Looking for some fun and unique things to do for Memorial Day weekend in Philly? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n
Third Thursday at the Philadelphia Navy Yard<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s BBQ, Thai It Up, Humpty\u2019s Dumplings and Victor\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
1200 Normandy Place, navyyard.org<\/a><\/p>\n Memorial Day at Morris Arboretum<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 which is perhaps the most popular feature at Morris \u2014 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\u2019s \u2018Revolutionary Philly\u2019 activation, which boasts scenes inspired by colonial Philadelphia.<\/p>\n Anyone can also join in on the free \u2018More Hidden Gems Tour\u2019 on May 23, at 11 a.m. Through this activity, Morris says visitors can \u201cgo off the beaten path to visit places you\u2019ve never been and experience garden gems you haven\u2019t seen before.\u201d\u00a0 Both experiences are included with admission.\u00a0<\/p>\n 100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org<\/a><\/p>\n Adventure Aquarium\u2019s Boardwalk Experience<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n At the center of the experience is \u201cHorseshoe Crab Harbor,\u201d Adventure Aquarium\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com<\/a><\/p>\n City Cruises Memorial Day Cruise<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 401 South Christopher Columbus Blvd., cityexperiences.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u201890s \/ 2000s Cocktail Pop-Up<\/p>\n 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 \u201990s and early 2000s.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, crafted alongside Almanac Beverage Director Rob Scott. The event is on a first-come, first-served basis (at R&D), no reservations are required.<\/p>\n