It’s getting hot in here, so take off all those coats and hoodies we’ve been wearing well into the spring because this weather is nuts. Get comfortable for all the things to do this week, Philly!
It’s all coming back for the season: the Philadelphia Renaissance Faire returns to For Mifflin, Summerfest returns to Penn’s Landing, Storytelling Benches return to Old City, and Independence Park Twilight Tours begin this week.
The first Twilight in the Gardens invites you to picnic at Magic Gardens to live music, while the All Your Friends Indie Dance Party invites you to bring your moves to Underground Arts.
InLiquid launches its At its Root exhibit at Park Towne Place, while the Free Library Author Series welcomes Jodi Kantor and the Philadelphia Independence Awards honors student theater.
The Docs & Dialogues film festival wraps up this week, as The America Play opens at The Wilma and Dear Evan Hansen opens at The Arden Theatre.
In our parks this week we have the annual moonwalk and stargazing tours at FDR Park and Parks on Tap at Clark park.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to network with our music industry professionals, check out the bi-annual Inside Hustle event.
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
Docs & Dialogues, The America Play, Free Library Author Series, Philadelphia Independence Awards, Moonwalk and Stargazing at FDR Park, Parks on Tap, Inside Hustle, Dear Evan Hansen
COME TO A DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL. Through May 19, Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media presents Docs & Dialogues, a screening of diverse and compelling documentary films and conversations with the filmmakers at The Weitzman. $10-$20. 101 South Independence Mall East
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 opens at The Wilma May 19 through May 31 with performances at 2pm and 7pm. $20-$89. 265 S. Broad Street
COME TO AN AUTHOR EVENT ON DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE’S WORK. The Free Library Foundation Author Series continues May 19 from 7 to 8pm with Jodi Kantor | How to Start. New York Times investigative reporter Kantor and famed chef Michael Solomonov discusses how young people can find their place in uncertain times. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of the Free Library Foundation. $5. 1901 Vine Street
CELEBRATE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER. Ensemble Arts Philly hosts the Philadelphia Independence Awards to honor outstanding student theater performances and productions in the region, at the Miller Theater May 19 at 7:30pm. $28-$33. 250 S. Broad Street
HIKE BY MOONLIGHT. Join Fairmount Park Conservancy and astronomer/educator Buddy Muhler for Park after Dark: Moonwalk + Stargazing, a 1.5 mile guided moonwalk and telescope observation on May 19 from 8 to 10pm. Be sure to read the know before you go and come prepared! $15. Belmont Mansion Drive & Army Road
DRINK BEER IN WEST PHILLY. Parks on Tap comes to Clark Park May 20 to May 25 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. 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue
NETWORK WITH PHILLY’S MUSIC INDUSTRY. Philly Music Fest, WXPN, and Philadelphia Music Alliance present Inside Hustle, the bi-annual music industry information and networking event now expanded into a monthly series. The first event kicks off Philly Music Month with a panel of local musicians plus industry experts available for questions and conversations at the Philadelphia Ethical Society on May 20 at 6pm. Free, registration required. 1906 Rittenhouse Square
SEE A TONY-AWARD WINNING MUSICAL ABOUT YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH. Arden Theatre Company presents Dear Evan Hansen, opening May 21 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
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
Philadelphia Renaissance Faire, Storytelling benches, Summerfest, Independence Park Twilight Tours, Twilight in Magic Gardens, All Your Friends dance party, InLiquid At its Root exhibit
KICK OFF SUMMER ON THE WATERFRONT. The seasonal reopening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest happens May 22 at 11am. 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
TOUR INDEPENDENCE PARK IN THE EVENING TWILIGHT. Twilight Tours at Independence Park return for the season May 22. One-hour guided tours highlighting great events in American history depart daily at 5:15 and at 6pm Thursday thru Sunday through August. Free. Meet at the Liberty Bell Viewing Window (near Chestnut Street, across Independence Hall)
SPEND AN EVENING IN THE MAGIC GARDENS. The first Twilight in the Garden event happens May 22 from 7 to 10pm. Learn the art of agamographs, have a picnic to live music, and check out the galleries. It’s BYOB! $20-$30. 1020 South Street
RELIVE THAT EARLY 2010s HOUSE PARTY. On May 22 at 8:30pm, Underground Arts hosts All Your Friends: The Indie Dance Party. It’ll sound like someone found that old iPod you lost in college. $23.73-$27.74. 1200 Callowhill Street
SEE A NEW EXHIBITION AT PARK TOWNE PLACE. InLiquid presents At Its Root on view from May 22 through October 6 featuring three Philly artists exploring the City’s diverse cultures. Free. 2200 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
SPEND THY WEEKEND AS ONE IN YE OLDEN TIMES. Here ye, here ye all nerds, cosplayers, history buffs, fantasy fans and lovers of magic! The Philadelphia Renaissance Faire comes to historic Fort Mifflin May 23 through 25 from 11am to 6pm. See trained birds of prey, firebreathers and swordplay. Sing, dance, eat smoked meat and iced treats, and drink mead! $15-$20. 6400 Hog Island Road
SIT DOWN FOR SOME STORYTELLING. Historic Philadelphia proudly celebrates the 20th anniversary of Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches opening Memorial Day weekend May 23, 24 and 25 from 11am to 4pm. 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
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
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
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
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 by Matt Stanley