Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ 9th Street Italian Market Festival, Trenton Avenue Arts Festival, Preakness at Piazza, Haverford Spring Fest and More!

‘Eat, Music & Live Life’

We had many excellent festivals with food and live music a few weeks back and it continues this weekend.

The weekend kicks off with the 9th Street Italian Market Festival, the Trenton Avenue Arts Festival and the Preakness at The Piazza. There is also free yoga, magic shows, the Phila Flea Market, several Farmers’ Markets and much more. And the weekend ends with the Haverford Spring Fest. 

In upcoming weeks, get ready for Fourth Fridays in the South Street Headhouse District , Philly Beer Week, First Sunday’s at Barnes Foundation, First Friday’s, Fine Art & Contemporary Art Show, Night Market in West Oak Lane, the Manayunk Arts Festival and much more.

What event or activity this weekend or during the week excites you the most? Please share with us in the comments below.

No matter what tickles your fancy, we have a lot events and attractions for you below. Are you a fan of our facebook fan page. Follow us here for exciting daily updates! MyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share fun and exciting events and attractions with you. Check out what’s happening for you this weekend in Philly and for the upcoming week and put these events on your calendar.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ May 16 – 22 ~

FYI – There are many events & attractions listed below that have been open prior today which are listed as “Now”. Also, check back daily for updates!

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of May ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for May 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Colonial for a Day ~ Until May 23 (Hours then extended into the summer) ~ Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sundays, 11 am – 5 pm – Kids can now rent Colonial-themed costumes and immerse themselves in their Historic Philadelphia adventure with the *Brand New* Colonial for a Day costume program! Costumes are available exclusively at the Historic Philadelphia Center at 6th & Chestnut Streets. ~ Colonial for a Day ~
• Art After 5 ~ May 16 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Farah Siraj  – Named Jordan’s “Musical Ambassadress,” Farah Siraj balances a career that spans several continents, performing at some of the world’s most prestigious platforms, including the United Nations and Stockholm Concert Hall, which hosts the Nobel Prize award ceremony. She is dedicated to spreading the message of peace and unity through her music. Siraj will perform from what Rolling Stone magazine calls her “vivacious Arabian Flamenco jazz” repertoire. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 16 ~ At 8:30 pm, enjoy Friday Night Mentalism! A Deadly Game of Chance. International entertainer Lucas Simmons has come to Philadelphia and he brought his unique style of mentalism with him! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Phila Flea Markets ~ May 17 ~ From 8 am to 4 pm, 50+ vendors will be lining alomh East Passyunk Avenue between Morris and Tasker Streets. They will be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~  
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ May 17 ~ From 9 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 23rd and Pine Streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ May 17 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 43rd St and Baltimore Ave. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~  
• Art in the Open ~ May 17 & 18 ~ From 9 am to 5 pm both days at Schuylkill Banks, is a citywide event that celebrates artists, their inspirations for creating art, and their relationships with the urban environment.  ~ Art in the Open at Schuylkill Banks ~
• 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~ May 17 & 18 ~ From 11 am to 6 pm on both days, enjoy one of the city’s biggest block parties which runs along South 9th Street, from Fitzwater to Federal Streets. The streets will be lined with vendors offering Italian delicacies, live music on stages at three specific locations, games and crafts for the kids and more. ~ 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~
• Trenton Avenue Arts Festival ~ May 17 ~ From 11 am to 6 pm on Trenton Avenue and E Susquehanna in East Kensington , enjoy a mix of local artists, musicians and eateries with Philly’s food trucks. ~ Trenton Avenue Arts Festival ~
• Kensington Kinetic Derby Sculpture ~ May 17 ~ From noon to 5 pm on Trenton Avenue and Norris Street, enjoy a fun and unique festival that brings together human-powered vehicle floats down the street as a design competition. ~ Kensington Kinetic Derby Sculpture ~
• 9th Annual Wheat Beer Fest ~ May 17 ~ From noon to 8 pm, come enjoy an outdoor BBQ that will feature 30 types of Wheat Beers for $3, Walt-Wit braised pulled pork sandwiches, asparagus salad sandwiches, vegan Pad Thai by Full Moon Fare and live music. ~ 9th Annual Wheat Beer Fest ~
• The Preakness at The Piazza ~ May 17 ~ A fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis. Come watch the race at the Piazza at Schmidt’s while enjoying good food & drinks. And don’t forget to wear you fancy hats, pretty dresses, loud pants and fancy bows.  ~ The Preakness at The Piazza ~ More about the Preakness at the Piazza ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 17 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Francis Menotti’s Gallery of Magic as he walks you through an interactive display of many of his most internationally acclaimed presentations that have amazed, amused and inspired audiences on six continents.  ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Free Yoga at Schuylkill Banks ~ May 17 & 18 ~ Starting at 11 am, near 25th and Locust streets along the Schuylkill Banks, enjoy free yoga with instructors from Dhyana Yoga. Just bring a yoga mat and be ready to stretch out. ~ Free Yoga at Schuylkill Banks ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ May 17 & 21 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 115-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour. ~ Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~
• International Museum Day ~ May 18 ~ The Philadelphia Museum of Art, PAFA & Brandywine River Museum of Art will be open to the public for free from 10 am to 5 pm. ~ PAFA International Museum Day ~ International Museum Day ~ International Museum Day by Global Philly ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ May 18 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds the city’s largest outdoor market at 2nd and Lombard streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~
• Clover Market in Admore ~ May 18 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm in Armore, shop at an open-air market featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, finely crafted handmade items, and original art. ~ Clover Market in Armore ~
• Super Adoption Day ~ May 18 ~ From 11 am to 4 pm at the Piazza at Schmidt’s, adopting a dog or cat.  ~ Super Adoption Day ~
• Haverford Spring Fest ~ May 18 ~ From noon to 7 pm, enjoy Free admission, Live music, Five bands, Food, Vendors, Beer/Wine Gardens, Children’s Area and much more. Philly’s own Blackthorn will be performing as well. ~ Haverford Spring Fest ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 18 ~ At 1:30 pm, enjoy Family Fun Magic Show. Music, dancing, laughing and amazement. Tons of audience participation… you’re gonna love it. The show stars the one and only Mr. Messado!! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Open House – Museum Day at Penn Museum ~ May 20 ~ FREE Admission – From 10 am to 5 pm, come to the Penn Museum for a host of special collections activities & more. ~ Open House – Museum Day at Penn Museum ~
• Yappy Hour ~ May 20 ~ From 5:30 pm to 7 pm at the Barrel House at 625-27 South 6th Street. Enjoy original dog themed drinks & food specials just for QVK9. Bring your dog with you and help support local businesses that support dogs. ~ Yappy Hour ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ May 21 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every Wednesday from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections.  ~ Pay What You Wish ~
• Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~ May 22 ~ From 3 pm to 7 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 22nd and Fairmount Avenue. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~
• The Oval Food Truck Series ~ May 22 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm at the Oval, enjoy the first day of PHAIR at The Oval with several Philly food trucks. Such food trucks as the Farm Truck, Mama’s Meatballs, Cow and the Curd and Sweet Box Cupcakes. ~ The Oval Food Truck Series ~
• PHAIR Open Market at The Oval ~ May 22 ~  From 5 pm to 9 pm at The Oval, buy or view many things such as jewelry, clothing, art and much more. Also enjoy food from some of Philly’s food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Market at The Oval ~
• Morgans Pier ReOpens for 2014 ~ Now Open ~ Come relax outside with great food & drinks. Enjoy food by Executive Chef in residence, David Gilberg – the critically-acclaimed owner and chef of the much-missed three bell-reviewed KoozeDoo, and James Beard Award nominee—as well as the reintroduction of Sunday Brunch, and the world-class entertainment!  ~ Morgans Pier ReOpens for 2014 ~
• Boat Pond at Sister Cities Park  ~ Now Open ~ From 10 am to 5 pm, BYO boat or purchase them at the Sister Cities Park! Small boats are $5 and large boats are $7 (two large boats are $12).~ Boat Pond at Sister Cities Park Officially Opens ~
• 27th Annual Irish Pub tour de shore ~ Now Open ~ Registration opens up on May 10th & the actual charity event takes place on July 27th. Come out to support a good cause while having fun! ~ 27th Annual Irish Pub tour de shore ~
• Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~ Now Open ~ Stop over at Penn Museum in University City and learn about contemporary issues in Native America. Uncover the rich history and identity of the Native American people through 200 plus objects on display & much more. ~ Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2014 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ Franklin Square ~
• Ride The Ducks ~ Now Open for the 2014 Season ~ The 70 minute amphibious (land and water) sightseeing tour takes you through the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District and then on a relaxing cruise along the Penn’s Landing waterfront. Monday – Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm. Reservations, made 24 hrs in advance, must be made with Ride Ducks by calling 877-887-8225, or by visiting the Ride the Ducks kiosk inside the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. ~ Ride The Ducks ~
• Gortex Philadelphia Marathon Registration ~ Now until end of May ~ Register for 4 different types of races, such as the marathon or half marathon, for November 22 & 23. ~ Register for Gortex Philadelphia Marathon ~ Gortex Philadelphia Marathon Info ~
• Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat ~ Now until June 22 ~ held at the Arden Theatre, this classic children’s book comes to great physical life with five actors playing Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters.  ~ Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat ~  ~ Tix to Cat in the Hat ~
• Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~ Now until August 31 ~ From 9 am to 10 am, every day except Wednesdays, head to Race Street Pier for free yoga with instructors from Dhyana Yoga. Just bring a yoga mat and be ready to stretch out. ~ Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~
• The Artifact Lab – Mummy Conversation at Penn Museum ~ Now until (no date set) ~ Here is your chance to get up close and personal. Watch conservators clean, examine, & preserve Egyptian Mummies at Penn Museum. Best of all, there are special times during the week to where you can ask them questions in person. ~ Conserving Mummies at Penn Museum ~
• Special Information! – Do you know that Philadelphia has its own slide? Yes, the Philly Slide. With Jaye Moore & Tony Luke Jr, to help support Little Kids Rock. Check it out. ~ The Philly Slide ~

Come Back later this afternoon or evening for more things added to the Philly to do list!

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Visiting Philadelphia

Are you Visiting Philadelphia? Have you lived in or near the City of Philadelphia, but never ventured out too the many historical sites in Philly? Here is a quick guide for some must see attractions in the City of Brotherly Love.

• The Independence Visitor’s Center – Your guide for all of your information relating to historical sites in Philadelphia and other things to do in Philadelphia. ~ Independence Visitor’s Center ~
• Philadelphia Zoo ~ With the warmer weather approaching, you can not miss America’s Oldest Zoo. 42 acres of awesomeness and over 1,000 animals. ~ Philadelphia Z00 ~
• Liberty Bell – Symbol of American Independence – If you are visiting Philadelphia, this is one site that must be seen. ~ Liberty Bell ~
• Elfreth’s Alley ~ Get to walk down a street with 300 years of history. Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America. ~ Elfreth’s Alley ~
• Philadelphia City Hall ~ Like Architecture? Philadelphia History? They give tours of the Philadelphia City Hall. If you go up high enough, you get to see the whole city. ~ Philadelphia City Hall ~
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – So many things that surround this museum. The “Rocky” Steps or the “Rocky” statue. A great view down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Behind the museum, you can view Boat House Row and a few other things. ~ Philadelphia Museum of Art ~
• Betsy Ross House – Did Betsy Ross actually make the American Flag? Learn about some of Philadelphia’s earliest history. ~ Betsy Ross House ~
• Independence Hall – This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. ~ Independence Hall~
• National Constitution Center – If anything, you must see the ‘We the People’ exhibit. There are other timely exhibits. ~ National Constitution Center ~
• Philadelphia Parks – Such as Fairmount Park or even Franklin Square for the kids or relaxing.

Those visiting who need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more, please ask us in the comments below, Tweet us at @MyPhillyAlive or ask us on our Facebook Page. ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

• Art After 5 ~ May 23 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Farah Siraj  – Named Jordan’s “Musical Ambassadress,” Farah Siraj balances a career that spans several continents, performing at some of the world’s most prestigious platforms, including the United Nations and Stockholm Concert Hall, which hosts the Nobel Prize award ceremony. She is dedicated to spreading the message of peace and unity through her music. Siraj will perform from what Rolling Stone magazine calls her “vivacious Arabian Flamenco jazz” repertoire. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 23 ~ At 8:30 pm, enjoy Friday Night Mentalism! A Deadly Game of Chance. International entertainer Lucas Simmons has come to Philadelphia and he brought his unique style of mentalism with him! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~ May 23 ~ From 5 pm – 9 pm, come enjoy art, music, food & shopping along Historic Fabric Row in South Street Headhouse District. ~ Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ May 24 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at the Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Philly Beer Week ~ May 30 – June 8 ~ Start of this 10 days of events with the Hammer of Glory Relay and the Opening Tap event! Check back for many other beer related events throughout the week. ~ Philly Beer Week ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ May 31 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at the Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of June ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for June 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ June 1 ~ FREE – On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Barnes Foundation will enjoy free admission, family entertainment and informative seminars from 10 am to 6 pm. Free tickets can be obtained at the Barnes Foundation beginning at 9 am. Advance reservations are not available for Free First Sundays. ~ First Sunday’s at Barnes Foundation ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ June 1 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every first Sunday from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections.  ~ Pay What You Wish ~
• Art After 5 ~ June 6 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm.  Martha Graham Cracker – The supreme queen of Philadelphia drag cabaret, Martha Graham Cracker brings her hilariously campy cultural commentary to the Museum’s Great Stair Hall. Martha, whose impressive vocal range is matched by her witty banter, will perform with her trusty and talented accompanist, Victor Fiorillo. Bring your own T-shirt for hands-on silk screening and you too can be a Pop artist. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ June 6 ~ Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~
• First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ June 6 ~ Come enjoy art in Manayunk. Before or afterwards, enjoy a meal at the many restaurants, or stop in one of Manayunk’s wonderful specialty shops. ~ First Friday’s in Manayunk ~
• Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~ June 6 ~ Take in a little bit of history and a side of b-movie fun as the Betsy Ross House presents Attack of the Crab Monsters. All movies start at dusk and are BYOB. ~ Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~
• Fine Art & Contemporary Art Show ~ June 7 & 8 ~ Free – 10 am to 6 pm both days at Peddler’s Village. This outdoor exhibition features a variety of original artwork including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, and contemporary crafts. Live entertainment and children’s activities. ~ Fine Art & Contemporary Art Show ~
• Clover Market in Chestnut Hill ~ June 8 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm in Chestnut Hill, shop at an open-air market featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, finely crafted handmade items, and original art. ~ Clover Market in Armore ~
• Philly Burger Brawl ~ June 8 ~   ~ Philly Burger Brawl ~
• 4th Governor Printz Antique Car Show ~ June 14 ~ Opening at 9 am & ending around 3 pm, this Antique Car Show will have cars, trucks, food, music, 50/50, door prizes and more. Follow them on facebook. ~ 4th Governor Printz Antique Car Show ~
• Penn Museum’s Summer Nights Concert Series ~ June 18 ~     ~ Penn Museum’s Summer Nights Concert Series ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ June 19 ~ Held in West Oak Lane, enjoy great food by some of Philly’s best food trucks while listening to live music.~ Night Market Philadelphia ~
• Clover Market in Admore ~ June 22 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm in Armore, shop at an open-air market featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, finely crafted handmade items, and original art. ~ Clover Market in Armore ~
• Manayunk Arts Festival ~ June 21 & 22~ Nearly 300 artists that will showcase their work along historic Main Street in Manayunk with 0\over 200,000 visitors for the weekend. ~ Manayunk Arts Festival ~

As always, no matter if you are visiting Philadelphia or live in the City of Philadelphia, we hope our list of things to do in Philadelphia helps you out.

If you have stumbled upon something else that we did not mention, please let us know in a comment or in an e-mail. If you are a business or organization that has an event coming up, please contact us. MyPhillyAlive

If you happened to visit any of the things mentioned above, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here or on that article describing what you liked about that event or attraction. As always, we would greatly appreciate any feedback. Thanks, MyPhillyAlive

Philadelphia Weather for the weekend of May 16 -18

 

Friday  |  100% Rain  |  High 71°  | Low 57°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 70° | Low 53°

Sunday  | Mostly Sunny  |  High 70°  |  Low 53°

Disclaimer : This blog post is a weekly update of things to do in Philadelphia. Please check the date above, when such article was posted. If an earlier date appears above, just go to this link for current events and attractions in Philadelphia. ~ Click : Things to do in Philadelphia ~

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