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🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 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.
Monday, May 18
Friends of Bodine HS Spring Fundraiser 2026 – (5 to 9 p.m.)
Join the Friends of Bodine at Craft Hall. Every ticket sold, item auctioned, and dollar raised will help benefit the Bodine community. $44.52 tickets include food and drink tickets. Raffle tickets and auction items will be avalaible at an additional cost.
BalletX Pop Up at the Philadelphia Museum of Art – (6 to 7 p.m.)
Join BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, for a joyful afternoon of dance on the East Terrace of the PMA. Watch performances or join a One Dance, One Philly tutorial and demonstration! Free. Seating is first-come, first-served. Does not include museum admisison.
Stories Between Us: Creativity, Identity, and Belonging – (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
One Book, One Philadelphia and South Asian Americans For Change present this interactive workshop invites participants to explore identity, belonging, family, and intergenerational connection through storytelling, discussion, and collaborative art-making. Inspired by the One Book, One Philly selection, “Inspired by “Our Missing Hearts” by Celeste Ng. At Parkway Central. Free registration.
Monday Night Movies: Shrek Night – (6 to 10 p.m.)
The taproom at Future Days Beer Co. is going full swamp mode for the 25th anniversary of Shrek. Doors open at 6 p.m., film starts at 7:30 p.m. At 433 Fairmount Avenue. Optional “Get Shrek’d”-themed barre class beforehand at 5:30 p.m. at nearby Birdies Barre + Fitness Studio.
Tuesday, May 19
Author Events Series presents Jodi Kantor: How to Start – (7 to 8 p.m.)
Join Jodi Kantor and Michael Solomonov for a discussion of the question: how, in these challenging times, can anyone discover and begin their life’s work? At Parkway Central. Free registration.
Wednesday, May 20
A People’s Exposition! Opening Celebration – (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Join us for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on solutions that address our greatest challenges. Opening night includes food, music, community, and more. At the Kensington Engagement Center.
22nd annual Philadelphia Ride of Silence – (6:45 to 8 p.m.)
The annual Ride of Silence is an international ride that honors bicyclists killed or injured by motor vehicles. The ride starts at the North Apron of City Hall with a short memorial ceremony and slow bike ride that will travel an 8-mile route at 9.5 miles per hour through Center City before ending at the Art Museum for a memorial bike lift. The ride occurs rain or shine.
Circle Jawn Singers Citywide Sing – (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
If you love music, improv, and expanding the horizons of what your voice can create in community, this is the group for you. Join circle singing (spontaneous choral experiences as popularized by vocal music legend Bobby McFerrin), vocal improvisation games, and a cappella jams. At the Philadelphia Ethical Society. Free RSVP.
Secret Cinema presents famous films (again!) – (8 p.m.)
At University City’s Rotunda. Free.
Thursday, May 21
People You Should Know: Philadelphia’s Sports Economy – (8 to 10 a.m.)
WHYY is partnering with the Center City Business Association for an informed discussion with area sports executives at WHYY, 150 N. 6th Street. Enter promo code “WHYY30″ to receive a $30 off discount from the $75 admission!
Philadelphia Senior Expo Spring 2026 – (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
A fun and informative day at the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia City Avenue. Connect with local resources, learn about health and wellness, and discover new hobbies and activities. From fitness demos to financial planning tips, there’s something for everyone. Free registration.
Learn to Fish – Lardner’s Point Park – (5:30 p.m.)
Free rod and bait rentals, first-come-first-served, and guided instruction! Otherwise, BYO rod. No fishing license necessary; state license requirements are waived. All levels welcome! Every Thursday through June 18. Pre-registration required.
Mural Run – (6 p.m.)
Join this tour of six murals near Brewerytown, starting and stopping at Human Robot. All paces, no need to register, just show up. Three mile route.
Philly Clown Slam – (8:15 to 10 p.m.)
A red-nosed sneezing fit of fun every month throws itself at you like a bouquet of begonias and bumble bees. This month’s cover clown: Luna. At Studio 34 Yoga on Baltimore Avenue.
Friday, May 22
Kick Off Summer, Kick Out ICE – (5 to 11 p.m.)
Kick off the summer by showing our neighbors how much we love them! At Penntridge Station beer garden. The event raises funds for Asian Americans United’s Communities in Solidarity Fund, which helps detained immigrants and their families access legal support and meet basic needs. Enjoy live music, local crafts, food trucks and drinks with NO ICE. Rain or shine. Dog- and kid-friendly. Free, but $25-50 suggested donation at the door.
NXTX BBQ Pop Up – (6 p.m.)
NXTX returns to the Future Days Beer Co. taproom for another round of barbecue. Come early and come hungry — they sold out in a record 90 minutes last time. At 433 Fairmount Avenue.
Memorial Day Weekend on the Waterfront – (7 p.m. onwards)
Kick off the unofficial start of summer on the Delaware River Waterfront as Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Spruce Street Harbor Park officially reopen for the 2026 season. Live jazz, colorful hammocks, roller skating, arcade games, boardwalk-style food, flea markets and more. Friday’s schedule includes Friday Night Jazz and Roll Call Friday.
Saturday, May 23
Uhuru Flea Market for African Liberation Day – (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
One Africa! One Nation! Uhuru Flea Markets are BACK again for 2026, marking its 22nd season of economic self-determination and self-reliance!
At Clark Park, 43rd Street and Chester Ave.
2026 Philadelphia Renaissance Faire – (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Rain or shine at Fort Mifflin! $20 adults age 16+, $15 seniors and veterans, $10 youth age 5-15, free for kids under 5.
SummerFest and the Summer Sounds Concert Series – (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Part of Memorial Day Weekend on the Waterfront. Kick off the unofficial start of summer on the Delaware River Waterfront as Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Spruce Street Harbor Park officially reopen for the 2026 season. Live jazz, colorful hammocks, roller skating, arcade games, boardwalk-style food, flea markets and more. See the full schedule online.
Sunday, May 24
Ring It On! 5K – (7:30 a.m.)
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with thousands of runners, starting at Memorial Hall. 3,000+ runners expected, plus finish line music with after-parties at local watering holes. From ages 7 to 94. All paces. All backgrounds. All genders, races, and religions are welcome. $55 registration.
2026 Philadelphia Renaissance Faire – (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Rain or shine at Fort Mifflin! $20 adults age 16+, $15 seniors and veterans, $10 youth age 5-15, free for kids under 5.
Memorial Day Weekend on the Waterfront – (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
It’s Family Fun Day on the waterfront! Kick off the unofficial start of summer on the Delaware River Waterfront as Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Spruce Street Harbor Park officially reopen for the 2026 season. Live jazz, colorful hammocks, roller skating, arcade games, boardwalk-style food, flea markets and more. See the full schedule online.
Thrift 2 Death Market at Cherry Street Pier – (11 a.m.)
Go thrifting on the waterfront! Part of Memorial Day Weekend on the Waterfront.
Jewish Immigrant Philadelphia Tour – (2 p.m.)
Relive the Philadelphia experience of Eastern European Jews who settled, at the turn of the 20th century, in the vicinity of 5th and Bainbridge. Pass by numerous synagogues, see Philly’s first playground, and view numerous Zagar murals. Hear a story about a former bathhouse and learn about the Washington Market in the middle of a neighborhood with a shocking past. Stroll through Fabric Row, and see the birthplace of Three Stooges Larry Fine. $18 tickets.
BRCOpenMics Philly May Reading Series – (3 to 5 p.m.)
Free. At Triple Bottom Brewing.
William Henry Harrison, the musical – (4 p.m.)
What do you know about William Henry Harrison? He’s the president who died after just one month in office, right? Because he gave a really long speech in the rain without a coat? That’s the one! Anything else? No? Well, that’s all about to change. At the Christ Church Neighborhood House in Old City. $25 tickets.
Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day)
2026 Philadelphia Renaissance Faire – (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Rain or shine at Fort Mifflin! $20 adults age 16+, $15 seniors and veterans, $10 youth age 5-15, free for kids under 5.
Memorial Day Weekend on the Waterfront – (1 to 10 p.m.)
It’s SummerFest and Family Fun Day on the waterfront! Kick off the unofficial start of summer on the Delaware River Waterfront as Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest and Spruce Street Harbor Park officially reopen for the 2026 season. Live jazz, colorful hammocks, roller skating, arcade games, boardwalk-style food, flea markets and more. See the full schedule online.
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 5
Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival
Six weeks of programming across the city, showcasing the extraordinary and innovative work of emerging and established Latine/x/a/o filmmakers. Programming includes the activation of community spaces with screenings of groundbreaking works from all genres: short film, narrative, documentary, animation, emerging media and more. Our programs focus on offering community centered spaces in the Philadelphia region and beyond. Prices and locations vary.
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.
Though October
A People’s Exposition!
Join us for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on solutions that address our greatest challenges. At the Kensington Engagement Center.
