Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Burger Brawl, Vendy Awards, Flag Day, Pride Day, Odunde Festival and More!

Philadelphia Skyline From South Street Bridge – Photo by Jeff Belonger

‘Enjoy Food, Food & More Food’

This weekend kicks off with several festivals and events that will include tons of food. Enjoy the Ambler Arts and Music Festival, Flag Day activities all week long at the Betsy Ross House, the Vendy Awards and the continuation of the Lego Art exhibit at the Franklin Institute and Beneath the Surface exhibit at Penn Museum. Also enjoy magic shows, farmers’ markets, and much more. The weekend ends with the Odunde Festival, Flag Day activities on June 14 in Historic Philly, Pride Day and the Burger Brawl.

Something that we love! Your kids can join the Continental Army for marching drills and musket etiquette. How about raise the flag with Betsy Ross. Or listen to historians as they tell the story of every day Philadelphians during this moving version of the Declaration of Independence.

One of this year’s highlights, enjoy the Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Summerfest at the RiverRink. Get there if you haven’t been yet.

In upcoming weeks enjoy  Juneteenth Celebration, Manayunk Art Festival, Tall Ships at Penn’s Landing, Bastille Day 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.

Did you hear? Philadelphia was named one of fifty-two places to visit in 2015 by the New York Times. It gets better! Philly was listed number 3 overall! For the article, Click Here. #PhillyRocks #WhyILovePhilly

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  ~ June 12 – 18 ~

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!

Informational Posts For Things To Do Year Round or Seasonal

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Flag Day Activities ~ June 13 – 20 ~ Inside the article, there is a link to many activities & events at the Betsy Ross House during the whole week. ~ Flag Day in Philadelphia ~
• The Art of The Brick Exhibit ~ June 12 – September 6 ~ Come explore the largest display of Lego Art at the Franklin Institute. Stop by this afternoon for details to this spectacular attraction. ~ The Art of The Brick Exhibit at the Franklin Institute ~
• Spruce Street Harbor Park ~ June 12 – September 27 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park and RiverRink Summerfest will include a floating restaurant, boardwalk, hammocks, tons of colorful LED lights, new planted greenery, an outdoor roller rink, more Philadelphia restauranteurs, seating options, and a new family entertainment area! ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park & Summerfest ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~ June 12 – September 27 ~ The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will feature a full-sized roller skating rink with a high end roller hockey-grade flooring system, a skate rental facility (roller skates AND inline skates), and plenty of food and beverage options. ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ June 12 to October 2015 ~ 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.  ~ Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~
• Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~ June 12 – November 1 ~ Held at the Penn Museum, explore artifacts, gold & much more that came from the banks of the Rio Grande Cocle in Panama. ~ Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~  
• Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~ June 12 – November 1 ~ 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 ~
• Center City Sips Happy Hour ~ June 17 – September 2 (Every Wednesday) ~ Welcome Center City Sips! Have a favorite establishment? Maybe wanting to try a new place out? This event is a great opportunity to sample cocktails and appetizers at new restaurants and visit local favorites with friends and co-workers at discounted prices. ~ Center City Sips Happy ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ June 12 – 18 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of June ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for June 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~ 
• Art After 5 ~ June 12 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Matthew Piazzi and the Debonairs – Matthew Piazzi and the Debonairs bring you the best in 1950’s & 1960’s, Doo Wop, 50’s pop, Rhythm & Blues and Soul. Hailing from New York City, the Doo Wop capital of the world, The Debonairs are comprised of a versatile, experienced group that commands the stage. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ June 12 ~ At 8:00 pm, enjoy magic with Dan Hauss! Dan brings us the new, unusual, and wildly amazing impossibilities that he’s been working on for the past few years. If ticket sales have ended, call South Street Magic at 215-450-7193. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Ambler Art & Music Festival ~ June 12 – 13~ Enjoy a dozen bands, shop for crafts from more than 70 artisans, relax in the beer garden and more! ~ Ambler Art & Music Festival ~
• Lebanese Summer Festival of St. Maron Church ~ June 12 – 14 ~ Enjoy Middle Eastern food, games for kids, live music, arts, crafts. ~ Lebanese Summer Festival of St. Maron Church ~
• Phila Flea Markets ~ June 13 ~ From 8 am to 5 pm in Society Hill, enjoy vendors that will be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! Held along Pine & Lombard from 3rd to 5th Streets. ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ June 13 ~ 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 ~ June 13 ~ 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 ~  
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ June 13 ~  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 ~
• Vendy Awards ~ June 13 ~ From 1 pm to 6 pm on top of the JFK Bridge. The Vendy Awards is an intense cook-off between the most popular sidewalks chefs in the city and a fundraiser to support culinary entrepreneurs and the sustainable food movement! ~ Vendy Awards ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ June 13 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Saturday Night Wonders of Magic as South Street Magic will feature different local and visiting magicians as they provide a fun and amazing show of magic, mind reading and variety skills. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ June 13 & 17 ~ 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 ~
• Flag Day ~ June 14 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm, enjoy many special events and activities in Philadelphia. Check out such events at the Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center, the Liberty 360 3D Show at the PECO Theater and more! ~ Flag Day in Philadelphia ~
• Odunde Festival ~ June 14 ~ From 10 am to 8 pm at 23rd & South Streets, the festival is celebrating four decades while bringing a genuine taste of Africa to South Street with a cultural & family-friendly celebration. ~ Odunde Festival ~
• Pride Day ~ June 14 ~ Pride Day kicks off with a parade at 11:30 am at 13th and Locust Streets. The parade ends at the Great Plaza at penn’s Landing where the party starts and continues until 8 pm. ~ Pride Day ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ June 14 ~ 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 ~
• Burger Brawl ~ June 14 ~ 5th Annual Burger Brawl is held at XFinity Live from 3 pm to 6 pm, to where you’ll get to try burgers from 55+ establishments. Proceeds going to Philadelphia schools. ~ Burger Brawl ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ June 16 ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. Listen to Lavell Ferguson, Piano. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ For more info, Click Here.
• Pictures in the Park ~ June 16 ~ FREE – Enjoy a different movie at Dilworth Park every Tuesday evening starting around dusk (8 pm). Tonight’s movie is Night at the Museum-Secret of the Tomb (PG-13). The last movie takes place June 30. ~ Pictures in the Park ~
• Free Parking! ~ June 17 ~ Philadelphia Parking Authority offers FREE meter parking Center City at 5 pm; rush-hour zones at 6:30 pm. The boundaries are from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River and from Bainbridge to Spring Garden Streets. ~ Free Parking ~ 
• Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~ June 17 ~ Penn Museum offers Summer Nights every Wednesday night 5 pm – 8 pm during the summer. What a great way to relax & break up your work week. Live cultural music with food & refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. Tonight, Harrisburg Mandolin Ensemble. ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ June 17 ~ 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 ~   
• Center City Sips Happy Hour ~ June 17 – September 2 (Every Wednesday) ~ Welcome Center City Sips! Have a favorite establishment? Maybe wanting to try a new place out? This event is a great opportunity to sample cocktails and appetizers at new restaurants and visit local favorites with friends and co-workers at discounted prices. ~ Center City Sips Happy ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ June 18 ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. Listen to the Rittenhouse String Quartet. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ ~ For more info, Click Here. ~
• Night Market Callowhill ~ June 18 ~ 6 pm to 10 pm – Enjoy tasty food from some of Philly’s Best Food Trucks, live music and everything about the Callowhill neighborhood in Philly.  ~ Night Market Callowhill ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ July 18 ~ FREE!  A movie every Thursday night until August 21st. Come watch Wizard of Oz at Grays Ferry Crescent  Movies. The movies usually begin around dusk, between 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, but come early for free snacks. ~ Free Movie Nights with Schuylkill Banks ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ June 18 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Hegeman String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2015 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ Franklin Square ~
• Dilworth Park ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy seating areas for relaxation, food & live music. ~ Dilworth Park ~
• Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy this 2,000 foot new extension bridging the South Street Bridge & the Locust Street bike trail. ~ Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~
• “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ Now Open ~ A permanent exhibit at the Franklin Institute. Travel through a two-story tall neural network climbing structure with dynamic lighting and sound effects that are triggered by your footsteps. Kids can act as a Doctor by scanning the brain with an MRI machine, explore your brain, challenge your brain & much more.   ~ “Your Brain” at Franklin Institute ~ 
• 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 ~
• 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 ~

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 ~ June 19 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ June 19 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Audio Via – Hailing from New York City, Audio Via from Elan Artists is a dynamic eight-piece dance band performing all the hits from modern hip hop to disco, funk and traditional jazz in their signature, sophisticated style.. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Juneteenth Celebration ~ June 20 ~  More info to follow soon.  ~ Juneteenth Celebration ~
• Manayunk Arts Festival ~ June 20 & 21 ~ Manayunk Arts Festival will offer nearly 300 artists who will showcase their work along historic Main Street in Manayunk during this two-day celebration. The restaurants and shops along Main Street will open their doors as well to festivalgoers with extended spots for alfresco dining and sidewalk sales. ~ Manayunk Arts Festival ~
• Portuguese Heritage Festival ~ June 21 ~ Held at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, enjoy food, wine, dancing, art and more.  ~ Portuguese Heritage Festival ~
• Pictures in the Park ~ June 23 ~ FREE – Enjoy a different movie at Dilworth Park every Tuesday evening starting around dusk (8 pm). Tonight’s movie is The Boxtrolls (PG). The last movie takes place June 30. ~ Pictures in the Park ~
• Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~ June 24 ~ Penn Museum offers Summer Nights every Wednesday night 5 pm – 8 pm during the summer. What a great way to relax & break up your work week. Live cultural music with food & refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. Tonight, Xande Cruz. ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ July 25 ~ FREE!  A movie every Thursday night until August 21st. Come watch Stand By Me at Walnut Street  Movies. The movies usually begin around dusk, between 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, but come early for free snacks. ~ Free Movie Nights with Schuylkill Banks ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ June 25 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight,  Fralinger String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• Tall Ships at Penn’s Landing ~ June 25 – 28 ~ Enjoy massive ships up close and personal, set sail on them, witness the world’s largest rubber duck, enjoy historical reenactments, live music, a beer garden, food and more. ~ Tall Ships at Penn’s Landing ~
• Fourth Friday in South Street Headhouse District ~ June 26 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of July ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for July 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~ 
• First Friday’s in Old City~ July 3 ~ 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 ~ July 3 ~ 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 ~  
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ July 5 ~ 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 7 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every 1st Sunday of the month from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections. ~ Pay What You Wish ~
• Bastille Day ~ July 11 ~ Stay tuned for more information. ~ Bastille Day ~

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 June 12 -14

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy |  High 95°  | Low 74° Saturday  |  50% PM Thunderstorms |  High 89° | Low 68° Sunday  |  Cloudy |  High 87°  |  Low 67°

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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