The Philadelphia events this weekend offer an exciting variety that combines history, community, and entertainment. To celebrate the 52 Weeks of Firsts series, The Franklin Fountain pays tribute to the city’s ice cream soda origins, and a three-day summer market at FDR Park highlights local vendors and makers. Rounding out the weekend are cocktail classes, comedy shows, and orchestral performances, along with a headlining stadium set from Shane Gillis, giving residents plenty of ways to celebrate summer in the city.<\/p>\n
52 Weeks of Firsts: First Ice Cream Soda: 1874What:\u00a0Philly celebrates its ice cream soda originsWhen:\u00a0Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Where:\u00a0The Franklin Fountain, 116 Market St., PhiladelphiaCost:\u00a0Free<\/p>\n
This work marks the anniversary of the ice cream soda’s origins in Philadelphia as part of the city’s 52 Weeks of Firsts, a yearlong celebration of the city’s “firsts” tied to America’s 250th anniversary. The\u00a0First Ice Cream Soda: 1874<\/a>\u00a0sculpture features a themed opening ceremony, a Once Upon a Nation storyteller sharing the true story behind the invention, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. July Firstivals are sponsored by Fulton Bank.<\/p>\n 2026 Philadelphia Summer Market & Vendor FairWhat:\u00a0Local vendors, artisans, and entrepreneurs uniteWhen:\u00a0Friday, July 17, through Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where:\u00a0FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave. and S. Broad Street, PhiladelphiaCost:\u00a0Free admission; vendors will have items available for purchase<\/p>\n The\u00a02026 Philadelphia Summer Market & Vendor Fair<\/a>\u00a0is a three-day, family-friendly event that features local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs. A variety of vendors will offer fashion, accessories, handmade items, home d\u00e9cor, beauty products, artwork, specialty foods, and refreshments. Attendees can interact directly with makers and independent brands in the Philadelphia area.<\/p>\n Sounds for Peace & Harmony \u2014 Live at Hard Rock CafeWhat:\u00a0A live music event promotes peace and harmonyWhen:\u00a0Friday, July 17, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.Where:\u00a0Hard Rock Cafe, 1113 Market St., PhiladelphiaCost:\u00a0Varies with purchase<\/p>\n Sounds for Peace & Harmony \u2014 Live at Hard Rock Cafe<\/a>\u00a0offers an evening of uplifting music designed to bring people together. The performance combines soul-stirring rhythms with heartfelt melodies for a positive, passionate atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to grab a bite before the music begins.<\/p>\n Other Events<\/p>\n Philadelphia’s weekend lineup mixes history, comedy, and star power. Cocktail enthusiasts can learn about American history through spirits at The Gas Lamp Hotel, while comedy fans have two options: an intimate ghost-written show at Next in Line Comedy or a headlining stadium performance from Shane Gillis at Lincoln Financial Field:<\/p>\n Dad’s Hat & Gas Lamp Hotel American History Cocktail Class<\/a>:\u00a0Friday, July 17, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Gas Lamp Hotel, 140 N. Second St., PhiladelphiaGhosted: A Ghost-Written Comedy Show<\/a>:\u00a0Friday, July 17, 2026, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Next In Line Comedy, 1025 Hamilton St., PhiladelphiaShane Gillis & Special Guests Live at Lincoln Financial Field<\/a>:\u00a0Friday, July 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Way, PhiladelphiaMore To Explore Next Week<\/p>\n Philadelphia’s lineup for the week offers musical variety. City Winery hosts an intimate performance from Rhyuhn, while the Philadelphia Orchestra takes the stage at TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann for two distinct programs, one celebrating Tchaikovsky and the other honoring John Coltrane’s legacy. Soul fans can round out the week with a performance from Anthony Hamilton at the Dell Music Center:<\/p>\n Rhyuhn: The Virtuoso Tour<\/a>:\u00a0Monday, July 20, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at The Loft at City Winery Philadelphia, 990 Filbert St., PhiladelphiaTchaikovsky Spectacular With The Philadelphia Orchestra<\/a>:\u00a0Tuesday, July 21, at 8 p.m. at TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann, 52nd and Parkside, PhiladelphiaColtrane 100: Legacy ft. Ravi Coltrane With The Philadelphia Orchestra<\/a>:\u00a0Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 8 p.m. at TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann, 52nd and Parkside, PhiladelphiaAnthony Hamilton<\/a>:\u00a0Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Dell Music Center, 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Philadelphia events this weekend offer an exciting variety that combines history, community, and entertainment. 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