It’s Juneteenth week, Philly, and that means plenty of things to do to celebrate the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.

Celebrations are happening at the Museum of the American History Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, and in West Philly for the big festival and parade.

Wawa Welcome America kicks off this week with block parties and movies on Independence Mall. You can also catch movies at many parks around the city with Parks Friends Movie Nights. If that’s not enough, we have two film festivals this week from Big Picture Alliance and United We Heal.

The Free Library Foundation hosts three events this week. The Academy of Natural Sciences is hosting author and chef Sean Sherman, and The Black Worker Project is holding a full day of panels and workshops tackling the Black Recession.

Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church is hosting a screening of In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America, Episode 4: Common Ground.

Parks on Tap moves to Germantown, but you can also head to Fishtown Taps or the big annual Beer Fest this week.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a festival in the Headhouse District! And Going Acoustic at Quig’s celebrates its 4th anniversary with special guests.

Don’t forget, World Cup Soccer has landed, games are happening, tourists are in town. Enjoy the footwork, avoid yellow cards.

• • • • Things to do this week
      • Things to do this weekend
      • Ongoing things to do

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

Fishtown Taps, Free Library Author Series, Parks on Tap, The Black Worker Project, Big Picture Film Fest, United We Heal Film Festival

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.

SEE AMERICA THROUGH BLACK AMERICAN’S UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE. The Free Library Foundation Author Series presents Sarah J. Jackson | A Second Sight in Conversation with Sara M. Lomax June 16 from 1 to 2pm. Media scholar Jackson explains how Black media makers have advanced democracy. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of The Free Library Foundation. Free. 1901 Vine Street

SIT IN ON A CONVERSATION WITH A RENOWNED DOCTOR AND BRILLIANT PROFESSOR. The Together Project, The Free Library of Philadelphia, and The Free Library Foundation present Finding Belonging: Dr. Vivek Murthy in Conversation with Angela Duckworth on June 16 from 5 to 6pm. Dr. Vivek Murthy, 19th and 21st U.S. Surgeon General and founder of The Together Project, joins Angela Duckworth, MacArthur Fellow and professor at Penn for a conversation about the human need for connection and belonging. $5. 1901 Vine Street

COME TO AN AUTHOR TALK ABOUT FAMILY, FATE, AND MORE. The Free Library Foundation Author Series presents Amitav Ghosh | Ghost-Eye, in conversation with Brooke O’Harra June 16 from 7 to 8pm. $5. 1901 Vine Street

DRINK BEER IN GERMANTOWN. Parks on Tap comes to Fernhill Park  June 17 to June 21 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. 4600 Morris Street

COME TOGETHER AND RESPOND TO THE BLACK RECESSION. The Black Worker Project hosts Toward Liberation: Building a Black Agenda during Economic Crisis June 18 from 1 to 6pm at the Friends Center. Esteemed panelists will engage in policy and organizing centered discussions and a workshop, followed by an evening of soul food bites and music. Free. 1501 Cherry Street

CATCH A SCREENING OF IN PURSUIT.  Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church presents a screening of the documentary In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America, Episode 4: Common Ground  on June 18 from 6 to 8pm. A conversation about the episode with Tayyib Smith, Rev. Carolyn Cavaness, and Marcus Hunter will follow. Free. 419 South 6th Street

SUPPORT BIG PICTURE ALLIANCE. The Big Picture Film Fest will premiere films produced by young filmmakers through the Big Picture Alliance on June 18 from 6 to 9pm at the Philadelphia Film Society Center. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. All contributions support programs which provide Philly youth access to media tools, creative community, and professional mentorship. Free. 1412 Chestnut Street

ATTEND THE SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM FESTIVAL. This year’s United We Heal Film Festival takes place at Underground Arts June 18 and 19 with a pre-party, after party, and a dozen short films by Black creators. $30.00–$95.00.1200 Callowhill Street

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

Juneteenth celebrations at museums and landmarks plus the big parade, Movies on the Mall, Wawa Welcome America, Sean Sherman, Summer Solstice Festival, Parks Friends Movie Nights, Going Acoustic at Quig’s, Fishtown Beer Fest

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH 2026 AT THE MUSEUM. The Museum of the American Revolution celebrates the Black revolutionaries from America’s founding to today June 19 through June 21 from 10am to 5pm. Daily programming includes Sound of History and other performances, in-gallery tours and talks, and much more. $14-$27+. 101 South Third Street

SEE A MOVIE ON HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE MALL. Movies on the Mall returns June 19 with the 2019 historical biography, Harriet. Festivities begin at 5:30pm with family-friendly 18th century games, arts and crafts, Park Ranger programs and more. You can bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, but The Liberty Garden will offer refreshments and beverages onsite. Registration is encouraged. Movies start at dusk. Free. 599 Market Street

ATTEND THE JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL AT THE PRISON. OK, stay with me. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is hosting an all-day, family-friendly Juneteenth Festival featuring storytelling, panels, and live performances June 19 from 10am to 5pm. Children ages 12 and under attend free, and the event will also be available online. $17. 2027 Fairmount Avenue 

CELEBRATE JULY 4 FOR LIKE, SEVERAL WEEKS. This year’s Wawa Welcome America Festival kicks off June 19 with block parties, guest speaker events, free movies and museum days, and concerts, culminating in the big July 4 concert and fireworks on the Parkway. Events are city wide, some are ticketed but many are free. The full schedule is here. Free-$25+. Locations citywide. 

MEET AND EAT WITH SEAN SHERMAN. The Academy of Natural Sciences series Academy Town Square continues June 20 from 1 to 4pm with Native Foodways of Turtle Island With Sean Sherman. The James Beard  Award-winning chef will draw stories from his new book Turtle Island with WHYY’s Sam Briger, followed by a signing, a guided tour of the Plant Walk in the Garden Club pop-up, food Tastings, medicinal tea preparations, and more. Tickets to the event  include museum admission. $20. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

DRINK BEER IN FISHTOWN. I mean, that’s not unusual, except that this is the second annual Fishtown Beer Fest! On June 20 at 11am Evil Genius hosts over a dozen local craft breweries for samples and drinking. 21+only. Tickets come with a specialty sampling glass! (Unless you’re the DD). $15.75-$45.75. Front Street between Columbia Ave and Palmer Street.

GREET THE SUMMER AS IT ARRIVES. Celebrate the longest day of the year at South Street Headhouse District’s 3rd Annual Summer Solstice Festival June 20 from noon to 7pm featuring shopping deals, live music, art, food and drink, activities, workshops, and family-friendly entertainment. Pay as you go. S. 4th Street from Lombard to Catharine Streets 

SEE A MOVIE IN THE PARK. More than 20 Philly parks will host Park Friends Movie Nights this summer and fall. Bring a blanket, snacks, and arrive before dusk. Check with your local Park Friends Group for updates and schedule changes On June 20 at sunset, Superman (2025) will be screening outdoors in Benson Park. Free. 1445 N Lawrence Street 

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH FROM WEST FAIRMOUNT TO WEST PHILLY. On June 21, Juneteenth festivities take over at Malcolm X Park at 11am for the Juneteenth Marketplace & Art in the Park featuring over 250 vendors, the Youth Pavilion and Music Festival. At 12:30pm, the Parade starts at South Concourse Drive (across from the Mann Center) with over two dozen floats. The Free. Parade starts at South Concourse Drive, Festival is at 5100 Pine Street

COME TO AN ANNIVERSARY OPEN MIC.  Going Acoustic at Quig’s marks four years on June 22 from 6:30 to 10:30pm with a special anniversary show Hosted by Brooke Spitz and featuring special performances from Emily Drinker and Gina LC. $7.18-$12.51. 1714 Delancey Street 

ONGOING EVENTS

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

SEE A DARK COMEDY ABOUT GRAVE ROBBING. It’s way more complicated than that. Theatre Exile presents The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar) open through June 20 with afternoon and evening performances. Set in 1832 Philadelphia and the present, the play wrestles with our nation’s long practice of harming Black bodies in the name of scientific progress, our responsibility to time, and truth and joy. $10-$45. 1340-48 S. 13th Street 

WATCH MOVIES UNDER THE STARTS IN CLARK PARK. The 6th Annual cinéSPEAK Under The Stars film series kicks off in Clark Park with live music and advocacy every Friday through June 19. Enjoy free premiere films, local DJs, food trucks, and community organizations. Free. 1101 S. 45th Street 

BE PART OF A COLLECTIVE, SUSTAINED RESPONSE. The new exhibition, How We Stay Free, from Mike Arrison, Harvey Finkle, Joe Piette, and Sunny Singh opens at TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image through June 27. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6pm. Free. 1400 N. American Street

EXPERIENCE AN ALTERNATE HISTORY ADVENTURE. Pig Iron Theatre Company’s Barrymore Award–winning sci-fi adventure Franklin’s Key returns to the Plays & Players Theatre stage through June 28 with late morning, afternoon and evening performances. Gear up for America’s 250th with an adventure starring Ben Franklin. $39-$80. 1714 Delancey Street 

PRIDE. ART. PHILLY.  Philly Pride Arts Festival is a month‑long celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists, stories, and community happening throughout June at locations across the city. Some events are free, some require tickets. Check the full schedule for details. Free-$55+. Various locations. 

CELEBRATE BICENTENNIAL QUEER DEFIANCE. William Way LGBT Community Center presents This Is (Not) a Celebration: Queer Resistance 1976/2026, a new exhibit reframing the Bicentennial as a flashpoint for GBTQ+ activism, protest, and cultural resistance in Philadelphia and featuring the work of three local artists. On view at Huddle Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 6pm through July 3. Don’t miss the opening reception June 11 from 6 to 9pm. Free. 338 Brown Street

OPEN WIDE FOR SOME SOCCER! Philadelphia hosts six matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 global soccer tournament at Lincoln Financial Field from June 14 through July 4. If you weren’t lucky enough to snatch tickets, there’s also the 39-day FIFA Fan Festival taking over Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park, featuring one million square feet of World Cup celebration and free admission. $180-$1500+. One Lincoln Financial Field Way

SEE A TONY-AWARD WINNING MUSICAL ABOUT YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH. Arden Theatre Company presents Dear Evan Hansen, open through July 5 with 2pm and 7pm performances. The six-time Tony Award-winning contemporary musical tells the story of a young man struggling with depression and anxiety. Expect mature themes and strong language. $37-$76. 40 N. 2nd Street

IMPACTED BY PARKINSON’S? Barnes Create & Connect is a free workshop series for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners supporting connection through art and creative expression held select Saturdays April through June from 10am to noon. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Free; registration required. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

VIEW A NEW EXHIBIT ON THE ART AND HISTORY OF AMERICAN FURNITURE. Open through July 26 at The Museum for Art in Wood, BA Harrington’s exhibition Suite Américaine brings to life the history of American furniture making through the lens of a contemporary feminist imagination. Museum hours are Wednesdays Through Sundays from 11:30am to 5pm. Free. 141 N. 3rd Street

HANG OUT AT READING TERMINAL.  The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson opens with a celebration June 8 at 11:30am and stays open daily from 11am to 7pm until August 2. Reading Terminal’s expanded pedestrian-friendly space welcomes live music, local vendors, sponsored activities, and a Molly Malloy’s bar. Pay as you go. 1100 block of Filbert Street

EXPLORE BLACK AMERICAN HISTORY AND IDENTITY. The Barnes Foundation presents Freedom Dreams, a multimedia exhibition by Black artists that deconstructs race, gender, and class in American history. On view through August 9. Gallery hours are Thursday through Monday, 11am to 5pm. $5-$30. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

DON’T MISS THE 200-FOOT LONG DRAGON. You’d think that’s impossible, but you will if you don’t hit the 2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, opening June 4 and running through August 16 from 6 to 11pm nightly. In addition to the spectacular light displays, there’s food, fountain shows, and live performances. $16-$29. 200 N. 6th Street

SIP IN CENTER CITY. Philly’s “favorite happy hour’ Center City SIPS begins June 3 and continues every Wednesday through August 26. Dozens of bars and restaurants are offering exclusive discounts weekly from 5 to 7pm: $8 cocktails, $7 wine, $6 beer, and appetizers under $10. Select locations will offer 15 percent off dinner after 7pm. Pay as you go.

VIEW YOUR VISIONS OF LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence is an exhibition of hundreds of posters created by Philadelphians sharing their visions of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This special exhibition at the Parkway Central Library is part of Printmaking by the People, Philadelphia’s largest 2026 public art and community engagement project inspired by the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. The exhibit is open through August 2026. Free. 1901 Vine Street

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 

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 from September 5. $10-$30. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 128 N. Broad Street

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

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

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

FIND MAGIC IN OLD CITY. The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour returns for the 2026 season May 15 with 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

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 

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

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