Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ National Park Week, Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts and More!

National Park Week – National Park Service

‘Honoring Our National Parks’

This weekend kicks off with opening of the Independence Beer Garden, the continuation of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, Wine & Wellness Weekend at Chaddsford Winery, the continuation of the exhibits at Penn Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute and the play Two Trains Running at Arden Theatre. During the weekend enjoy FREE yoga, farmers’ markets, magic shows and much more. The weekend ends with the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia event, an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars and a magic show.

During the week enjoy FREE Jazz Night at The Fine Palate and much more.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for 4th Friday in Headhouse District, the Philadelphia Science Festival, Chinese Lantern Festival, Annual El Carnaval de Puebla en Filadelfia event, East Passyunk’s Flavors of the Avenue, Penn Relays, Philadelphia Black Pride, Philly tech Week, Plazapalooza, BaconFest at Chaddsford Winery, Broad Street Run, First Friday, 4th Annual South Street SpringFest, Night Market, Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair 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.

Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

Did you hear that Philadelphia was named best place to visit in the U.S. by Lonely Planet. Read more, click here.

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  ~ April 15 – 21 ~

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 or Seasonal

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Art Museum Restaurant Week ~ April 15 – 17 ~ Enjoy lunch & dinner specials from 15+ restaurants in the Art Museum/Fairmount area! ~  Art Museum Restaurant Week ~ 
• Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia ~ April 15 – 17 ~ The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia brings culinary events and classes, martial arts demonstrations, live music, workshops, film screenings, dance performances and more; all of which promote Japanese culture. 楽しむ (enjoy) and 幸せな桜 (happy Cherry Blossoms) ~  Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia ~
• Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ April 15 – 22 ~ Enjoy 3 course meals for lunch or dinner for a special standard price! ~  Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
• Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) ~ April 15 – 23 ~ The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, also known as PIFA, celebrates art and the community at venues across Philadelphia! This 16-day festival encompasses performances and hands-on experiences through theatre, dance, visual arts, music, discussions and much more.  ~ Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts ~
• Peter and the Starcatcher ~ April 15 – May 1 ~ Takes a musical flight into Neverland with this Tony-winning prequel to this grownup’s prequel to Peter Pan. When starcatcher-in-training Molly meets an orphan boy longing for a home, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. ~ Peter and the Starcatcher ~
• Picasso Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation ~ April 15 – May 9 ~ Held at The Barnes Foundation, marvel in the Picasso Exhibit: The Great War, Experimentation and Change! The show brings together some 50 works by the artist from major American and European museums and private collections, including paintings, drawings, watercolors, and costumes designed for the avant-garde ballet,Parade; and several pieces by his friends and contemporaries.~ Picasso Exhibit at The Barnes Foundation ~
• Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science ~ April 15 to August 28 ~ At the Franklin Institute, visitors will explore a recreation of an Egyptian tomb, a real mummy, and authentic art and artifacts from ancient Egypt.  ~ Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science at Franklin Institute ~
• The Science Behind Pixar ~ April 15 – September 5 ~ Held at The Franklin Institute, experience the Science Behind Pixar! Learn how your favorite Pixar characters were born into animated movies! Explore the science and technology behind it and more! ~ The Science Behind Pixar ~
• Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~ April 15 – November 1 ~ Held at the Academy of Natural Sciences, this exhibit illustrates what scientists can deduce from the fossil record when creating a reconstruction of a skeleton or model and what they must look to artists to interpret. It will also feature a touchable copy of a dinosaur skin impression & more. ~ Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~
• The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~ April 15 to November 27 ~ Held at Penn Museum, get acquainted with the Golden Age Of King Midas Exhibit and find out the hidden story of the golden touch, aka the Midas golden touch. A video experience lets visitors explore the tomb as if they were in the tomb itself when it was sealed nearly 3,000 years ago. ~ The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~
• National Park Week ~ April 16 – 24 ~ FREE – Kicks off with the parks annual Junior Ranger Day. Play games, meet Park Rangers and staff, collect NPS centennial trading cards, take a “selfie” with Buddy Bison, and win prizes. All week long there will be activities & events. ~ National Park Week ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ April 15 – 21 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of April ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for April 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Two Trains Running ~ April 15 ~ Held at Arden Theatre, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, tells the story about the civil rights movement that is sweeping across Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1969 and Memphis Lee’s diner is scheduled to be torn down, a casualty of the city’s renovation project. ~ Two Trains Running ~
• Art After 5 ~  April 15 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Jazz from the 1960’s – Jazz bassist Buster Williams will step back in time by paying tribute to the sounds of the sixties. This program is offered in conjunction with the exhibition International Pop. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ April 8 ~ 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 ~  
• Independence Beer Garden ~ April 15 & 16 ~ The Independence Beer garden, across from the Liberty Bell, opens for the weekend & then officially opens on April 21! ~ Independence Beer Garden ~
• Art Museum Restaurant Week ~ April 15 – 17 ~ Enjoy lunch & dinner specials from 15+ restaurants in the Art Museum/Fairmount area! ~  Art Museum Restaurant Week ~ 
• Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia ~ April 15 – 17 ~ The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia brings culinary events and classes, martial arts demonstrations, live music, workshops, film screenings, dance performances and more; all of which promote Japanese culture. 楽しむ (enjoy) and 幸せな桜 (happy Cherry Blossoms) ~  Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia ~
• Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ April 15 – 22 ~ Enjoy 3 course meals for lunch or dinner for a special standard price! ~  Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
• Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) ~ April 15 – 23 ~ The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, also known as PIFA, celebrates art and the community at venues across Philadelphia! This 16-day festival encompasses performances and hands-on experiences through theatre, dance, visual arts, music, discussions and much more. ~ Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ April 16 ~ 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 ~ April 16 ~ 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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ April 16 ~ 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 Classes ~ April 16 & 17 ~ FREE – Held from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Race Street Pier at the Delaware River Waterfront. Free classes run from now through the first weekend of November. ~ FREE Yoga Classes ~
• Wine & Wellness Weekend at Chaddsford Winery ~ April 16 & 17 ~Drink up the antioxidants in red wine with $5 glasses of Proprietors Reserve Red, Philadelphia Phillies Club Series, and Flyers Red wines all weekend long. In addition to raising a glass, look forward to an action-packed day with opportunities to: yoga, free chair massage and more! ~ Wine & Wellness Weekend at Chaddsford Winery ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ April 16 & 20 ~ 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 ~
• National Park Week ~ April 16 – 24 ~ FREE – Kicks off with the parks annual Junior Ranger Day. Play games, meet Park Rangers and staff, collect NPS centennial trading cards, take a “selfie” with Buddy Bison, and win prizes. All week long there will be activities & events. ~ National Park Week ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ April 17 ~ 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 ~   
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ April 17 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~    
• Jazz Night at The Fine Palate ~ April 19 ~ FREE – From 6 pm to 9 pm, enjoy live Jazz by Laura Cheadle through Jazz It Up Philly at The Fine Palate!  Also enjoy fabulous dishes, drinks and much more. ~ Jazz Night at The Fine Palate ~
• Free Parking! ~ April 20 ~ Philadelphia Parking Authority offers FREE meter parking Center City at 5 pm; rush-hour zones at 6:30 pm. The boundaries are from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River and from Bainbridge to Spring Garden Streets. ~ Free Parking ~  
• Pay As You Wish ~ April 20 ~ 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 ~   
• Independence Beer Garden ~ April 21 – unknown (fall) ~ The Independence Beer garden, across from the Liberty Bell, opens for the 2016 season officially on April 21 & continues until the fall! ~ Independence Beer Garden ~
• Franklin Square ~ Open 2016 Season ~ The Franklin Square is a great place to bring the family or for a date. Located in the historical part of Philadelphia in Old City. This park offers a carousel, a miniature golf course, a storytelling bench, a playground, a picnic area and more. ~ Franklin Square ~
• Dilworth Park ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy seating areas for relaxation, food & live music. ~ Dilworth Park ~
• Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy this 2,000 foot new extension bridging the South Street Bridge & the Locust Street bike trail. ~ Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk  ~
• “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 ~ 
• 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 ~
• 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 ~

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 ~ April 22 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ April 22 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – French Connection – Music and science fiction will come together when pianist and composer Cédric Hanriot presents an homage to the work of sci-fi writer Dan Simmons. A French-American Jazz Exchange Project in association with the French-American Cultural Exchange and Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ April 22 ~ Starting at 5 pm in the South Street Headhouse District, Experience the creativity and energy of the fabulous Fourth Street and South Street business communities with an evening of extended hours, art, music, food and shopping along Historic Fabric Row (and beyond). ~ 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~  
• Philadelphia Science Festival ~ April 22 – 30 ~ Held at various locations throughout Philadelphia, enjoy more than a week of a variety of events that incorporate everything from family-friendly educational outings to after-dark events that tells us that science lessons aren’t just for kids. ~ Philadelphia Science Festival ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ April 22 – June 12 ~  Take pleasure in the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square! The square will come alive and glow with more than 25 larger-than-life illuminated displays of handcrafted giant flowers, a three-story pagoda and a huge 200-foot Chinese dragon. ~ Chinese Lantern Festival ~
• Annual El Carnaval de Puebla en Filadelfia ~ April 24 ~      ~ Annual El Carnaval de Puebla en Filadelfia ~
• East Passyunk’s Flavors of the Avenue ~ April 24 ~ Flavors of the Avenue in East Passyunk Neighborhood is an exceptional event where guests can enjoy tasty food with specialty drinks from many East Passyunk restaurants. This spring time event that is held outdoors sells out quickly, so don’t hold back. ~ East Passyunk’s Flavors of the Avenue ~
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ April 24 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~  
• Penn Relays ~ April 28 – 30 ~ More info later! ~ Penn Relays at Franklin Field ~
• Philadelphia Black Pride 2016 ~ April 28 – May 1 ~     ~ Philadelphia Black Pride ~
• Philly Tech Week ~ April 28 – May 7 ~ Philly Tech Week celebrates as well encourages the technology and innovation that thrives in the Philadelphia region. Nearly 50 events are lined up so far! Some highlights include an opening night arcade at Dilworth Park, a day-long conference on the future of digital media and Philly Tech Week’s signature event where a cocktail reception meets an interactive local technology expo and demo party. ~ Philly tech Week ~
• Plazapalooza in Graduate Hospital ~ April 30 ~  ~ Plazapalooza in Graduate Hospital ~
• BaconFest at Chaddsford Winery ~ April 30 & May 1 ~  ~ BaconFest at Chaddsford Winery ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of May ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for May 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Broad Street Run ~ May 1st ~      ~ Broad Street Run ~  
• First Friday’s in Old City~ May 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 ~ May 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 ~  
• 4th Annual South Street SpringFest ~ May 7 ~ Stay tuned for info! ~ 4th Annual South Street SpringFest ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ May 8 ~ 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 ~    
• Pay As You Wish ~ May 8 ~ 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 ~
• Night Market Roxborough ~ May 12 ~    ~ Night Market Roxborough ~
• Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair ~ May 21 & 22 ~  Stay tuned for more info. ~ Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair ~

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 April 15 – 17

Friday  |  Sunny  |  High 65°  |  Low 42° 

Saturday  |  Sunny  |  High 67°  |  Low 41°

Sunday  |  Sunny  |  High 71°  |  Low 47°

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 ~

Photo Credit: Photo for MyPhillyAlive by Jeff Belonger

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