Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Labor Day Weekend, Fringe Arts Festival and more!

‘Family Fun Labor Day Weekend’

The summer is winding down with a few weeks left until it’s officially over. But the fun won’t stop in August. Don’t believe us, look at the upcoming events and attractions for September and October at the bottom.

Many will have an extended weekend, so don’t forget to view our Labor Day Weekend Guide which is linked below. Such things as a free Smooth Jazz concert, a weekend wine event at Chaddsford Winery, a BBQ hangout with your favorite characters at Sesame Place, fireworks at Longwood Gardens and let’s not forget the Philadelphia Tri-State Labor Day Parade which ends at Penn’s Landing.

No matter what tickles your fancy, we have a lot events and attractions for you below.

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  ~ August 30 – September 5 ~

• Guide to Labor Day Weekend in Philadelphia ~ August 30 to September 2 ~ Check out the many events and activities this weekend surrounding Labor Day in Philly. ~ Labor Day Weekend Events in Philly ~
• Oktoberfest 2013 ~ Now until October 27 ~ Oktoberfest invades Philadelphia. Check out our list of events for Oktoberfest. ~ Oktoberfest 2013 in Philly ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of August ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for August 2013 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Live Music at Reading Terminal Market ~ August 30 ~ Free – From noon – 2 pm, listen to piano playing at the Reading Terminal Market while you enjoy the many different types of wonderful foods at the Market. ~ Live Music at Reading Terminal Market ~
• Art After 5 ~ August 30 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble – For the last 30 years the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble has composed, recorded and performed songs that have become their signature pieces throughout Philadelphia and the world. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Fantastic Fridays Concert ~ August 30 ~ FREE – From 6:30 – 9 pm in Penn Treaty Park, enjoy live music by Stars Apart. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• 40th Street Summer Series ~ August 31 ~ Starting at 6 pm, come listen to the Spaceship Aloha. Spaceship Aloha’s performances present a kaleidoscope of lush melodies and joyous electronic rhythms inspired by Hawaii’s musical landscape. ~ 40th Street Summer Series in University City ~
• Philadelphia Union vs Montreal Impact ~ August 31 ~ Come to PPL Park as the Union take on Montreal Impact at 7:30 pm. ~ Philadelphia Union Tickets ~
• Paddle Penn’s Landing ~ August 31 & September 1 ~ From noon – 8 pm,  try your luck on a kayak or swan boat, located at the Penn’s Landing Marina. This ends September 7 & 8, until next season. ~ Paddle Penn’s Landing ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ August 31 & September 4 ~ 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 ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of September ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for September 2013 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ September 4 ~ 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 ~ September 4 ~ 5 pm – 8 pm; 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! Tonight, Leana Song, a Philadelphia-based drum & music ensemble specializing in Afro-Cuban and West African drumming. ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
• Center City Sips ~ September 4 ~ (Extended for 4 weeks in September) 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 ~
• Pairings on the Parkway ~ September 5 ~ 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 ~ September 5 ~ 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 ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ September 5 ~ FREE!  Come watch Moonrise Kingdom at Walnut Street Movies (rescheduled rain date). The movies usually begins 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 ~ September 5 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Uptown String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• 2013 Fringe Arts Festival ~ September 5 – 22 ~ A culmination of the provocative contemporary work that FringeArts presents year-round, the Festival serves as a platform for local, national, and international artists of all disciplines and all levels of achievement.  Anything from theater, dance, music, visual art, and everything in-between.  ~ 2013 Fringe Festival ~
• 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~
• 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 ~

Come Back later this afternoon or evening for more things added to the Philly to do list!

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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

• First Friday Park After Dark ~ September 6 ~ From 5:30 pm to 9 pm, come enjoy regional artists performances presented by FringeArts at the Race Street Pier. ~ First Friday Park After Dark ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ September 6 ~ 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 6 ~ 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 Friday Movies Under the Stars ~ September 6 ~  Movie night at the Betsy Ross House starting at 8 pm.  Grab a chair or blanket, bring a snack, dinner or beverage of your choice and enjoy a big-screen movie in the courtyard. Featured movie is Carnival of Souls. $5 admission gets you a tour of the house also! ~ Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~
• Philadelphia Phillies ~ September 6 – 8 ~ 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!
• The WHYY Connections Festival and Coast Day ~ September 7 & 8 ~  FREE celebration of music, art and maritime culture on the Delaware River will feature live musical performances, kids activities and much more. ~ The WHYY Connections Festival and Coast Day ~
• Kayak Tour on the Schuylkill ~ September 8 ~ Starting at noon (2 pm sold out), 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 ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 12 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Polish American 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 Night in the Park ~ September 13 ~ FREE – Starting at 7 pm, come watch the Amazing Spiderman at Penn Treaty Park. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• Friday the 13th Summer Camp Sleepover ~ September 13 to 14 ~ From 4 pm the 13th to 1 pm the 14th, the Awesome Fest will screen 6 movies while offering the usual summer camp activities as well as fishing, rock-climbing, campfires, food trucks, horror themed vendors, marshmallow roasts, scary stories, as well as many surprises! “Campers” are even encouraged to BYOB and BYOT (bring your own tent)! ~ Friday the 13th Summer Camp Sleepover ~
• Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~ September 15 – 20 & 22 – 27 ~ Come experience 3 course meals at some of the best restaurants in Center City for a fixed price. ~ Philadelphia Restaurant Week ~
• Target Community Nights at Franklin Institute ~ September 18 ~ FREE fun at the Franklin Institute from 5 pm – 8 pm on the third Wednesday of the month unless otherwise specified (until January 22, 2014). Tonight’s theme is Construction, Build It! ~ Free Fun at Franklin Institute ~
• Mt. Airy Street Street Fare ~ September 19 ~ From 6 pm to 10:30 pm, eat and drink from 40+ local restaurants and food trucks on Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy. ~ Mt. Airy Street Street Fare ~
• Terror Behind the Walls ~ September 20 – November 9 ~ This massive retired prison is rated as one of the top 10 haunted houses in the country. There are 6 attractions inside the cell blocks of Eastern State Penitentiary. ~ Terror Behind the Walls ~
• Moonlight Kayak Tour ~ September 21 ~ 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 ~
• The Beat Cancer 35 Live Anniversary Gala ~ September 21 ~ FREE – Held at World Live Cafe, come listen to talented singers and musicians for free. Donations are accepted. ~ The Beat Cancer Live Concert ~
• Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ September 21 – October 5 ~ Come experience 3 course meals at some of the best restaurants in Manayunk for a fixed price.  ~ Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
• Opera on the Mall ~ September 28 ~ FREE (But You Must Register) – Show starts at 7 pm with pre-show activities starting at 6:30 pm, even for the kids. Taking place in front of Independence Hall in the Independence National Historical Park. ~ Opera on the Mall ~
• Halloween Guide to All Things Spooky in Philadelphia ~ Month of October ~ A fun & scary list of Halloween events & activities! ~ Things to do for Halloween in Philadelphia ~
• First Friday Movies Under the Stars ~ October 5 ~  Movie night at the Betsy Ross House starting at 8 pm.  Grab a chair or blanket, bring a snack, dinner or beverage of your choice and enjoy a big-screen movie in the courtyard. Featured movie is Night of the Living Dead. $5 admission gets you a tour of the house also! ~ Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~
• Old City Seaport Festival ~ October 11 – 13 ~  Come enjoy ship tours, a sunset river tour, food, beer, live music and an actual pirate battle at the Independence Seaport Museum. ~ Old City Seaport Festival ~
• Movie Night in the Park ~ October 17 ~ FREE – Starting time unknown, come watch the Hunger Games at Penn Treaty Park. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• Halloween Hoedown ~ October 26 ~ Starting time unknown, come play in the Pumpkin Patch at Penn Treat Park. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~
• 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 August 30 – September 2

 

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

Saturday  |  30% Isolated Thunderstorms |  High 88° | Low 72°

Sunday  | 30% Scattered Thunderstorms  |  High 82° |  Low 72°

Labor Day  |  50% Scattered Thunderstorms  |  High 82°  |  Low 71°

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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