Dragon in the Square (Photo by @jim50tim)

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🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo 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, August 17

The Rhythm Section – (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
Live Band performance with a one of a kind open mic/ jam session with musicians, singers, rappers, & spoken word artist. Hosted by Philly’s own TreWay. At Margolis. Tickets start at $10.

Tuesday, August 18

Cultural Workers Against Authoritarianism – (7 to 9:30 p.m.)
Authoritarianism is on the rise globally — and so is artists’ power to push back. This training offers insight and connection to meet this moment with strategy, courage, and creativity. Together, unpack how mass noncooperation can block authoritarian power, learn from global resistance efforts, and imagine how craft can power collective action. Take a look at key moments for U.S.-based movement-building in 2026— Bicentennial, Midterm Elections, etc. This training is co-hosted by Beautiful Trouble and US Dept of Arts and Culture. This session will be in English with Spanish and ASL interpretation. FREE online.

Wednesday, August 19

Newbold to Navy Yard – Philly Bike Train – (8 a.m.)
Meet at Ultimo Coffee at 15th & Mifflin at 8 a.m., roll at 8:10. Arrive at the Navy Yard around 8:30.

Estate Planning 101 – (1 p.m.)
Ready to tick ‘estate planning’ off your to-do list? Join other WHYY supporters for a FREE Zoom event on will-making basics with local expert attorneys. Get state-specific advice for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Submit your burning questions, learn the basics of estate planning, and explore the charitable giving options available to you.

PhillyCAM celebrates Philly Unpacked – (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Join PhillyCAM and newsroom partners to celebrate the first season of their new show, Philly Unpacked. At the Pen and Pencil Club. FREE registration.

P&P Peeks: A Fringey Little Preview 2026 – (7 to 8 p.m.)
Spend the night with Plays and Players checking out snapshots from upcoming Fringe productions! Plus a Members Happy Hour providing light refreshments beforehand. Feat. “Your Best Odd Girl Out” (Adrian Collins), “BoyGirl Gymnastics” (Mime Baby), “Trauma Queen” (The Lemonade Stand), “Notice Me, Gwyneth” (Matthew Reid), “Folk Dance Fun!” (Nee Danse/Theatre), “Ideas of Grandeur” (Imani Lee Williams). Pay-as-you-wish/$10 suggested donation. Pub is cash only. Note: 3rd floor is only accessible by stair.

Thursday, August 20

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!

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.

Friday, August 21

Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: South Broad Street – (2 p.m.)
Follow Broad Street’s remarkable transformation into the Avenue of the Arts and the birthplace of iconic American music movements. Along the way, explore the stories of legendary performers, pioneering record labels, vibrant cultural landmarks, and the neighborhoods that continue to shape Philadelphia’s identity today. FREE registration required. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.

Saturday, August 22

Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: South Broad Street – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
Follow Broad Street’s remarkable transformation into the Avenue of the Arts and the birthplace of iconic American music movements. Along the way, explore the stories of legendary performers, pioneering record labels, vibrant cultural landmarks, and the neighborhoods that continue to shape Philadelphia’s identity today. FREE registration required. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.

Sunday, August 23

Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: South Broad Street – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
Follow Broad Street’s remarkable transformation into the Avenue of the Arts and the birthplace of iconic American music movements. Along the way, explore the stories of legendary performers, pioneering record labels, vibrant cultural landmarks, and the neighborhoods that continue to shape Philadelphia’s identity today. FREE registration required. Meet at Independence Visitor Center.

Returning this year is the massive, 6,000-pound dragon lantern, stretching longer than three school buses. (Julia Binswanger/Billy Penn)

Through October

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival – (6 to 11 p.m.)
Now extended through August 30! The popular annual festival in Franklin Square Park features live performances, snacks including $1 dumplings, and free carousel rides and free mini golf offered on select weekdays. Tickets range from $16 to $32 daily; children under 2 are free.

Let’s Do Lunch!
Center City’s new lunch promotional deal, offering $10, $15 and $20 pre-fixe lunch menus at participating restaurants.

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.

Through November 8

Dia de los Muertos tribute to Isaiah Zagar
“Viviendo a través de la Muerte” will remain on view at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens through the Day of the Dead, Nov. 1, before closing on Nov. 8.

Heather Chin is Billy Penn's deputy editor. She previously was a digital producer at the Inquirer and an editor at outlets both print and digital — from national breaking news service Flipboard to hyperlocal...