Happy Memorial Day, Philly. Remember those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
Enjoy this weather while it’s still on our side, so get out there and put these things to do on your calendar.
Two exciting new theater productions premiere this week: The America Play at The Wilma and The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar) at Theatre Exile.
Parks on Tap comes to the Water Works, Pawtriot Programs’ Doughnuts + Dogs comes to Independence National Park, and the cinéSPEAK Under The Stars film series kicks off in Clark Park.
Neighborhood Jawnts, free tours of Philly’s unique neighborhoods to celebrate the semiquincentennial, begin this week in East Passyunk.
The One Book, One Philadelphia event comes closes this week with a finale celebration, while the Free Library Foundation and Monique Moore Pryor host Carla Thompson Payton and Kelly Woodland at a Leadership and Diversity Executive Talk Series. At Eastern State Penitentiary, get a lesson in Justice 101 with Faith, Reentry, and Prison Reform.
Are you a parent or caregiver, and too taxed to go clothes shopping? No worries, Open Wardrobe has you covered with this month’s event at their five locations.
Finally, what’s your favorite gag from Airplane! ? It’s a line or shot from the hilarious 1980 film with subjectively the most comedic dialogue and timing, but that’s not important right now. You can decide for yourself at the screening this weekend.
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
The America Play, Open Wardrobe, Parks on Tap, The Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar), One Book, One Philadelphia finale celebration, ESP’s Justice 101
DIG INTO THE HOLES OF AMERICAN HISTORY. In The America Play, a Black Abraham Lincoln impersonator named the “Foundling Father” runs “the Great Hole of History,” a tourist attraction where visitors can meet other historical lookalikes. It’s open at The Wilma through May 31 with performances at 2pm and 7pm. $20-$89. 265 S. Broad Street
CALLING ALL CAREGIVERS IN NEED OF THREADS! The Wardrobe is offering free attire for work and life for parents and caregivers at its next Open Wardrobe event May 27 from 11am to 5pm. Participants have access to educational workshops, resource tables, and additional apparel not normally available at five locations in Exton, Kennett Square, Norristown, Philly and Upper Darby. All styles, genders, and sizes welcome. Registration is required. Free. Various locations
DRINK BEER IN FAIRMOUNT. Parks on Tap comes to Water Works May 27 to May 31 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. 640 Waterworks Drive
GET A LESSON IN JUSTICE. Eastern State Penitentiary hosts Justice 101: Faith, Reentry, and Prison Reform on May 27 from 5:30 to 9pm. Join four esteemed panelists us for a discussion on freedom of religion in America as wrestle with how justice, accountability, forgiveness, and restoration are lived in practice. Free, registration required. 2027 Fairmount Avenue
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) opening May 28 through June 14 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
COME TO THE FINALE OF ONE BOOK, ONE PHILADELPHIA. The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation presents the One Book, One Philadelphia Finale Celebration: An Evening of Art and Performance May 28 from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Explore the themes of this year’s selection, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, with visual art, performances, and remarks by the author. Free. 1901 Vine Street
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
Leadership and Diversity executive talk, Airplane! screening, Under The Stars film series, Neighborhood Jawnts, Pawtriot Doughnuts + Dogs
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 May 29 at 7pm and a 9pm screening of Everybody to Kenmure Street. Every Friday through June 19, enjoy free premiere films, local DJs, food trucks, and community organizations. Free. 1101 S. 45th Street
TAKE A FREE TOUR JAWN. Philadelphia250 is celebrating the semiquincentennial neighborhood by neighborhood all summer long with Neighborhood Jawnts beginning May 29 with East Passyunk. All tours begin and end at the Independence Visitor Center and run most mornings and afternoons Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Free; registration is required. 599 Market Street
ENJOY TWO OF HUMANITY’S GREATEST PLEASURES IN ONE PLACE. Independence National Historic Park is kicking off its Pawtriot Programs with Doughnuts + Dogs on May 30 from 8 to 9am in Pemberton House Garden. Socialize with other pets and their humans, and see if your dog has what it takes to become an official B.A.R.K. Ranger. Free. Chestnut Street, between 3rd and 4th Streets, along a cobblestone path.
LOOKS LIKE I PICKED THE WRONG WEEK TO QUIT QUOTING AIRPLANE!. Billy, have you ever seen a screening of the greatest disaster movie parody ever made? If not (and even if you have) surely you should check out Airplane! Live with Julie Hagerty and Robert Hays at the Miller Theater May 30 at 7:30pm. And don’t call me Shirley. Following the film the actors are sitting for a live Q&A and discussion. $36-$100
SIT FOR A CONVERSATION BETWEEN RESPECTED VOICES IN LEADERSHIP AND EQUITY. The Free Library Foundation presents Leadership and Diversity: A Community Conversation June 1 from 5 to 6pm at Parkway Central Library. In a conversation moderated by Monique Moore Pryor, Carla Thompson Payton and Kelly Woodland discuss driving real impact in communities. While this event is sold out, there is a standby/waitlist available. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of the Free library Foundation. Free. 1901 Vine Street
ONGOING EVENTS
Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.
GET DOWNRIGHT SILLY WITH CLASSIC FAIRY TALES. Arden Children’s Theatre presents The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, open through May 31 with performances in the morning, afternoon, and evenings. $30-$51. 40 N. 2nd Street
WALK AMONG LEGENDS. Every Friday in May from 5 to 6pm, Christ Church Preservation Trust invites you to Remember the Ladies, an after-hours tour of the Burial Ground to uncover women trailblazers in Philadelphia (and American) history. $12.51. 420 Arch Street
PARTY AT THE TROLLEY PORTAL. The Pop-ups at the Portal performance series at the Trolley Portal Gardens run Thursdays through June 4 (weather permitting). Free. 40th street and Baltimore Avenue
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
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
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
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
Photo courtesy Parks on Tap