Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ 9th Street Italian Market Festival, Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Parks On Tap and More!

Fountain at Philadelphia Museum of Art

‘Spring Festival In Philadelphia’

The weekend kicks off with Parks on Tap, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Chinese Lantern Festival, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Legally Blonde Musical, Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens and more. 

During the weekend enjoy the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Chinese Lantern Festival, 9th Street Italian Market Festival, Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, Parks on Tap, Love Your Park Week, Legally Blonde Musical, Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy Chinese Lantern Festival First Friday, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Parks On Tap, Legally Blonde Musical, Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Chinese Lantern Festival, Dinos After Dark, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, Philly Beer Week Opening Tap & Hammer of Glory Relay, Philly Beer Week, First Friday, First Sunday, The Philly Ice Scream Scoop, Night Market 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

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 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. ~ Philadelpha Museums ~   
• Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~ May 17 – 19 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park at 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, food, beer, games and more! ~ Opening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~ 
• Parks On Tap at Fernhill Park ~ May 17 – 19 ~ Located in Germantown, Fernhill Park is a spacious, open field that’s perfect friends, family, and pets. This huge park is home to a playground, sports fields and courts, and a pavilion that is perfect for barbecuing. There are plenty of trails for walking and exploring the large park. It’s the perfect spot for Parks on Tap this year! ~ Map ~ ~ Parks On Tap ~ 
• Love Your Park Week ~ May 17 – 19 ~ Help with nine days of volunteer opportunities and special events celebrating Philly’s vibrant public parks. Fun events to check out this weekend include a potluck dinner at Bardascino Park (Saturday), a screening of Moana in McMichael Park (Saturday) and yoga in Fairmount Park Horticulture Center (Sunday). A citywide day of service on Saturday brings together thousands of volunteers to help clean up litter, tend to gardens and further beautify 100 parks. ~ Love Your Park Week ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 17 – June 30 ~  Every night of the week from 6 pm to 11 pm at Franklin Square. Take pleasure in the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square! The square will come alive and glow with 30 larger-than-life illuminated displays such as a huge 200-foot long phoenix, pandas, sea creatures, mythological creatures and more. Enjoy special food, shopping, live performances as well.  ~ Chinese Lantern Festival ~ 
• The Musical: Legally Blonde at Walnut Street Theatre ~ May 17 – July 14 ~ Held at the Walnut Street Theatre at 825 Walnut Street. This comedy is about a California sorority sister who heads to Harvard Law School in the Broadway adaptation of the hit movie. ~ Legally Blonde at Walnut Street Theatre ~
• Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute ~ May 17 – September 2 ~ Held at the Franklin Institute at 222 N. 20th Street. Fans of the superhero comics and movies get a look at Marvel iconic memorabilia, to include original Spider-Man art, T’Challa’s Black Panther costume, movie props and concept sketches. The exhibition also promises immersive experiences, like Doctor Strange’s mirror dimension. ~ Marvel Exhibit at The Franklin Institute ~  
• Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens ~ May 17 – September 29 ~ Held at Longwood Gardens at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Enjoy more than 1,000 jets that create an impressive display made up of vibrant colors and exciting movements of water. ~ Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens ~
• Creatures of Habitat at the Philadelphia Zoo ~ May 17 – September 30 ~ Held at the Philadelphia Zoo at 3400 W. Girard Avenue. Visitors will get to explore 12 amazing life-size LEGO® brick vignettes situated throughout the Zoo. This gazillion piece journey shares the issues animals are facing around the world and spotlights the heroes working to save them. Each life-sized LEGO® brick scene is intricately fashioned from thousands of LEGO® bricks and is on exhibit only at Philadelphia Zoo. Creatures of Habitat highlights the zoo community’s role in protecting wildlife. ~ Opening: Creatures of Habitat at the Philadelphia Zoo ~ 

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ May 17 – 23 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of May ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for May 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~    
• Dinos After Dark ~ May 17 ~ Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested donation $10)  From 4 pm – 8 pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences at 1900 Benjamin Franklin parkway. On the fourth Friday evening of every month this winter and spring, the Academy of Natural Sciences is offering pay-what-you-wish admission, family activities, and an indoor beer garden in our famous Dinosaur Hall. ~ Dinos After Dark ~
• Friday Nights Art ~ May 17 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~ 
• Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies ~ May 17 ~ Starting at 7:05 pm at Citizens Bank Park against the Miami Marlins. ~ Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies ~
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ May 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 ~
• Liberty Lands Market ~ May 18 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh organic produce to hand crafted wears and lotions. Hand made soaps, Ice Creams, sauces, organic teas and coffees and more. Part of the market, you will find animal rescues with adoptables & pet products. ~ Liberty Lands Market ~
• Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ May 18 ~ From 9 am to 3 pm from 18th & Walnut Streets, enjoy fresh seasonal produce, fresh seafood, fresh bread and much more! ~ Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
• International Museum Day ~ May 18 ~ FREE (select museums in Philadelphia) – International Museum Day is Saturday, which means admission is free (!) to a handful of Philly’s best museums and cultural institutions, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Rodin Museum, the Perelman Building and Cedar Grove. Check with your favorite museum ahead of time to see if it is one of the institutions participating.  ~ International Museum Day ~
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ May 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 ~   
• Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival ~ May 18 ~ Noon to 5 pm. Takes place on Walnut Street from Broad Street to 18th Street. The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, one of Philadelphia’s more popular spring festivals, will attract more than 50,000 people from across the region which takes place each May. Enjoy a day of arts, fantastic food, fashion and entertainment. ~ Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival ~ 
• 500 Years of Lager Brewing: Tradition & American Dream ~ May 18 ~ From 2 pm to 3 pm at The German Society of Pennsylvania at 611 Spring Garden St. $25 per person for the seminar. (can be bought at the door as well) Award-winning beer expert and sommelier Marnie Old will lead in a fun and informative one hour tasting event. Her engaging presentation will lead guests through a guided tasting of ten beers, while exploring the history of German and American beers from the last five centuries. Her seminar will educate people on monastic brewing traditions, beers of the masses, and the remarkable rainbow of lagers from German and American brewers that reflect the time-honored traditions of classic German-brewing styles and the limitless innovations of modern American craft brewers. After the seminar, for an additional $10, stay for their celebration of Philadelphia Sister City, Frankfurt Germany! Taste regional foods, including the famous Frankfurter Grüne Soße, beverages, and wine while listening to German music all on the beautiful, outdoor Leidy Terrace. ~ 500 Years of Lager Brewing: Tradition & American Dream ~
• Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies ~ May 18 ~ Starting at 4:05 pm at Citizens Bank Park against the Miami Marlins. ~ Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies ~ 
• Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ May 18 & 19 ~ FREE to attend. Pay-As-You-Go. 10 am to 6 pm both days. Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Visitors can enjoy fresh and locally grown berries. Savor and purchase many treats such as pastries, jams and chocolate-dipped bites, with strawberries also available for purchase by the pint. Also enjoy a craft show, live entertainment, pie-eating contests, food trucks and more. ~ Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ 
• 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~ May 18 & 19 ~ 11 am to 6 pm both days. Takes place South 9th Street from Wharton Street and Fitzwater Street. The 9th Street Italian Market Festival, a 2-day event, is an exciting time to get out and mingle with fellow Philadelphians while enjoying excellent foods, music and culture. Just make sure to bring your appetite with you! ~ 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ May 18 & 19 ~ FREE – Saturday & Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm at Yards Brewery, enjoy a wonderful tour of the brewery! All tour-goers must be 21+ unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Bus tours, private tours and guided tastings are offered by appointment only. Please contact events@yardsbrewing.com for booking information. ~ Yards Brewing Co Tours ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ May 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 ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ May 19 ~ Established in 2007, this market is located in the historic Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Featuring more than 40 vendors, Headhouse is one of The Food Trust’s largest farmers markets. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~  
• Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ May 19 ~ FREE to attend. Pay-As-You-Go. 10 am to 6 pm. Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Visitors can enjoy fresh and locally grown berries. Savor and purchase many treats such as pastries, jams and chocolate-dipped bites, with strawberries also available for purchase by the pint. Also enjoy a craft show, live entertainment, pie-eating contests, food trucks and more. ~ Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ 
• 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~ May 19 ~ 11 am to 6 pm. Takes place South 9th Street from Wharton Street and Fitzwater Street. The 9th Street Italian Market Festival, a 2-day event, is an exciting time to get out and mingle with fellow Philadelphians while enjoying excellent foods, music and culture. Just make sure to bring your appetite with you! ~ 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~
• Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies ~ May 19 ~ Starting at 1:05 pm at Citizens Bank Park against the Miami Marlins. ~ Philadelphia Phillies vs Colorado Rockies ~ 
• Irish Sessions ~ May 19 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Irish music while enjoying drinks and or your dinner. 
• Love Your Park Week ~ May 19 ~ Help with nine days of volunteer opportunities and special events celebrating Philly’s vibrant public parks. Fun events to check out this weekend include a potluck dinner at Bardascino Park (Saturday), a screening of Moana in McMichael Park (Saturday) and yoga in Fairmount Park Horticulture Center (Sunday). A citywide day of service on Saturday brings together thousands of volunteers to help clean up litter, tend to gardens and further beautify 100 parks. ~ Love Your Park Week ~
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ May 20 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ 
• Pay-What-You-Wish ~ May 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 ~ 
• Parks On Tap at FDR Park ~ May 22 – 27 ~ FDR Park is located in South Philadelphia near the Delaware River and the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. In addition to sports fields, the approximately 350-acre park provides trails for walking and running, convenient fishing spots along Edgewood and Meadow Lakes, and lawns for picnics. ~ Map ~  ~ Parks On Tap ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 23 – June 30 ~  Every night of the week from 6 pm to 11 pm at Franklin Square. Take pleasure in the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square! The square will come alive and glow with 30 larger-than-life illuminated displays such as a huge 200-foot long phoenix, pandas, sea creatures, mythological creatures and more. Enjoy special food, shopping, live performances as well.  ~ Chinese Lantern Festival ~
• The Rail Park Opening ~ Now Open ~ This awesome new public space is FREE to the public.  This space allows visitors to enjoy seating, public art, greenery and elevated city views! The area stretches from Broad and Noble streets, jumps up to the Reading Viaduct overhead and ends above the 1100 block of Callowhill Street. ~ The Rail Park Opening ~
• Franklin Square ~ Open Now 2019 ~ Enjoy mini-golf, a carousel, food and drink options and an outdoor space for kids or to simply hang out at Franklin Square. ~ 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 ~
• Museum of the American Revolution – The Museum of the American Revolution tells the full story of the American Revolution and explores its ongoing legacy, showcasing a vast collection. There are over 3,000 artifacts that have been collected to include General George Washington’s marquee and much more. The museum anchors the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park. ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
• 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 ~ May 24 & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ May 24 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Dawn Landes – Full of vivid storytelling, classic country themes, and eternal questions, the songwriting of this Nashville artist is as fresh as it is timeless. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in  the Great Stair Hall. ~ Friday Nights Art ~    
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ May 24 ~ 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 ~ 
• Philly Beer Week Opening Tap & Hammer of Glory Relay ~ March 31 ~ First off, follow the Hammer of Glory aka the HOG as it travels around to Philly bars, with bar owners creating fun mini events as they pass the Hammer to the next bar owner. Starting at 9:30 am, the HOG will visit approximately 23 bars and breweries. Opening Tap kicks off at 7:30 pm with a massive beer party held at 23oo Arena. BeerGoers will be able to wet their palates that features rare and limited pours from more than 60 breweries and cideries.   ~ Philly Beer Week Opening Tap & Hammer of Glory Relay ~
• Philly Beer Week ~ March 31 – June 9 ~   ~ Philly Beer Week ~
• First Friday in Old City~ June 7 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 in Manayunk ~ June 7 ~ Starts at 5 pm. 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 ~ 
• 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~ June 8 ~ From noon to 4 pm every 2nd Saturday until October. Held at various locations including Johnson House Historic Site at 6306 Germantown Avenue. Visitors can explore 18 total Historic Germantown sites and pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy special activities, refreshments and extended hours at sites like Awbury Arboretum and Johnson House. ~ 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~ 
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ June 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 ~ June 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 ~ 
• Dinos After Dark ~ June 28 ~ Pay-What-You-Wish (suggested donation $10)  From 4 pm – 8 pm at The Academy of Natural Sciences at 1900 Benjamin Franklin parkway. On the fourth Friday evening of every month this winter and spring, the Academy of Natural Sciences is offering pay-what-you-wish admission, family activities, and an indoor beer garden in our famous Dinosaur Hall. ~ Dinos After Dark ~ 
• The Philly Ice Scream Scoop ~ June 28 ~ 11 am to 5 pm at the Reading Terminal Market. Stay tuned for more info. ~ The Philly Ice Cream Scoop ~

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 17 – 19

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy & 50% Thunderstorms Early Evening  |  High 81°  |  Low 58°
Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 78°  |  Low 68°
Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 86°  |  Low 70°

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 courtesy of Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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