Things To Do In Philadelphia – Labor Day Weekend

Benjamin Franklin Parkway courtesy of Bill Cannon Photography

‘End the Summer at the Budweiser Made in America Concert’

It’s that time of year, Labor Day Weekend, when people either rush to the shore for the last weekend of the summer or have family barbecues. If you are doing neither this weekend, there are still plenty of things to do in Philadelphia.

The main attraction this weekend is the Made in America Concert that will take place both Saturday and Sunday. Plan your travels around this part of the city carefully, since several streets will be shut down. You can also still catch fireworks down at Penn’s Landing and a jazz performance at the Piazza at Schmidt’s, both free events.

Did you know : Philadelphia was named 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  ~ August 31 – September 6 ~

  • Summer Concert Series at Penn’s Landing ~ August 31 ~ Free concert featuring Sheila E, tonight at 7:30 pm at the Great Plazza at Penn’s Landing. ~ Music at Penn’s Landing ~
  • Friday Night Lights ~ August 31 ~ Free Fireworks. Starts approximately 9:15 pm at the Penn’s Landing Marina after the Summer Concert which is listed below. ~ Friday Night Lights ~
  • Race Street Pier Fireworks ~ August 31 & September 1 ~ Starting approximately 9 pm, after the Camden Riversharks game, watch fireworks from across the river at Race Street Pier. ~ Race Street Pier fireworks ~
  • Art After 5 ~ August 31 ~ Free with admission. Rhenda Fearrington – Cancelled – Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • Concert at XFinityLive ~ August 31 ~ Starting at 9 pm, Modern Bliss will be playing at the PBR Grill patio at XFinity Live. ~ Concert at XFinityLive ~ ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
  • Labor Day Weekend in Philly ~ September 1 & 2 ~ The “Budweiser Made in America” concert will have Jay-Z & Pearl Jam to Headline the Musical Festival.  The two-day festival will feature 28 acts on three stages.  ~ Budweiser Made in America Festival ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ September 1 & 5 ~ 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 ~
  • Smooth Jazz The Piazza at Schmidt’s ~ September 2 ~ Free. From 5 – 7 pm, come out and enjoy some smooth jazz performed by John “Sax” Williams and Trineice Robinson in The Piazza. ~ Smooth Jazz at The Piazza ~ ~ Info about the Piazza at Schmidt’s ~
  • Philadelphia’s Tri-State Labor Parade and AFL-CIO Family Festival ~ September 3 ~ Parade starts at Columbus Blvd. and Washington Ave at 9:30 am. Then head on over to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. From11 am – 3 pm there will be face painters, magicians, a make and take craft center, Rocky Mountain Wall Climb, a wide variety of food, numerous musical acts, and much more. ~ Labor Parade at Penn’s Landing ~
  • Shark Week at Adventure Aquarium ~ Now until September 3 ~ Adventure Aquarium in Camden this summer be showcasing the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast as well as the only two “great hammerheads” in the United States. ~ Sharks at Adventure Aquarium ~
  • Light Installations By Bruce Munro ~ Now until September 29 ~ This will allow visitors to explore Longwood Gardens after-hours, while giving you a different perspective with cool displays of lights & more. ~ Light Installations by Bruce Munro ~
  • Free Play on the Parkway ~ Now until September 30; except Mondays ~ Play In between recognizes the need for free play in children’s education. Come check out what it’s all about. ~Free Play on the Parkway ~
  • Barnes Foundation ~ Now Open ~  The new building finally opened May 19th. You get to explore the world’s largest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern paintings–including tons of works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Renoir—inside this new 12,000 square-foot gallery. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
  • Bruce Springsteen ~ Now –until Sept. 3 ~ Springsteen comes to the National Constitution Center. The first exhibit of Bruce Springsteen to ever be seen outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You will have the opportunity to view more than 150 artifacts, videos of his first successful audition, and much more. ~ Bruce Springsteen exhibit~
  • Dead Sea Scrolls ~ Now until October 14 ~ The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit arrives at The Franklin Institute. Get a glimpse of ancient Israeli culture with more than 600 artifacts and 20 of the rarest scroll. ~ Dead Sea Scrolls ~
  • Maya 2012 – Lords of Time Exhibit at Penn’s Museum ~ Now until January 13, 2013 ~ Learn more about that superstition and the culture behind the Mayan prophecy. This exhibit will showcase the fascinating and mysterious Mayan people.~ Maya 2012 Exhibit ~
  • The Swedish American Line Exhibition ~ Now until February 24 ~ From the early days as a passenger fleet for immigrants to its lavish cruises, visitors will get a look into the fleet’s history, exquisite style and personal stories and anecdotes from former passengers. Taking place at The American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philly. ~ The Swedish American Line Exhibit ~
  • 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~

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 CompanyPhilly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

  • Drink Philly’s First Annual Phestiv-Ale ~ September 8 ~ This event benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and there will be 50 different types of beers available. ~ Drink Philly’s Phestiv-Ale ~
  • 2012 Feastival ~ September 12 ~  Philadelphia’s top chefs come together to benefit the Philly Fringe and the Live Arts Festival. ~ Feastival ~
  • Scarecrow Festival ~ September 15 & 16 ~ At Peddler’s Village. Free admission. 10 am – 6 pm both days. Make your own scarecrow at the workshop for $25, live pumpkin eating contests, and live entertainment. Sunday only, a pumpkin painting workshop. ~ Scarecrow Festival ~
  • 4th Annual Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest ~ September 29 ~ Come hang as a VIP for 3 hours with access to great food and beers from noon to 3 pm. Event is from noon until 8 pm for the general public. Brauhaus Schmitz Event ~
  • Old City Seaport Festival ~ October 5 – 7 ~ There will be a beer garden, food, live music, craft vendors, land and in-water activities, river tours, and a pirate battle on the 7th.     ~ Old City Seaport 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 Weekend Weather for the weekend of August 31 – September 3

 

Friday  |  Sunny |  High 92°  | Low 69°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy |  High 89° | Low 65°

Sunday  |  Mostly Cloudy  |  High 83° |  Low 68°

Monday  |  30% Isolated Thunderstorms  |  High 80°  |  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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picture courtesy of Bill Cannon Photography