Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ New Benjamin Franklin Museum, Philly Naked Bike Ride, Free Events and More!

Things to do Philadelphia

‘Experience a Naked Bike Ride or the New Opening of the Benjamin Franklin Museum’

One could say it will be an interesting weekend in Philadelphia.

Have you ever checked out the Philly Naked Bike Ride event? If you are into art and history, come to the new opening of the Benjamin Franklin Museum. How about the many free movies and free concerts throughout the city at any given night, the art tours, or kayaking on the Delaware River.

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 23 – 29 ~

  • Oktoberfest 2013 ~ August 26 – 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 ~
  • Art After 5 ~ August 23 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Jaleel Release CD Party – Philadelphia’s own Jaleel Shaw, alto saxophonist, will perform his special brand of post-bop jazz. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~ August 23 ~ FREE – Starting at 7:30 pm, head down to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing and listen to Christian Scott. There will be fireworks afterwards.  ~ Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~
  • Fireworks in Philadelphia ~ August 23 ~ Land-side fireworks display from the Penn’s Landing Marina at approximately 9:15 pm as a finale to the Smooth Jazz Summer Nights Concert Series ~ Fireworks in Philadelphia ~
  • Philadelphia Phillies ~ August 23 – 25 ~ A three game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks 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!
  • Benjamin Franklin Museum ~ August 24 & 25 ~ FREE – Activities starting at 10 am until 3 pm. Come celebrate the National Park Service’s 97th birthday and the opening of the new Benjamin Franklin Museum with lots of special programs, tours, and activities for people of all ages. ~ Benjamin Franklin Museum ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ August 24 & 28 ~ 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 ~
  • Paddle Penn’s Landing ~ August 24 (Cancelled) & 25 (Open) ~ From noon – 8 pm,  try your luck on a kayak or swan boat, located at the Penn’s Landing Marina. ~ Paddle Penn’s Landing ~
  • Sounds of Gospel ~ August 24 ~ Free – From 3-9 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, celebrate the beauty and joy of gospel music while listening to contemporary gospel and traditional hymns. ~ Sounds of Gospel ~
  • Kayak Tour on the Schuylkill ~ August 24 ~ Starting at 6 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 ~
  • 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 ~
  • Philly Naked Bike Ride ~ August 25 ~ Bike Race starting at 4 pm, ending roughly at 6 pm. Details of where it will start is still being worked on. It will end near the Piazza at Schmidt’s. What’s the Naked Bike Ride About ~ ~ Info on Philly Naked Bike Ride ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles Practice ~ August 26 ~ FREE – From 11:40 – 2 pm, come watch the Eagles practice live at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles are hosting a variety of fan-focused activities that will take place at this free public practice at Lincoln Financial Field. EXTRA – Did you know that the Eagles fans were ranked 17th out of 32! Read HerePhiladelphia Eagles Training Camp Info ~  ~ Free Tickets to Practice ~
  • Lunchtime Concert Series ~ August 28 ~ From Noon – 1:30 pm at specific locations. Wednesday, come listen to Pop music with The Untouchables at 1818 Market Street. ~ Lunchtime Concert Series ~
  • Center City Sips ~ August 28 ~ 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 ~ August 28 ~ 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 ~ August 28 ~ 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, West Philadelphia Orchestra. ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
  • Pairings on the Parkway ~ August 29 ~ 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 ~
  • Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ August 29 ~ FREE!  Come watch 10 Things I Hate About You 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 ~
  • Screenings Under the Stars ~ August 29 ~  FREE! Come down to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing at 8 pm to watch Dr. Suess’ The Lorax, outdoors. ~ Screenings Under the Stars ~
  • 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~
  • 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 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

  • 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 ~
  • 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 ~
  • Made in America Music Fest ~ August 31 & September 1 ~ Starting at noon both days, join musical talents such as Beyonce, Nine Inch Nails, Public Enemy and many others as they rock out the end of the summer on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  ~ Budweiser Made in America ~
  • 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 ~
  • 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 ~
  • 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 Screaming Skull. $5 admission gets you a tour of the house also! ~ Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~
  • 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 ~
  • 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 ~
  • 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 ~
  • 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 23 – 25

 

Friday  |  Mostly Cloudy  |  High 83°  | Low 62°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny |  High 82° | Low 55°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy  |  High 81° |  Low 61°

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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