Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Historical Sites in Philly and More!

‘Take Time to Explore the History of Philadelphia’

There are seems to be some sort of festival taking place in Philly. This week seems to be a little calm than usual. There is the Celtic Heritage Festival that is being held in Horsham, PA. You could always relax on the Schuylkill or Delaware Rivers while trying the many types of paddling activities.

How about exploring the many historical sites that this great city has to offer. Even if you have lived her for years, have you ever been to Independence Hall, where it all basically began. Check out the chair that George Washington sat in or experience where the Declaration of Independence was drafted. How about checking out the Betsy Ross House or Carpenters’ Hall.

We highly recommend some of these historical sites in Philadelphia.

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

Did you know : Philadelphia was named 1 of the top 10 US travel destinations for 2013. Also named for having the best sandwich in America, #2 in best burgers in the country by Travel + Leisure and in the last 8 months, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, and #1 in Culture. We can feel that the list will be growing in 2013.

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share these events and attractions with you. Here are a few highlighted events or attractions for this weekend in Philly and some upcoming attractions or events to put on your calendar. Please don’t hesitate to stop by here tomorrow for any new updates of what is going on this weekend or during the week.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ July 19 – 25 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of July ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for July 2013 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Art After 5 ~ July 20 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Carolyn Malachi – Grammy-nominated Carolyn Malachi combines jazz, hip hop, spoken word. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Fantastic Fridays Concert ~ July 19 ~ From 6 – 9 pm in Penn Treaty Park, enjoy live music by The Temporaries, playing all your favorite R&B and Rock n Roll songs with a horn section. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• Summer Ale Festival at the Philadelphia Zoo ~ Sold Out!
• 2nd Annual Dog Days of Summer Hot Dog Cook Off ~ July 20 ~ From Noon – 4 pm, the cook-off competition will feature hot dogs created by 11 of Philadelphia’s favorite restaurants as well as an amateur toppings contest. It will be held at Historic Headhouse Shambles, located on 400 Block of South 2nd Street between Lombard and Pine. ~ Hot Dog Cook Off ~
• Paddle Penn’s Landing ~ July 20 & 21 ~ From noon – 8 pm,  try your luck on a kayak or swan boat, located at the Penn’s Landing Marina. ~ Paddle Penn’s Landing ~
• 17th Annual Celtic Heritage Festival ~ July 20 & 21 ~ In honoring the Scottish heritage, this festival at Graeme Park in Horsham, PA, includes activities such as dancers, drum bands, vendors, a haggis eating contest, border collie demonstration, and more.  ~ Celtic Heritage Festival ~
• Philadelphia Union vs Portland Timber ~ July 20 ~ Come to PPL Park as the Union take on Portland at 7:30 pm. ~ Philadelphia Union Tickets ~
• Electric Run ~ July 20 ~ From 8:45 pm to 11:00 pm, this 5k run/walk event takes place in West Fairmount Park, where the participants are an integrated part of the show. Featuring immersive “Lands” of light and sound that transport the participant into an electric wonderland.  ~ Electric Run in Philadelphia ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ July 20 & 24 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-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 ~
• Star Wars Day at the Please Touch Museum ~ July 21 ~ From 11 am – 5 pm at the Please Touch Museum, kids can see iconic toys from the 70’s, enjoy Star Wars-themed story times, meet their favorite characters from the movies, make galactic art, and more. ~ Star Wars Day ~
• Lunchtime Concert Series ~ July 24 ~ From Noon – 1:30 pm at specific locations. Wednesday, come listen to Minas, Brazilian music, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown at 1201 market Street.  ~ Lunchtime Concert Series ~
• Center City Sips ~ July 24 ~ A great opportunity to sample cocktails and appetizers at new restaurants and visit local favorites with friends and co-workers for happy hour every Wednesday during the summer.  ~ Center City Sips ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ July 24 ~ 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 ~
• Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~ July 24 ~ Every Wednesday night, from now until September 11, come experience eclectic live music in a laid-back fun atmosphere, listening to musicians from all around the world. Just $5! ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ July 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, South Philly String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ July 25 ~ FREE!  A movie each week until August 22nd. Come watch Men in Black 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 ~
• Pairings on the Parkway ~ July 25 ~ From 5 pm – 8 pm every Thursday, until September 26, come enjoy the fun at Sister Cities Park.  Bring your own bottle of wine and Milk & Honey Café will have cheeses and other goodies for sale that will pair perfectly with your selection. Grab a seat and enjoy the light entertainment from 5:30-7:30 pm. ~ Pairings on the Parkway at Sister Cities Park ~
• Kayak Tour on the Schuylkill ~ July 25 ~ Starting at 6:45 pm, professionally guided tours of the Schuylkill River between Walnut Street Dock and Fairmount Water Works, including 1/2 hour of instruction and 1 hour on the water. ~ Schuylkill Banks Kayak Tours ~
• QFest Philadelphia ~ Now until July 22 ~ Check out this show, Chastity Bites on July 20 & 22, where mean Girls meets Vincent Price in this campy horror flick that is fabulously filled with lesbian eroticism, witty feminism and virginal blood. ~ Chastity Bites ~
• Private Lives in Public Spaces ~ Now through July ~ Held at the Philadelphia History Museum, this is the first solo exhibition of LGBT history in a mainstream museum in Philadelphia. The intention of this exhibit is to give the viewer a quick glimpse into what life was and is like for some LGBT individuals living in an oppressive society. ~ Private Lives in Public Spaces ~
• Tugboats at the Independence Seaport Museum ~ Now until August 4, 2013 ~ Dave Boone, an award-winning artist, brings his collection of tugboats to the museum. He showcases his journey as a kid growing up around boats and his love for tugboats.  ~ Tugboats at Independence Seaport Museum ~
• River Tours on the Summer Wind ~ Now until August 11 ~ Visitors can set sail on The Summer Wind, a 48-foot Chinese Junk-rigged schooner, that docks at the Independence Seaport Museum. ~ The Summer Wind River Tours ~
• Join the Continental Army! ~Now until September 2 ~  The Continental Army is recruiting a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette. Taking place at Independence Hall, Musters will occur at 2 pm & 3 pm. From June 18 through August 10, the musters will occur twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Starting August 16 through August 31, musters will occur on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Musters will occur at the same times on Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2 (Labor Day).  ~ More info ~
• End of Day Declaration Readings ~ Now until September 2 ~ Between 3:30 pm and 4 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. ~ More info ~
• Raise the Flag with Betsy Ross ~ Now until September 2 ~ 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. ~ More info ~
• Cemetery, Serial Killers; Blood & Beer! ~ Now thru November ~This tour takes you from grave robbers to psychopathic killers, and to the pub at the end of the tour. Check out Grim Philly’s other tours also. ~ Cemetery, Serial Killers, Blood & Beer! ~
• 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 ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2013 Season ~ Enjoy miniature golf, take a spin on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, enjoy food at Square Burger and special weekend events for the kids. ~ Franklin Square ~
• 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!

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.

Are you Visiting Philadelphia and need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more. Try the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours Company~ Philly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

• Fantastic Fridays Concert ~ July 26 ~ From 6 – 9 pm in Penn Treaty Park, enjoy live music by Rock Legend Charlie Gracie and soft jazz by the Su Teears Band. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• 40th Street Summer Series ~ July 27 ~ Starting at 6 pm, come listen to the The Heavens Atheist Gospel. A dynamic brass band led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Jacob Garchik who will perform with the critically acclaimed and jubilant The Heavens. ~ 40th Street Summer Series in University City ~Fantastic Fridays Concert ~ August 9 ~ From 6 – 9 pm in Penn Treaty Park, enjoy live music by Stars Apart. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• Fantastic Fridays Concert ~ July 31 ~ From 6 – 9 pm in Penn Treaty Park, enjoy live music by the Soul Cruisers. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ August 2 ~ 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 ~ August 2 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Phillies ~ August 2 – 4 ~ A three game series against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Cool Tip! Free face painting before every Sunday home game by Paint Your Face, inside McFadden’s Ball Park from 10:30 am until the game starts. Anyone can stop by for a free Phillie’s P or even have the Phanatic painted on their cheek!
• Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge ~ August 3 ~ FREE to the public, from  1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, this charity fundraiser features restaurant teams and pit master teams cooking off for a good cause.  ~ Stephen Starr-Garry Maddox BBQ Challenge ~
• 104.5 Summer Block Party ~ August 3 ~ Summer concerts held at the Piazza at Schmidt’s from 3:45 pm to 7 pm, bringing you popular Philadelphia bands. On August 3rd, listen to Panic! At the Disco, Alt-J & Walk of the Earth.  The next concert will be September 14. ~ 104.5 Summer Block Party ~
• 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties ~ August 4 ~ From Noon until 10 pm in Northern Liberties, come enjoy food, beer, live movies, crafts & much more. ~ 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties ~
• Fantastic Fridays Concert ~ August 9 ~ From 6 – 9 pm in Penn Treaty Park, enjoy live music by Stars Apart. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ August 15 ~ Next Night Market is South Street, from 6 pm – 10 pm. ~ Night Market Philadelphia ~
• Moonlight Kayak Tour ~ August 24 ~ Starting at 8 pm, professionally guided tours of the Schuylkill River between Walnut Street Dock and Fairmount Water Works, including 1/2 hour of instruction and 1 hour on the water. ~ Moonlight Kayak Tour ~
• Stop Hunger Now Packaging Event ~ October 26 ~ From 9 am – 2 pm, help Stop Hunger Now & MyPhillyAlive, in packaging meals for those who are hungry or make a donation.   ~ Stop Hunger Now ~

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 Weekend Weather for the weekend of July 19 – 21

 

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 95°  | Low 78°

Saturday  |  40% PM Thunderstorms |  High 92° | Low 74°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy  |  High 86° |  Low 70°

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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