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🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🥕 CSA farmshare guide
🛝 Kid-friendly summer guide
☕ Philly coffee shop guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours guide
🌱 Spring in Philly guide
🎭 Philly’s comedy scene
🎤 Philly Record Store 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, July 27
Retro Video Game Night – (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Miss the days of Mario Kart 64, Goldeneye, and Dance Dance Revolution? Drop in for a night of retro gaming on somehow still-working classic consoles. At Fishtown Community Library.
Philly Podcast Club meetup – (6:30 p.m.)
Meet in Rittenhouse Square (weather dependent) to talk about the making of all things media! FREE.
Ilan Wurman on “The Constitution of 1789: A New Introduction” – (6:30 p.m.)
Written to coincide with the semiquincentennial of American independence, the book offers a fresh examination of the Constitution’s origins, structure, separation of powers, and the relationship between the Constitution and the American founding. Wurman explores how the Constitution was understood at its creation and the questions that have animated constitutional debates for over two centuries. Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer at the National Constitution Center, moderates. FREE. Register for online view or in-person seat.
Tuesday, July 28
Bridging Blocks | Gun Rights, Realities, Risks, and Responsibility – (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Firearms have been part of human society for more than a thousand years and remain deeply embedded in military institutions and many civilian cultures around the world. Many have enacted significant gun control laws. What makes the U.S. the exception? What risks and responsibilities come with the Second Amendment? Is the current system the most effective, or should we consider alternatives? This is a facilitated community conversation in which attendees will engage directly with one another in a moderated setting. Rather than a lecture or presentation, the program is designed to encourage dialogue, the exchange of perspectives and shared learning among participants. At Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library. FREE.
Date Night On the Parkway – (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
A date night cooking class at the Free Library. BYO partner, best friend, or favorite foodie and join an evening of cooking, laughter, and delicious bites. Learn new culinary skills, create something tasty together and make memories along the way. No experience needed just bring your appetite and your sense of fun! Tonight’s menu is Homemade Ravioli with Ricotta and Spinach filling. Tossed Salad and Garlic Bread, plus Homemade White and Red Sauce. Register online.
Market & Movie: A Chinatown Stitch Celebration – (POSTPONED TO 8/6 – 5 to 10:30 p.m.)
Spend a summer evening in Chinatown with local vendors, arts & crafts, free food, giveaways, and a movie under the stars as we celebrate the Chinatown Stitch project and our community. At Chinatown Community Park, 227 N 11th Street. Celebration from 5-7 p.m., documentary screening at 8:30 p.m. BYO chairs or picnic blankets.
Traitors: A Real Life Competition of Traitors and Faithfuls – (7 p.m.)
Join a night where you’ll be pitted against your fellow attendees in a competition of deceit, challenges, murders, and over-the-top Scottish accents,* in an event that (according to our lawyers) is in no way inspired by the copywritten material of the hit Peacock TV show. At Evil Genius Beer Co. $25 tickets.
Wednesday, July 29
Society Hill Sacred Sites Tour – (6 p.m.)
Meet at the gates of St. Peters Church at 313 Pine Street for this tour. Due to its Quaker origins, Philadelphia has long been hospitable to worshipers of many faiths. See history come to life when visiting reclusive St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, classical Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, Romanesque Revival Mother Bethel Church, Georgian St. Peter’s Church, and Gothic Revival St. Mary’s Church. $18 tickets.
July Collage Night – (6 to 8 p.m.)
A laid-back evening of cutting, pasting, and playing with paper, featuring our curated collection of vintage magazines to collage from. We’ll have scissors, glue, and plenty of inspiring pages to flip through. At At My House, 760 S 4th Street. While there, check out the Mini Mini Art Show!
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, Circle Jawn Singers is the group for you! Join in on vocal improvisation games, and a cappella jams. No experience? No problem! This gathering is for singers of ALL skill levels. BYO water bottle. FREE to RSVP. Every other Wednesday at the Philadelphia Ethical Society.
War of the Words Variety Show – (7 p.m.)
Claude’s Comedy hosts this dad joke quizzo event featuring local comedians and your competitive spirit. $13 tickets.
Shakespeare in Clark Park: Hamlet – (7 p.m.)
Multiple actors take a turn portraying the main character in this twisty take on the Shakespeare classic. Produced by Shakespeare in Clark Park & Revolution Shakespeare, and sponsored by Friends of Clark Park & The Franklin Fountain. FREE. A the Bowl.
Moth Night at Penn Treaty Park – (8 to 11 p.m.)
Come explore the nocturnal biodiversity of Fishtown at Moth night! We’ll gather and set up a sheet with UV lights that will attract insects. Who will we see? We don’t know! We’ll likely see moths, beetles, and an assortment of other critters TBD. Meet at the pollinator garden near the water at Penn Treaty Park around 8 p.m. BYO chair, water, snack, camera, sketchpad or blanket. Register online.
Thursday, July 30
Best-Of Excursion: Gayborhood Mural Walk (Early Evening) – (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Streets Dept Excursions are guided tours of Philly’s art and public space, led by Conrad Benner! Each month features curated walks around the “mural capital of the world.” While the focus and location of each month’s Excursion is always different, overall they explore three main themes: 1) public/street art, 2) public space/architecture, and 3) dynamic art spaces. Here, murals honoring Philadelphia’s LGBTQ+ history stand alongside works by internationally recognized muralists, forming a vivid and evolving record of identity, resistance, celebration, and community. Tour Start: At 11th and Sansom Streets (Southeast Corner). Tour End: within a 10 minute walking distance from this start location. $25 tickets.
Passyunk Passeggiata – (5 p.m. onwards)
Every Thursday at 5 p.m., all summer long through August 27. East Passyunk Avenue presents an Italian-Style Promenade featuring Happy Hour Specials from participating bars and restaurants, extended retail hours and a music series!
Meet & Geek: Creating a City of Medicine – (6 to 7:30 p.m.)
Learn more about Mütter Museum’s ‘Creating a City of Medicine’ exhibition while socializing with other science, health, tech and ed geeks. $20 tickets.
Ladies Night Out at Yards Brewing – (6 to 10 p.m.)
Local vendors, live DJ, flash tattoos, an aura photobooth (pre-booking required), hair tinsel, jewelry, perfume bar, a blind date book bar, beauty items, shirt-pressing, bouquet bar, desserts, doggie treats, and more! FREE to attend.
Stroll After Hours – (6 to 10 p.m.)
Light up Thursday nights in Manayunk! Food trucks & pop-up vendors, live music & DJs, interactive art demos, outdoor movie nights and more! See each Thursday’s schedule online. FREE.
Shakespeare in Clark Park: Hamlet – (7 p.m.)
Multiple actors take a turn portraying the main character in this twisty take on the Shakespeare classic. Produced by Shakespeare in Clark Park & Revolution Shakespeare, and sponsored by Friends of Clark Park & The Franklin Fountain. FREE. A the Bowl.
Friday, July 31
Late Summer Birding at FDR Park – (9 to 11:30 a.m.)
Join a late summer bird walk to check in on this season’s newest birds. Afterwards you can head over to one of the park’s food markets. Meet at the Boathouse. FREE, no registration required.
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: South 9th Street Markets – (2 p.m.)
This tour explores the 9th Street Market, popularly known as the Italian Market or La Calle Nueve. Hear the stories of the (im)migrant families who built and sustain this vibrant corridor, brought to life through firsthand accounts, murals, lightboxes, and revitalized produce stands.These tours are led by the Our Market Project which revitalizes the South 9th Street Market through public art, storytelling & community-centered programming that preserves its cultural legacy and amplifies the voices of those who make it thrive. FREE registration required. Starts and ends at Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St.)
Night Out on 9th: Night Market – (5 to 9 p.m.)
On the 900 and 1000 blocks of South Street. An evening celebrating residents, businesses, and civic leaders. Learn about police’s new crisis response canine, Bailey, celebrate the opening of the Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens new exhibition, enjoy a Son Jarocho band performance, test yourself at the Philadelphia Union’s IBX Kicking Challenge tent, learn about recycling, clean water, donating food and more! FREE.
Roller Skating Meetup – (5 to 9 p.m.)
Beginners welcome at this friendly outdoor roller skating social in West Philly. At Paines Park on the Schuylkill River Trail.
Cedar Park Jazz Series – (6 to 8 p.m.)
Live music, community vibes, and great energy on 49th and Baltimore. Every Friday through the end of July — 9 local bands perform at this free, family-friendly event. BYO lawn chairs, cooler snacks and dancing shoes!
July 31: Fyrestorm
Shakespeare in Clark Park: Hamlet – (7 p.m.)
Multiple actors take a turn portraying the main character in this twisty take on the Shakespeare classic. Produced by Shakespeare in Clark Park & Revolution Shakespeare, and sponsored by Friends of Clark Park & The Franklin Fountain. FREE. A the Bowl.
Salsa & Bachata with Siempre Salsa – (7 to 10 p.m.)
No partner necessary! BYO dancing shoes. At LOVE Park.
Summer Phest 2026 – (7 p.m.)
PHIT PHEST is a curated weekend of indie improv at PHIT, featuring standout teams and special guests from Philadelphia and beyond. Each night brings a different lineup of performers, styles, and surprises — all celebrating bold, playful, live improv. Sliding scale prices – $15-30 tickets.
LARS, Medukha, and Moriah Bailey in Acoustic Contact – (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Come upstairs to Studio 34 for a night of music. Sliding scale admission: $10-20 suggested donation.
Saturday, August 1
Society Hill Stroll – (10 a.m.)
Society Hill received its name from the “Free Society of Traders” who were granted a strip of land in this area by William Penn in 1683. Take a leisurely walk through this country’s largest, intact collection of original colonial and post-colonial residential architecture. Learn about this neighborhood’s mid 20th century renewal efforts and its contribution to establishing Philadelphia as a “livable” city. Meet at the southeast corner of 2nd and Spruce Streets. $18 tickets.
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: South 9th Street Markets – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
This tour explores the 9th Street Market, popularly known as the Italian Market or La Calle Nueve. Hear the stories of the (im)migrant families who built and sustain this vibrant corridor, brought to life through firsthand accounts, murals, lightboxes, and revitalized produce stands.These tours are led by the Our Market Project which revitalizes the South 9th Street Market through public art, storytelling & community-centered programming that preserves its cultural legacy and amplifies the voices of those who make it thrive. FREE registration required. Starts and ends at Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St.)
Summer Fest on Piazza Alta – (10 a.m.)
Pre-game Sunday’s 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties with this summer festival the day before! Dozens of local vendors, music, and delicious food + beverages will line the block, alongside family-friendly games, crafts, and playful activations for attendees of all ages.
Tacony Community Arts Day – (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Head to the 6900 block of Torresdale Ave for this first annual event with live painting, live music, a food truck and over 20 vendors to shop from. Plus, a craft supply giveaway, while supplies last! FREE.
A Grateful Day on The Plaza – (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
A live DJ on The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market, in celebration of Jerry Garcia’s Birthday! Get a free koozie, hat or tin-tacker with the purchase of Dogfish Head Grateful Dead Juicy Pale Ale, while supplies last. Also: limited edition TRM Grateful Dead-inspired merch, with proceeds supporting the Market! FREE to attend.
Open House at Asian Arts Initiative – (12 to 4 p.m.)
Explore newly renovated and reimagined spaces through live performances, hands-on demonstrations, a pop-up exhibition, food and drinks, and a first look at the technologies, venues, and creative spaces now available for your performances, events, meetings, rehearsals, retreats, and more! FREE.
Zoo Done It? – (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Uncover the secrets of the Philadelphia Zoo on this thrilling mystery adventure led by Without A Cue Productions! Step into 1926, when the world-famous Tasmanian tiger has arrived from the London Zoo, and crowds have gathered for its grand unveiling during a lavish celebration. But just as the curtain is set to rise, the tiger vanishes without a trace. Guests become detectives in a live-action scavenger hunt throughout the zoo, tracking down suspicious characters, uncovering clues, and interrogating live actors who may—or may not—be involved in the daring heist. Win prizes, including private tours, show passes and a behind-the-scenes experience! $70 tickets; must be 16 or over.
Millennial Matinee Dance Party – TRL Edition – (6 p.m.)
At Underground Arts in Callowhill. 21+ only. $14.39 tickets.
Summer Phest 2026 – (7 p.m.)
PHIT PHEST is a curated weekend of indie improv at PHIT, featuring standout teams and special guests from Philadelphia and beyond. Each night brings a different lineup of performers, styles, and surprises — all celebrating bold, playful, live improv. Sliding scale prices – $15-30 tickets.
Shakespeare in Clark Park: Hamlet – (7 p.m.)
Multiple actors take a turn portraying the main character in this twisty take on the Shakespeare classic. Produced by Shakespeare in Clark Park & Revolution Shakespeare, and sponsored by Friends of Clark Park & The Franklin Fountain. FREE. A the Bowl.
Sunday, August 2
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: South 9th Street Markets – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
This tour explores the 9th Street Market, popularly known as the Italian Market or La Calle Nueve. Hear the stories of the (im)migrant families who built and sustain this vibrant corridor, brought to life through firsthand accounts, murals, lightboxes, and revitalized produce stands. These tours are led by the Our Market Project which revitalizes the South 9th Street Market through public art, storytelling & community-centered programming that preserves its cultural legacy and amplifies the voices of those who make it thrive. FREE registration required. Starts and ends at Independence Visitor Center (599 Market St.)
Print the Revolution: A Pop-Up Letterpress Workshop at Christ Church Burial – (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
A unique, hands-on tribute to the man who gave the Declaration of Independence its first physical form. Gather at the historic gravesite of John Dunlap, the official printer to the Continental Congress, for a special typographic celebration in honor of the upcoming 250th anniversary of Dunlap’s monumental “broadside” printing. $15 tickets. Limited spots.
Freedom Now Fest – (12 to 6 p.m.)
A community celebration honoring the anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic Freedom Now Rally Tour in Philadelphia. More than 60 years after Rev. Dr. King delivered his call for equality, economic justice and voting rights before more than 10,000 people at 40th and Lancaster Avenue, the community will return to the very place where history was made to commemorate his legacy through music, art, storytelling, food, film and reflection.
Function on Filbert Street – (12 to 6 p.m.)
Reading Terminal Market hosts live music, a vintage flea market pop-up, and food and merch giveaways! Feat. Function PHL, a Philly-based DJ duo, curated clothing, accessories and rare finds, plus food from Chef Beth’s Kitchen and Fox & Son — come by every hour on the hour for a complimentary hot dog, while supplies last!
2nd Street Festival – (12 to 10 p.m.)
Founded in 2008 by several local business owners, the 2nd St Festival has grown into one of the largest annual street festivals in Philadelphia, spanning several blocks in Northern Liberties and drawing thousands of people. Always the first Sunday in August, the neighborhood and comes alive with food, libations and entertainment! Pay-as-you-go.
Shakespeare in Clark Park: Hamlet – (7 p.m.)
Multiple actors take a turn portraying the main character in this twisty take on the Shakespeare classic. Produced by Shakespeare in Clark Park & Revolution Shakespeare, and sponsored by Friends of Clark Park & The Franklin Fountain. FREE. A the Bowl.
Throughout July
ALL MONTH: Free Museum Day: Barnes Foundation and Calder Gardens
Through August 1
‘Franklin! The Sound of America’
A rock opera about Ben Franklin’s life — from teenage runaway to band-of-brothers innovator, scandalous lover, global celebrity and Founding Father — that includes 23 original songs, a walking tour and a cameo from Sir Roger Daltrey. At Fringe Arts, 140 N Christopher Columbus Blvd. $60 tickets.
Wings and Water: The Space Between by ArtXStitch
A community-driven art installation at Cherry Street Pier, created by resident artists GrioXArts, exploring identity, healing, and freedom through textile storytelling, reimagining what it means to be seen and heard in Philadelphia. This exhibition is part of Where Freedom Flows: A Public Art Series on the Delaware River Waterfront. Free and open to the public.
Through August 8
“Currents” exhibition at Fairmount Water Works
A new art exhibit at the Fairmount Water Works that pays homage to the life stages of the river.
Through 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.
