Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ The Oval Pop-Up, Dog Days At Headhouse Square, Sidewalk Sizzle & Ice Cream Freeze and More!

‘The Dog Days Of Summer In Philly’

Sizzle and freeze during this weekend!

This weekend kicks off with The Oval Summer Pop-Up and the continuation of the Lego Art exhibit at the Franklin Institute and Beneath the Surface exhibit at Penn Museum. During the weekend, enjoy the Spruce Street Harbor Park, the 4th annual dog days of summer cook-off in the South Street Headhouse District, the Sidewalks Sizzle and Ice Cream Freeze outside of the Reading Terminal Market, magic shows, farmers’ markets, and much more. Don’t forget about the Restaurant Weeks in University City and in Old City.

For some family fun, head on over to Independence National Historical Park and allow your kids to join the Continental Army for marching drills and musket etiquette. How about raise the flag with Betsy Ross or listen to historians as they tell the story of every day Philadelphians during this moving version of the Declaration of Independence.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for the 40th Street Summer Series, East Passyunk Car Show & Street Festival, 2nd Street Festival, Night Market, free movies 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.

Did you hear? Philadelphia was named one of fifty-two places to visit in 2015 by the New York Times. It gets better! Philly was listed number 3 overall! For the article, Click Here. #PhillyRocks #WhyILovePhilly

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  ~ July 17 – 23 ~

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 ~
• University City Dining Days ~ July 17 – 26 ~ More info by mid Friday, July 17. ~ University City Dining Days ~
• The Oval Summer Pop-Up ~ July 17 – August 23 ~ See the brand new 25,000 square foot mural, Summer Kaleidoscope, commissioned by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, explore a newly designed beer garden, fun and games for the kids, movies, enjoy food from some of Philly’s best food trucks and more. ~ The Oval Summer Pop-Up ~
• The Art of The Brick Exhibit ~ July 17 – September 6 ~ Come explore the largest display of Lego Art at the Franklin Institute. Stop by this afternoon for details to this spectacular attraction. ~ The Art of The Brick Exhibit at the Franklin Institute ~
• Spruce Street Harbor Park ~ July 17 – September 27 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park and RiverRink Summerfest will include a floating restaurant, boardwalk, hammocks, tons of colorful LED lights, new planted greenery, an outdoor roller rink, more Philadelphia restauranteurs, seating options, and a new family entertainment area! ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park & Summerfest ~
• Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~ July 17 – September 27 ~ The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will feature a full-sized roller skating rink with a high end roller hockey-grade flooring system, a skate rental facility (roller skates AND inline skates), and plenty of food and beverage options. ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ July 17 to October 2015 ~ Explore the many historical activities and events throughout the year in Philadelphia. Many of which are free and are made just for kids, allowing quality family fun time.  ~ Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~
• Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~ July 17 – November 1 ~ Held at the Penn Museum, explore artifacts, gold & much more that came from the banks of the Rio Grande Cocle in Panama. ~ Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~  
• Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~ July 17 – November 1 ~ 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 ~
• Center City Sips Happy Hour ~ July 17 – September 2 (Every Wednesday) ~ Welcome Center City Sips! Have a favorite establishment? Maybe wanting to try a new place out? This event is a great opportunity to sample cocktails and appetizers at new restaurants and visit local favorites with friends and co-workers at discounted prices. ~ Center City Sips Happy ~
• Old City Restaurant Week ~ July 19 – 25 ~ More info later today.  ~ Old City Restaurant Week ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ July 17 – 23 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of July ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for July 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Art After 5 ~ July 17 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Papo Gely Y Timbalona – Renowned Puerto Rican singer/songwriter/producer (Menudo, Danny Rivera) performs and sings heartfelt, organic love songs with lush Latin American melodies. His trademark ‘rock-n-rumba’ sound always captivates music lovers of all genres. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ July 17 ~ 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 ~
• University City Dining Days ~ July 17 – 26 ~ More info by mid Friday, July 17. ~ University City Dining Days ~
• Phila Flea Markets ~ July 18 ~ From 8 am to 4 pm in Society Hill, enjoy vendors that will be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! Held along Pine & Lombard from 3rd to 5th Streets. ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ July 18 ~ 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 ~ July 18 ~ 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 ~    
• Sidewalk Sizzle & Ice Cream Freeze ~ July 18 ~ Held at the Reading Terminal Market from 10 am to 4 pm, The Sidewalk Sizzle and Ice Cream Freeze allows guests to explore tasty foods from Beck’s Cajun Cafe, Wursthaus Schmitz, Pearls Oyster Bar, Hatville Deli and much more. Dollar hot dogs, shrimp skewers, hamburgers, live music, games, and arts and crafts will round out the event.   ~ Sidewalk Sizzle & Ice Cream Freeze ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ July 18 ~  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 ~
• 4th Annual Dog Days of Summer Hot Dog Cook Off ~ July 18 ~ From 1 pm to 4 pm in the South Street Headhouse District under the Shambles, enjoy flavorful hot dogs & there will be food and drinks as well. Chefs will have a hot dog cook-off as well. Funds raised will support the preservation of the historic Headhouse Square Shambles. ~ 4th Annual Dog Days of Summer Hot Dog Cook Off ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ July 18 ~ 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 ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ July 18 & 22 ~ 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 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ July 19 ~ 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 ~ July 19 ~ 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 ~
• Old City Restaurant Week ~ July 19 – 25 ~ More info later today.  ~ Old City Restaurant Week ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ July 21 ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. Listen to Umar Raheem, sax. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ For more info, Click Here.
• Free Parking! ~ July 22 ~ 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 ~ 
• Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~ July 22 ~ Penn Museum offers Summer Nights every Wednesday night 5 pm – 8 pm during the summer. What a great way to relax & break up your work week. Live cultural music with food & refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. Tonight, Farah Siraj. ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ July 22 ~ 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 ~   
• Center City Sips Happy Hour ~ July 22 – September 2 (Every Wednesday) ~ Welcome Center City Sips! Have a favorite establishment? Maybe wanting to try a new place out? This event is a great opportunity to sample cocktails and appetizers at new restaurants and visit local favorites with friends and co-workers at discounted prices. ~ Center City Sips Happy ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ July 23 ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. Listen to the Rittenhouse String Quartet. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ ~ For more info, Click Here. ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ July 23 ~ FREE!  A movie every Thursday night until August 21st. Come watch The Secret Life of Walter Mitty at Walnut Street Movies. The movies usually begin around dusk, between 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, but come early for free snacks. ~ Free Movie Nights with Schuylkill Banks ~
• Movie Screenings Under the Stars ~ July 23 ~ FREE – Starting around dusk, enjoy a movie at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing every Thursday night until August 27. Tonight, Back to the Future (PG). ~ Movie Screenings Under the Stars ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ July 23 ~ 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 ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2015 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ 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 ~ July 24 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ July 24 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Havana Night – Conjunto Philadelphia performs the music of 1950s Cuba. Conjunto pays homage to Cuba’s deep and treasured musical history with selections celebrating Son cubano, Cha-cha-chá, Bolero, and Danzón. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Newbold Neighbors Association Wine Tour ~ July 25 ~  NNA is excited to invite you to join them for an evening of home tours and tippling for their annual Wine and Sangria Tour! They have arranged a fabulous line up of four homes that fall within NNA’s boundaries which highlight some of our resident treasures. More intimate than their annual Beer Tour and a little more sophisticated, this event is one of their favorite ways to get to know people in the neighborhood. Open to the public. ~ Newbold Neighbors Association Wine Tour ~
• 40th Street Summer Series ~ July 25 ~ FREE – Starting at 6 pm in University City at 40th & Walnut Streets! Performers haven’t been announced yet.~ 40th Street Summer Series in University City ~
• East Passyunk Car Show & Street Festival ~ July 26 ~ Over 140 types of cars will line up on East Passyunk Avenue. In addition to the awesome spectacular make-up of cars, come treat yourself to some South Philly foods, crafts for the kids, and live music. What are you waiting for! ~ East Passyunk Car Show & Street Festival ~
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ July 26 ~ 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 ~
• Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~ July 29 ~ Penn Museum offers Summer Nights every Wednesday night 5 pm – 8 pm during the summer. What a great way to relax & break up your work week. Live cultural music with food & refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. Tonight, El Caribefunk . ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ July 30 ~ FREE!  A movie every Thursday night until August 21st. Come watch Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure at Paine’s Park Movies. The movies usually begin around dusk, between 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, but come early for free snacks. ~ Free Movie Nights with Schuylkill Banks ~
• Movie Screenings Under the Stars ~ July 30 ~ FREE – Starting around dusk, enjoy a movie at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing every Thursday night until August 27. Tonight, Home (PG). ~ Movie Screenings Under the Stars ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ July 30 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Ferko String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of August ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for August 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• 2nd Street Festival ~ August 2 ~ From noon till 8 pm, enjoy art, food, beer gardens, live music, crafts, kids programs, and other merchandise vendors. ~ 2nd Street Festival ~
• Night Market Lancaster Ave ~ August 6 ~  From 6 pm to 10 pm, enjoy a neighborhood in the University City area near UPenn and Drexil while tasting delicious foods from some of Philly’s best food trucks. ~ Night Market Lancaster Ave ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ August 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 ~
• First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ August 7 ~ 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 ~  
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ August 9 ~ 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 ~ August 9 ~ 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 ~
• Diner en Noir ~ September 10 ~ Enjoy a pop-up picnic with friends, family and new friends. The location isn’t disclosed until last minute. All net proceeds will go to a local charity in Philadelphia. ~ Diner en Noir ~

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 July 17 – 19

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 83°  | Low 69°
Saturday  | 50% PM Thunderstorms |  High 89° | Low 73°
Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny |  High 96°  |  Low 76°

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