June has arrived with a vengeance, Philly, so be ready for all the things to do you have to fit in.

Pride Month rolls on with The Philadelphia Freedom Band live on the Parkway, and WURD celebrates Black Music Month at City Winery.

InLiquid hosts Art for the Cash Poor and a Gathering of Goats this week, plus the dedication of a new mural honoring Sun Ra Arkestra.

The Clay Studio brings back Clay Fest, Philly Sketchfest continues the laughs, and Odunde Festival culminates this weekend with a huge day-long gathering.

Parks and science are both “on tap” this week, plus a new pedestrian-friendly plaza opens at Reading Terminal.

The Free Library Foundation continues its author series, and on our stages we have the return of Franklin’s Key and the premiere of To Be Here. A new exhibition from William Way on queer resistance is opening, and the annual fundraiser for Women Against Abuse, Dish it Up, serves up a fantastic meal for a good cause.

And I don’t know if you noticed, but World Cup Soccer has arrived in Philadelphia. 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

Philly Sketchfest, Parks on Tap, Science on Tap, Plaza at Reading Terminal, Free Library Foundation Author Series, A Gathering of Goats, WURD at City Winery, Pride on the Parkway, Dish it Up

HAVE A GOOD LAUGH! Philadelphia’s longest running comedy festival Philly Sketchfest returns through June 13 with live shows at the MacGuffin Stage at the Adrienne and Sawubona Creativity Project. The Sketch Comedy Film Festival will be at PhilaMOCA on June 4 at 7:30. Single event, weekend, and whole festival passes are available. See the full festival calendar here. $17-$125. Various locations. 

MIX SCIENCE AND DRINKING. Trust me, it’s safe here. Come to National Mechanics June 8 from 6 to 7pm for Science on Tap’s The Galápagos Islands: Evolutionary Insights, featuring Rowan University’s Matt Downing. Free admission, pay as you eat/drink. 22 South 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

LEARN HOW THE REVOLUTION ALMOST CAME TO BRITAIN. The Free Library Foundation Author Series presents Danielle Allen | Radical Duke on June 9 from 7 to 8pm. Allen, a Harvard professor, explains how a renegade English Duke and Thomas Paine almost brought the American Revolution to Britain. $5. 1901 Vine Street

DRINK BEER IN NORTH EAST. Parks on Tap comes to Burholme Park  June 10 to June 14 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. 401 Cottman Avenue

ENJOY COCKTAILS WITH GOATS. Let me explain. InLiquid and the Philly Goat Project are hosting A Gathering of Goats, a one-night-only immersive cocktail experience at the Icebox Project Space at Crane Arts on June 10 from 5:30 to 8:30pm. Proceeds will directly support Philly Goat Project’s programs. $180+. 1400 N. American Street

LEARN ABOUT NONTRADITIONAL PUBLISHING. Blue Stoop and The Free Library Foundation present Clearing the Mist: Alternative Paths to Publication June 10  from 5:30 to 8pm at Parkway Central Library. This mixer and panel discussion features Anni Liu, Christopher R. Rogers, Warren R. Basla, M Téllez, and Josh Dale. Free. 1901 Vine Street

CELEBRATE BLACK MUSIC MONTH. Come to City Winery June 11 from 6:30 to 11pm for Beats, Flows and Neo Soul: WURD Radio’s Message in Our Music Series, an evening of music and dance to honor Philly’s music scene. $33.85. 990 Filbert Street

CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH MUSIC. On June 11 at 6pm come to Shakespeare Park for Pride on the Parkway with the Philadelphia Freedom Band for live covers of pop favorites. Bring your friends, visit the library! Free. Vine Street and Logan Square

STUFF YOUR FACE FOR A GOOD CAUSE. The  50th Anniversary edition of Dish It Up celebrates 50 years of Women Against Abuse and offers a night of delicious food from Philadelphia’s top women chefs to raise money for the nonprofit. Join them at the Crystal Tea Room June 11 from 6 to 9pm.  The Philadelphia Citizen is a Proud Media Sponsor of Dish It Up. $81.99-$535.38. 100 E. Penn Square, 9th Floor

THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY

To Be Here, This Is (Not) a Celebration, Franklin’s Key, Art for the Cash Poor, Clay Fest, Mural Arts Sun Ra Arkestra dedication, World Cup Soccer, Odunde Festival 

ASK YOURSELF, WHAT DOES IT TAKE? Artists Lynda Grace Black and Magda Martinez and an ensemble of Philadelphians invite you To Be Here, a community-rooted performance and exhibition June 11, 12, and 13 at 7pm at Christ Church Neighborhood House. $12.51-$76.54. 20 North American Street 

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 June 11 through July 3. Don’t miss the opening reception June 11 from 6 to 9pm. Free. 338 Brown 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 June 11 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 

BROKE? WHO CARES. BUY ART ANYWAY. Art for the Cash Poor returns June 13 from noon to 6pm at InLiquid. Over 100 artists, crafters, and designers will have their work for sale at $250 or less, while local arts and community organizations provide free demonstrations, workshops, and more. Pay as you go. 1400 N. American Street 

PLAY WITH CLAY ALL DAY! On June 13 from noon to 5pm, The Clay Studio hosts the 11th annual Clay Fest, an all ages hands-on free event featuring guest artist demonstrations, wheel throwing, clay animation creation, group sculpting, music, and more. Free. 1425 N. American Street 

YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED IN THE ORBIT OF RA. On June 13 from noon to 3pm, Mural Arts invites you to the dedication of the new In the Orbit of Ra Mural in East Germantown recognizing the Sun Ra Arkestra, its place in the neighborhood, and its shaping of American experimental music and performance. Enjoy food, a DJ set by music writer Marcus J. Moore, and a performance by the Sun Ra Arkestra. Free. 6353 Greene 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

EXPERIENCE THE LARGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN STREET FESTIVAL IN THE COUNTRY. Odunde Festival takes place through June 14 with satellite events throughout the city. On June 14 from 10am to 8pm, 16 blocks around 23rd and South Street welcomes thousands of attendees to enjoy over 100 arts and craft and food vendors plus two stages of live entertainment. The festival is highlighted by a procession at noon to the Schuylkill River where an offering of fruit and flowers is made to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. Check out the site map here. Free. Various locations

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 

DO EVENING SHOPPING AT CHESTNUT WALK. Come to East Market every Tuesday from 3 to 7pm through June 16 for a lively Night Market featuring live music, food, plant and craft vendors, and more. Pay as you go. Chestnut Walk Between Market and Ludlow Streets

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

PRIDE. ART. PHILLY.  Philly Pride Arts Festival is a month‑long celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists, stories, and community beginning June 6 and 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. 

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

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