Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
Some of the best summer adventures in Philly are free.\u00a0<\/p>\n
From concerts on the waterfront to outdoor movie nights and free museum days, here is your off-the-beaten-path, penny-pinching, memory-making guide to an unforgettable summer in the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Arts on Center Stage<\/p>\n
Arts on Center Stage returns to Dilworth Park this summer, bringing free, family-friendly performances to Center City every Thursday through Aug. 27, from 6 to 7 p.m. The series invites audiences to enjoy live ballet, opera, jazz, orchestral music and more on the Albert M. Greenfield Lawn, with performances by local arts organizations. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and arrive early to enjoy an hour of free entertainment surrounded by Center City views.\u00a0<\/p>\n
1 S. 15th Street, centercityphila.org<\/a><\/p>\n Music at Spruce Street Harbor Park\u00a0<\/p>\n Spruce Street Harbor Park hosts weekly events that are free and open to the public.\u00a0<\/p>\n First, the free Friday Night Jazz Series<\/a> brings standout jazz performances to the waterfront. Open to all ages, the series offers an easy summer night out with live music at Spruce Street Harbor Park. The series runs now through Sept. 25, from 7 to 10 p.m.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Also held on Friday nights, Salsa Bachata Latin Night<\/a> brings music, movement and dancing to Spruce Street Harbor Park, and takes place now through Sept. 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. Free and open to all ages, the event welcomes both experienced dancers and anyone looking to try something new.\u00a0<\/p>\n 301 S. Columbus Boulevard, delawareriverwaterfront.com<\/a><\/p>\n Movies on the Mall<\/p>\n Movies on the Mall returns to Independence Mall this summer with a free outdoor movie series. Presented by the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation and Independence Historical Trust, the series includes free admission, free popcorn and pre-show activations before each screening. Upcoming films include ‘National Treasure,’ ‘National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets,’ ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Hocus Pocus.’ Advance registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome.\u00a0<\/p>\n 599 Market Street, phlvisitorcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\n Sunset Social Movies<\/p>\n On Wednesdays at 6 p.m., Sunset Social hosts free weekly movie nights on the Cira Green Rooftop Park, featuring screenings on a 60-foot screen with skyline views. They also have Saturday matinees at noon, offering family-friendly films, food and drink specials. Kids and dogs are aways welcome.<\/p>\n 129 S. 30th Street, sunsetsocialphl.com<\/a><\/p>\n Shakespeare in Clark Park<\/p>\n Free Shakespeare in Clark Park returns to West Philly this month in collaboration with Revolution Shakespeare, bringing free outdoor theater to one of the city\u2019s most beloved green spaces. This year\u2019s production of ‘Hamlet<\/a>‘ puts a community-centered twist on the classic, with every actor taking on the iconic title role and surprise Hamlets appearing from the audience and throughout the park.\u00a0<\/p>\n 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue, shakespeareinclarkpark.org<\/a><\/p>\n Wellness on the Waterfront\u00a0<\/p>\n Free yoga classes are back at Race Street Pier, offering participants a chance to enjoy a refreshing workout with scenic views. The series takes place Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m., and Sundays at 10 a.m. through Oct. 12.\u00a0<\/p>\n N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard,\u00a0 delawareriverwaterfront.com<\/a><\/p>\n Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches<\/p>\n Visitors can grab a seat at one of the Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches throughout Historic Philadelphia and hear short, engaging stories that bring America\u2019s past to life. The free, family-friendly experience highlights the women, African Americans, Native Americans and everyday Philadelphians whose stories helped shape the nation. The activation takes place Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 7.\u00a0<\/p>\n 143 S. 3rd Street, historicphiladelphia.org<\/a><\/p>\n Colonial Kids\u2019 Quest<\/p>\n Colonial Kids\u2019 Quest is a free, interactive puppet show that takes place Fridays and Saturdays (11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) through Sept. 5. The lighthearted adventure invites kids to help animal puppets search for a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence.<\/p>\n 18th Century Garden, 399 Walnut Street,\u00a0 historicphiladelphia.org<\/a><\/p>\n Summerfest at Piazza Alta\u00a0<\/p>\n This free community block party will take place in Northern Liberties on Saturday, July 18 (from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Expected to draw more than 4,000 attendees, the event will feature more than 50 local vendors, food and drinks, live music, fitness activations, giveaways and family-friendly activities, including face painting, balloon art, character appearances and children\u2019s entertainment.<\/p>\n 1099 Germantown Avenue, events.blackbirdrsvp.com\/summerfest<\/a><\/p>\n Barnes Foundation<\/p>\n The Barnes Foundation will offer free admission to Philadelphia residents throughout July in honor of America\u2019s 250th anniversary. Residents can explore the\u00a0Barnes collection, daily gallery talks, drop-in experiences and special exhibitions. Visitors must show a valid Philadelphia ID, and tickets are subject to availability. More information and hours are available online.\u00a0<\/p>\n 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, barnesfoundation.org<\/a><\/p>\n Calder Gardens<\/p>\n Calder Gardens will offer free admission to Philadelphia residents throughout July as part of a joint initiative with the Barnes Foundation commemorating America\u2019s 250th anniversary. Residents can experience the museum\u2019s rotating installation of works by Alexander Calder, along with daily screenings of ‘Cirque Calder on Film\u00a0and\u00a0Le Cirque Calder’ through Aug. 3. Visitors must show a valid Philadelphia ID, and tickets are subject to availability. The Piet Oudolf-designed gardens are always free to visit during open hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n 2100 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, caldergardens.org\/free-july<\/a><\/p>\n Please Touch Museum<\/p>\n The Please Touch Museum will host free Community Days throughout the summer to give children and caregivers access to the exhibits and activities that inspire continued learning over summer break. As part of its annual Ready-Set-School program, presented by Independence Blue Cross, the museum will offer free admission on July 26 and Aug. 23, along with storytimes led by local authors, live music performances, science demonstrations and other family-friendly activities. Admission to Ready-Set-School is free, but advance registration is required.\u00a0<\/p>\n 4231 Avenue of the Republic, pleasetouchmuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series<\/p>\n Neighborhood Jawnts is a free citywide tour series<\/a> celebrating the culture, creativity and small businesses that make Philadelphia\u2019s neighborhoods unique. The series features 20 hyperlocal experiences curated with community partners, inviting residents and visitors to explore neighborhood stories through food, art, history, local leaders and cultural traditions. Registration is required. The series takes place Fridays at 2 p.m; and Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through October.\u00a0<\/p>\n Locations vary, phlvisitorcenter.com<\/a><\/p>\n