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

Variety Pack Vol. 3 

Quirky comedy fans have a reason to celebrate—Chaz T. Martin and R. Eric Thomas’ witty festival experience is back this weekend. Dubbed Variety Pack Vol. 3, this year’s event will feature 15 different acts with a line-up spanning clown performances, a polyamorous dating game show, networking events disguised as comedy events, and even stoner reinterpretations of Dickens classics.

The festival also offers family programming, comedy showcases, audience participation events, workshops for independent artists and free popcorn. Ticketing is designed to be accessible, with all festival tickets priced at $15, and children’s tickets for Kidprov! set for $5. New this year is the Ten Dollar Club, a $60 annual membership that gives audiences $10 tickets to all future Variety Pack productions for life. The festival is set for July 9 to 13, at the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake.

302 S. Hicks St.,  tickettailor.com/events/varietypack

Beat the Bomb

Beat The Bomb Philadelphia is celebrating the country’s birthday with Summer Mission: America250 Edition. This new pop-up adds a patriotic twist to the immersive social gaming venue’s signature Paint, Foam, and Slime experiences and teams will take on five new summer-themed challenges as they race to disarm a red, white, and blue paint bomb with set-ups inspired by backyard barbecues, beach days, and more.

The first 250 players to complete the experience will receive a collectible Bombie Beach Towel, while guests who upgrade to Premium or VIP packages can also enjoy an exclusive “Merica Slushie” frozen drink. Tickets are available, starting at $34.95 per person.

1218 Chestnut St., beatthebomb.com/locations/philadelphia

Riverfest at Glen Foerd 

Glen Foerd’s historic riverfront estate and public park will once again welcome visitors for its annual RiverFest celebration, with this year’s date set for Sunday, July 12.   From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free, family-friendly festival invites the community to experience recreational opportunities both on water and land at this unique 18-acre site.

Guests can explore the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River with open boating opportunities using Glen Foerd’s fleet of kayaks, canoes and rowboats. At the estate, visitors can take part in a variety of environmental and arts activities: RiverFest will feature educational exhibits, information tables from community and environmental partners, an open archery range from The Pennsylvania Game Commission, where attendees can experience the sport with guidance from trained staff, local vendors, bites from the 2 Street Sammies food truck and other surprises.

A focal point of the event also comes from races from members of the Delaware River Yacht Club—guests can enjoy views of the action from the mansion grounds. RiverFest also provides opportunities to check out the  venue through self-guided tours of the historic mansion, or through two guided tours led by Glen Foerd staff members.

5001 Grant Ave., glenfoerd.org

Frankie’s Summer Club

This seasonal locale is located in the courtyard of what used to be Haviland & Furness Halls. As the venue officially notes, Frankie’s Summer Club pays homage to architect Frank Furness’ spirit of creativity and community with Italian-inspired appetizers by Chef Michael Ferreri of Irwin’s, cocktails, natural wine, and soft serve. Frankie’s operates Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 8 p.m.

355 S. 15th St., frankiessummerclub.com

Blobfest

Every summer, the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville sets aside a few days to pay homage to the venue’s starring role in a 1958 classic Steve McQueen film. Blobfest centers around the popular feature, ‘The Blob,’ and the three-day festival will give film buffs and horror fans the chance to check out live performances, special engagements, tours, and much more. But in 2026, the experience will also hold a special theme.

This year’s extravaganza is dubbed Cirque Du Blobfest, offering “a captivating, carnival-inspired twist on the beloved cult classic, providing a more immersive, theatrical, and wildly entertaining way to experience The Blob than ever before.” That means new events, bigger thrills and some surprises along the way for the three-day festival, slated for July 10 to 12.  A full schedule, ticket details and specific timing can be found online. 

227 Bridge St., Phoenixville,  thecolonialtheatre.com

MORE: Best free events in Philly this summer

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