Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Tons of Festivals, Philly Art and More!

‘Spring Festivals Galore, Art & Free Things To Do’

Do you have your walking shoes? Because you’ll need them if you want to get to the many spring festivals throughout the City of Brotherly Love!

The weekend kicks off with First Fridays in the city and in Manayunk. You also have the continuation of the Philadelphia Science Festival and the Philadelphia Children’s Festival. And now for the drum roll of festivals! Pick from excellent festivals such as the South Street Headhouse Spring Festival, Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, Plaza Palooza, Brauhaus Schmitz Maifest, Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village and Sister Cities Park International Festival. There is also Free yoga, magic shows, Phila Flea Market and much more.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta, the Art Star Craft Bazaar, Night Market in Old City, the 9th Street Italian Market Festival, Philly Beer Week 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  ~ May 2 – 8 ~

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!

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• 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 ~
• Art After 5 ~ May 2 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm.  Bearded Ladies Warhol Cabaret – The Bearded Ladies Cabaret and singers from Opera Philadelphia present an evening devoted to the life and legacy of Andy Warhol, using human-size pop-up books, operatic performances, and a rock band. This performance will offer a sneak peek into this brand-new Bearded Ladies piece, set to premiere in July at the Wilma Theater. Bring your own T-shirt for hands-on silk screening and you too can be a Pop artist. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• 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 ~
• Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~ May 2 ~ Come to the Betsy Ross House and watch Plan 9 From Outer Space starting at 7 pm. ~ Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~
• 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 ~
• Philadelphia Science Festival ~ May 2 & 3 ~ Free – 9 days of over 100 events. Organized by those from  The Franklin Institute, enjoy many events & activities. April 25, a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Rube Goldberg machine ever. For a list of daily events, click here. ~ Philadelphia Science Festival ~   
• Philadelphia Children’s Festival ~ May 2, 3 & 4 ~ Come celebrate the 30th birthday of the Philadelphia International Children’s Festival. Enjoy family-friendly theatre performances, as well as a host of fun and interactive activities in the FUN ZONE on the Outdoor Plaza including crafts, face painting, jugglers and more! ~ Philadelphia Children’s Festival ~
• Colonial for a Day ~ May 2 – 23 ~ Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm; Sundays, 11 am – 5 pm – 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 ~
• Phila Flea Markets ~ May 3 ~ From 8 am to 5 pm outside of Eastern State Penitentiary in Fairmount, 200+ vendors with antique and vintage items. Come browse and buy!  ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
• South Street Headhouse Spring Festival ~ May 3 ~ The South Street Headhouse Spring Festival is a free event from 11 am to 8 pm that is fun and energized with great food, live music and much more. A great event for the family as kids can enjoy the Kid Zone while others can enjoy the many local shops, restaurants, crafts and more.  ~ South Street Headhouse Spring Festival ~
• Brauhaus Schmitz Annual German Maifest ~ May 3 ~ From 11 am to 8 pm outside of Brauhaus Schmitz, enjoy live music, Beer Garden and food inside and out! This event is free with a VIP package if still available. ~ Brauhaus Shcmitz Annual German Maifest ~  
• Sister Cities Park International Festival ~ May 3 ~ From noon to 5 pm, stop by Sister Cities Park  for a celebration of cultural dance, art and musical performances, along with great tasting foods from each city, international wines and cultural crafts available for sale. ~ Sister Cities Park International Festival ~
• Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival ~ May 3 ~ From noon to 6 pm on Walnut Street from Broad to 19th Streets, the event will have 100+ booths that will feature food, entertainment, fashion, crafts and family fun. ~ Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival ~
• Plaza Palooza Festival ~ May 3 ~ From 1 pm to 7 pm on Grays Ferry Avenue between South & 23rd Streets at the Catherine Thorn Fountain. Come out and enjoy food, drinks, live music and games for the whole family. Four neighborhood food trucks will be there as well. Phoebe’s BBQ, Underground Donuts, Poi Dog & Tacos Don Memo. ~ Plaza Palooza 2014 ~
• World’s Largest Bar Crawl ~ May 3 ~ Be a part of history with the biggest gathering of bar-crawlers in the world. The goal is to bring out over 15,000 people. This all day event will happen in neighborhoods all around Philadelphia. Get full details & tickets.  ~ World’s Largest Bar Crawl ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 3 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Francis Menotti’s Gallery of Magic as he walks you through an interactive display of many of his most internationally acclaimed presentations that have amazed, amused and inspired audiences on six continents.  ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Philly Improv Theater ~ May 3 ~ From 10:30 pm – 11:30 pm – PHIT House Team Night Mixes amazing storytelling, quick wits, hilarious chaos and a dash of audience participation, an elite cast of the city’s best improvisers create shows that are never seen before and will never be seen again at every performance. Truth! Comedy! Laughs! This show will feature the longest running House Team, Mayor Karen, as they say goodbye with a final farewell show. Please join them for this sure to be emotional show!  ~ Philly Improv Theater ~
• Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ May 3 & 4 ~ Free – 10 am to 6 pm both days, Artisans show their wares and demonstrate their skills at the Street Road Green Artisan Area. Strawberries served up in various forms – dipped in chocolate, in assorted pastries and shortcake, jams, fritters and fresh and unadorned. Live entertainment, children’s activities and pie-eating contests will take place. ~ Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• Free Yoga at Schuylkill Banks ~ May 3 & 4 ~ 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 ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ May 3 & 7 ~ 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 ~
• Broad Street Run ~ May 4 ~ Come out and cheer on the runners as the compete with each other and against their personal best times.  There will be refreshments and entertainment along the course. ~ Spectator Information ~  ~ Broad Street Run ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ May 4 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds the city’s largest outdoor market at 2nd and Lombard streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~
• Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival ~ May 4 ~ From 10 am to 5 pm, come enjoy vendors, garden displays, live music, food, demonstrations, kids’ rides and activities & more. Fun for the whole family! ~ Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ May 4 ~ 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 ~
• Malvern Spring Family Festival ~ May 4 ~ from 11 am to 4 pm, come out and enjoy over 150 artists and craftspeople, farmer’s market, antiques, KidZone with an assortment of children’s activities, a food court, lots of live music and more.     ~ Malvern Spring Family Festival ~
• Kid Stock Event ~ May 4 ~ Free (donations excepted) An outdoor event from 1 pm to 6 pm celebrating all that is childhood & supporting the programs of By My Side! There will be Face Painting, Moon Bounce, Flea Market, Cargo Bike Rides, 50/50 Raffle, Food Trucks, Kids Musicians: The Lara & Joe Show, Mr. Nickle, We Kids Rock and activities by: Yay Clay!, Young Rembrandts, Soccer Shots, NL Arts & more! ~Kid Stock event by By My Side ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 4 ~ 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 ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ May 4 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every first Sunday from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections.  ~ Pay What You Wish ~
• Living Flame Memorial Service ~ May 6 ~ Starting at noon at Franklin Square, Mayor Nutter & other City Officials will honor 500 fallen police & fire personnel lost in the line of duty over the years. ~ Living Flame Memorial Service ~ ~ More info at bottom of page ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ May 7 ~ 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 ~
• Flower Market of the Rittenhouse Square ~ May 7 & 8 ~ From 9:00 am to 6:00 pm both days at Rittenhouse Square, enjoy all kinds of flowers at The Rittenhouse Square Flower Market For Children’s Charities. ~ Flower Market of the Rittenhouse Square ~
• Morgans Pier ReOpens for 2014 ~ Now Open ~ Come relax outside with great food & drinks. Enjoy food by Executive Chef in residence, David Gilberg – the critically-acclaimed owner and chef of the much-missed three bell-reviewed KoozeDoo, and James Beard Award nominee—as well as the reintroduction of Sunday Brunch, and the world-class entertainment!  ~ Morgans Pier ReOpens for 2014 ~
• 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 ~
• 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 ~
• 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 ~
• Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat ~ Now until June 22 ~ held at the Arden Theatre, this classic children’s book comes to great physical life with five actors playing Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters.  ~ Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat ~  ~ Tix to Cat in the Hat ~
• 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!

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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.

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

• Art After 5 ~ May 9 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm.  The Jōst Project – Devoted to interpreting classic rock in a contemporary jazz format, the Jōst Project creates an exciting new connection between the many listeners of the music of the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Donovan, and Simon and Garfunkel. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 9 ~ 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 ~
• Phila Flea Markets ~ May 10 ~ From 8 am to 4 pm, 50+ vendors will be lining the 4200 block of Main Street between Rector and Pensdale Streets. They will be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
• 27th Annual Irish Pub tour de shore ~ May 10 ~ Registration opens up on May 10th & the actual charity event takes place on July 27th. Come out to support a good cause while having fun! ~ 27th Annual Irish Pub tour de shore ~
• 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 ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ May 15 ~ The first Night Market of 2014 will take place in Old City from 6 to 10 pm. This event will be a part of the historic attractions, the many excellent eateries and top-notch art galleries in the area with some of Philly’s best food trucks for all of your foodie needs, with live music as well. ~ Night Market Philadelphia ~
• Free Girls Auto Clinic Workshop ~ May 17 ~ Learn about your car. Practical and easy tips and lessons like, what is the purpose of coolant?  How can I tell if I need brakes?  What do the letters on the side of my tire mean? What can I touch under the hood of my car?  What should I not touch? ~ Free Girls Auto Clinic Workshop ~
• 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 ~ More about the Preakness at the Piazza ~
• 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~ May 17 & 18 ~ More info to come soon.  ~ 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~
• 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 ~
• Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~ May 23 ~ From 5 pm – 9 pm, come enjoy art, music, food & shopping along Historic Fabric Row in South Street Headhouse District. ~ Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~
• 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 ~
• Philly Beer Week ~ May 30 – June 8 ~ More information to come soon! ~ Philly Beer Week ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ May 31 ~  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 ~
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of June ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for June 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ June 1 ~ 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 ~ June 1 ~ Stop in at the Philadelphia Museum of Art every first Sunday from 5 pm – 8:45 pm and ”Pay What You Wish”,  as you explore the museum and its remarkable collections.  ~ Pay What You Wish ~
• Art After 5 ~ June 6 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm.  Martha Graham Cracker – The supreme queen of Philadelphia drag cabaret, Martha Graham Cracker brings her hilariously campy cultural commentary to the Museum’s Great Stair Hall. Martha, whose impressive vocal range is matched by her witty banter, will perform with her trusty and talented accompanist, Victor Fiorillo. Bring your own T-shirt for hands-on silk screening and you too can be a Pop artist. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ June 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 ~ June 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 ~
• Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~ June 6 ~ Come to the Betsy Ross House and watch Plan 9 From Outer Space starting at 7 pm. ~ Movie Night at Betsy Ross House ~
• Philly Burger Brawl ~ June 8 ~   ~ Philly Burger Brawl ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ June 19 ~ Enjoy great food by some of Philly’s best food trucks while listening to live music.~ Night Market Philadelphia ~
• 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 May 2 -4

 

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 68°  | Low 52°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 72° | Low 54°

Sunday  | Partly Cloudy & Wind  |  High 70°  |  Low 46°

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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