We know it’s hot, Philly, but we’re going to celebrate summer anyway with plenty of cool things to do this week.
Continuing the Philly’s central place in America’s 250th celebrations, Major League Baseballs All Star Game is being held at Citizens Bank Park, along with all the fan activities for All Star Week.
The Committee of Seventy is holding The Promise of Democracy Summit: 250 Years and the Path Ahead with over 250 attendees expected, and PlayPenn hosts its annual New Play Development Conference.
Philly Youth Music Fest brings young musicians into the spotlight at Spruce Street Harbor Park, Parks on Tap is in McMichael Park, and Under the El Bazaar in Fishtown celebrates Christmas in July. If you’re in need of vintage threads and goods, the Punk Rock Flea Market is in South Philly this time around.
Neighborhoods all over the city are making the best of summer with Summerfest in NoLibs, All Love Block Party at 4th District Container Village, William Way’s Summer Vibes Block Party, and the always a blast Summer Ale Fest at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Diplo’s Run Club treats 5k runners to a post-race rave at the Linc, and local music acts are coming together for the Songs of Welcome Concert for Immigrant Aid.
If you haven’t yet been trampled by the unyielding march of time, Stabbing Westward is coming to Underground Arts for their current tour celebrating 30 years of Wither, Blister, Burn & Peel. Yes, 30 years. I know.
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
MLB All Star Game, The Promise of Democracy Summit, Parks on Tap, Punk Rock flea Market, PlayPenn conference
HEY NOW, SEE SOME ALL-STARS. The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is at Citizens Bank Park July 14 at 8pm. All-Star week builds up the excitement with the Home Run Derby, the MLB Draft and All-Star Village at the Convention Center, and other special events. See the full schedule and available tickets packages here. If, like me, you couldn’t snatch tickets to big event, it will be broadcast live on Fox. $28-$250+
ATTEND THE DEMOCRACY SUMMIT. The Committee of Seventy hosts 250 attendees, including civic leaders, educators, and policymakers for The Promise of Democracy Summit: 250 Years and the Path Ahead July 15 and 16. The summit kicks off with a keynote speech by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham at The National Constitution Center, followed by a full day of panels and conversations at the University of Pennsylvania campus. Citizen Media Group is a proud media sponsor of the event. $250+
DRINK BEER IN EAST FALLS. Parks on Tap comes to McMichael Park July 15 to July 19 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. 3299 Midvale Avenue
BE PUNK. GO SHOP. GET JUNK. The Captain’s Vintage Punk Rock Flea Market is coming to the Sheet Metal Workers Union July 17 from 4 to 10pm and July 18 and 19 from 10am to 5pm. Shop for clothing, records, crafts, art, and old punk junk. $6-$15. 1301 S. Columbus Boulevard
EXPLORE THE ROLE OF THEATER IN CIVIC LIFE. PlayPenn presents its 2026 New Play Development Conference July 17 through August 2. The public are invited to readings of new plays and a citywide series of civic gatherings, workshops, artists exchanges, and conversations focusing on this year’s theme, Democracy in Action. Most events are free; full schedule is here. Various locations.
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
Diplo’s Run Club, William Way Summer Vibes, Summerfest in NoLibs, Summer Ale Fest at the zoo, Stabbing Westward live, Under the El Bazaar’s Christmas in July, All Love Block Party, Philly Youth Music Fest, Songs of Welcome Concert for Immigrant Aid
RUN AND RAVE. The second annual Diplo’s Run Club Philadelphia 5K is on July 18 beginning at 7am. The race starts and finishes at the Linc with a post-race concert featuring Diplo and special guests. You can also do one or the other, if either is not your speed! $52-$189. 1 Lincoln Financial Field Way
PARTY IN NO LIBS. The Piazza Alta Courtyard is hosting Summerfest July 18 from 10am to 3pm featuring dozens of local vendors, live music, games, food and drink, shaded outdoor seating, and more. Pay as you go. 1099 Germantown Avenue
GET DOWN WITH SUMMER VIBES. On July 18 from 4 to 7pm, William Way hosts its Summer Vibes Block Party at St. Luke’s with live entertainment, community organizations and resources, local food vendors, and activities. Free. 330 S. 13th Street
DRINK BEER AT THE ZOO. Summer Ale Fest brings over 100 award-winning craft beers, ciders, hard iced teas, hard seltzers, local food trucks, and live music to the Philadelphia Zoo, July 18 from 7 to 10pm. Attendees receive a souvenir tasting cup. Limited to those 21+ even if you are the DD; tickets are NOT available at the door. Do NOT challenge a gorilla to a fight, no matter how many friends you bring. $45-$99. 3400 W. Girard Avenue
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET YOU TO THIS CONCERT? Stabbing Westward is live at Underground Arts July 18 at 7:30pm (doors open at 6:30) celebrating 30 years of Wither, Blister, Burn & Peel. $37.50+. 1200 Callowhill Street
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN JULY. The Under the El Bazaar returns July 18 from noon to 6pm ringing in Christmas in July under the tracks. Support local vendors and artists and imagine cool December weather as you kick off your holiday shopping way early. Pay as you go. 1700 N. Front Street
NOTHING REPRESENTS PHILLY LIKE A BLOCK PARTY. Black Soul Summer and Almost Famous present All Love Block Party, July 18 from 1 to 9pm at 4th District Container Village featuring live DJs sets and performances plus an after-party at Liberty Point. $20-$30. 4862-70 Parkside Avenue
CELEBRATE PHILLY’S YOUNG MUSICIANS. Beyond the Bars presents the 3rd Annual Philly Youth Music Fest at Spruce Street Harbor Park July 19 from 2 to 8pm. Enjoy live performances from more than 150 youth musicians and artists, art and music workshops, giveaways, family friendly activities, community organizations sharing resources, and more. Free. 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
ENJOY MUSIC; HELP IMMIGRANTS. On July 19 from 2 to 8pm, more than a dozen local music acts are coming together for Songs of Welcome: Concert for Immigrant Aid at the Fallser Club. Proceeds are going to The Welcome Project for legal aid for immigrants. $20-$30. 3721 Midvale Avenue
ONGOING EVENTS
Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.
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
CATCH THE BEST BEN FRANKLIN MUSICAL EVER. The New Ben Franklin Rock Musical (A True Story!) The Sound of America is open through August 1 at FringeArts. This epic rock musical about Philadelphia’s most famous resident doesn’t end at curtain call. Attendees are treated to a 5-minute musical walking tour of historic Philadelphia led by the show’s Benjamin Franklin. All royalties for this production go to Teen Cancer America, a partner of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. $60-$76. 140 N. Columbus Blvd
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
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, open 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
NEED AN ALTERNATIVE TO SIPS? Fishtown TAPS takes place every Tuesday from 5 to 7pm through September 29, offering a select list of $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, along with appetizer specials to neighborhood favorites across Fishtown. Pay as you go. Various locations throughout Fishtown.
SEE A MOVIE IN THE PARK. More than 20 Philly parks will host Park Friends Movie Nights this summer and fall through October 16. Bring a blanket, snacks, and arrive before dusk. Check with your local Park Friends Group for updates and schedule changes. Free. Various locations.
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
