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⚔️ May the 4th Be With You guide
❤️ Mother’s Day in Philly events
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎤 Philly Record Store Guide
⚽ Billy Penn’s FIFA World Cup Guide
🛍️ Thrifty in Philly guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
😋 Dining in Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Note: this list will be updated throughout the week.
All Week
Philly Tech Week – (through Friday, May 8)
80+ events, hosted by Technical.ly and 1Philadelphia.
Monday, May 4
May Plant Swap – (6 to 7 p.m.)
Bring plants, plant cuttings, or any garden-related items (i.e., books, tools, vegetables from your garden, etc.), meet fellow garden enthusiasts, and go home as a new plant parent! It’s a one-for-one exchange. At Manayunk pop-up garden.
Budget 101: Kensington – (6 to 8 p.m)
Join People’s Budget Office and Klean Kensington for a Budget 101 Workshop, where you’ll explore the basics of the city budget, understand how the budgeting process works, and discuss your community’s priorities. At Esperanza Health Center.
Tuesday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo Patio Party – (3 to 6 p.m.)
Tacos, margaritas, tequila and music outdoors at the Chestnut Walk/East Market courtyard on Market between 10th and 11th streets. Hosted by East Market, Mi Vida and The Wayward. Free to attend.
Cinco de Mayo Block Party – (4 to 9 p.m.)
9th Street in the Italian Market will be closed for this celebration, featuring food, live music and community.
Star Wars Trivia Night: Revenge of the Fifth – (8 to 10 p.m.)
Prizes for the strongest minds in the galaxy + Bonus points for those who arrive in full galactic attire to Brass Tap Craft Beer Bar.
Wednesday, May 6
Wilder x Bar Palmina Non-Alcoholic Pop-Up – (4 to 10 p.m.)
A fun collab between Wilder’s beverage director, Tom and Bar Palmina owner, Nikki: a themed zero-proof cocktail menu, oysters, snacks and more. The theme is “Oops, all berries!🍓🫐” At 1306 N. Front Street.
Uncle Bobbie’s X Tiffany D. Cross – “Love, Me” Book Tour – (7:30 p.m.)
Journalist, TV host, and speaker Tiffany D. Cross discusses her new book, “Love, Me” with Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books owner Marc Lamont Hill. “An unapologetic love letter to Black women.” Q&A to follow. At historic Mother Bethel African American Episcopal Church. $12.50 admission; $37.04 for admission+autographed book.
Thursday, May 7
Meantime on Market Kick-Off Party! – (5 to 8 p.m.)
Kick off the pop-up activation of Meantime on Market, along the 900 block of Market Street. Meet the small business owners behind Two Persons Coffee, Almost Famous, Rarify, Clubfriends Radio & Records, ArtPhilly, and Siddiq’s Water Ice. Music, snacks, drinks, and good vibes.
Learn to Fish at Lardner’s Point Park – (5:30 p.m.)
Learn to Fish along the Delaware River with FREE rod and bait rentals and guided instruction. No fishing license necessary for beginners. Free, but register in advance for a limited spot.
Pop-Ups at the Portal – (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Trolley Portal Gardens at 40th and Baltimore will turn into an outdoor concert venue for five weeks of free Thursday night performances curated by Gretchen Elise.
Living Legacy: Sonia Sanchez & Natyna Bean – (6:30 p.m.)
Part of EgoPo Classic Theater’s American Voices Reading Series. A reading of two short plays honoring the Phila. Black Arts Movement of the 60’s-70’s, which created theater by and for Black communities. It’s leading figure, Sonia Sanchez, was the city’s first Poet Laureate and a Temple professor. Sanchez’s play I’m Black When I’m Singin’, I’m Blue When I Ain’t created a new dramatic form that still dominates today. Natyna Bean, a student of Sanchez, born and raised in North Philly, carries this legacy forward with plays that explore self-determination and hope. In partnership with the CCP Theater & Theatre in the X. $15 tickets.
Philly Pops Jazz Combo: The Sound of Coltrane: 100 years – (7 to 8 p.m.)
An evening of jazz honoring John Coltrane, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth. A small jazz combo brings Coltrane’s music to life up close and personal, exploring the sound, spirit, and restless creativity that changed jazz forever. At Settlement Music School. $7-13 tickets.
Jefferson on Race: A Reader – (7 to 8 p.m.)
Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed gathers Thomas Jefferson’s most revealing writings about African Americans, slavery, and Native Americans, enabling readers as never before to directly explore his complex and contradictory thoughts, feelings, and decisions on these subjects—the most hotly debated aspect of his legacy. In conversation with Patrick Spero, Ph.D., CEO of the American Philosophical Society. At Parkway Central Library. $5 admission.
Friday, May 8
Field Teen Center Prom | Down the Rabbit Hole: A Mad Hatter’s Ball – (5 to 8 p.m.)
Time for the annual Alternative Prom! Teens ages 12-18 are invited to enjoy a wonderland of whimsy featuring a live DJ, catered dinner, performances, and festive decor. Capture memories with professional photography plus other surprises throughout the night. Dress to impress! FAQ available. At Parkway Central Library. FREE, but each attendee must fill out a ticket request form. Ticket confirmations will be sent via email. Age will be verified.
Remember the Ladies: After-Hours Tour – (5 to 6 p.m.)
Every Friday evening in May: Join this intimate look at the lives and legacies of the remarkable women laid to rest at Christ Church Burial Ground. You’ll meet trailblazers like Julia Stockton Rush, Sarah Franklin Bache — women whose courage and contributions helped shape Philadelphia and the nation. $12.51 tickets.
Bok Spring Open Studios – (5 to 9 p.m.)
Open Studios happens twice a year, where all nine floors of the Bok building open for visitors to explore the hallways and meet the Bok community. This free, family-friendly event welcomes you into the building’s inspiring spaces, home to fine artists, glass blowers, ceramicists, bakers, jewelers, guitar makers, designers, photographers, and more. Special activations include food vendors, community partners in the hallways, and pop-up art and music throughout the building. Make a night of it by having a beverage on the roof at Bok Bar or grabbing dinner at Irwin’s.
PTW2026 Closing Party – (5 to 10 p.m.)
The culmination of a week of ideas, innovation, and impact — and a reflection of the city we’re building together. At Gather Food Hall.
Biodanza: The Dance of Life + The Poetry of Human Encounter – (7 to 9 p.m.)
An evening of movement, music, community, and heartfelt, intentional connection. This “vivencia” (from the Spanish word “vivir,” meaning “to live”) will include a series of artfully guided dances and encounters designed to evoke core emotion and authentic expression. $35 tickets.
Sappho’s Salon: An Evening at the Temple of Friendship – (7 to 9 p.m.)
An immersive, multi-floor theater experience honoring the radical sapphic artists who gathered at Barney’s legendary Temple of Friendship. Downstairs, you’ll be a guest at the salon itself, witnessing readings, performances, philosophical debates, and the kind of conversation that only happens when queer women and artists gather in a space that shouldn’t exist according to the world’s rules. Upstairs, wander through rooms where extraordinary women come alive: a burlesque tease from Marlene Dietrich, a philosophy lesson from Hypatia, a Charleston dance lesson with Bricktop, Virginia Woolf’s interactive writing room, and more. $25-45 tickets.
Saturday, May 9
Lower Moyamensing Spring Flea Market – (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
At South Philly High School. Free to attend.
Please Touch Museum Book Faire – (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
A book fair complete with book giveaways, character meet-and-greets, crafts, storytime, performances (“Alice In Wonderland,” “Matilda” and “The Fairy and the Snapdragon”), fairytale writing workshops, portraits, dance party, slime-making, jousting and more! Free, but registration is required.
Around Washington Square Tour – (10 a.m.)
Walk around one of William Penn’s original planned public parks. Learn how this square served as a burial ground for over 1,200 Revolutionary War soldiers, then as a potter’s field before receiving its present name in 1825. See The Athenaeum, the first Italian Renaissance building in the U.S., and learn how the Square became home to the publishing industry in the early 20th century. Today, many of the former office buildings are being transformed into residences. Meet at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the center of Washington Square Park. $18 tickets.
Botanical Illustration in the Garden – (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
All artist levels welcome at this voyage through Wyck Historic House’s botanical archives, taught by Kristen Ryan, a local artist and horticulturist. BYO sketchbook, pencil and eraser. Watercolors welcome. No acrylics or oil paints necessary. Free tickets.
Blues of Parkside: A Cyanotype Workshop – (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Join interdisciplinary artist Yannick Lowery for a hands-on cyanotype workshop rooted in the stories and textures of West Philadelphia’s Parkside neighborhood. Using light-sensitive materials and found imagery, participants will create their own prints while reflecting on memory, place, and the everyday moments that shape community life. No prior experience is needed. All materials will be provided. At Painted Bride Project Space. Free with RSVP.
Philly Foodworks 4th Annual Open House – (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Build your own bouquets with locally grown flowers, sample products at the pop-up vendor fair, tour the warehouse, BYO salad station, play games and more! Free, but $10 donations welcome to help cover food and staffing.
Spring Fest & Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show (POSTPONED to June 6 & May 16, respectively)
Roxborough Spring Fest returns for a full day of community celebration, bringing together local businesses, live entertainment, classic cars, food, and family-friendly fun along Ridge Avenue – from Green Lane to Fountain Street. Plus: a special Liberty Bell installation in Pocket Park, the Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show, and a Community Wellness Village.
Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar: Mother’s Day Weekend – (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
At Cherry Street Pier. 80+ curated craft vendors, make & takes, cash bar, food vendors, raffles, and 75 free tote giveaway at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
Northern Liberties Spring Fest 2026 – (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Head to 3rd and Poplar and Liberty Lands Park for this inaugural Spring Fest! Kick off the season with family-friendly entertainment, neighborhood vendors and seasonal treats all celebrating Northern Liberties.
Now + Then Marketplace Fishtown Fair – (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
A community collab for one giant market on Girard & Frankford in the heart of Fishtown Mother’s Day weekend. 50+ local vendors, including food & drinks specials from Johnny Brenda’s, Two Robbers, Pizza Shackamaxon, & Kismet Bagels.
The Cookout Kick-Off: 4 The Culture – (12 to 6 p.m.)
Food and fun for the family while supporting Black-owned businesses. At Belmont Plateau. Free tickets.
Nanny Goat Fest – (1 to 8 p.m.)
For three days in May 1844, Kensington was on fire from an anti-immigration riot that destroyed over 30 Irish homes and businesses near the Nanny Goat Market, the gathering space for Irish Americans at the time. This year, a historical marker ceremony will take place at 1 p.m., followed by the inaugural Festival (from 2 to 8 p.m.) celebrating the resilient community that returned after the last fires were put out, and the others that have come to Kensington since. A pre-event memorial mass will take place at 12 p.m. at St. Michael’s.
Sappho’s Salon: An Evening at the Temple of Friendship – (2 to 4 p.m. AND 7 to 9 p.m.)
An immersive, multi-floor theater experience honoring the radical sapphic artists who gathered at Barney’s legendary Temple of Friendship. Downstairs, you’ll be a guest at the salon itself, witnessing readings, performances, philosophical debates, and the kind of conversation that only happens when queer women and artists gather in a space that shouldn’t exist according to the world’s rules. Upstairs, wander through rooms where extraordinary women come alive: a burlesque tease from Marlene Dietrich, a philosophy lesson from Hypatia, a Charleston dance lesson with Bricktop, Virginia Woolf’s interactive writing room, and more. $25-45 tickets.
Arts in Recovery: One community uniting all addictions – (7 to 9 p.m.)
An evening of art including poetry, piano, live music, stand-up comedy, skits, rap, body art, printed art, and photography. Come together to build community with artists in recovery. Features food, performances and merch. Doors open at 6:30pm. Show begins at 7 p.m. and includes one 15-minute intermission. Audience members will vote for their favorite artists in two categories: Stage Arts and Printed Arts. The top two artists in each category will receive cash and other prizes. $33 to $45 tickets.
Sunday, May 10
Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar: Mother’s Day Weekend – (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
At Cherry Street Pier. 80+ curated craft vendors, make & takes, cash bar, food vendors, raffles, and 75 free tote giveaway at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.
East Falls Tour – (2 p.m.)
East Falls transitioned from a small fishing outpost along the Schuylkill River to a major mill town in the 1800s, but the last mills closed almost a century ago. As the mills were closing, the neighborhood developed into a ‘suburb’ within Philadelphia. This tour will look at the changes from 1900 to the mid-century with a walk through the Tudor District, The Oak Road, and School House Lane highlighting the highways and byways in between. Meet at the intersection of Midvale Ave and Vaux Streets. $18 tickets.
Sappho’s Salon: An Evening at the Temple of Friendship – (7 to 9 p.m.)
An immersive, multi-floor theater experience honoring the radical sapphic artists who gathered at Barney’s legendary Temple of Friendship. Downstairs, you’ll be a guest at the salon itself, witnessing readings, performances, philosophical debates, and the kind of conversation that only happens when queer women and artists gather in a space that shouldn’t exist according to the world’s rules. Upstairs, wander through rooms where extraordinary women come alive: a burlesque tease from Marlene Dietrich, a philosophy lesson from Hypatia, a Charleston dance lesson with Bricktop, Virginia Woolf’s interactive writing room, and more. $25-45 tickets.
Through June 9
Healing Verse Germantown: The Streets Are Talking, Launch Celebration – (2 to 5 p.m.)
The exhibition features 19 public art poems by Germantown community members about healing from the impacts of gun violence. Celebrate these poets with remarks, food, poetry activations, guided tours, and community. At the Friends Free Library (5418 Germantown Ave) and Ubuntu Fine Art (5423 Germantown Ave), directly across the street from each other. Art includes a collage poster series, video installations, augmented reality constellations, interactive floral offerings, a stained glass panel installation on a SEPTA bus shelter, a wrapped SEPTA bus, and more.
Through July 11
El Mercado Cultural at Cherry Street Pier – (11 a.m. to 5 p.m)
A series of spring and summer markets presented in collaboration with Fleisher Art Memorial. Shop from vendors, savor tasty bites, and enjoy the rotating entertainment. Occasional Saturdays: April 18, May 30 and July 11.
No Arena: Making a Movement – (2 to 6 p.m.)
On the occasion of America’s 250th Anniversary, “No Arena: Making A Movement” highlights a decentralized grassroots movement that was led by people of color, serving as a model for what our democracy can be. Interactive with events programming through July. Gallery is open Thursdays through Saturdays.
