Welcome to the 2024 Good Philadelphia Citizen Calendar, full of good things to do in Philly, all year long. Let this month-by-month calendar guide you to dozens of ways to take part in city life — and to make Philly better for all of us: Voting. Volunteering. Cheering on our cherished traditions and teams. Cleaning up after ourselves.
Truth be told, you can be a good citizen any day of the year: Sweep your block. Donate a book to a little free library. Donate your time to any kind of shelter. Buy a box of overpriced candy from a kid on the subway. Lend a hand to someone who could use it. Patronize a local business. Get out there. Participate in our city. Mark down these civic holidays and Philly-centric events, to make this year in Philadelphia your — and our — best year, ever.
JULY 2024
July 4: Catch the Fireworks on Independence Day
The city’s tourism bureaus like to say, “The city that did it first, does it best.” Well, Philly’s certainly done it longest. Welcome America is a multi-day, event-filled run-up to Independence Day, replete a morning parade (11am along E. Market Street), concerts and fireworks, including the biggest of the year over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Through July 7: Philadelphia Latino Film Festival
You see that date right: There are so many films to screen and see, the PHLAFF needs more than a month to put them on, host panels about them, and celebrate them in parties across the city.
July 10, 17, 24 and 31: Hear Music Outside the Penn Museum
The University of Pennsylvania opens its museum’s historic courtyard for Garden Jams most Wednesdays in July from 5 to 8pm, inviting the West Philadelphia Orchestra, Zydeco-A-Go-Go, Glenn Bryan and Friends, and Gauchinangos to play — and inviting you to the outdoor bar. Museum admission included. $15. 3260 South Street
July 11 to August 25: Enjoy The Oval
Thursdays through Sundays, Eakins Oval, the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s across-the-street neighbor, becomes The Oval, a pop-up park featuring mini golf, live performances, food trucks, festivals, and, on Sundays, family activations. 2451 Ben Franklin Parkway
July 14: Block Party with the Barnes
An exclusive, inaccessible collection no longer, the Barnes Foundation embraces Philly’s most neighborly tradition, the block party, with an all-day Barnes on the Block celebration (noon to 5pm) featuring music, dance, wellness workshops, a beer garden, art- and craft-making, food trucks, and, oh yes, access to one of the world’s most esteemed collections. 2025 Ben Franklin Parkway
July 20: Celebrate Jazz in West Philly
Saunders Park Greene at 39th and Powelton shines Philly’s light on local jazz. The Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival, sponsored by HopePHL, comes complete with live music, of course, but also local vendors, fair-time kids’ fun and loads of … food trucks.
AUGUST 2024
August 1-4: Do Not Miss BlackStar.
Now in its 13th year, this 100-film, three-theater festival is about more than the screen. It’s about the gathering BIPOC members of the film industry, and film lovers in general. It’s also about accessibility. And wellness. Don’t miss BlackStar. Last year’s price for an all-access festival pass was $350, and virtual screening pass: $175; individual event and screening ticket prices vary.
August 4: It’s Hot Out. Have a Beer.
Go to a Philadelphia brewery that does more than brews and serves delicious pilsners, ales, and whatnot. Go to a Philadelphia brewery that does good for its community.
SEPTEMBER 2024
September 2: Give Unions a Fair Shake On Labor Day
Unions get a bad rap. Some of us blame … gangsters. But, to review some American history, workers created unions as protection against on-the-job exploitation and discrimination. Here, a union president argues why we still need them. Also, go to a parade on and festival, hosted by the Sheet Metal Workers Union, from 8:30am to 2pm, starting at 1301 and ending at 101 S. Columbus Boulevard.
September 13 – 22: Join in Welcoming Week
The City of Philadelphia contributes to this national holiday through the Office of Immigrant Affairs. Free events to be announced.
Early September (date TBA): Celebrate the Barrio
A Puerto Rican block party takes over El Centro del Oro along N. 5th Street between Huntingdon and Somerset — for the 40th annual celebration of the neighborhood’s island roots and culture, Taller Puertorriqueño’s Feria del Barrio.
September 15: It’s Mexican Independence Day
Penn’s Landing hosts an all-afternoon (2 to 8pm) festival of Mexican culture, including cuisine, dancing, crafts, and music. Free. 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
September 15: Do Something for Democracy Day
“Democracy,” the saying goes, “is not a spectator sport.” As the The Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin told us at an Ideas We Should Steal Festival, “Unless you participate, it’s going to fail. Run for office. Join a campaign. Don’t just give money. Don’t just write a check. Subscribe to a newspaper. Do something. Become a political participant.”
September 21: Watch Polo in Fairmount Park
Not something you see every day — or any day — in Philly, two classic polo matches among international champions take place in Fairmount Park to benefit the Work to Ride program, housed at the Chamounix Equestrian Center. Dress fancy. Tickets from $45.
September 24: Let Loose on Gritty’s Birthday
Wear orange. Be weird. Have fun.
September 29: Go Down to the Parkway for the Puerto Rican Day Parade
Bring out the flags — and get ready for an all-day party during this annual procession of island (and Philly) pride along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from noon to 6pm.
OCTOBER 2024
Mid-October (dates TBA): Roam the Gayborhood during OURFest
Pride is fun, but OURFest — formerly OutFest, the claimant to the nation’s largest Coming Out Day celebration — feels distinctly Philly. It’s always a top choice among the best things to do in Philly. Galaei, the city’s largest QTBIPOC organization, runs the event.
October 11: Celebrate Coming Out
Coming out in 2024 might be easier than it was in 1983, but it’s still not close to easy, not for most Americans. Congratulate yourself, or friends you know, who’ve done it. And, consider supporting a local LGBTQ+ cause or two.
October 14: Honor Indigenous People
All of Philadelphia was once the domain of the Lenni Lenape. On this, the day that used to be Columbus Day, we have a chance to celebrate them. Here’s how:
October 19–20 and 26–27: Go on an Open Studio Tour
For two weekends — and the 25th year — the Center for Emerging Visual Artists invites Philadelphia artists to open their work spaces to the public. Drawing back the curtain on the artistic process, makers of fine arts share their secrets and inspirations. The first weekend, tours take place in art studios West of Broad Street. The second, they’re East of Broad. Always noon to 6pm.
October 21: Hurry! It’s Your Last Day To Register to Vote before Election Day!
Pennsylvania gives eligible residents — ages 18 and over — the chance to register to vote for up to 15 days before an election. This makes October 21 the last day to register before Election Day on November 5. As a Philadelphian, as a citizen, this is one of the most crucial things to do. So, do it.
October 29: Last Day to Request a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot Before the General Election on November 5
NOVEMBER 2024
November 1: Eat Your Veggies on World Vegan Day
Didya know that Philadelphia has one of the highest ranked vegan restaurants … in the world? Vedge sure is a treat. But you can also get your vegan on at Monster Vegan, Bar Bombón, HipCityVedge, The Tasty, LUHV, The Nile Cafe, Miss Rachel’s Pantry, Fitz on 4th, Charlie was a sinner …
November 5: It’s Election Day. Vote for the next President of the United States.
If you haven’t already, do it. Now. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.
November 5: Show Your Philly Pride on Jason Kelce’s Birthday
Philadelphians don’t often adopt out-of-towners as one of our own. Kelce is an exception. Dude chugged a beer with the Phanatic during the 2022 World Series. Coined the phrase, “Nobody likes us, and we don’t care!” at the 2018 Super Bowl parade — while wearing Mummers regalia. Made his teammates sing on TWO Christmas albums and created a line of merch to benefit Philly kids. More on that: Time and again, Kelc has proven he really, truly, deeply cares about our city and the people in it. HBD.
November 7 through 17: Grab a Seat at the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival
Ten days (and nights) of films is the draw, but the PAAFF doesn’t skimp on live performances and gatherings galore — a perk of one of the biggest festivals of its kind.
November 9: Run like Rocky
The annual Rocky Run offers participants options: a 5K, a 10 miler, or a half marathon around town. Of course, the route could never follow Balboa’s, since his wasn’t filmed in geographic order. But you can enter as a group and dedicate your jog to the Special Olympics.
November 11: Thank a Vet on Veterans Day
More than 7,000 military veterans call Philadelphia home. Thank them by supporting those in need and supporting their businesses.
Early November (date TBA): Sign up for Love Your Park Day
So. Many. Leaves to pick up. Trash, too, this being Philadelphia. Get out, and do it.
November 13: World Kindness Day
Kindness is goodness in action. Did you know it is also the key to happiness? If you do nothing else all year long, do this: Be kind.
November 28: Give Thanks by … Giving
Thank those Philadelphians who are making this city a greater city for all. Then, take some time to honor those in need. Here are some ways to do that:
November 30: Shop Small Saturday in Philadelphia
We’ve got some of the best urban main streets — although few go by that name — in the country. Choose one. Or more. Buy stuff there.
DECEMBER 2024
December 3: Celebrate Rocky Day
On December 3, 1976, a little film called Rocky made its big-screen debut. Last year, December 3 officially became “Rocky Day,” Sylvester Stallone and all. Celebrate by running up and down the art museum steps, boxing some frozen beef, or shouting “Yo Adrian!” during your commute. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps)
December 7: Write a Letter
On National Letter Writing Day, think about someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to — a far-away friend, grandparent, sibling, anyone you’ve lost touch with — and take a few minutes to send them a card or drop them a line.
December 21: It’s Quinta Brunson’s Birthday. Respect your Teachers.
The creator and star of Abbott Elementary made us fall in love again with Philadelphia’s public schools, warts and all — but especially with Philly educators. You know what they like: Gift cards for school supplies … and coffee shops.
December 26 through January 1: Join One of the Oldest Kwanzaa Celebrations in the Country. (And Bake Cookies.)
That’s here, in Philadelphia, in case you didn’t know. Listen to Tonya “Food Griot” Hopkins’ podcast about the history of the holiday in Philly. Then start the festivities in the best way: Bake Kwanzaa cookies.
MORE THINGS TO DO AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN PHILADELPHIA