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

Third Thursday at the Philadelphia Navy Yard

The Philadelphia Navy Yard is kicking off a new monthly series this weekend with the launch of Third Thursdays at Chapel Plaza. Presented by PIDC in partnership with Ensemble, the dog-friendly event series will take place on the third Thursday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. until October, and turn the outdoor plaza into a lively neighborhood gathering space.

Each Third Thursday will feature an open-air festival atmosphere with rotating food trucks, local vendors, live entertainment and lawn games. The May 21 kickoff event includes eats from Smokin Rev & Lady Q’s BBQ, Thai It Up, Humpty’s Dumplings and Victor’s Pizza Truck, plus drinks from Gatehouse. Guests can also browse goods from a variety of local makers and small businesses while enjoying music from Onyx & Honey and outdoor games like Corn Hole, Giant Jenga and Connect 4.

1200 Normandy Place, navyyard.org

Memorial Day at Morris Arboretum

May 22 marks the seasonal opening for the Arboretum’s Garden Railway, which will remain on view to the public through Sept. 30. With this particular fixture — which is perhaps the most popular feature at Morris — Philadelphians are able to wander through one of the largest outdoor model train displays in the United States with more than 15 different rail lines running along a third of a mile of track. This year will also mark the Railway’s ‘Revolutionary Philly’ activation, which boasts scenes inspired by colonial Philadelphia.

Anyone can also join in on the free ‘More Hidden Gems Tour’ on May 23, at 11 a.m. Through this activity, Morris says visitors can “go off the beaten path to visit places you’ve never been and experience garden gems you haven’t seen before.”  Both experiences are included with admission. 

100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org

Adventure Aquarium’s Boardwalk Experience

Adventure Aquarium is bringing the Shore indoors this Memorial Day weekend with The Boardwalk, a new immersive experience inspired by the Mid-Atlantic coastline. The activation transforms part of the Aquarium into a seaside escape complete with boardwalk-style flooring, cabana-inspired installations, lifeguard-style seating and colorful kites suspended overhead. This weekend, families can explore beachfront photo ops, face painting, caricature artists, educational animal meet-and-greets and an ocean-themed virtual reality experience.

At the center of the experience is “Horseshoe Crab Harbor,” Adventure Aquarium’s fourth touch exhibit, where guests can interact with Horseshoe Crabs, which have existed for more than 400 million years. The exhibit is designed to highlight both their history and environmental importance through hands-on education for visitors of all ages. Aquarium admission tickets (starting around $33, kids 12 and under and seniors get a discount) are available online.

1 Riverside Dr, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com

City Cruises Memorial Day Cruise

This weekend, Philadelphians can set sail right into summer during the Memorial Day Signature Dinner Cruise. Set for Sunday, May 24, while aboard, guests will enjoy a barbecue-inspired menu (featuring ribs, tri-tip steak, fresh summer salads and seasonal desserts) while taking in skyline views from the water. The evening also includes an outdoor bar, live DJ and dancing to help kick off the holiday in style.

Boarding begins at 4:30 p.m., and the cruise will last from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets (starting at $123 for adults, $96 for kids, and children 2 and under are free) are available online.

401 South Christopher Columbus Blvd., cityexperiences.com

‘90s / 2000s Cocktail Pop-Up

Philadelphia cocktail bar R&D is teaming up with Almanac for a one-night-only pop-up on May 24. From 5 to 9 p.m. on that date, Almanac (which was recently named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Bar) will join forces with R&D Partner and Beverage Director Aaron Deary for a quirky cocktail menu inspired by the over-the-top drinks of the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Guests can expect tongue-in-cheek takes on throwback favorites like Melon Balls, Long Island Iced Teas, French Martinis, silly shots and reimagined Citywide Specials, crafted alongside Almanac Beverage Director Rob Scott. The event is on a first-come, first-served basis (at R&D), no reservations are required.

1206 Frankford Ave., rdphilly.com