Love Philly? So do we. Let’s be friends. Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today.
🏙️ Billy Penn City Guide
✏️ Philly Quizzo guide
🎭 Philly Fringe Fest guide
🍓 Farmers market guide
✊🏾 Black history in Philly guide
🍦 Vegan ice cream guide
🥕 CSA farmshare guide
☕ Philly coffee shop guide
🚶🏽♀️ Alt Philly history walking tours 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 24
Silent Day at Calder Gardens – (5 to 7 p.m.) )
Visitors are invited to slow down, turn inward, and experience quiet attention. After-hours access to the galleries and gardens dedicated to silence and sensory awareness with a reduced-audience capacity. Refrain from using electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, computers, and headphones. Meditate or BYO printed reading materials, small paper pads, and pencils for drawing and writing (NOTE: pens, markers, and all forms of paint are NOT permitted). Move at your own rhythm. Chairs, tables, and meditation cushions provided. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own meditation pillows for comfort. $22 tickets.
Soul Line Dancing on the River – (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
R & B soul line dancing for beginners and intermediate levels. Hosted by Monique (aka Mo’ Smooth) Combines both the mental and physical health benefits of exercise with a calming, scenic, clean, and open atmosphere of nature. Sneakers and comfortable clothing are strongly recommended. Every Monday through August 31. Free registration required; Waiver required signed.
Video Bingo: Sitcom Edition – (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Test your sitcom knowledge with Video Bingo at Milkboy on South St (Upstairs)! They’ll play a clip of a sitcom (80’s to today), if you can recognize the name of the show or character (depending on what’s on the bingo card) and if it’s on your card, you’ll stamp it with a bingo stampers. Each round will get a little harder. It is an individual game (no teams) but you’re welcome to help each other as long as you’re quiet so you don’t spoil it for anyone that doesn’t want help. FREE. Playing is optional.
Tuesday, August 25
Cobbs Creek Community Workday: Stewardship & Nature Walk – (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Join Fairmount Park Conservancy for a volunteer workday at Cobbs Creek Park. Remove invasive species, pick up litter and join Natural Lands team experts in an environmental education session about Cobbs Creek’s plants and wildlife. All tools provided. Wear comfortable clothes. FREE.
Parlor Games Party & Competition – (11 a.m.)
Show off your skills, outwit, outlast other players to win the grand prize. Free for early birds. First-come, first-seated. BYO or buy snacks on-site. At Deal Street Arts & Community Center in Frankford.
24th annual Slavery Commiseration – (4 p.m.)
Avenging the Ancestors Coalition will gather at the President’s House site on Independence Mall for this “solemn remembrance of those whose forced labor helped build the United States while also renewing the public’s commitment to truth, justice, and historical accuracy.” The date marks the August 25, 1619 anniversary of the first documented enslaved Africans arriving in America when it was still a British colony. FREE.
Culinary Date Night On the Parkway – (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Grab your partner, best friend, or favorite foodie and join the Free Library for an evening of cooking, laughter, and delicious bites. On the menu: Taco Tuesday. 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! Perfect for couples, friends and anyone who loves good food and great company. FREE tickets required.
Watercolor on the Water – (6 to 8 p.m.)
Learn to paint with watercolor in this beginner-friendly plein air series at Cherry Street Pier. All supplies included. This session focuses on Putting It All Together: Combine value, color, and composition skills to create a finished plein air watercolor painting. Learn techniques for simplifying a scene, creating depth, and developing confidence in your personal artistic style. $39.19 tickets.
Wednesday, August 26
Blend Your Own Adventure: A Tea Experience – (3 to 5 p.m.)
Step into the world of tea blending: a playful, sensory journey where creativity meets calm. Expect a self-guided, interactive experience, think “choose your own adventure,” but for tea lovers. Sample teas, explore plants, browse the tea library and herbal apothecary and create your own blend! At the Random Tea Room, 713 N 4th Street. $50 tickets.
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!
Enjoy vocal improvisation games and a cappella jams. All skill levels welcome. Every other Wednesday! At the Philadelphia Ethical Society.
Thursday, August 27
Best-Of Excursion: Solidly South Philly (Early Evening) – (5 to 6:30 p.m.)
Streets Dept Excursions are guided tours of Philly’s art and public space! Tonight, start at 9th and Reed streets, and end at 9th and Washington Avenue. Estimated one hour of walking/strolling/standing. Streets Dept Excursions are led by Conrad Benner. $24.97 tickets.
Passyunk Passeggiata – (5 p.m. onwards)
Final summer stroll through Passyunk of the summer! East Passyunk Avenue presents an Italian-Style Promenade featuring Happy Hour Specials from participating bars and restaurants, extended retail hours and a music series!
Protest Art: New Sanctuary Movement Fundraiser – (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Learn a little about the history of protest art and various collaging techniques. Then use collaging to help process your feelings. Supplies provided: magazines, ephemera, markers, tissue paper, newspaper and more. At Craft Nation. $25 suggested donation.
Intro to Risograph – (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
At the Soapbox Community Printshop. Find out what a Risograph is, how it works, how to prepare art for it, and explore how to print with it. Participants can bring a prepared image or work on one during class. Over 3 hours we’ll cover the basics of burning masters, digital vs. analog art, multi-color printing, registration, Riso printing quirks, maintenance, and other best practices. All students will get 20 copies of their art, plus assorted extra print samples. This workshop will give you the basic skills to incorporate Risography into your art practice. All materials are included. $76.54 tickets.
Nighthawk Watch – (7 to 9 p.m.)
Join The Discovery Center to look for common nighthawks and other birds that fly over the reservoir during a relaxing evening birding event. FREE.
Street Movies! Point Breeze – (7:30 p.m.)
Join Scribe Center outdoors at the Homies Helping Homies Garage for a curated night of local, international, and award-winning short films, plus discussion and live performance! Feat.: “Ask A Punk” (USA / 2025 / 15 MIN), “Underneath The Concrete (Sous Le Béton)”(France / 2025 / 27 MIN), “TAMASHI 魂” (USA / 2026 / 13 MIN), “Sliders” (USA / 2025 / 13 MIN). FREE registration required.
Friday, August 28
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: Far Northeast / Poquessing Trail – (2 p.m.)
The Poquessing Trail of History tour takes visitors on a journey through the Byberry neighborhood’s exceptionally rich history. Explore Philadelphia’s historic Far Northeast through grand riverfront estates, the birthplace of a Founding Father, and one of the region’s oldest Quaker communities, discovering how this once-rural landscape helped shape the city’s political, religious, and architectural heritage over more than three centuries. From elegant country estates to enduring places of worship and education, this tour reveals the people, landmarks, and stories that continue to define the area’s remarkable legacy. FREE registration required. Meet at Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market.
Roach Show Opening Reception / First Friday on South Street – (5 to 8 p.m.)
Featuring roach-inspired roach-sized art by 30 local Philly artists, including sculpture, painting, mixed media, fiber art and bolo ties! At STITCH AND DESTROY, 523 S 4th Street. Free craft beers and ciders from Ploughman and Cartesian Brewing. Plus roach-themed treats. Make your own crafts, too! The exhibit ends November 1. Pay-what-you-wish, recommended $10-$15 donation.
Critical Mass Philly presents: The City of Bikerly Love – (6 p.m.)
Meet at the north side of City Hall and roll out together at 6:30 p.m. Critical Mass Philly is anti-racism, anti-ableism, anti-transphobia, anti-sexism, anti-AI. Free.
Producers’ Forum: “Ghetto Children” by Zac Manuel – (7 to 9 p.m.)
“Ghetto Children” is an immersive documentary told through a combination of intimate verité cinematography and archival footage depicting the highs and lows of their fathers’ lives amidst the rapid transition of the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. $8, $5 Students/Seniors, $4 for Scribe Members.
Saturday, August 29
Day Camp: TrailOff Story-walk, Crafts & Writing – (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
A *free* day of writing, crafts and an immersive audio storytelling with Swim Pony, The Philly Pigeon and John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. Reserve a seat on the bus from 30th street station or meet the group there. Walk a 1.5 mile section of the trail at Heinz as you listen to the community-inspired TrailOff immersive audio story, The Land Remembers by Jacob Winterstein. Cool off indoors with a writing and crafting workshop led by The Philly Pigeon’s Kai Davis, 2024 & ‘25 Philadelphia Poet Laureate. Free Registration Required.
TEDxJeffersonU: NOVA – (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
TEDxJeffersonU is a live event where incredible speakers share inspiring ideas right on Jefferson University’s campus. Register online.
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: Far Northeast / Poquessing Trail – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
The Poquessing Trail of History tour takes visitors on a journey through the Byberry neighborhood’s exceptionally rich history. Explore Philadelphia’s historic Far Northeast through grand riverfront estates, the birthplace of a Founding Father, and one of the region’s oldest Quaker communities, discovering how this once-rural landscape helped shape the city’s political, religious, and architectural heritage over more than three centuries. From elegant country estates to enduring places of worship and education, this tour reveals the people, landmarks, and stories that continue to define the area’s remarkable legacy. FREE registration required. Meet at Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market.
Philadelphia Cycling Classic Fan Fest – (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
The Fan Fest at Eakins Oval is FREE to attend and includes live music, a beer garden cafe, family-friendly activities and 150+ vendors for shopping.
Let Freedom Ring: Family Day Honoring the March on Washington – (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
A family day of free activities at National Constitution Center in honor of the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 March on Washington. Presented as part of the Association for Public Art’s Let Freedom Ring installation by Paul Ramírez Jonas at nearby Cherry Street Pier, the program features art-making, including creating a custom print with Mural Arts’ Printmaking by the People, gallery activities, musical performances by Play On Philly students and Marian Anderson Historical Society Scholar Singers, and a special talk exploring the history of patriotic songs like “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” FREE.
First Slinky Firstival – (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
It walked from Philadelphia right into America’s heart! Celebrate the wobbly, wonderful debut of the Slinky, born in a local shipyard and celebrated at the American Philosophical Society, Benjamin Franklin’s 1743 hub for useful knowledge. It’s more than a toy — it’s a cultural icon (and even inspired real scientific study). FREE.
Philadelphia Zoo Art Festival – (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Discover art and handmade treasures inspired by the beauty of nature, enjoy live music and light bites, and support over thirty local artists and makers–including the Zoo’s very own animals–at the wildest art festival in the city! This rain-or-shine event is perfect for the whole family. $36 zoo admission includes access to the festival.
The Island Country: Annual Indonesian Festival – (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Presented by Fleisher Art Memorial x Gapura. Food and clothing vendors, live dancing and singing, a dance-off, family activities and more! FREE.
History on the Street: Back to School Edition – (12 to 4 p.m.)
National History Day Philly and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania invite you to an end-of-summer celebration for the whole family, featuring museums, a street festival full of vendors, food trucks, activities and a live DJ. At 1300 Locust Street. FREE.
Celebrate Asia at Cherry Street Pier – (1 to 5 p.m.)
Part of the PECO Multicultural Series. The festival honors the vibrant traditions, folk arts and delicacies of Asia and the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Enjoy performances, hands-on activities, food, shopping and an exhibition showcasing the Indonesian fabric art of ‘batik’. Plus an exhibit about the No Arena Campaign. Hosted by Kampoeng Indonesia. FREE.
The Oxtail Collective Presents the Chef Hercules Posey Celebration – (1 to 5 p.m.)
15 acclaimed chefs, tastings, panels, music, and diasporic culinary culture. At the Forman Arts Initiative. $92.55 tickets.
International Overdose Awareness Day candlelight vigil – (5 p.m.)
Attendees will join to remember and honor those lost to overdoses. There will be a walk, a candlelight reading of names and guest speakers. At Corporal Jimmy O’Connor Memorial Recreation Center, 4330 Deerpath Lane. FREE.
Lil Sketch – BIG DREAMS Custom Toy Show – (6 to 10 p.m.)
Custom toy show featuring work from 48 artists, at The Space Lab at 617 S 2nd Street. Free to attend.
Street Movies! Norris Square – (7:30 p.m.)
Outdoors at Las Parcelas for a curated night of local, international, and award-winning short films, plus discussion and live performance. Presented in partnership with the Norris Square Neighborhood Project. Live performance by Little Afrika and the Rumba Brothers, 7:30-8 p.m.
Films: “Reflexiones de KCAPA” (USA / 2025 / 6 MIN), “KCAPA MAGAZINE: Around Town (Episodes 1-2)” (USA / 2026 / 6 MIN), “scapeG.O.A.T.” (USA / 2025 / 22 MIN), “Portraits of Philly Rumba: Tony” (USA / 2026 / 4 MIN), “The World Cup in Recife” (Brazil / 2014 / 15 MIN), “Lo Chan Lo Bassin (The chant of the waterway)” (France / 2025 / 15 MIN). FREE registration required.
PhillyPOP #14 | Decades: (Mis)understanding the 80s – (8 to 10 p.m.)
PhillyPOP is a meetup group for discussing popular music–it’s like a book club for playlists. Every month we listen to a playlist, then we meet in person to talk about it. Each playlist has a theme, and attendees are encouraged (but not required) to contribute songs that fit the theme as they understand it. This month: the 80s! How did you come to your understanding of what 80s music was? Whether living through it or through videos after the fact? When considering songs to submit, think about ones that are underappreciated given their later influence, or that are well-known but have hidden backstories. At Renata’s Kitchen in West Philly. FREE.
She Wrote That – (8 to 10:30 p.m.)
A joyful celebration of the women behind the music we love. 12+ singer-songwriters will each take the stage to perform one original composition alongside one song written by another woman who has inspired them. From beloved classics to hidden gems, every performance becomes part tribute, part storytelling, and part discovery. You’ll discover remarkable original music, reconnect with cherished favorites, and gain a deeper appreciation for the women whose words continue to shape our culture. At the Fallser Club, 3721 Midvale Avenue. $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Sunday, August 30
Philadelphia Cycling Classic + Fan Fest – (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
A 14.4-mile circuit! Women’s race starts at 8:30 a.m., Men’s race starts at 12 p.m.. The Fan Fest runs throughout. The race begins on the Ben Franklin Parkway, follows the Schuylkill River, and passes through Fairmount Park before entering Manayunk Main Street and the challenging Manayunk Wall, continuing into Roxborough and down Kelly Drive, Strawberry Mansion, Lemon Hill and back to the Parkway. The Fan Fest at Eakins Oval is FREE to attend and includes live music, a beer garden cafe, family-friendly activities and 150+ vendors for shopping.
Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: Far Northeast / Poquessing Trail – (10 a.m. + 2 p.m.)
The Poquessing Trail of History tour takes visitors on a journey through the Byberry neighborhood’s exceptionally rich history. Explore Philadelphia’s historic Far Northeast through grand riverfront estates, the birthplace of a Founding Father, and one of the region’s oldest Quaker communities, discovering how this once-rural landscape helped shape the city’s political, religious, and architectural heritage over more than three centuries. From elegant country estates to enduring places of worship and education, this tour reveals the people, landmarks, and stories that continue to define the area’s remarkable legacy. FREE registration required. Meet at Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market.
Mystery Paint Experience Fundraiser – (2 to 4 p.m.)
You don’t know what you’re painting. You don’t know the materials. You do know it’s only $25 and ridiculously fun. A two-hour event with no pressure for perfection. Serves as a fundraiser for “Germantown Vibes on Our Street” — scheduled for Sept. 18 from 6-9 pm. as a community art experience bringing color, culture, and creativity into the neighborhood.
Street Movies! West Philadelphia – (7:30 p.m.)
Outdoors at Pentridge Station for a curated night of local, international, and award-winning short films, plus discussion and live performance! This event is presented in partnership with the Black Earth Urban Agriculture Hub. Live performance by Koof Ibi, a versatile multi-instrumentalist based in the Philadelphia area.
Film Program: “I Spoke to a Tomato Plant” (USA / 2026 / 29 MIN), ” PAPI STORE” (USA / 2026 / 10 MIN), “Woven from Nature” (USA / 2026 / 8 MIN), “The Seeds We Carry” (USA / 2026 / 28 MIN). FREE registration.
Monday, August 31
Soul Line Dancing on the River – (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
R & B soul line dancing for beginners and intermediate levels. Hosted by Monique (aka Mo’ Smooth) Combines both the mental and physical health benefits of exercise with a calming, scenic, clean, and open atmosphere of nature. Sneakers and comfortable clothing are strongly recommended. Every Monday through August 31. Free registration required; Waiver required signed.
Through August
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.
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.
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.
