Independence Mall – Photo by D. Cruz Courtesy of Visit Philadelphia
‘Exploring All Things To Do In Philadelphia Memorial Day Weekend’
When we think of Memorial Day Weekend, we normally think that the beginning of Summer is right around the corner. There is so much to do in the City of Brotherly Love!
Please enjoy our long weekend guide that will include special events and exhibits, outdoor festivals and activities, special Philadelphia museum’s and attractions just for the commemoration of Memorial Day, an urban beach lounge and much more! These celebrations honor the men and women of the military, both past and present.
We want to take this time to thank them for their service to our country! Below are our top picks for Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia!
- Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~
May 27 – 29 ~ Explore the many historical activities and events throughout the year in Philadelphia. Many of which are free and are made just for kids, allowing quality family fun time. Some of the activities are: join the Continental Army, End of Day Declaration Readings, Colonial Stations, Colonial Kids’ Quest Puppet Show, & Once Upon A Time Storytelling Benches. ~ Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~
- Memorial Day Weekend at The National Constitution Center ~
May 27 – 29 ~ During Memorial Day Weekend, the National Constitution Center will pay tribute to those brave men and women by exploring how Americans today honor our military heroes. Besides the permanent displays and temporary exhibitions, visitors can participate in flag ceremonies when the museum opens and closes each day, themed crafts, learn the history of our National Anthem, a thank-a-vet letter station, giant flag folding lessons, learn Eighteenth Century games, learn the art of marching and musket etiquette from the Continental Army and much more. Admission to these activities inside are free with paid admission. Any activities on the outside lawn are Free. For details of dates & times of the activities, Click Here.
- Philly POPS Military Salute
May 27 ~ The Philly POPS will perform a Memorial Day concert at 7 pm at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are free and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 5 pm. As of 5/25/17 at 7 pm, there are approximately 705 tickets left. For details, Click Here.
- Spruce Street Harbor Park & Blue Cross RiverRink SummerFest
May 27 – 29 ~ The Spruce Street Harbor Park is the place to relax during the weekend with many dining options, hammocks, games, drinks and more. Right across from it, enjoy the Blue Cross RiverRink which has been transformed into an outdoor roller rink, a nine-hole mini-golf course, food, and new this year, an outdoor bowling alley.
- Memorial Day Weekend on Independence National Historical Park
May 27 – 29 ~ In addition to famous historic attractions including the Liberty Bell , Independence Hall and the President’s House, Independence National Historical Park will be honoring the nation’s veterans throughout Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy special tours, history lessons and more. For details of activities, Click Here.
May 27 ~ There will also be two FREE concerts by the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp, the Official Ceremonial Unit and Escort to the President of the United States. (Weather permitting, no rain date) At 1 pm & 3 pm, Chestnut Street, between 5th and 6th Streets, across the street from Independence Hall. For details, click here.
- Parks on Tap
May 26 – 29 ~ Head to South Philly’s FDR Park to grab a beer and a bite to eat! Monday, May 29 ~ 12 pm – 10 PM (special extended hours for holiday)~ Details about Parks on Tap ~
- Chinese Lantern Festival at Frank Square
May 27 – 29 ~ Enjoy the first-ever Chinese Lantern Festival in Historic Philadelphia at Franklin Square. Be wowed by illuminated lanterns, handcrafted giant flowers, pandas, sea creatures, and a 200-foot-long Chinese dragon. For details, click here.
- Independence After Hours
May 26 & 27 ~ Explore history as Independence After Hours takes you on a realistic journey back to 1776. After an 18th-century-inspired dinner at historic City Tavern, and a visit by Thomas Jefferson, the group sneaks into Independence Hall where they eavesdrop on Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin discussing the Declaration of Independence. More details & tickets, Click Here.
- Memorial Day Service at Laurel Hill Cemetery
May 28 ~ FREE (donations accepted) – Laurel Hill Cemetery was the site of the first Memorial Day Observance in Philadelphia in 1868. At 12 pm on May 28, the traditional Decoration Day service of the Grand Army Meade Post #1 will be recreated at historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. Guests will gather around the General George Gordon Meade’s burial site for a service that honors all fallen veterans with wreath-laying, speeches and with Honor Guards. For details, Click Here.
- HoagieNation Festival at festival Pier
May 27 ~ A day long festival as you listen to Daryl Hall and John Oates at Festival Pier this Memorial Day weekend. They will be joined by Tears for Fears, G. Love & Special Sauce, Vivian Green, Marah, Son Little, Allen Stone and Kandace Springs. ~ HoagieNational Festival Details ~
- Museum of the American Revolution
May 26 – 29 ~ One of Philadelphia’s newest museums, the Museum of the American Revolution, enjoy an array of special events over the weekend. Visitors will receive a complimentary mini-Washington’s Standard flag and enjoy performances by costumed re-enactors and an array of activities for those of all ages. Veterans get a $5 discount on tickets purchased at the museum! ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
- Longwood Gardens’ Main Fountain Grand Opening with Fireworks Show
May 27 – 30 ~ Visitors will enjoy more than 1,700 jets and streams soaring as high as 175 feet in the air each night during the season. Don’t miss the first Fireworks and Fountains Show of the year on Sunday, May 28. ~ Details about Longwood Gardens ~
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