Center City District SIPS
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.
The Five Points Night Market
Experience the energy of the Five Points Night Market, a vibrant celebration bringing food, music, and community pride to Cottman & Rising Sun Avenues. Enjoy delicious eats from diverse local food trucks, grab a drink at Love City Brewing, and explore community vendors and local resources while enjoying live performances featuring Laura Cheadle + The Girls, Re-Mus, Sterotytans, LeCompt, and Mr. Hollywood DJ will be spinning live and iHeart Radio’s Q102 Host Buster will be there to keep the vibes high! Families and guests of all ages can enjoy a rock-climbing wall, video game truck, face painting, body airbrush art, caricature artists, and outdoor games throughout the evening. The celebration will also feature guest appearances by elected officials, a Food Truck Royalty Competition judged by local celebrity judges, a People’s Choice Competition, where guests get to be the judge, and a fun Food Magazine photo opportunity—all in one lively neighborhood gathering you won’t want to miss.
When: Wednesday, June 24 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Cottman & Rising Sun Avenue
Workforce Readiness Job Fair & Workshop
Black Men Heal, in partnership with Pushing Progress Philly and sponsored by The Civic Coalition to Save Lives, will host a Workforce Readiness Job Fair & Workshop. The event will connect Philadelphia workforce development participants with employment opportunities, career preparation resources, mentorship, and supportive services designed to promote confidence, stability, and long-term success. The free community event will take place in Philadelphia and aims to create a one-stop resource hub where men and community members can prepare for interviews, access employers, receive professional support, and explore career pathways that contribute to both economic mobility and overall well-being. The day will include free haircuts, professional clothing through a Dress for Success-style initiative, complimentary food, career guidance, networking opportunities, and direct access to employers hiring for full-time, part-time, internship, and workforce training positions across multiple industries.
When: Thursday, June 25 from9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Level 3 Events, 2613 Hunting Park Ave.
Celebration of Black Music Month & Fireworks
Celebrate Black Music Month, founded in Philadelphia, during a special evening showcasing powerful performances honoring the excellence of women in Black music. This free event will feature a headlining performance by GRAMMY Award-winning rapper, singer and actress, and native Philadelphian, Eve with special guest, GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Mya. The evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks finale at the iconic Dell Music Center. Admission and seating will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will receive a complimentary Wawa hat and flag (while supplies last).
When: Thursday, June 25 from 4–9 p.m.
Where: The Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Dr.
Kidchella Music Festival & Fireworks
Dance, play, create! Kids of all ages can enjoy this free music festival featuring dynamic performances on the Kidchella Music Stage supported by PECO, art stations, mouthwatering treats, exciting giveaways, and more! This vibrant celebration will take place on Smith’s spacious front lawn, promising a comfortable and scenic experience. It’s not just a concert; it’s a community celebration. The evening will conclude with a kid-tastic fireworks display! Performers include Interminable, Courtnee Owens, Dendê Macêdo, The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, and Beyond the Bars. Community Partners include Musical Petting Zoo by Keep Music Alive, KiDazzle Literacy, Cosmic Writers, The Clay Studio, CHOP Autism, Yes!… And Collaborative Arts, and more! Kiddos can also experience the curated Zen Zone, featuring “Little Yoga Squad” and “Radiant Touch Therapy.” Guests can snag some great free treats (while supplies last) including tasty Herr’s popcorn, samples of Rita’s Italian Ice, and MadeGood Granola Bites, our Snack Break Partner of the day! Our littles can enjoy a free book courtesy of Sesame Place and a special appearance by Patriotic Elmo. Guests of all ages can rest and recharge with Independence Blue Cross at the IBX Oasis and enjoy nutritional takeaways in partnership with Sharing Excess.
When: Friday, June 26 from 4-9 p.m.
Where: Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, 3500 Reservoir Dr.
Twilight in the Gardens
Bring drinks, snacks, and friends for a relaxing evening in the Magic Gardens’ glittering mosaicked space! Guests will be treated to a live performance by Estratos in the mosaicked courtyard. Enjoy an otherworldly and eclectic performance that blends sounds from Irish rock, Native American, and Latin American culture, and the NYC jazz and electronica scenes. At the PMG tables, artist Lauren Trainer will teach guests the art of quilling! An early form of upcycling, paper quilling gained popularity in the 15th century among impoverished churches and monasteries. The craft involves rolling, shaping, and gluing narrow strips of paper to create intricate, decorative designs. Described as “meditation with paper,” its repetitive, rhythmic motions and tactile focus anchor the mind in the present moment, helping quiet racing thoughts and ease anxiety. Choose from a variety of colored paper strips, strips cut from book pages, cardstock, and cardboard panels to create a three-dimensional piece or greeting card that stands out! Attendees can intentionally create in the moment or bring their idea to life. Guests can also enjoy self-guided tours of our rarely seen mosaicked basement and view our latest exhibition, “Between Roots and Wings: Works by Santiago Galeas.”
When: Friday, June 26 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
”The Wizard of Oz” in concert
There’s no place like Oz! Experience it anew as The Philadelphia Orchestra brings the unforgettable music of “The Wizard of Oz” to life, performing the score live as the film unfolds on screen. Judy Garland’s iconic performance, timeless songs, and a journey down the Yellow Brick Road come together in an evening that invites audiences of all ages to rediscover why Oz still feels like home.
When: Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. & Saturday, June 27 at 2 p.m.
Where: Marian Anderson Hall, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
3rd Annual International Soulful Yoga Day
At a time when stress, burnout, grief, and emotional exhaustion continue impacting communities nationwide, wellness advocate, WURD Radio media personality, and Soulful Yoga creator Karen Taylor Bass is bringing back International Soulful Yoga Day (ISYD) — a transformative wellness experience rooted in healing, movement, drumming, meditation, softness, and community connection. This year’s experience is elevated through a powerful partnership with legendary drummer Karen Smith, whose sacred rhythms create what Bass describes as “a healing dialogue with the ancestors,” allowing participants to release, reconnect, restore, and reclaim self through the power of sound, vibration, and movement. Registration required at https://www.karentaylorbass.com/.
When: Saturday, June 27 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: The Abraxes Foundation, 3121 W. Hunting Park Ave.
2nd Annual Sickle Cell Block Party
The community is coming together for a day of joy, unity, and empowerment at the 2nd Annual Sickle Cell Block Party. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Hospital Sickle Cell Program, this family-friendly event will shine a light on sickle cell disease while honoring the warriors who live with it every day. The Sickle Cell Block Party will feature live spoken word performances by the Poetry Corner Jawn, DJ MVP, health resources, local vendors, a Kids Zone and a special tribute to our sickle cell warriors. There will also be opportunities to learn more about the condition, connect with support services, and celebrate the community’s resilience and brilliance. This event includes parking (in the Delancy parking garage), food and beverages! This isn’t just a party – it’s a movement! We’re building awareness, creating joy, and bringing families together to show that people living with sickle cell disease are powerful, not invisible.
When: Saturday, June 27 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Harte Memorial Gardens, Pennsylvania Hospital, 700 Spruce St.
Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta
Celebrate culture, community, and tradition at Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta presented by GOYA Foods at LOVE Park. Kick off the day with the Parade of Flags representing Hispanic Nations. Experience a high-energy festival filled with live music, including a headlining performance by Grammy Award-Winning and Latin Grammy Award-Winning Puerto Rican singer, Olga Tañón, along with dynamic dance performances from Palante, Los Pueblitos, Aeserco, and Ritmos, top food trucks, local vendors & community resources, giveaways, and family-friendly attractions that showcase the rich diversity and vibrant spirit of Philadelphia’s Hispanic community! Families can head to the PECO Kids Zone packed with outdoor lawn games, carnival ride, balloon twister, face painting, caricature art, and more! Guests of all ages can rest and recharge with Independence Blue Cross at the IBX Oasis and enjoy nutritional takeaways in partnership with Sharing Excess. For our guests 21 years of age or older, specialty cocktails and beverages will be available for purchase. On The Rocks ready-to-drink Canned Cocktails will serve as the event’s signature canned cocktail, showcasing its Tropical Variety Pack. Featuring bartender-crafted recipes and refreshing tropical flavors, the premium cocktail collection brings a taste of paradise to every celebration. Enjoy fun freebies including tasty Herr’s chips and cooling towels courtesy of Bank of America. Guests can enjoy sweet treats for purchase from Rita’s Italian Ice!
When: Saturday, June 27 from 2-9 p.m.
Where: LOVE Park, 1501 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Culture Fest 2026
This Saturday, Culture Fest 2026 returns to Liberty Point for its highly anticipated fourth year, transforming the city’s waterfront into a vibrant celebration of Black creativity, entrepreneurship, music, fashion, and community pride. resented by Kabila Events, this year’s theme is, “Afro Street Style: A Celebration of the Diaspora,” pays tribute to the beauty, innovation, and influence of African heritage and global Black culture through fashion, music, visual arts, storytelling, and immersive experiences. Culture Fest has become one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant celebrations of culture, a space where the city’s creative energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and community pride are not just showcased, but fully experienced. Against the stunning backdrop of the Delaware River and Philadelphia skyline, attendees will experience food, fashion, rhythm, and connection. Expect bold Afro-inspired fashion, street-style expression, live music, DJs spinning everything from hip-hop and house to Afrobeats and Soca, visual art experiences, community activations, and some of the city’s most influential creators and tastemakers. Imagine vibrant prints and elevated streetwear. The sounds of DJs, and live musical performers echoing across the waterfront. Artists creating art in real time. Entrepreneurs showcasing clothing, candles, and jewelry, and innovative brands. This is Black joy on full display.
When: Saturday, June 27 from 3-8 p.m.
Where: Liberty Point, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Summer Concert & Spectacular Waterfront Fireworks
Summer Concert & Spectacular Waterfront Fireworks – Celebrate summer with a high-energy concert featuring Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers, followed by a thrilling fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront. Roller-skating, mini-golf, retro arcade games, and boardwalk bites round out the perfect summer night on the Waterfront for all ages. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 PM.
When: Saturday, June 27 from 8-10 p.m.
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival
Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the return of the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival. The tradition of being the tri-state area’s largest outdoor juried art festival — and the largest in Pennsylvania — will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters. This year, the Manayunk Arts Festival is embracing a fresh vibe aimed at younger audiences, with activations like Baby Face Studios student sales, the Emerging Artists tent, and quirky pop-up experiences like the Funk Shop by Lucky’s Last Chance — bringing new energy and a contemporary feel to this historic event. Over 100,000 collectors, buyers, browsers and designers visit Main Street for this iconic event. In addition to art and crafts, visitors can enjoy food and drink vendors, merchant specials, live art demonstrations, and much more. As Philadelphia gears up to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Manayunk Arts Festival is proud to be part of a landmark year for the city, highlighting the creativity, culture, and community that continue to define Philadelphia today! This year, in ode to the nation’s celebration, over 50 Main Street businesses will be flying 250 Flags all summer. The Manayunk Arts Festival is a no charge event open to the public and will feature artists from eight different disciplines: fiber, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, painting & drawing, photography, and wood & sculpture. Visitors can also enjoy food and beverages from Manayunk’s renowned restaurants and cool off by shopping at the district’s unique boutiques and stores.
When: Saturday, June 27 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. & Sunday, June 28 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Main Street Manayunk
Ready Set School
Help young learners build confidence for the classroom during a day focused on school readiness, creativity, movement, and social-emotional learning, part of our school readiness series sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. On this free admission day, families can enjoy storytimes with local author Dawn Chavous, puppet performances by award-winning Puppets Pizzazz, hands-on science demonstrations with local scientist David Buckholtz, gross motor activities with National Kids Gym, and interactive art workshops with Project Joy Studios.
When: Sunday, June 28 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
6th Annual Bucks-Mont Pride Festival
The Welcome Project PA is proud to host our sixth annual Bucks-Mont PRIDE Festival at the beautiful Abington Art Center! Enjoy live music, food, community resources, family-friendly activities, and more at this no charge, indoor/outdoor event! The entertainment line-up includes Mandy Mango, Rayshard, Philadelphia Suns, Anna Crusis Feminist Choir, Philly Cheer Elite and Liz Keough Orchestra. There will be DJ sets from DJ Triiish, Teyanna Stone, and Carley Perloff. Food from Traveling J’s, Shotz of Love, Menagerie Foods and Absolutely Fresh LLC. This is a rain or shine event! Thank you to Platinum sponsors Gamazon, Parx Casino and Aqua An Essential Utilities Company.
When: Sunday, June 28 from 12-5 p.m.
Where: Abington Art Center, 515 Meetinghouse Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046
Gospel on Independence
Gospel on Independence will return for yet another moving and soul-stirring performance with Independence Hall in the background. This powerful celebration of gospel music will bring together an incredible lineup of local artists, choirs, and musicians for a night of uplifting performances, plus, a headlining performance by 20-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon Kirk Franklin. This year’s event will be hosted by Maurette Brown Clark, and will honor Philadelphia’s own Patty Jackson, the voice of Philadelphia. Patty has hosted this event for over 5 years, elevating the event and promoting it far and wide. Patty Jackson is an exceptional supporter of Gospel on Independence and deserves to be honored in this pivotal year.
When: Sunday, June 28 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: Independence National Historical Park
”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.
When: ends Sunday, June 28
Where: Pig Iron Theatre Company, 1714 Delancey St.
The Big Bounce America comes to Philly
Come celebrate America 250 and escape the soccer frenzy in Oaks when The Big Bounce America, home to the world’s largest bounce house and up to seven other unique bounce house experiences, brings its high-energy experience to the Delaware Valley for two weekends. Featuring more than 50,000 square feet of inflatable, themed attractions, the Big Bounce America will transform the Greater Philadelphia Convention Center at Oaks Fairgrounds into a fully immersive playground filled with live music, laughter, and unforgettable fun for all ages, featuring dedicated sessions for younger children, bigger kids, and adults on up to seven massive inflatable attractions with food, and live entertainment available.
Where: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456
”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: ends Monday, June 29
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd 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: through Friday, 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: through Sunday, July 5
Where: Starts and Ends at the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad 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.
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: through Sunday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 1100 block of Filbert Street
”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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