We are neck-deep in spring, Philadelphia, so here are your things to do outside, in your neighborhood, and on the roof of the Parkway Central Library.
That’s no joke, the Raven Society’s Jane Austen Garden Party will be at the Skyline Rooftop Terrace. Inside the library will be an Author Series event, of course.
For those of you who watched He-Man and Rainbow Brite on their original runs, collected Pogs, and/or used scrunchies in your hair, KG Strong is hosting a Power Through Perimenopause workout and workshop this weekend.
PHS is starting its annual spring tree planting for the region, and Franklin Square is opening for the new season.
On our stages we have PHILADANCO!’s new show, Seng’s Hair Salon at The Drake, Hannibal Burress at City Winery, and Band of Horses at The Fillmore.
If you want to have fun and support a good cause at the same time, Haymakers for Hope is raising funds to battle cancer with the Liberty Bell Brawl IV, Mural Arts is exhibiting Printmaking by the People, an ambitious public art project, and Party on the Pitch is raising money to support our World Cup hosting duties.
We are honoring the memory of Ben Franklin on the anniversary of his passing in 1790 with a interactive memorial at his burial site.
If shopping is what you want, Captain’s Vintage Punk Rock Flea Market is back, and so is the Reading Terminal Scavenger Hunt.
For foodies, Panda Fest is also back in town, and we welcome back the Manayunk StrEAT Festival and the NoLibs In Bloom Block Party.
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
PHS tree planting, Band of Horses, Liberty Bell Brawl IV, Ben Franklin memorial, Printmaking by the People, Jane Austen rooftop garden party, Free Library Foundation Author Series, Party on the Pitch
PLANT TREES. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) hopes to plant 650 trees across Greater Philadelphia with help from citizens like you. Tree distribution takes place April 14 through 17 at the Philabundance Warehouse; planting events are scheduled from April 18 and 19. Whether you are or want to be a PHS Tree Tender or just want to lend hands, you’re needed. Sign up here! Free. Tree distribution is at 401 Domino Lane; plantings are planned at various locations
AT EVERY OCCASION, BE READY FOR THE FUNERAL. At The Fillmore April 14 at 8pm it’s Band of Horses: Celebrating 20 years of Everything All The Time. $62-$173. 29 E. Allen Street
BOXING FOR A GOOD CAUSE. Haymakers for Hope, a nonprofit that transforms everyday men and women into trained amateur boxers for charity, presents the Liberty Bell Brawl IV at The Fillmore Philadelphia on April 15 at 7:30pm. Sponsor a fighter, become a Ring Card Warrior, or just go to cheer them on, either way you’re supporting the fight against cancer. 21 and over only. $92-$267. 29 E. Allen Street
HONOR BEN FRANKLIN’S MEMORY. Christ Church Preservation Trust marks the anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s passing in 1790 with Color His Legacy, an interactive living memorial that lets visitors engage with Franklin’s civic contributions. It takes place at the Christ Church Burial Ground April 16 through 19 from 11am to 5pm (weather permitting). Free. 340 N. 5th Street
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 opens with a reception April 16 from 5:30 to 7:30pm and runs through August 2026. Free. 1901 Vine Street
PARTY LIKE IT’S 1813 AND YOU COULDN’T BE BOTHERED BY THIS HIGH-SOCIETY DORK YOUR PARENTS WANT YOU TO MARRY. The Raven Society: A Jane Austen Garden Party is for everyone who didn’t have to be forced to read Pride & Prejudice in junior high and enjoys Bridgerton. It’s happening on the Skyline Rooftop Terrace of the Parkway Central Library April 16 from 6 to 8pm. $30-60. 1901 Vine Street
SEE THROUGH THE EYES OF MOM (OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS). The Free Library Foundation Author Series presents Sheinelle Jones | Through Mom’s Eyes, In Conversation with Mike Jerrick April 16 from 7 to 8pm at the Parkway Central Library. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of the Free Library Foundation. $5. 1901 Vine Street
SUPPORT PHILADELPHIA SOCCER 2026. Party on the Pitch will raise funding for Philadelphia’s role as a Host City for FIFA World Cup 2026 April 16 from 7 to 9pm (Early access at 6pm). The evening includes a “Football vs. Football” guest bartender showdown, open bar, eats, and live entertainment. $150-$225
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
Seng’s Hair Salon, Punk Rock Flea Market, PHILADANCO!, Hannibal Burress, NoLibs In Bloom Block Party, Reading Terminal Scavenger Hunt, Panda Fest, Franklin Square opening day, Manayunk StrEAT Festival
Jungwoong
SEE THE WORLD PREMIERE OF A SOUTH PHILLY STORY ON STAGE. InterAct Theatre Company’s new play about Lao, Vietnamese and Cambodian families and communities set in South Philly. SENG’S HAIR SALON opens at The Drake April 17 through May 10 with performances at 2 and 7pm. $20-$40. 302 South Hicks Street
BE PUNK GO SHOP GET JUNK. The Captain’s Vintage Punk Rock Flea Market returns to the 23rd Street Armory April 17 from 4 to 10pm and April 18 and 19 from 10am to 5pm. Shop for clothing, records, crafts, art, and old punk junk. $6-$15. 22 S. 23rd Street
CATCH THE NEXT GENERATION OF DANCE. PHILADANCO! Ignites the stage with EXPLOSIVE: Bold New Works on the Rise at the Perelman Theater April 17 through April 19 with performances at 2 and 7:30pm. $40-$63. 300 S. Broad Street
GET OUT AND HAVE SOME LAUGHS. Comedian, writer, and actor Hannibal Burress is live at City Winery for two nights, April 17 and April 18 at 7pm. $48-$78. 990 Filbert Street
PARTY IN NOLIBS. The Northern Liberties Farmers Market presents the 2026 In Bloom Block Party April 18 from 10am to 3pm in the Piazza Alta Courtyard. Enjoy a wine and beer garden, food trucks, local retailers, farms and produce stands, and much more. Pay as you go. 1099 Germantown Avenue
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH READING TERMINAL. I know what you’re thinking: I do that all the time. But this time, you’ll be doing it on a team while seeking out clues and answering trivia. The Munch around the Market Scavenger Hunt is April 18 from 11am to 1pm. $22, plus $10 for food. 12th and Arch Streets
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST ASIAN FOOD FESTIVALS. Dilworth Park hosts Panda Fest April 18 from 10am to 10pm and April 19 from 10am to 8pm with inflatable pandas, over 60 vendors with cuisines and crafts from China, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines, cultural performances, family activities, game, and merchandise. $14-$25. 1 S.15th Street
ATTEND FRANKLIN SQUARE’S OPENING DAY. The fountain show returns for Franklin Square’s Opening Day April 18 from 11am to 1pm featuring Earth Day-centered eco-friendly crafts, games, giant bubbles, music, Raptor Jawns, and more. Free carousel rides for the first 100 guests! Free. 200 N. 6th Street
POWER THROUGH PERIMENOPAUSE. No, really, it can be done! On April 19 from 9am to noon at BOK, KG Strong Training presents Power Through Perimenopause; Understanding Menopause, Pelvic Health and Strength, a workshop and workout designed to give you a better understanding of the stages of menopause and what the hell is happening to your body, as well as information about treatment options and the importance of strength/HIIT training. $99. 1901 S. 9th Street
STUFF YOUR FACE IN MANAYUNK. Shop, dance, party, and eat in the street at the Manayunk StrEAT Festival April 19 from 11am to 5pm (rain or shine!). Dozens of food trucks and local restaurants will be on hand, plus live music and a family-friendly area for kids’ activities. Pay as you go. Main Street in Manayunk
ONGOING EVENTS
Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.
SEE A WORLD PREMIERE PLAY ABOUT THE LIVES OF A GOOD SHOEMAKER AND A POOR FISH PEDDLER. Curio Theatre Company presents Sacco and Vanzetti: A Tragedia dell ’Arte open through April 18 at 8pm plus two 3pm matinee performances. Recommended for ages 13 and up. $20-$30.
ATTEND THE ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL. In celebration of Earth Month, The Academy of Natural Sciences presents Confluence Film Festival Thursdays through April 23 with screenings at 5:30pm. In partnership with BlackStar Projects, cinéSPEAK, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival and the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival, Confluence 2026 includes feature-length films, shorts and documentaries on this year’s theme, “Seeding the Future.” $10. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
ATTEND A NEW EXHIBIT ABOUT INDEPENDENCE. Changing Faces of Independence: Pennsylvania in the 1800s is on view at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania through April 24. Free. 1300 Locust Street
SEE THE FIRST AMERICAN COMEDY. The Philadelphia Artists’ Collective proudly presents The Contrast, America’s first hit comedy production, written in 1787. It opens at the Bluver Theatre at The Drake through April 26 with performances at 7pm and 3pm. $18-$35. 302 S. Hicks Street
LEARN DANCE, MAKE DANCE, YOUR CALL. Adam Kerbal Dance Projects presents Performa Choreographic Incubator: Site Specific Performance, a four week series for independent artists, dancers, choreographers, and performers to practice compositional skills in a large, open air environment. Scheduled for through April 26 on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3pm at Pig Iron Studios. $10-$125; Full series and drop-in options available. 1417 N. 2nd Street
CATCH A WORLD PREMIERE JAMES IJAMES PRODUCTION. Wilderness Generation opens at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre through May 3 with afternoon and evening performances. The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright’s latest drama follows four cousins who reunite at their family home in the Tidewater South. Recommended for ages 13 and up. $35-$80. 480 S. Broad Street
STROLL THE STREETS OF CENTER CITY. Open Streets: West Walnut returns for the spring on Sundays through May 17 from 10am to 5pm. In addition to shopping and eating, Center City District provides free entertainment with buskers, strolling performers, dance groups, a family-friendly zone, games and activities for kids, and more. Pay as you go. Walnut Street between Broad and 19th streets and S. 18th Street between Locust and Chestnut streets
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
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
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
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
Manayunk Streat Fest