Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Fringe Festival, Green Fest Philly, First Fridays and More!

 

Things To Do In Philadelphia

‘Philly Festivals, Philadelphia Eagles, Fabulous Food & More’

Summer has ended, but the fun continues. Get excited about the many festivals as we head into fall in the City of Brotherly Love! Don’t forget to check out the beer gardens at the PHS Pop-Up Garden, Spruce Street Harbor Park or the Independence Beer Garden. Also, enjoy the Farmers’ Markets and much more.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for free music, Fashion Under the Shambles, Mt. Airy Street Fare, Opera on the Mall, 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 updatesMyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlivewe 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 September 5 to End of October

  • PHS Pop Up Garden ~ September 5 – 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 ~
  • 2014 Fringe Festival ~ September 5-21 ~ 17 days filled with hundreds of performances of theater, dance, visual arts, music and spoken-word and more. ~ 2014 Fringe Festival ~
  • Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ September 5 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 ~
  • Colonial for a Day September 5 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 ~ September 5 – 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 ~
  • Independence Beer Garden ~ September 5 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 ~  
  • Center City Restaurant WeekSeptember 7 – 12 & September 14 – 19 ~ Enjoy 3-course $35 dinners or 3-course $20 lunches from participating restaurants in Center City. ~ Center City Restaurant Week ~
  • “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 MuseumBest 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 ~ September 4 – September 11

  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of September ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for September 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • 2014 Fringe Festival ~ September 5-21 ~ 17 days filled with hundreds of performances of theater, dance, visual arts, music and spoken-word and more. ~ 2014 Fringe Festival ~
  • 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 ~ 
  • First Friday’s in Old CitySeptember 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 ~  
  • 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 Park After Dark ~ September 5 ~ From 7 pm – 9 pm at Race Street Pier, enjoy regional artists’ performances presented by FringeArts, just across from their future home on the waterfront, and then stroll up Race Street to explore the galleries in Old City. ~ First Friday park After Dark ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ September 5 ~ 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 ~
  • Kennett Square Mushroom Festival ~ September 5, 6, & 7 ~ This festival features culinary events, growing exhibits, farm tours, children’s entertainment, and nearly 200 vendors with attendance calculated at up to 100,000 guests.  ~ Kennett Square Mushroom Festival ~ Details about Kennett Square Mushroom Festival ~
  • Phila Flea Markets ~ September 6 ~ FREE admission – From 8 am to 5 pm, 200+ vendors will be at 22nd & Fairmount Ave outside Eastern State PenitentiaryThey’ll be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
  • Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ September 6 ~ 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 ~ September 6 ~ 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 ~ 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 ~
  • Arts Star Pop Up Market ~ September 6 ~ From 11 am to 3 pm at  Spruce Street Harbor Parkpp, guests can expect a variety of handmade goods that will be affordable with most items priced under $50. ~ Arts Star Pop Up Market ~
  • 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 ~
  • Coast Day at Penn’s Landing Marina ~ September 6 ~ From 11 am to 4 pm at Penn’s Landing Marina, adventurers can embark on a Delaware River ferry ride, kayak excursion, and swan pedal-boat ride. Spectators will enjoy the Pennsylvania Tug Boat Festival, model ship races and exhibits. And children will delight in having their faces painted, winning prizes, and participating in arts and crafts (*supplies limited).Coast Day at Penn’s Landing Marina ~
  • The Great Philadelphia Craft Beer Crawl ~ September 6 ~ From noon to 6 pm in the Fairmount area, enjoy beer from 12 bars & restaurants & get a drinking mug. ~ The Great Philadelphia Craft Beer Crawl ~
  • Delaware River Craft Brewfest ~ September 6 ~  From 3 pm to 6 pm, enjoy a sampling of the best crafts, imports and ciders from the United States and around the world. Live music by Jamison. Delaware River Craft Brewfest ~
  • Northern Liberties Fall Music Festival ~ September 6 ~ Enjoy live music & food from 3:30 pm to 10 pm. ~ Northern Liberties Fall Music Festival ~
  • Philly Naked Bike Ride ~ September 6 ~ From 5 pm to 7:30 pm, either participate or watch as Philly bicyclists express themselves and riding together to promote fuel conscious consumption, positive body image, and cycling advocacy. ~ Philly Naked Bike Ride ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ September 6 ~ 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 September 6 & 10 ~ 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 ~
  • Kennett Square Mushroom Festival ~ September 6, & 7 ~ This festival features culinary events, growing exhibits, farm tours, children’s entertainment, and nearly 200 vendors with attendance calculated at up to 100,000 guests.  ~ Kennett Square Mushroom Festival ~ Details about Kennett Square Mushroom Festival ~
  • Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ September 7 ~ 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 ~
  • 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 ~
  • 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 ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles ~ September 7 ~ Come tailgate early. Want to see how a real tailgate party takes place, come stop by One Crazy Fan which is located in Lot D-6 in the Wells Fargo lots. Like what you see, sign up for future tailgating games at the Linc. Not going to the Philadelphia Eagles game? Hang out at the many bars/restaurants at XFinity Live. Go Eagles!!
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ September 7 ~ 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 ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ September 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 ~
  • Center City Restaurant Week ~ September 7 – 12 & September 14 – 19 ~ Enjoy 3-course $35 dinners or 3-course $20 lunches from participating restaurants in Center City. ~ Center City Restaurant Week ~
  • Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 9  ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to Joe Arnold on violin at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
  • Center City Restaurant Week ~ September 9 – 12 & September 14 – 19 ~ Enjoy 3-course $35 dinners or 3-course $20 lunches from participating restaurants in Center City. ~ Center City Restaurant Week ~ 
  • Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ September 9 ~ FREE – Watch the movie Captain America at Dilworth Park starting at 7:30 pm. ~ Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ September 10 ~ 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 ~
  • Battle of the Burger ~ September 10 ~ Held at the Piazza at Schmidt’s from 6 pm to 10 pm, find out who has the best burger in Philly! ~ Battle of the Burger ~
  • 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 ~
  • Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~ September 11 ~ 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 11 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers MuseumTonight, Tribly 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 12 & beyond

  • Art After 5 ~ September 12 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. The Philadelphia United Jazz Festival Preview Party – The Philadelphia United Jazz Festival and Celebration returns with another round of outstanding Philly jazz this summer. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • PHAIR Open Air Market September 14  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 ~
  • Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 16 ~ 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 ~
  • Yappy Hour ~ September 16 ~ From 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Twisted Tail.  Come out and support the dog community in Queen Village and enjoy dog themed food & drinks for QVK9. Dogs are welcomed.Yappy Hour ~
  • Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~ September 16 ~ FREE – Watch the movie Ratatouille at Dilworth Park starting at 7:30 pm. ~ Free Pictures in the Park at Dilworth Park ~
  • Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 18 ~ 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 ~
  • Mt. Airy Street Fare ~ September 18 ~ From 6 pm to 10:30 pm, enjoy fabulous food, live music and more. ~ Mt. Airy Street Fare ~
  • String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 18 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers MuseumTonight, Hardly Ables 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 ~ More to come soon. 
  • 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 ~
  • Opera on the Mall ~ September 27 ~ FREE –  Pre-show at 6 pm, broadcast at 7 pm. Listen to live music by the Philadelphia Opera.  ~ Opera on the Mall ~
  • Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~ September 28 ~ From 11 am to 5 pm,   ~ Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~
  • Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ September 28 – October 10 ~    ~  Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • 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 September 5 – 7

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 89°  | Low 74°

Saturday  |  40% PM Thunderstorms  |  High 92° | Low 66°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy  |  High 82°  |  Low 64°

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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