Philly seems to be taking a short siesta after a busy, event-filled July 4th celebration. There aren’t many HUGE events on the docket for the week or weekend, but you’ll find plenty of low-key fun to keep you entertained.
New to-dos for the weekend include the return of Blobfest at the historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, the two-week-plus Tiny Room For Elephants Festival kicks off at Cherry Street Pier, and Philly Film Society’s Movies On the Block series returns with a screening of Black Panther in North Philly.
Looking for something more lively? Check out Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta at Penn’s Landing for live music, dancing, delicious food and beautiful waterfront views.
The fun doesn’t stop at events. Make this the weekend the one when you check out that local brewery or distillery you’ve always wanted to visit. Have dinner outdoors somewhere on a lush patio or in a garden. And check our list of ongoing summer attractions to see what kind of shenanigans are happening at places like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier and the Oval XP.
THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY THIS WEEKEND

TINY ROOM FOR ELEPHANTS FEST: The annual art and music festival at Cherry Street Pier begins with a series of painting days, where artists will create art live music played by local DJs. After that, the works get celebrated during a four-day festival that includes live performances, art workshops for kids and adults, and an all-day dance party. Find the full schedule here. There’s a ton to see and do. July 8 to 24, various times. 121 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, free.

MOVIES ON THE BLOCK: Philadelphia Film Society revives its annual summer movie fest after a two-year Covid dormancy. Movies On the Block brings flicks and entertainment to a different neighborhood in Philly every month this summer — and twice in August. Look out for screenings of Black Panther in North Philly (July 9), Fantastic Mr. Fox in South Philly (August 13), and Waterloo Playground in West Kensington (August 19). Times and location vary, free to attend.

BLOBFEST: One of Philly’s quirkiest annual events — a tribute to campy 1958 sci-fi film The Blob — is back! Blobfest at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, where some scenes from the film were shot, welcomes guests for a fun three-day festival featuring film screenings, goofy contests and a hilarious recreation of a scene from the film in which patrons scurry from the Colonial Theatre in a perfect 1950s sci-fi flick panic. July 8 to 10, various times. 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, various prices.

HISPANIC FIESTA @ PENN’S LANDING: PECO’s Multicultural Series at Penn’s Landing is a summer-long celebration of the diverse cultures that make our city so great. This weekend, it’s Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta. This festival of Latino culture and community features music, dance, food and artisan crafts from a wide range of Latin American countries. The event draws more than 15,000 every year, and you’ll want to be one of them. Saturday, July 9, 2 to 8pm. 121 N. Columbus Boulevard, free.
GREAT ONGOING THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY RIGHT NOW

DELAWARE WATERFRONT ATTRACTIONS: Spruce Street Harbor Park and its neighboring Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest are open for the season with ferris wheels, floating beer barges, carnival games, roller skating, hammocks in neon-lit trees, cute little lodges you can rent with friends. It’s just too much excitement for one person to handle. Good thing it’ll be around for our enjoyment all summer long. S. Columbus Boulevard
KAYAK THE DELAWARE: The Independence Seaport Museum launched its summer 2022 kayak excursions on the Delaware River, happening on select weekends through October 22. There are several different tours you can sign up for — including one for beginners, and ones that explore different sections of the river, such as Graffiti Pier and Petty’s Island. Paddle Penn’s Landing, which lets you paddle around the river in swan- and other animal-shaped watercraft.
CHERRY STREET PIER: Cherry Street Pier is always bustling with some kind of activity — whether it’s art shows or food markets or visitors just sitting back, beer in hand, and gazing at the beautiful Delaware River views. Throughout the summer, they host a whole bunch of multicultural festivals, starting with the Irish Festival (Sunday, June 4), Islamic Heritage Festival (Sunday, June 11), Hispanic Fiesta (Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10), and Celebrate Asia on nearby Race Street Pier (Saturday, August 6). 121 N. Columbus Boulevard
THE OVAL XP: The Oval XP — formerly known as Eakins Oval or just The Oval — is back on the Parkway with a massive, MilkBoy Philly-manned beer garden and a slew of events planned each week, such movie nights and lots of family-friendly activities. New additions include a massive new summer stage that will host live music throughout summer. You’ll also find a 108-feet tall ferris wheel (the world’s largest!) and a carousel. Every Wednesday to Sunday, June 16 to August 21. 24th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway, pay as you go.
CITY HALL ROLLER RINK : The neon-hued outdoor Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park is now open through July 17. The rink is retro-inspired, with a checkerboard floor and colorful beach balls floating overhead. Guests are welcome to visit for hour time slots. Admission is $8 for children 10 and younger, and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $5. 1 S. 15th Street
CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL: Catch Franklin Square in Old City all aglow at nights during the Chinese Lantern Festival. After dark, dozens of lanterns shaped like pandas, samurais, bamboo forests, swimming whales and an impossible-to-miss 200-foot-long dragon transform the city park into an absolute wonderland. The Dragon Garden serves beer; vendors serve made-to-order noodles and such, and performances pepper the stage. Nightly through August 7, 6 to 11pm. 200 N. 6th Street, $12 to $20.
Header photo by R. Ricketts / Visit Philadelphia