Things To Do In Philadelphia – Philly Festivals, Art, Music, Food

Things to do in Philadelphia, Philly Festivals, Art Festivals, Music Festivals in Philadelphia

‘Celebrating Fun, Excitement, & History’

Summer is over and fall begins it’s season. What can fall translate to in Philadelphia. Music festivals, art festivals, food festivals, and just touring the city with cooler weather. So many things to do in Philadelphia, we just can’t keep the excitement down.

The are several things taking place this weekend: such as the 3-day WHYY Connections Festival, First Fridays in Old City and Penn’s Landing, Drink Philly’s 1st Phestiv-Ale, a free guided tour of Philly by the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides, and many different kinds of Festivals.

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  ~ September 7 – 13 ~

  • First Fridays in Old City~ September 7 ~ 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 ~
  • WHYY Connections Festival ~ September 7 – 9 ~ Weekend of events down at Race Street Pier or Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. Friday, First Fridays and Film screening. Free concert & kids activities on Saturday. Sunday, free concert. There will be food and drinks also. Click link for detailed info for each day.  ~ WHYY Connections Festival ~
  • Race Street Pier Fireworks ~ September 7 ~ 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 ~ September 7 ~ Free with admission. Brazilian Dance Party – Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day by dancing the night away to popular Brazilian hits with live dancers and dance instruction. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • Fantastic Fridays at Penn Treaty Park ~ September 7 ~ Free. Champagne in the Park will be playing. Starting at 6:30 pm, bring a blanket or a lawn chair and some snacks and listen to live bands. ~ Fantastic Fridays ~
  • Philadelphia Phillies ~ September 7 to 9 ~ A 3 Game series against the Colorado Rockies 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! ~ Phillies Tickets ~
  • Radio 104.5 Block Party ~ September 8 ~ Free. From 4 pm to 7 pm.  Live music, food, and drinks.  ~ Radio 104.5 Block Party ~ ~ Info about the Piazza at Schmidt’s ~
  • 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 ~
  • Northern Liberties Music Festival & Rib Cook Off ~ September 8 ~  Both at Liberty Lands in Northern Liberties. The Rib Cook Off is from 11 am to 3:30 pm. Ribs prepared by individuals and restaurants. The Music Fest is from 4:30 pm to 10 pm, with great music, food, and to include bottomless beer cups.  ~ Rib Cook Off & Music Fest ~
  • The Great 12-Hour Tour of Philadelphia ~ September 8 ~ FREE! From 8 am t0 8 pm, the association of Philadelphia Tour Guides will take you on tours  covering the city from the Delaware to the Schuylkill. This tour will include such areas as Society Hill, Old City, Center City, Rittenhouse, to the Schuykill.  Click the link for detail info ~ Free tour guide of Philadelphia ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ September 8 & 12 ~ 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 ~
  • Free Art Lessons with Young Rembrandts ~ September 9 ~  Free drawing lessons on Sunday, from 11 am to 1 pm at FreePlay on The Parkway. For kids ages 4 to 12. Location: The Ben Franklin Parkway between 21st and 22nd streets.  ~ Info on Young Rembrandts ~
  • Philadelphia Eagles Game 1 ~ September 9 ~ Aren’t going the the Eagles game when they play the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland. Then head on over to XFinityLive, Philadelphia’s main sports entertainment complex to watch the game.  ~ Info about XFinity Live ~
  • Green Fest Philly ~ September 9 ~ Free event from 11 am to 5 pm at Head House Square off of South Street in the Society Hill area. There will be more than 100 exhibitors and vendors which will have something for everyone. From shopping for local green wares, great food, live music, live demonstrations, kid-friendly activities and much more. And it’s totally free.  ~ Green Fest Philly ~
  • 2012 Feastival ~ September 12 ~  Philadelphia’s top chefs come together to benefit the Philly Fringe & the Live Arts Festival. ~ Feastival ~
  • 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

  • Re-Opening of Field House Sports Bar – September 15 ~ More info to follow.
  • 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 ~
  • Golf Outing Fundraiser ~ September 17 ~ Golf with Ahieveability, who will host the 2012 Coaches Cup Golf Outing at Philadelphia Cricket Club.  ~ Golf Outing Info ~ ~About Achieveability ~
  • Open Air on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ~ September 20 to October 16 ~  How awesome is this! How about interactive spotlights making light patterns by using your voice messages and GPS location. Check it out.  ~ Open Air Light exhibit ~
  • 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 September 7 – 9

 

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

Saturday  |  30% Isolated Thunderstorms |  High 86° | Low 60°

Sunday  |  Sunny  |  High 76° |  Low 58°

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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