Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Philly Festivals, Markets for Shopping, Free Yoga and More!

‘Many Festivals this Weekend: Cherry Blossom, StrEAT Food, Spring Fest’

It’s that time of year when the festivals start appearing in mass numbers.

The weekend kicks off with the continuation of celebrating Jazz Appreciation month, Spring Fest, StrEAT Food Festival, the PHAIR Open Air Market, Free yoga, magic shows and the ending of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for the Center City Jazz Festival, Mainline Restaurant Week, Easter Egg Hunts, the Philadelphia Science Festival, Flavors of the Avenue in East Passyunk, the Philly Zombie Crawl, Philadelphia Children’s Festival, the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta 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.

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 11 – 17 ~

FYI – There are many events & attractions listed below that have been open prior today which are listed as “Now”.

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of April ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for April 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Jazz Appreciation Month in Philadelphia ~ Month of April ~ Check out the many Jazz events & specials taking place throughout the City of Brotherly Love in the month of April regarding Jazz Appreciation month!  ~ Jazz Appreciation Month in Philadelphia ~
• Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~ Now until April 13 ~  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 ~
• Art After 5 ~ April 11 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm.  Center City Jazz Festival Presents: A Great Night in Philadelphia – Ernest Stuart, trombonist and founder of the Center City Jazz Festival, will be joined by the brightest stars in the Philadelphia jazz scene for what promises to be an unforgettable überjam featuring several festival alumni. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ April 11 ~ At 8:30 pm, enjoy Friday Night Mentalism! A Deadly Game of Chance. International entertainer Lucas Simmons has come to Philadelphia and he brought his unique style of mentalism with him! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Spring Fest at Reading Terminal Market ~ April 12 ~ From 11 am to 4 pm at the Reading Terminal Market,  some of the market’s merchants will have lots of food, Easter egg dying for the kids, live music & more.  ~ Spring Fest at Reading Terminal Market ~
• Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~ April 12 ~ From 11 am to 5 pm, come enjoy spring themed foods, Manayunk restaurants, Philly food trucks, shopping, live music & much more. ~ Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~
• Free Yoga at Schuylkill Banks ~ April 12 & 13 ~ Starting at 11 am, near 25th and Locust streets along the Schuylkill Banks, enjoy free yoga with instructors from Dhyana Yoga. Just bring a yoga mat and be ready to stretch out. ~ Free Yoga at Schuylkill Banks ~
• Colonial for a Day ~ April 12 & 13 ~ Kids can now rent Colonial-themed costumes and immerse themselves in their Historic Philadelphia adventure with the *Brand New* Colonial for a Day costume program! Costumes are available exclusively at the Historic Philadelphia Center at 6th & Chestnut Streets. ~ Colonial for a Day ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ April 12 & 16 ~ 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 ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ April 13 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at the Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Clover Market in Chestnut Hill ~ April 13 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm in Chestnut Hill, shop at an open-air market featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, finely crafted handmade items, and original art. ~ Clover Market in Chestnut Hill ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ April 13 ~ 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 ~
• Dear Diary, Bye ~ April 13 ~  This play is written, directed, performed and stage managed by all South Philly residents. The play is based on Ellie Brown’s 4th grade diary from 1984. It features school yard scrapping, a boy crazy tale, family troubles and sweet misunderstandings of adult concepts. It’s a comedic and family friendly piece.  Come help support a South Philly community. ~ Dear Diary, Bye ~
• Philadelphia Book Festival~ April 13 – 19 ~ There will be dozens of events at public libraries throughout the neighborhoods of Philadelphia. From author events and story times to book and poetry readings, the events slated for the upcoming festival are nearly endless and cover all forms of written works. ~ Philadelphia Book Festival ~
• Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ April 13 – 25 ~ Here is your chance to enjoy good foods in Manayunk for discounted prices. ~ Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ April 16 ~ 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 ~
• Native American Voices Exhibit at Penn Museum ~ Open Now ~ 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 ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2014 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ Franklin Square ~
• Ride The Ducks ~ Now Open for the 2014 Season ~ The 70 minute amphibious (land and water) sightseeing tour takes you through the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District and then on a relaxing cruise along the Penn’s Landing waterfront. Monday – Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm. Reservations, made 24 hrs in advance, must be made with Ride Ducks by calling 877-887-8225, or by visiting the Ride the Ducks kiosk inside the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. ~ Ride The Ducks ~
• One Day in Pompeii ~ Now until April 27, 2014 ~  Here is your chance to experience Pompeii held at The Franklin Institute. Explore 150 plus archaeological treasures, feel the floors shake and the walls rumble as you relive the volcano’s catastrophic eruption and witness the devastation left in its path. ~ One Day in Pompeii at The Franklin Institute ~
• Gortex Philadelphia Marathon Registration ~ Now until end of May ~ Register for 4 different types of races, such as the marathon or half marathon, for November 22 & 23. ~ Register for Gortex Philadelphia Marathon ~ Gortex Philadelphia Marathon Info ~
• Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~ Now until August 31 ~ From 9 am to 10 am, every day except Wednesdays, head to Race Street Pier for free yoga with instructors from Dhyana Yoga. Just bring a yoga mat and be ready to stretch out. ~ Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~
• 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 ~
• 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 ~

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

.

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

• Easter Activities & Events ~ April 18 ~ Enjoy egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, a parade and Easter brunches in Delaware, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Philly Suburbs. ~ Easter Activities & Events in Philadelphia Region ~
• FREE Historic Chocolate Making Demonstration ~ April 18 ~ From 11 am to 4 pm, stop on over at the Betsy Ross House  and what how colonists made and ate chocolate. Learn the answers to these questions and more. ~ Making chocolate at the Betsy Ross House ~
• Art After 5 ~ April 18 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm.  Kavita Shah – A native New Yorker of Indian origin fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and French, Shah incorporates elements of Indian, Brazilian, and Malian music into her jazz-based repertoire. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Easter Activities & Events ~ April 19 ~ Enjoy egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, a parade and Easter brunches in Delaware, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Philly Suburbs. ~ Easter Activities & Events in Philadelphia Region ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ April 19 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at the Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Center City Jazz Festival ~ April 19 ~ From 1 pm to 7 pm, attendees can expect a jam-packed schedule of 16 bands performing at four venues over six hours, all within walking distance of each other in the heart of Center City. One ticket provides access to all performances. The four venues are Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Fergies Pub, Milk Boy & Time Restaurant.  ~ Center City Jazz Festival ~ ~ Tix to Center City Jazz Festival ~
• Easter Activities & Events ~ April 20 ~ Enjoy egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, a parade and Easter brunches in Delaware, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Philly Suburbs. ~ Easter Activities & Events in Philadelphia Region ~
• Spring Plant and Produce Pop-Up at Sister Cities Park ~ April 20 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm at Sister Cities Park, enjoy the plant and produce pop-up presented by Greengsrow Farms, to where you can purchase plants and produce. In addition to purchasing plants for your home garden, families are invited to plant flowers around the park during the event as well. ~ Spring Plant and Produce Pop-Up at Sister Cities Park ~ 
• Philly Zombie Crawl ~ April 20 ~  The Philly Zombie Crawl is an annual bar crawl that allows you to dress as a zombie! You get to be creative and put on your scariest Zombie attire while walking up and down South Street while stopping at a few bars. End the night with a zombie party at the Theatre of Living Arts (TLA). ~ Philly Zombie Crawl ~
• Main Line Restaurant Week ~ April 21 – 27 ~ Enjoy various types of food selections such as Seafood, Steak, American, Jewish, Italian, Mexican and more. Many local restaurants will be participating, allowing you to indulge in a special lunch price under $20 and three course dinner meals offered at $20, $30, and $40 price ranges. (Does not include tax, gratuity or alcohol). Check it out!  ~ Main Line Restaurant Week ~
• Philadelphia Science Festival ~ April 25 – May 3 ~ 9 days of over 100 events. More to come soon. ~ Philadelphia Science Festival ~
• Flavors of the Avenue in East Passyunk ~ April 26 ~ More info to come soon. ~ Flavors of the Avenue in East Passyunk
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of May ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for May 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Clover Market in Admore ~ April 27 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm in Armore, shop at an open-air market featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, finely crafted handmade items, and original art. ~ Clover Market in Armore ~
• Philadelphia Children’s Festival ~ April 30 – May ~ More to come soon.  ~ Philadelphia Children’s Festival ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ May 2 ~ 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 2 ~ 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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 2 ~ At 8:30 pm, enjoy Friday Night Mentalism! A Deadly Game of Chance. International entertainer Lucas Simmons has come to Philadelphia and he brought his unique style of mentalism with him! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta ~ May 9 & 10 ~ This event is the largest collegiate rowing event in the United States and has become a Philadelphia tradition for decades. ~ Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta ~
• Art Star Craft Bazaar ~ May 10 ~  Over 100 local & national artists will set up shop & sell their wares at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. ~ Art Star Craft Bazaar ~
• Susan G. Komen Philadelphia® Run/Walk Event ~ May 11 ~ More info to follow. ~ Susan G. Komen Philadelphia® Run/Walk Event ~
• The Preakness at The Piazza ~ May 17 ~ A fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis. Come watch the race at the Piazza at Schmidt’s while enjoying good food & drinks. And don’t forget to wear you fancy hats, pretty dresses, loud pants and fancy bows.  ~ The Preakness at The Piazza ~
• Clover Market in Admore ~ May 18 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm in Armore, shop at an open-air market featuring 100+ vendors with antiques & collectibles, vintage jewelry & clothing, finely crafted handmade items, and original art. ~ Clover Market in Armore ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ May 24 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at the Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Manayunk Arts Festival ~ June 21 & 22~ Nearly 300 artists that will showcase their work along historic Main Street in Manayunk with 0\over 200,000 visitors for the weekend. ~ Manayunk Arts 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 Weather for the weekend of April 11 – 13

 

Friday  |  40% PM Showers  |  High 76°  | Low 52°

Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 72° | Low 47°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy  |  High 79°  |  Low 59°

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 ~

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page