PhillyFun4Kids

Fall is in full swing and there is so much to do in and around Philly it’s downright scary! So get out and enjoy one of these Halloween and fall family events this weekend.

Family Festival: Outfest 
Saturday Oct. 13
Please Touch Museum
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA

Head to the Please Touch Museum for the Outfest Family Festival on Saturday Oct. 13th from 9am – 5pm. Free with $19 admission.

Trick-or-Treat at the Academy of Natural Sciences
Saturday Oct. 13 – Sunday Oct. 14
10am – 5pm
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
1900 Ben Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA

Trick-or-treat through the galleries of The Academy of Natural Sciences. At the exhibits Outside In, Butterflies!, Xtreme Bugs and The Big Dig, visitors will receive a treat to take home and see Halloween-themed specimens from the collections. Wear a costume and get $2 off museum admission.

The Glow
Friday Oct. 12 – Sunday Oct. 14
West Fairmount Park
5201 Parkside Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

The Glow Philadelphia is a Halloween wonderland featuring more than 3,000 hand-carved, illuminative pumpkins transformed into colorful landscapes, iconic figures and intricate structures. Expert carvers will be on-site to to share tips and take requests. $20 and up.

Cherry Street Pier Grand Opening and Festival for the People
Saturday Oct. 13 – Sunday Oct. 14
Cherry Street Pier
121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate the Grand Opening of Cherry Street Pier on Saturday Oct. 12th where visitors can enter Cherry Street Pier for the first time. This newly transformed 55,000-square-foot former municipal shipping pier has been converted into a public destination that showcases work by Philly’s creative community. Then on Sunday enjoy Festival for the People, which offers up a full slate of programming, including events, sculptures, installations, videos and banners that highlight the new pier and its neighboring Race Street Pier. Free.

5th Annual National Dog Show Charity Walk
Sunday Oct. 14
Wilson Farm Park
500 Lee Rd
Wayne, PA

Join hundreds of fellow dog lovers for the 5th Annual National Dog Show Charity Walk kickoff event to launch National Dog Show Month in Philly. The event will also feature multiple attractions (think demos, an agility course, prizes and celeb sightings). Proceeds support Delaware Valley charities. $20 individual, $35 per family. All dogs admitted free!

Goats in the Hood
Sunday Oct. 14
Lower Hood Cemetery
4901 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA

The Philly Goats will be on hand to help escort children of all ages through Lower Hood Cemetary, one of this city’s oldest cemeteries. Enjoy guided tours, treasure maps and story tellers and interactions with friendly goats. Free. ADA info: side entrance with a – inch step and 4-foot-wide doorway, cobblestone walkways.

Mum Madness and Pumpkin Parade 
Saturday Oct. 13 – Sunday Oct. 14
1-4pm
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ

Don’t miss the Mum and Madness and Pumpkin Parade at the Camden Children’s Garden. View mums of all colors and kinds, then learn about pumpkins and, for an additional fee, paint them. Concessions available for purchase include pumpkin bread, hot chocolate and hot apple cider. $9.

Boo at the Zoo 
Saturday Oct. 13 – Sunday Oct. 14
10am – 4pm
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W Girard Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Set out on a not-so-spooky adventure at the annual Boo at the Zoo through “Extinction Graveyard” and run wild at the trick-or-treat stations situated around the zoo. Dress up in costume and enjoy fall offerings available for purchase (think apple cider). $19.95 – $24.95.

Harvest Festival at Bartram’s Garden
Sunday Oct. 14
12 – 3pm
Bartram’s Garden
5400 Lindberg Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

It’s the 2018 Harvest Festival at Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden. Families can enjoy pumpkin carving, cider pressing, garlic planting, hayrides, food workshops, paddling on the river, and so so much more! DJ Flipside will be taking attendees through the day with his amazing tunes. There will be an amazing concert from 3:00-6:00 following the festival. Free.

It’s the first weekend in October and there is much fun to be had this weekend for the whole family. Enjoy festivals and fall fun as well as free museum admission and much more!

Philadelphia International Dragonboat Festival
Saturday Oct. 6
8:00am – 5:30pm
Schuylkill River
Kelly Dr. between Strawberry Mansion Hill and Fountain Green Drs.
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy the annual Philadelphia International Dragonboat Festival celebration of ancient Chinese dragon-boat racing along the Schuylkill River. Dozens of colorful boats, bedecked with dragonheads and tails, are manned by teams of up to 20 paddlers that compete against one another in several heats throughout the day. Free.

Fall Harvest Festival 
Saturday Oct. 6
10am – 4pm
Newlin Grist Mill
219 South Cheyney Rd.
Glen Mills, PA

Head to Newlin Grist Mill for the Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday Oct. 6th from 10am – 4pm. The 18th century comes alive during this annual event, with the sights, sounds and smells of colonial America. Parking is available for $5.

Revolutionary Germantown Festival 
Saturday Oct. 6
10am – 4pm
Cliveden
6401 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate the neighborhood’s rich history at the Revolutionary Germantown Festival with costumed characters, live music, food and drink. The main event is a reenactment of the Battle of Germantown, the only military battle ever fought within the borders of Philadelphia, that goes down on Germantown Avenue and on the grounds of Cliveden. Visitors can head down Germantown Avenue after the “battle” for Battle Bash, the official after-party at the historic Grumblethorpe house featuring re-enactors from the battle and beer from Evil Genius Beer Company. Free.

Midtown Village Fall Festival 
Saturday Oct. 6
12pm – 6pm
13th and Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA

Family-friendly fun at the annual Midtown Village Fall Festival includes entertainment, merchant and vendor displays, crafters and kids’ activities. Free.

Unionville Community Fair 
Friday Oct. 5 – Sunday Oct. 7
9am – 9pm
Willowdale Grounds
101 East Street Road
Kennett Square, PA

Don’t miss the Unionville Community Fair on Sat. Oct. 6th with everything from livestock shows to local food, live music and entertainment – families can get a first-hand look at agriculture at the annual event. And new this year – a nightly beer and wine garden and a 5K fun run, too. Free admission. Parking $5/car.

Subaru Fall Festival 
Saturday Oct. 6
10am – 4pm
Greensgrow Farms
2501 E. Cumberland Street
Philadelphia, PA

Head to Greensgrown Farms in Keinsington for the annual Subaru Fall Festival on Saturday Oct. 6th from 10am – 6pm. Enjoy a celebration of local food, music, crafts and farm fun. Free.

Kidtober Fest
Sunday Oct. 7
4-6pm
Saint Luke Lutheran Church
203 N Valley Forge Rd
Devon, PA

Take the kiddos to Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Devon for an afternoon filled with pumpkin bowling, face painting, hot dogs, s’mores, balloons, carnival games and crafts. Free.

Fall Harvest Fest
Sunday Oct. 7
Hellerick’s Family Farm
5500 North Easton Road (Route 611)
Doylestown, PA

It’s the Fall Harvest Fest at Hellerick’s Family Farm in Doylestown this Sunday Oct. 7th from 10am – 6pm. General admission allows entry to the 18-acre adventure farm, which includes more than 45 activities for children and adults.  Get lost in the 5-acre corn maze, take a hayride through the farm, slip down the 100 ft. corn-chute slide, pick pumpkins and try your hand at pumpkin bowling. $12.99.

Pay What You Wish Admission 
Sunday Oct. 7
10am – 5pm
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

First Sunday of the month means Pay What You Wish Admission Day at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Enjoy the museum’s exhibits and galleries and collections. Pay what you wish.

Barnes on the Block Remix
Sunday Oct. 7
4-8pm
Barnes Museum
20th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Barnes on the Block returns with food trucks, dancing, and a beer garden in our parking lot. There will also be live music with DJs King Britt and Rich Medina plus Drum Like a Lady leading a drum cypHER featuring DJs Aura and Precolumbian. And don’t miss the augmented reality mural experience inside the Barnes in conjunction with partner, Mural Arts Philadelphia. Free.

Happy Autumn to all local Philly families! It’s the first official weekend of fall and there is lots going on in and around the city this weekend with harvest and fall fests, free museum day, and much more!

Hero Thrill Show
Saturday Sept. 22
12-5pm
Wells Fargo Center parking lot
3601 Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss the 64th Annual Hero Thrill Show this Saturday Sept. 22nd from 12-5pm at the Wells Fargo Center parking lot. Kids can be honorary firefighters and police officers for a day, while enjoying carnival games, boardwalk food and throwback “Sound of Philadelphia” music from the 1970s. The Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol Motorcycle Drill Team will perform daredevil stunts. City officials from law-enforcement and firefighting communities as well as sports cheerleaders and mascots will join the festivities. $10.

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day
Saturday September 22 
Participating Museums

Inspired by the free-admission Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C., Museum Day Live grants free access to ticketholders at select venues. Each ticket — downloadable from Smithsonianmag.com/museumday — admits two guests to one museum. Local participants include Academy of Natural Sciences, African American Museum in Philadelphia, Penn Museum, Independent Seaport Museum, and more. Free.

Drive-In Movie Night
Saturday September 22
5:30 – 10:30 pm
1149 Pike Springs Rd
Chester Springs, PA

To kick off their new affiliation, the Pennsylvania SPCA and Main Line Animal Rescue are hosting a Drive-In Movie Night with Bernie Parent, Philadelphia Flyers legend, as host of the evening, meeting and greeting fans. Bernie will also be on hand for the featured drive-in movie Miracle, which follows the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team on their improbable run to victory over the seemingly invincible Russian squad. In addition to the main feature, the evening will also include games, prizes, food trucks and adoptable animals to meet. $10.

Upper Darby International Festival 
Saturday Sept. 22
1-7pm
69th Street
Upper Darby, PA

Don’t miss the 2nd Annual Upper Darby International Festival at 69th Street. The event will celebrate the township’s rich cultural diversity through food, music, and merchandise. Portions of 69th Street will be limited to pedestrian traffic during the festival to accommodate food and retail vendors, a beer garden, and a musical stage. Free.


Apple Festival
Saturday Sept. 22 – 23
Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media, PA

Linvilla Orchards’ Apple Festival honors apples every autumn with this now two day event  featuring Pick Your Own apples during the height of their season. Plus enjoy other apple themed foods and fun such as the apple pie eating contest and more. Free. Pay as you go attractions/events.

Fall Harvest Festival Weekends
Saturday Sept. 22 – Sunday Sept. 23
Highlands Orchards
1000 Marshallton Thorndale Rd.
West Chester, PA

Enjoy Fall Harvest Festival Weekend at Highland Orchards in West Chester. The harvest festival features an artisanal craft fair, food trucks, goats, playground, farm tours, hayrides and a market with local produce. Free.

Sukkot Family Festival 
Sunday September 23
11am – 5pm
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA

Celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot at the Please Touch Museum Sukkot Family Festival with the whole family by building sukkahs, reflecting on nature, and enjoying the autumn harvest. $11-$19 per person.

Clover Market 
Sunday September 23
10am – 4pm
7 N. Bryn Mawr Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA

Head to downtown Bryn Mawr for the first fall Clover Market on the Main Line. The market runs from 10-4 pm, rain or shine and is free to attend, and family and dog-friendly. Free.

The sun is out and there is early autumn fun to be had in and around Philly this weekend. Get outside and enjoy the sunshine while you can and all the fall festivals and family friendly fun!!

Linvilla Orchards Arts & Music Festival 
Saturday Sept. 15
9am – 5pm
137 Knowlton Rd.
Media, PA

Take the whole family to Linvilla Orchards foe the Arts & Music Festival happening Saturday Sept. 15th. The festival offers live musical performances and exhibits for visitors to browse a variety of jewelry, woodcrafts, photography, wine-cork gift décor and more. Free.

Delaware River Festival 
Saturday Sept. 15
10am – 4pm
Camden and Philadelphia waterfronts
2 Riverside Drive
Camden, NJ

Enjoy the Delaware River Festival on Saturday Sept. 15th from 10am – 4pm when  PDE’s Pennsylvania Coast Day and AWE’s River Days come together for a “coast-to-coast” experience. There will be educational fun for families, on-the-water activities, games and crafts for kids, live music, food and beer, and fishing opportunities. The event also kicks off the month-long River Days events at the Camden Waterfront and the 16th year of Pennsylvania’s Coast Day. Free.


Scarecrow Festival 
Saturday Sept. 15 – Sunday Sept. 16
10am – 6pm
Peddler’s Village
Routes 202 & 263
Lahaska, PA

Don’t miss the annual Scarecrow Festival happening at Peddler’s village this weekend. Fall family fun includes scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live musical entertainment and kids’ activities. Be sure to vote for your favorites in the Scarecrow Competition and check out fall offerings from local merchants too. Free.

Family Tea Party 
Sunday Sept. 16
10am – 12pm
The Clay Studio
139 N 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA

Join a family-friendly tea party to celebrate the exhibition Just Right: Kids Sized Cups and Bowls at The Clay Studio running Sept. 7th – Sept. 23rd.. Each child will make a ceramic ‘tea cookie’ ornament. Families will get to drink and eat treats from handmade, kid-appropriate pottery, and attendants will receive 15 percent off any purchase from the exhibition. Free.

Bala Ave. Fall Block Party 
Sunday Sept. 16
1pm – 5 pm
210 Bala Avenue
Bala Cynwyd, PA

Enjoy the Bala Ave. Block Party on Sunday Sept. 16th from 1-5pm with food vendors, a screening of the 1pm Eagles game against the Buccaneers, kids’ activities, a moonbounce, and more. Free.

Mexican Independence Day Festival 
Sunday Sept. 16
2pm – 8pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
01 S. Christopher Columbus
Philadelphia, PA

Part of the PECO Multicultural Series, the Mexican Independence Day Festival will feature live performances, Aztec and other indigenous dancers and traditional food & crafts celebrating Mexican Independence. Free.

FIGMAGO
Saturday Sept. 15 – Sunday Sept. 16
825 Bainbridge Street
Philadelphia, PA

FIGMAGO is a hands-on experience that is both whimsical and narrative – part dance performance, part art installation, and part escape room. It aims to expand visitors’ creativity, teamwork skills, and ability to think outside of the box as they create a mural that comes to life through exploration, discovery, and surprise. The performance adventure will be staged within the studio 40 hours per week and will welcome tourists and families with timed group tickets during both days and evenings. $16 kids, $24 adults.

 

It’s a busy Sept. weekend and while it’s definitely not perfect early September weather there is still much fun to be had in and around Philly this weekend. Don’t miss festivals galore with something for everyone from arts festivals to mushrooms, archaeology to airflights and so much more!!

Archeology Festival 
Saturday Sept. 8
10am – 3pm
Newlin Grist Mill
219 South Cheyney Rd.
Glen Mills, PA

Head to Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills for the Archeology Festival on Saturday. This festival features a full day of hands-on activities. Visitors will be able to work with professional archaeologists and assist with three different excavations; sift, clean and process artifacts; and see artifact displays from around Delaware County. There will also be a variety of activities designed for kids. Free.

Hands-On History Day
Saturday Sept. 8
10am – 2pm
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania
1300 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy Hands-On History Day at The Historical Society of Pennsylvania this Saturday Sept. 8th from Watch a historical play on President Lincoln, listen to a storyteller, try out history themed activities and art projects, learn how professionals preserve documents, and try your hand at researching your family tree. $10 adults, free for ages 17 and under.

Wings N’ Wheels Festival 
Saturday Sept. 8
11am – 4pm
Wings Field
1501 Narcissa Road
Blue Bell, PA

Enjoy a day of wings, wheels and aviation history at the Wings N’ Wheels Festival including unique displays of vintage and military aircraft, new planes and classic and antique cars. Sightseeing flights, food, music and children’s activities will also be featured. All admissions fees are tax-deductible and will directly support the mission of Angel Flight East. $10 adults, $5 children.

Greenfest Philly
Sunday Sept. 9
10am – 4pm
Bainbridge Street
Between 3rd and 5th
Philadelphia, PA

With more than 100 exhibitors and vendors Greenfest Philly  is a great spot to learn about living sustainably while having fun. The event features shopping for local green wares, food, live music and demonstrations, kid-friendly activities and more. Free.

Philadelphia Honey Festival
Friday Sept. 7 – Sunday Sept. 9
Multiple locations
Philadelphia, PA

The 9th annual Philadelphia Honey Festival is taking place Sept. 7th – Sept. 9th with honey-themed events happening at multiple locations in the city. Don’t miss the family friendly events at Wyck Philadelphia on Saturday Sept. 8th from 10am – 4pm and Bartram’s Garden on Sunday Sept. 9th from 10am – 4pm.

Pizza Fest 
Saturday Sept. 8
1-7pm
Citizens Bank Ball Park
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss Pizza Fest on Saturday Sept. 8th – one of Philadelphia’s largest and most popular festivals featuring 200+ varieties of everyone’s favorite food – pizza! Tickets $12.95 and up.

Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
Saturday Sept. 8 – Sunday Sept. 9
State Street
Kennett Square, PA

The 33rd annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival celebrates the town’s top crop with a carnival, street fair, growers’ exhibits, antique and classic car show, entertainment for kids and a fried-mushroom-eating contest on Sat. On Sun. enjoy the Mushroom Run and Fun Walk, baby photo contest, another street fair and carnival, a soup-and-wine fest, more growers’ exhibits, mushroom tastings and a silent auction, too. $3, free for ages 12 and under.

Lansdowne Arts on the Avenue Festival 
Sunday Sept. 9th
12pm – 6pm
1 N. Lansdowne Ave.
Lansdowne, PA

The Lansdowne Arts on the Avenue Festival features live music, artists, performances, demonstrations, activities for the kids, food trucks, a beer garden, and fun for the whole family. Free.

There might be a little rain in the weekend forecast but that doesn’t stop the fun in Philly this weekend. Check out these great events happening in and around the city for families!

Philly Free Streets
Saturday Aug. 11
8am – 1pm
North Broad Street
Between City Hall and Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

With a round-trip route that covers eight miles, this year’s Philly Free Streets event is the biggest yet. There’s no formal starting point or finish line, so attendees can enter or exit at any point along the event footprint. Participants can explore the neighborhoods the route runs through and check out local shops and businesses along the way. Organizers are partnering with community organizations and historic sites along North Broad Street to showcase the rich history of the area at the event as well. View full program line-up and participating organizations here. Free.

Japanese Culture Family Festival 
Please Touch Museum
Saturday Aug. 11
9am – 5pm
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss the Japanese Culture Family Festival happening on Saturday Aug. 11th at the Please Touch Museum to celebrate the final weeks of Hello from Japan exhibit. The museum is partnering with Japan America Society and Shofuso House to offer a day of exploration and discovery of Japanese culture and traditions. $11-$19

Peach Festival 
Saturday Aug. 11 – Sunday Aug. 12
Peddler’s Village
Routes 202 and 263
Lahaska, PA

Celebrate National Peach Month at the Peddler’s Village Peach Festival & Sidewalk Sale on Saturday Aug. 11 Sunday Aug. 12 from 10am – 6pm. Savor the flavors of all things peach from savory to sweet at outdoor carts and inside the restaurants and shops of Peddler’s Village. Rain or shine. Free admission.

Puppies in the Pop-Up (to benefit the PSPCA)
Saturday Aug. 11
12pm – 2pm
1315 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA

Come play and take pictures with adorable puppies and dogs from the PSPCA at the Philly Photo Pop-Up! You can also adopt an adorable puppy while there! A portion of the proceeds made from Puppies in the Pop-Up will go to the PSPCA. Tickets $20. Donations welcome.

Kids Who Race Day
Saturday Aug. 11
Mercer Museum
84 S Pine Street
Doylestown, PA

Experience some of the ways kids in the area race and compete at Kids Who Race Day at the Mercer Museum.  Participants include Pinewood Derby racers from the Washington Crossing Council, Boy Scouts of America; the Oaklane Quarter and the Bucks County Soapbox Derby.  Visit with the racers, and join activities scheduled throughout the day.  Free with museum admission.

Macy’s Family Fun Day: Youth Empowerment Celebration
Saturday Aug. 11
10am – 5pm
African American Museum in Philadelphia
701 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy a variety of interactive programming and workshops aimed at empowering youth audiences during Macy’s Family Fun Day at the African American Museum. The first 250 guests receive free admission to the museum. $10 kids, $14 for adults.

PECO Family Jams: Rock Figures
Sunday Aug. 12
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

In the exhibit Outsider Inspirations, artist Isaiah Zagar explores unique art environments all over the world through his artwork. Art environments are permanent large scale artworks that surround the viewer and encompass an entire space. In 2001, Zagar and his family visited Nek Chand Saini’s art environment the Rock Garden in India. Chand collected rocks and other materials that he assembled into sculptures that cover 18 acres. At PECO Family Jams: Rock Figures, you can create your own Nek Chand inspired figures using a variety of river rocks and sticky tack. Learn about the Philadelphia Magic Gardens venue and other art environments on a family-friendly tours at 1:00 and 2:30 PM. Free with admission. $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12, free for children 5 and under.

FIGMAGO
Sunday Aug. 12
825 Bainbridge Street
Philadelphia, PA

FIGMAGO is a hands-on experience that is both whimsical and narrative – part dance performance, part art installation, and part escape room. It aims to expand visitors’ creativity, teamwork skills, and ability to think outside of the box as they create a mural that comes to life through exploration, discovery, and surprise. The performance adventure will be staged within the studio 40 hours per week and will welcome tourists and families with timed group tickets during both days and evenings. $16 kids, $24 adults.

Peach, Princess, and Pirate Festival 
Saturday Aug. 11 – Sunday Aug. 12
1pm – 4pm
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Dr,.
Camden, NJ

Join the party at Camden Children’s Garden during the Peach, Princess, and Pirate Festival celebrating New jersey’s favorite summer fruit with crafts, wand-making, a planting activity and a treasure hunt. Kids are encouraged to dress in their favorite princess or pirate costume to receive $1 off admission. Visit the farm stand for fresh peaches and peach ice cream. $9

First weekend of August so there’s lots to do in and around Philly this weekend.

Schyulkill Freedoms Festival 
Saturday Aug. 4
12pm – 8pm
1601 Valley Forge Road
Phoenixville, PA

The first annual Schuylkill Freedoms Festival is taking place Saturday, August 4th starting at 12:00pm. This new event is an outdoor, all ages, music festival. Presented by Chaplin’s Live, featuring two stages for live music: one stage for larger acts, and the second, for singer-songwriters. Bring chairs, picnic blankets, & the whole family! Free.

Peach Festival
Saturday Aug. 4
Linvilla Orchards
137 Knowlton Rd.
Media, PA

Don’t miss the annual Peach Festival at Linvilla Orchards. Enjoy pick-your-own peaches and other fruits and veggies, plus hayrides, pony rides, face painting, train rides, fishing, music, games and storytime. Free admission. Some attractions ticketed.

42nd Street
Friday Aug 3 – Saturday Aug 4
7:30pm, 1:30pm on Aug. 4
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
601 N. Lansdowne Ave.
Drexel Hill, PA

Mainstage at Upper Darby Summer Stage offers a Broadway-caliber production for all ages with 42nd Street running its final weekend Aug 3-4. The ultimate show-biz musical, the Tony Award winner for Best Musical, 42nd Street is a celebration of Broadway, Times Square, and the people who make the magic of musical theatre. Tickets $14-$17.

The Oval+
Friday Aug 3 – Sunday Aug 5
Eakins Oval
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

The Oval+ is open for the 2018 season and is bigger and better than ever before! The eight acres of public space located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a summer pop-up park with community programming, events, and activities. Free.

First Sunday Family Day: Story Sharing
Sunday Aug. 5
Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA

Head to the Barnes Foundation for First Sunday Family Day featuring Story Sharing. Stories capture our imaginations and connect us to the past, present, and future. This family program features an array of voices and presentations that entertain and enlighten audiences of all ages. Explore writers’ and artists’ inspirations via creative activities such as a typewriter station, poetry prompts, story cloths and journal making. There’ll also be storytelling and multicultural dance performances. Free.

2nd Street Festival 
Sunday Aug. 5
12pm – 10pm
North 2nd Street
Between Germantown & Spring Garden Sts.
Philadelphia, PA

Don’t miss the 10th annual 2nd Street Festival this Sunday Aug. 5th from 12pm – 10pm when a six-block stretch in Northern Liberties plays host to a Philly-centric lineup of five bands on three stages, more than 150 food, drink, and merchandise vendors and dozens of food trucks. Free admission.

ACANA African Fest
Sunday Aug. 5
2pm – 8pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
101 S Christopher Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA

Head to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing for the ACANA African Festival on Sunday August 5th. Enjoy performances by musicians and dance troupes from around the African continent, as well as food and shopping for traditional and modern crafts.  Free.

Blue Cross River Rink Summer Fest
Friday Aug. 3 – Sunday Aug 5
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, featuring Philadelphia’s only outdoor roller skating rink, a midway, and mini-golf is back this summer for its fourth season thanks to the continued support of Independence Blue Cross. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is the perfect place to relax and hang out with the entire family. Entrance to the park is free and open to the public. Roller skating, mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay-as-you-go. ​

Last weekend in July so get out and have fun at one of these great family fun summertime events including car shows, cat shows, live theater performances, and much more!

Philadelphia Dance Day
Saturday July 28
9am – 8pm
Multiple locations around the city

A group of local dance companies and independent instructors have teamed up to offer Philadelphia Dance Day – a day packed with more than 25 free workshops, live performances, and a $10 evening dance party and showcase. Philadelphia Dance Day’s goal is to unite the community in celebrating dance as a powerful platform for creative expression and physical activity. Most of the workshops will be held at the Gershman Y in Center City, but a few will also be held at Major Moment Studio (1624 South St.) and Headlong Studios (1170 S. Broad St).

Twelfth Night
Saturday July 28
7pm-9pm
Clark Park
4398 Baltimore Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
(* Note: Due to weather the Saturday evening performance will be held in Harold Prince Theater in Annenberg.)

Shipwrecked, stranded, and separated, twins Viola and Sebastian each fears the other is lost. Using her wits, Viola disguises herself as a page boy and stumbles into a love triangle that upends the the island of Illyria. Join Shakespeare in Clark Park for a glam-rock exploration of the Bard’s classic romance featuring some of Philadelphia’s finest student musicians alongside professional actors. Free.

Blue Cross River Rink Summer Fest
Friday July 27 – Sunday July 29
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, featuring Philadelphia’s only outdoor roller skating rink, a midway, and mini-golf is back this summer for its fourth season thanks to the continued support of Independence Blue Cross. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is the perfect place to relax and hang out with the entire family. Entrance to the park is free and open to the public. Roller skating, mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay-as-you-go. ​

The Oval+
Friday July 27 – Sunday July 29
Eakins Oval
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

The Oval+ is now open for the 2018 season and is bigger and better than ever before! The eight acres of public space located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a summer pop-up park with community programming, events, and activities. Free.

Kittydelphia
Saturday July 28 – Sunday July 29
Power Plant Productions
230 N. Second Street
Philadelphia, PA

Calling all cat lovers… Don’t miss Kittydelphia happening this Saturday July 28 – Sunday July 29 at Power Plant Productions in Old City. Check out adoptable cats, meet and greets with famous cat internet stars, raffles, speakers, vendors, and much more. This free pop-up cat fair event supports PAWS, Philadelphia’s 100% donor-supported no-kill shelter. Free. Donations welcome.

42nd Street
July 27 – July 28
7:30pm
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
601 N. Lansdowne Ave.
Drexel Hill, PA

Mainstage at Upper Darby Summer Stage offers a Broadway-caliber production for all ages with 42nd Street running July 27th – 28th. The ultimate show-biz musical, the Tony Award winner for Best Musical, 42nd Street is a celebration of Broadway, Times Square, and the people who make the magic of musical theatre. Tickets $14-$17.

13th Annual East Passayunk Car Show
Sunday July 29
11am – 4pm
East Passayunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA

The 13th Annual East Passayunk Car Show and Street Festival presented by Jefferson Health Methodist Hospital will be held on Sunday, July 29th from 11:00am to 4:00pm, on EPA between Broad and Dickinson streets.  Look for nearly 175+ muscle, classic, antique, custom and show cars, trucks and motorcycles lining the Avenue, with street vendors, circus performances, rack sales, kids’ activities, live music and the Bang! Boom! CRAFT! Show in between. Wine and dine among the cars as award-winning restaurants and food trucks serve specially priced street food and summertime drinks. Admission is FREE for attendees and $20 for cars.

Happy weekend, Philly families! Lots happening this mid-July weekend in and around Philly.

Upper Darby Shooting Stars
Saturday July 14
7:30pm
Rose Tree Media Park
1671 N. Providence Road
Media, PA

Don’t miss the high-energy song and dance performance from the Upper Darby Shooting Stars at Rose Tree Media Park this Saturday July 14 featuring exciting medleys from Broadway, Disney musicals and Big Bands. Free.

South Jersey Caribbean Festival
Saturday July 14
12pm – 8pm
Wiggins Park
2 Riverside Dr.
Camden, NJ

Experience the crafts, sounds and flavors of the region’s Caribbean community at the South Jersey Caribbean Festival with steel-drum music, jerk chicken and fun. Free.

Bastille Day: The Farewell Tour 
Saturday July 14
5:30pm
Eastern State Penitentiary
2027 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA

Storm the Bastille during Bastille Day: The Farewell Tour one last time at the Eastern State Penitentiary with their uniquely Philly spin on the French Revolution with song, dance and a famed beheading. This year’s event will be the last for this annual favorite.  Performed by experimental cabaret troupe The Bearded Ladies, the celebration is attended by Joan of Arc, Ben Franklin and a human-sized French baguette. The fun culminates when 2,000 Tastykakes are thrown from atop the towers. Free.

Blue Cross River Rink Summer Fest
Friday July 13 – Sunday July 15
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, featuring Philadelphia’s only outdoor roller skating rink, a midway, and mini-golf is back this summer for its fourth season thanks to the continued support of Independence Blue Cross. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is the perfect place to relax and hang out with the entire family. Entrance to the park is free and open to the public. Roller skating, mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay-as-you-go. ​

BlueBEARY Blast Festival 
Saturday July 14 – Sunday July 15
Camden Children’s Garden
3 Riverside Dr.
Camden, NJ

Head to the Camden Children’s Garden for BlueBEARY Blast Festival to enjoy rides, the garden and splash pad, themed crafts, blueberry ice cream and an appearance by mascot Mum Bear. $9.

Dog Days of Summer 
Sunday July 15
12pm – 3pm
Franklin Square

Bring your four legged friends to enjoy Dog Days of Summer at Franklin Square. Dog Days will welcome four-legged friends with free pet portraits, sprinklers, and shallow pools for cooling off. FREE.

 

The weather in Philly went from heatwave to perfection all weekend so get outside and enjoy the low humidity and perfect weather at one of these great summer fun events for families.

Blueberry Festival 
Saturday July 7
Linvilla Orchards
137 W Knowlton Rd,
Media, PA

Head to Linvilla Orchards in Media for the summer Blueberry Festival. Pick your own blueberries from acres of bushes and watch the blueberry pie-eating contest. There will also be live entertainment, arts and crafts, and costumed characters. Free admission. Attractions pay as you go.


26th Annual Haddonfield Craft and Fine Art Festival 
Saturday July 7 and Sunday July 8
Downtown Haddonfield
Haddonfield, NJ

Don’t miss the 26th Annual Haddonfield Craft and Fine Art Festival happening Saturday July 7th and Sunday July 8th. More than 250 artisans will exhibit a wide range of arts and crafts, including ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, fiber, metal, paper, drawings, paintings, photography and wearable art. Free.

PECO Family Jams: Music Boxes with Phyllis Chen
Sunday July 8
12pm – 4pm
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

Inspired by Isaiah Zagar’s mosaics, musician and composer Phyllis Chen is working with the community to create a 400-foot music box strip for a performance in Philadelphia this  September. During this PECO Family Jams hands-on family workshop at Philadelphia Magic Gardens, each participant will create a one-foot section of Phyllis’ music box mosaic. Participants will explore music boxes and create music by drawing on and punching holes in special music box paper. $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-10.

Petapalooza
Sunday July 8
12-3pm
Chestnut Hill
Germantown Ave and Highland Ave
Philadelphia, PA

Head to Chestnut Hill for Petapalooza and spend the day surrounded by some furry, four-legged friends.  Owners are encouraged to bring their pets to this annual event celebrated for its “all things pet” atmosphere. The event offers activities for both pets and their humans, such as raffles, a paw reader, a caricaturist, and a photo booth.  The fan favorite “Yappy Hour” will also return, which includes drink and food specials at select restaurants. Pet rescue organizations will be on site with animals looking for forever homes! Don’t miss out on this daylong event that’s sure to entertain both animals and their owners alike.  Free.

Concilio’s 37th Annual Hispanic Fiesta
Saturday July 7 and Sunday July 8
2-8pm
Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

Part of the annual PECO Multicultural Series of festivals, the two-day Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta features authentic dance and musical performances, food and treats from local Latino food vendors and a beer garden from the team at Goose Island Philadelphia. The festival continues to unite and raise awareness of Latino culture and community through the celebration of music, dance, entertainment, ethnic foods and artisan crafts from nearly all Latin American countries. Free.

Blue Cross River Rink Summer Fest
Friday July 6 – Sunday July 8
101 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest, featuring Philadelphia’s only outdoor roller skating rink, a midway, and mini-golf is back this summer for its fourth season thanks to the continued support of Independence Blue Cross. Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is the perfect place to relax and hang out with the entire family. Entrance to the park is free and open to the public. Roller skating, mini-golf, games, rides and concessions are pay-as-you-go. ​

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 
Friday July 6 – Sunday July 8
Franklin Square
6th & Race Sts.
Philadelphia, PA

It’s the final weekend to enjoy the Chinese Lantern Festival a celebration of light and culture that features displays by artisans from China including magnificent steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant animals, springtime flowers and trees, and symbols of Chinese culture using traditional methods. In its final weekend in Philly, Franklin Square will glow with 29 larger-than-life illuminated lantern displays of 1,500 individual sculptures with more than 15,000 LED lights in brilliant colors. $18, adults; $12, ages 17 & younger; $10 seniors & active military.

Living History: Reenactment of the First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Sunday July 8
11:45am – 12:30pm
Independence Square
Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets
Philadelphia, PA

Enjoy a reenactment of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence on Sunday at historic Independence Square. Reenact how on July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon strode to a platform in the State House yard (now Independence Square) and shared the stunning news of the Declaration of Independence with the assembled crowd. Help celebrate this historic occasion and join the crowd to hear a commemorative reading of the document by a park ranger portraying Colonel Nixon. Free copies will be given out so you can follow along and cheer or jeer. Free.