Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ End of Summer and Labor Day Weekend Activities

‘Last Full Weekend of Summer’

For many, school has started or will start up next week. Enjoy the many free and fun activities this weekend during Labor Day Weekend. No matter if you live in Philadelphia or visiting, have you checked out the historical sites that aren’t main stream, or the many wonderful museums? Don’t forget to check out the beer gardens at the PHS Pop-Up Garden, Spruce Street Harbor Park or the Independence Beer Garden. Don’t forget the Farmers’ Markets and much more.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for free music, Green Fest Philly, Night Market in Chinatown 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  ~ August 29 – September 4 ~

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

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~

Events & Activities Happening Everyday From August 29 to End of Summer or October

• Labor Weekend Guide of Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ August 29 to September 1 ~ Check out the many fun & some free activities & events during the Labor Day Weekend. ~ Labor Weekend Guide of Things To Do In Philadelphia  ~
• PHS Pop Up Garden ~ August 29 – October 2014 ~ The PHS : Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is back with its Pop Up Garden. In its 4th year, the garden is located on South Street next to the Jamaican Jerk Hut. Lots of beer, cocktails, food, live music & much more.  ~ PHS Pop Up Garden ~
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ August 29 to October 2014 ~ 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 ~
• Raise the Flag with Betsy Ross ~ August 29 until September 1 ~ Start your Memorial Day Weekend with Betsy & raise the flag at the Betsy Ross House, daily, starting at 10 am. Complete with interactive pomp and circumstance. The Betsy Ross House is located at 3rd & Arch Streets.
• Colonial for a Day ~ August 29:  10 am – 6 pm & August 30 & 31 10 am – 8 pm & September 1 to November 30: Saturdays, 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 ~
• Spruce Street Harbor Park ~ August 29 – September 28 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park is an outdoor paradise that allows visitors to enjoy an oasis surrounded by colorful chairs, tables, food and drinks. The park will also have hammocks, a boardwalk with games and food and much more. ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park ~
• Special $10 Admission at Penn Museum ~ August 29 to August 31 ~ Penn Museum is offering a special $10 admission for all ages. ~ Special $10 Admission at Penn Museum ~
• Join the Continental Army! ~ August 29 until September 1 ~  The Continental Army is recruiting a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette. Taking place at Independence Hall at Signers’ Garden, 5th & Chestnut Streets. Musters will occur at 2 pm & 3 pm. From June 20 to August 16, the musters will occur on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 2 & 3 pm. August 22 through August 30, the musters will occur twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday at 2 pm. and 3 pm.  August 31 – September 1: Labor Day Weekend, 2 & 3 pm (Labor Day). ~ Join the Continental Army ~
• End of Day Declaration Readings ~ August 29 until September 1 ~ Starting around 3:45 pm, behind Independence Hall, listen to History Makers as they tell the story of every day Philadelphians during this moving version of the Declaration of Independence. From June 18 through August 10, history makers operate Tuesday through Saturday. From August 16 through August 31 and will operate for Labor Day Weekend, September 1 and September 2. ~ End of Day Declaration Readings ~
• Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~ August 29 to 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 ~
• Independence Beer Garden ~ August 29 to February 2015 ~ Enjoy a relaxing area and taste good beers and food right across the street from the Liberty Bell and so many other historical sites. Drink like our Forefathers did in the past. ~ Independence Beer Garden ~  
• “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 ~ 
• 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 ~
• 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 ~
• 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ August 29 – September 4

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of August ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for August 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Labor Weekend Guide of Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ August 29 to September 1 ~ Check out the many fun & some free activities & events during the Labor Day Weekend. ~ Labor Weekend Guide of Things To Do In Philadelphia  ~
• Art After 5 ~ August 29 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Peter Gaudiso – Peter Gaudioso, Vocalist and Percussionist, has transformed his career from drummer to frontman after being diagnosed with tendonitis. He maintains a rhythmic approach to singing and often uses “beat box” technique to vocalize his drum parts. Peter has studied with internationally recognized Musician Bobby McFerrin and performs regularly throughout Philadelphia. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~ August 29 ~  FREE – Listen to Chris Standring starting at 7:30 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing for a full night of music on the beautiful waterfront. ~ Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 29 ~ 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 ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ August 30 ~ 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 ~ August 30 ~ 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 ~ August 30 ~  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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 30 ~ 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 ~
• Free Yoga at Schuylkill Banks ~ August 30 & 31 ~ 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 ~ August 30 & September 3 ~ 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 ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ August 31 ~ 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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 31 ~ 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 ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 2  ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Penn Museum’s Summer Nights Concert Series ~ September 3 ~ Last show until next year. From 5 pm to 8 pm during the summer, Penn Museum offers Summer Nights Concerts. Live cultural music with food and refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. ~ Penn Museum’s Summer Nights Concert Series ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ September 3 ~ 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 ~
• Philly Pheud ~ September 3 ~ Starting at 6:30 pm, watch a live taping of the Hegeman String Band vs Avalon String band, as they battle head to head, the battle of the String Bands, at Sugarhouse Casino. ~ Philly Pheud ~
• Dilworth Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ~ September 4 ~ The ribbon cutting, starting at 11 am,  will be followed by an all-day community arts and culture festival featuring performances and talent from neighborhoods across the city.   ~ Dilworth Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 4 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to Music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~ September 4 ~ 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 ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 4 ~ 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 ~

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 ~ September 5 & beyond

• Picnic in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ September 5 ~ From 11 am to 7 pm at Dilworth park at City hall, bounce to live music & snack on picnic-style lunches at Dilworth’s inaugural all-day picnic. Cap off the day with Sips in the Park, 5-7 pm, where you can mix, mingle & enjoy happy hour drink specials. ~ Opening of Dilworth Park ~
• Art After 5 ~ September 5 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Olde City Slideshow & Friends – Olde City Sideshow is a fully scalable immersion performance that encompasses the “Olde City” stylings of Vaudeville, dance, and the Historical Sideshow atmosphere mixed with Philadelphia’s counter-culture influences. Come, watch and be wowed! Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ September 5 ~ 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 ~ September 5 ~ 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 ~  
• Phila Flea Markets ~ September 6 ~ FREE admission – From 8 am to 5 pm, 200+ vendors will be at 22nd & Fairmount Ave outside Eastern State Penitentiary. They’ll be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ September 6 ~  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 ~
• Playtime in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ September 6 ~ From 11 am to 4 pm, enjoy family-friendly activities including music, storytelling, games, and more.  ~ Opening of Dilworth Park ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ September 7 ~ 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 ~
• Ride Broad Street Line to Eagles Game for FREE ~ September 7 ~ From 10 am to 6 pm, thanks to Miller Lite, you can ride the Broad Street line to and from the Philadelphia Eagles home opener. Not going to the game, still ride it for free to tailgate or to go to XFinity Live.  ~ FREE ride on Broad Street Line ~
• Green Fest Philly ~ September 7 ~ From 10 am – 4 pm at Headhouse Square, Greenfest Philly is the largest environmental festival in the Philadelphia area. It’s a great place to learn about living sustainably while having fun! There is something for everyone, such as kid-friendly activities, shopping for local green wares, great food, live music, live demonstrations, food, and more. ~ GreenFest Philly ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 9 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 11 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 11 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Greater Overbrook String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• Fashion Under the Shambles ~ September 23 ~ 
• Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~ September 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 ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ October 2 ~ From 6 pm to 10 pm, held in Chinatown. Enjoy great food by some of Philly’s best food trucks while listening to live music. ~ Night Market Philadelphia 

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 August 29 – September 1

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 80°  | Low 64°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 84° | Low 69°

Sunday  | 50% Scattered Thunderstorms  |  High 91°  |  Low 74°

Labor Day  | 50% PM Thunderstorms  |  High 89°  |  Low 72°

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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