Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ PIFA Kick-Off, Philly Farm and Food Fest, Manayunk StrEAT Festival, Art Museum Restaurant Week, Cherry Blossom Festival!

Cherry Blossom Looking at Boathouse Row

‘Food, Wine, Festivals – Oh My!’

This weekend kicks off with the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, 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, Bike & Bagels Bike Ride, Craft Beer Express, Walking Tour – Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson, farmers’ markets, magic shows and much more. The weekend ends with the LOVE Run Half Marathon, Philly Farm & Food Fest, Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, the end of Philly Wine Week, the start of the Art Museum Restaurant Week and an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars.

During the week, enjoy the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia, Manayunk Restaurant Week, Dining Out for Life 4th Annual Food Truck Pop-Up and much more.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for 4th Friday in Headhouse District, National Park Week, 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, 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 8 – 14 ~

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 ~
• Philly Wine Week ~ April 8 – 10 ~ Philly Wine Week is an eight day event that embraces those that savor the knowledge and taste of wines. There will be an opening event, events each day and a closing event.  ~ Philly Wine Week ~
• Two Trains Running ~ April 8 – 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 ~
• Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) ~ April 8 – 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 8 – 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 8 – 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 8 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 8 – 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 8 – 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 8 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 ~
• Art Museum Restaurant Week ~ April 10 – 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 11 – 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 11 – 22 ~ Info today! ~  Manayunk Restaurant Week ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ April 8 – 14 ~

• 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 ~
• Art After 5 ~  April 8 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Dacia Kings – Legendary jazz chanteuses of times past will be brought to life by this talented young vocalist. 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 ~  
• Philly Wine Week ~ April 8 – 10 ~ Philly Wine Week is an eight day event that embraces those that savor the knowledge and taste of wines. There will be an opening event, events each day and a closing event.  ~ Philly Wine Week ~
• Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) ~ April 8 – 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 ~
• Bike & Bagel ~ April 9 ~ Gearing Up’s annual Bike & Bagel starts at 8 am. All are welcome to join them for bikes, bagels, and (community) bonding! Pedal with them from any of the Community Partner Programs as they meet up for food and fun on Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park! ~ Bike & Bagel ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ April 9 ~ 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 9 ~ 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 ~
• Yoga Special at the Plough and the Stars ~ April 9 ~ After enjoying FREE yoga (9:30 am to 10:30 am) at the Race Street Pier, head on over to the Plough and the Stars for brunch! Get 20% off that day if you come in with your yoga mat. Brunch is from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. ~ Brunch Menu ~  ~ Yoga Special at the Plough and the Stars ~
• Craft Beer Express ~ April 9 ~ Starting at 11 am     ~ Craft Beer Express ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ April 9 ~ 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 9 & 10 ~ 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 ~
• Walking Tour – Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson ~ April 9 & 10 ~ FREE – 2 pm – 3 pm at President’s House Site, corner of 6th and Market Streets. Celebrate Thomas Jefferson’s 273rd birthday (April 13, 1743): join a park ranger for a tour of Jefferson’s Philadelphia and examine the life and legacy of this legendary Founding Father. ~ Walking Tour – Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson 
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ April 9 & 13 ~ 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 ~
• LOVE Run Half Marathon ~ April 10 ~ Starting at 8 am at Eakin’s Oval. This half marathon takes you through a bit of the city and up along MLK Drive into West Fairmount Park. ~ LOVE Run Half Marathon ~
• Philly Farm & Food Fest ~ April 10 ~ Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from 10 am to 4 pm, Connect with over 130 farms, food artisans, experts, chefs and sustainable products. Enjoy exhibitor samples, hands on workshops, farm animals and meet local chefs! Buy gluten-free treats, grass-fed meats, artisan cheeses, jams, jellies, and sauces to name a few. Proceeds benefit Fair Food and whose work supports local farms and food.~ Philly Farm & Food Fest ~
• Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~ April 10 ~  11 am to 5 pm on Main Street in Manayunk, Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival is a foodies dream come true. Check out the many Manayunk restaurants, some Philadelphia’s top food trucks, art vendors, live music, restaurant tours and plenty of shopping along Main Street Manayunk. Just make sure to bring your appetite. Enjoy!  ~ Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ April 10 ~ 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 10 ~ 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 ~    
• Art Museum Restaurant Week ~ April 10 – 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 11 – 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 11 – 22 ~   ~ Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
• Free Parking! ~ April 13 ~ 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 13 ~ 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 ~   
• Dining Out for Life 4th Annual Food Truck Pop-Up ~ April 14 ~   ~ Dining Out for Life 4th Annual Food Truck Pop-Up ~
• 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 15 & beyond

• 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 ~  
• 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 ~
• 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 ~  
• 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 ~ Stay tuned for more info. ~ 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 ~ East Passyunk’s Flavors of the Avenue ~
• 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 ~
• 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 8 – 10

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy & Windy  |  High 53°  |  Low 35° Saturday  |  90% Rain/Snow/Wind  |  High 42°  |  Low 30° Sunday  |  Sunny  |  High 50°  |  Low 40°

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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