to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center Fairgrounds with more than 50,000 square feet of inflatable attractions for all ages. This year’s event (on site until July 5) introduces one ticket price for all-day admission, giving guests access to seven attractions, including the 24,000-square-foot World’s Largest Bounce House, the 900-foot-long Giant obstacle course, Sport Slam, airSPACE, and the new OctoBlast foam party, plus food trucks and family-friendly entertainment.

Timed sessions are offered for toddlers, children, teens, and adults. All-access tickets start at $35 and include a timed session in the World’s Largest Bounce House with unlimited access to all other attractions. Note, advanced ticket purchases are encouraged, as sessions often sell out.

100 Station Ave, Oaks, phillyexpocenter.com/events/big-bounce-america/

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Returning for its 13th season, Spruce Street has once again transformed the city’s waterfront into an urban oasis along the Delaware River. Free and open to the public daily, this seasonal destination features colorful hammocks, floating barges, ambient lights, and waterfront seating, plus free entertainment and programming every Thursday through Saturday.

This year, the Waterfront is also introducing a lineup of new “on-the-water” experiences: Visitors can pedal across the water aboard Chiliboats (aka aqua bikes), enjoy illuminated swan boat rides beneath the stars, or take in skyline views from new vantage points over the Delaware.

Returning attractions include the park’s signature floating experiences, plus seasonal cocktails, Philly-made snacks, beverages, and offerings from local food vendors. Visitors can pair it with entertainment like Live and Local Thursdays, Jazz Nights on Fridays, the Summer Sounds Concert Series on Saturdays, and Family Fundays with PopUpPlay on Sundays. A full schedule can be found online.

301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, delawareriverwaterfront.com

MORE: Wawa Welcome America 2026: Your guide to the festival’s biggest events

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