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One of the founding tenets of The Philadelphia Citizen is to get people the resources they need to become better, more engaged citizens of their city.

We hope to do that in our Good Citizenship Toolkit, which includes a host of ways to get involved in Philadelphia — whether you want to contact your City Councilmember to voice your support for small businesses, get those experiencing homelessness the goods they need, or simply go out to dinner somewhere where you know your money is going toward a greater good.

Find an issue that’s important to you in the list below, and get started on your journey of A-plus citizenship.

Vote and strengthen democracy

Stand up for marginalized communities

Create a cleaner, greener Philadelphia

Help our local youth and schools succeed

Support local businesses

Connect WITH OUR SOCIAL ACTION TEAM



Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week in Philly we have Bruno Mars and Breaking Benjamin live, Community Workday at East Fairmount Park, Labor Day celebrations, and much more

Fun Things to Do in Philly this Week and Weekend

This week in Philly we have Bruno Mars and Breaking Benjamin live, Community Workday at East Fairmount Park, Labor Day celebrations, and much more

We’re in the home stretch of summer, Philly, with Labor Day just on the horizon, so make sure your calendar is full of things to do.

It’s another big week for live music with Bruno Mars, Breaking Benjamin, Titus Andronicus, and Dopethrone all making tour stops here. The Broadway Rave returns to Underground Arts, and Moth StorySlam comes to Punch Line.

We get a preview of Fringe at the Fringe Fair hosted by Cherry Street Pier, the Made in Philadelphia Market at Dilworth Park, and a new art exhibition, No Other Place to Go, at inLiquid.

If good citizenship is your priority this week, CEO Philly is kicking off a donation drive for the holidays, and East Fairmount Park is holding a Community Workday.

Speaking of our parks, the Trolley Trail is open for a Run and Walk, and Parks on Tap comes to Penn Treaty.

First Friday Movies Under the Stars & Stripes is at Betsy Ross House, and we celebrate Brazilian culture and independence for Brazilian Day Philadelphia.

And for Labor Day, the Museum of the American Revolution has an entire weekend of events lined up, and the Labor Day Parade takes off Monday morning.

Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY

Trolley Trail run/walk, Breaking Benjamin, CEO Philly hygiene and clothing drive, Community Workday at East Fairmount Park, Moth StorySlam, Bruno Mars, Parks on Tap

The staff at the Center for Employment Opportunities offices in Center City. That’s Verna in the center wearing the striped shirt.

DONATE TO HELP THE JUSTICE IMPACTED. Now through October 1, CEO Philly is calling for donations for its upcoming holiday event to support the justice impacted. They’re looking for new packaged hygiene items, socks, pants, and t-shirts, and gloves, blankets and scarves for both men and women. Contact Regnarian Jenkins, Senior Community Intervention Specialist, at his email Rjenkins@ceoworks.org or call his direct line 445-238-3379 for more information on what and how to donate. 245 North Broad Street

Fairmount Park volunteers. Photo by Albert Yee

VOLUNTEER WITH FAIRMOUNT PARK CONSERVANCY. On September 1 from 9am to noon, Fairmount Park Conservancy hosts Community Workday at East Fairmount Park for tree care, trash cleanup, and invasive species removal. All tools, including gloves, will be provided. Free. Volunteers meet at Rockland Mansion parking lot, 3810 Mt Pleasant Drive

The audience for The Moth StorySlam in D.C.

EXPLORE TRUE STORIES OF BEING ON THE CLOCK. The Moth StorySlam: Nine to Five comes to Punch Line Philly September 1 at 6pm for an evening of true, personal storytelling on the theme of regular old workdays. $22.05.16. 33 E. Laurel Street 

Bruno Mars

DON’T BELIEVE ME? JUST WATCH. Seriously, I don’t make this shit up. Bruno Mars is bringing his Romantic Tour to The Linc for two nights, September 1 and September 2 at 7pm (doors open at 5) with special guests RAYE and DJ Pee Wee. $141-$683+. 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way

Parks on Tap in Penn Treaty Park. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

DRINK BEER IN EAST FISHTOWN. Parks on Tap comes to Penn Treaty Park September 2 through September 7 from 4 to 10pm (noon to 10pm Saturday and Sunday).The roving beer (and cocktail and food) garden provides a great excuse to bring your friends and your kids to happy hour in a natural green space. A portion of all proceeds benefits each park. Free admission. 1301 N. Beach Street

Breaking Benjamin

JUST WHEN YOU THINK THAT YOU’RE ALL RIGHT MMR Presents: Breaking Benjamin with special guests Chevelle, STARSET, and Kami Kehoe at Freedom Mortgage Pavillion September 2 at 6pm. Get your post-grunge on! $26-$204+. 1 Harbour Boulevard, Camden, New Jersey

Trolley Trail photo by Albert Yee

WALK OR RUN THE TROLLEY TRAIL. Join Fairmount Park Conservancy,  Men’s Night Run Club and  We Walk PHL on either a 4.5-mile trail run or a 2.5-mile walk along the remains of a hidden trolley network in West Fairmount Park September 3 at 6pm. The Trolley Trail Run + Walk is free, but you must register. Free. Belmont Mansion and Chamounix Drive

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

No Other Place to Go exhibition, Made in Philadelphia Market, movie night at the Betsy Ross House, Broadway Rave, Labor Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Fringe Fair at Cherry Street Pier, Dopethrone, Titus Andronicus, Brazilian Day, Labor Day Parade

Works by Kaitlin Pomerantz, Emma Ressel, Anita Allyn, and Richard Boutwell-Boulder

SEE ART THAT REMINDS US WE ARE STILL CONFINED TO A SINGLE PLANET. No Other Place to Go puts the psychological weight of climate change on display through the lenses of five artists. On view at InLiquid Gallery September 4 through October 17; gallery hours are noon to 6pm Wednesday through Saturday. Free. 1400 N American Street

Made in Philadelphia fall market at Dilworth Park

SHOP LOCAL VENDORS AT DILWORTH. Made in Philadelphia Market launches its Summer Market at Dilworth Park with over 60 local makers, artists, retailers, designers, and food September 4 through September 6 from noon to 8pm Friday and Saturday and noon to 6pm Sunday. Pay as you go. 1 S. 15th Street 

First Friday Movie Nights at Betsy Ross House

WATCH A MOVIE AT BETSY ROSS’S HOUSE. The First Friday Movies Under the Stars & Stripes kicks off for the fall September 4 at 5:30pm with a showing of Night at the Museum (2006) in the Betsy Ross courtyard. The film begins at dusk; admission includes after-hours tours of the house. $10. 239 Arch Street

Broadway Rave at Underground Arts

COME TO A RAVE FOR THEATER NERDS. On September 4 at 8pm, Underground arts hosts Broadway Rave, a Broadway Dance Party celebrating the best in show-tunes and musical theatre. Prepare to sing; cosplay is encouraged. $27.74. 1200 Callowhill Street

Photo by Joseph Gidjunis www.jpgphotovideo.com

SPEND LABOR DAY WEEKEND AT THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. Labor Day Weekend 2026 at the Museum features living history presentations, 10-minute talks, family friend activities, and more highlighting the history of labor in the United States. Happening September 5 through 7 from 9:30am to 5pm. Children under 12 get free admission! $14-$25. 101 S. 3rd Street 

Well-Balanced Dads, part of Fringe Festival 2026

BUILD YOUR PERFECT FRINGE FESTIVAL LINEUP. On September 5 from noon to 4pm, Cherry Street Pier hosts Fringe Fair, an afternoon of pop-up performances, roaming character interaction, busking, and opportunities to meet the artists and get personalized show recommendations from Fringe staff to help build your festival lineup. Free. 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard

Dopethrone

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SLUDGE. OR, “SLUTCH” IF YOU’RE CANADIAN. Canadian DIY doom metal trio Dopethrone is joined by local heavy-psyche heroes Ecstatic Vision at Kung Fu Necktie September 5 (doors open at 6, show starts at 7:30). $23.75. 1248 N. Front Street

Titus Andronicus

SEE THE ROCK FAN’S ROCK BAND. Go on, ya pretentious bastards. The one and only Titus Andronicus is live at Spruce Street Harbor Park September 5 at 7pm as part of the Live & Local Concert Series. Enjoy a hammock, food and drink, and live music. Free. 301 S. Columbus Boulevard

Brazilian Day Philadelphia

CELEBRATE BRAZILIAN INDEPENDENCE. On September 6 from 1 to 7pm, Spruce Street Harbor Park hosts Brazilian Day Philadelphia, a festival of Brazilian arts and culture to honor Independence Day, commemorated September 7. Free. 301 S. Columbus Boulevard

Members of the Ironworkers Union at the Philadelphia Labor Day Parade.
Members of the Ironworkers Union at the Philadelphia Labor Day Parade.

BE IN SOLIDARITY AT THE LABOR PARADE AND CELEBRATION! The 39th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade kicks off from Sheet Metal Local 19 on September 7 at 10am and marches to Penn’s Landing for a family celebration with rides, music and games. The Sheet Metal Local also plays host to a Community Connections Expo, where you will find small businesses, non-profits, elected officials, and community groups. Free. From 1301 to 101 S. Columbus Boulevard

ONGOING EVENTS

Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.

Spruce Street Harbor Park. Photo courtesy DRWC

KICK OFF SUMMER ON THE WATERFRONT.  Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest are open for the season. Enjoy roller skating, outdoor boardwalk games and rides, mini-golf, and great food and drinks seven days a week through September 1 (and later for Spruce Street Harbor Park). Pay as you go. 101 and 301 S. Columbus Boulevard 

Edward Hopper (1882 – 1967), The Lee Shore, 1941, Oil on canvas, 28 1/4 x 43 in, The Middleton Family Collection
Edward Hopper (1882 – 1967), The Lee Shore, 1941, Oil on canvas, 28 1/4 x 43 in, The Middleton Family Collection.

SEE 1,000 WORKS OF ICONIC AMERICAN ART. Whispered about among art aficionados for years, the Middleton family’s (yes, those Middletons, who own the Phillies) massive, dating-back-150-years collection makes it public debut at two venues, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA is open Thursdays through Sundays only). A Nation of Artists is on view through September 5. $10-$30. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 128 N. Broad Street

The Independence Hall Storytelling bench

SIT DOWN FOR SOME STORYTELLING. Historic Philadelphia proudly celebrates the 20th anniversary of Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches. Professionally trained, costumed interpreters deliver 3- to 5-minute stories filled with historical insights and facts from eight (mostly) outdoor benches all summer until September 7. Free. Various locations in Old City

Artist rendering of the new Universal theme Parks exhibit at the Franklin Institute. No peaking ’till it opens!

SEE THE WORLD PREMIERE OF A UNIQUE EXHIBIT. The Franklin Institute’s new Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition explores theme parks through the lens of Universal’s greatest attractions like Jaws, NINTENDO WORLD, Jurassic World, and more. Open through September 7, museum hours are 9:30am to 5pm daily with added evenings Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 8pm. $23-$65. 222 N. 20th Street

Enjoying the food and drinks at Front Street Cafe. Photo by Gab Bonghi

NEED AN ALTERNATIVE TO SIPS? Fishtown TAPS takes place every Tuesday from 5 to 7pm through September 29, offering a select list of $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, along with appetizer specials to neighborhood favorites across Fishtown. Pay as you go. Various locations throughout Fishtown

Fairmount Park Conservancy

SEE A MOVIE IN THE PARK. More than 20 Philly parks will host Park Friends Movie Nights this summer and fall through October 16. Bring a blanket, snacks, and arrive before dusk. Check with your local Park Friends Group for updates and schedule changes. Free. Various locations

Jessie Krimes

VIEW SELECTIONS OF JESSIE KRIMES’S WORK. Mural Arts Philadelphia and The Fabric Workshop and Museum present Jesse Krimes: Elegy Quilts, on view through November 1. Museum hours are noon to 6pm Wednesday through Friday and noon to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Free, donations suggested. 1214 Arch Street

Philly Magic Walking Tour

FIND MAGIC IN OLD CITY. The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour returns for the 2026 season through the fall tours at 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Attendees are treated to fun, mind-bending magic relevant to the historic and off-beat Old City locations on the tour. Philly Magic tours also partners with local charities on passes and group outings for fundraisers and free tours for deserving school classes. $32.40. Tours meet behind the Bourse near 4th and Ranstead streets

Art, documents, and artifacts from the These Truths exhibit

EXPLORE THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. The American Philosophical Society’s These Truths: The Declarations of Independence tells the story of America’s founding through early Declaration printings and treasured artifacts. Open through January 3, 2027. Museum hours are Thursday through Sunday 10am to 5pm. Free, donations welcome. 104 S. 5th Street

Tai Chi in Franklin Square.
Tai Chi in Franklin Square.

LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street

Photo of African small pots by R. Rabena

TAKE A FOOD JOURNEY THROUGH SOUTHWEST PHILLY. Stuff your face with Jamaican, West African, and Southern African American cuisines while walking it off on Woodland Avenue during your Africatown Food Tour, scheduled Wednesdays through Saturdays starting at 10:30am and 1:30pm. $56. 5741 Woodland Avenue

MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY

Header photo by M. Edlow / Visit Philadelphia

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