Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Chinese Lantern Festival, Science Carnival, South Street Spring Festival and Maifest, Haverford Spring Fest and More!

Chinese Lantern Festival

‘Many Events In Philadelphia’

The weekend kicks off with First Friday, Philly Tech Week, Parks on Tap, Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals, Semana Mexicana aka Mexican Week, Philly Vegan Restaurant Week, Chinese Lantern Festival, First Friday, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens and more. 

During the weekend enjoy the Science Carnival, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Chinese Lantern Festival, Philly Vegan Restaurant Week, Semana Mexicana aka Mexican Week, South Street Spring Festival, Pakrs on Tap, Philly Tech Week, Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals, Broad Street Run, Haverford Spring Fest, First Sunday, Philadelphia Sixers Playoff Game, Spring Blooms 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, Philly Tech Week, Parks On Tap, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Night Market El Centro De Oro, Spring Blooms 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, First Friday, First Sunday, 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 3 – 9 ~

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 ~   
• Philadelphia Science Festival ~ May 3 & 4 ~ Get your GEEK on during the Philadelphia Science Festival  for nine days of events at restaurants, breweries, museums, libraries, parks and other neighborhood spaces. The festivities kick off at more than 20 area-wide stargazing parties across the city on Friday at locations like the Wyck Historic House and the Awbury Arboretum. Enjoy the Science Festival on Saturday, May 4, from 10 am to 4 pm! ~ Philadelphia Science Festival ~ 
• Philly Vegan Restaurant Week ~ May 3 & 4 ~ 30 + restaurants around Philadelphia will offer a prix fixe vegan menu consisting of dishes that best represent that establishment. A portion of the proceeds from the week will be donated to the Peace Advocacy Network, a Philadelphia-based organization that supports people in their journey toward a peaceful, vegan lifestyle. ~ Philly Vegan Restaurant Week ~ 
• Parks On Tap at the Historic Rittenhouse Town ~ May 3 – 5 ~ Located at 208 Lincoln Drive, Historic Rittenhouse Town is the 1690 site of British North America’s first paper mill. The Rittenhouse family and their workers lived and worked along the paper Mill Run for over 200 years. The village is located near the intersection of Lincoln Drive and Wissahickon Avenue and encompasses about 25 acres of Fairmount Park. ~ Parks On Tap ~ 
• Semana Mexicana aka Mexican Week ~ May 3 – 5 ~ Enjoy free & ticketed events and exhibits of festive cultural experiences at locations around the city. ~ Semana Mexicana aka Mexican Week ~
• Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens ~ May 3 – 5 ~ Held at Longwood Gardens at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Enjoy this impressive display of spring flowers and plants that bloom! Spring Blooms features more than 1,000 acres of beautiful flowers like daffodils and winter aconite, in addition to opportunities to explore areas like the Meadow Garden and Flower Garden Walk. ~ Opening: Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens ~ 
• Philly Tech Week ~ May 3 – 11 ~ The 9th annual celebration boasts nine full days of programming featuring dozens of tech, science, media and data events around the city. Tech Week’s diverse happenings have something for grade school students, tech enthusiasts & senior-level professionals alike. ~ Philly Tech Week ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 3 – 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 ~
• Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute ~ May 3 – 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 ~  
• Creatures of Habitat at the Philadelphia Zoo ~ May 3 – 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 ~ 
• Parks On Tap at Columbus Square ~ May 8 – 12 ~ Columbus Square is a vibrant community gathering place located between 12th and 13th Streets and Wharton and Reed streets in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia. ~ Map ~ ~ Parks On Tap ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ May 3 – 9 ~

• 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 ~    
• First Friday in Old City~ May 3 ~ 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 ~ May 3 ~ 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 ~ 
• Friday Nights Art ~ May 3 ~ 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 Washington Nationals ~ May 3 ~ Starting at 7:05 pm at Citizens Bank Park against the Washington Nationals to hopefully increase their National League lead over the Nats!  ~ Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals ~ 
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ May 4 ~ 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 4 ~ 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 4 ~ From 9 am to 3 pm from 18th & Walnut Streets, enjoy fresh seasonal produce, fresh seafood, fresh bread and much more! ~ Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ May 4 ~ 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 ~  
• Science Carnival on the Ben Franklin Parkway ~ May 4 ~ 10 am – 4 pm ~ FREE event – The Philadelphia Science Festival’s signature event. GET NERDY  on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 222 North 20th Street with your friends, family and science lovers from all over the region. You’ve never experienced an outdoor carnival like this one! The Carnival features more than 175 exhibitors offering non-stop, family-friendly experiments, interactive activities, dynamic demonstrations, geeky games, food trucks and a packed line-up of live entertainment! For more info, CLICK HERE
• South Street Spring Festival & Brauhaus Schmitz Maifest ~ May 4 ~ FREE pay-as-you-go – From 11 am to 8 pm. This festival is fun and energized with great food, live music and much more. A great event for the family with the kids zone and to also enjoy the many local shops, restaurants, crafts and more. ~ South Street Spring Festival ~
• Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals ~ May 4 ~ Starting at 7:05 pm at Citizens Bank Park against the Washington Nationals to hopefully increase their National League lead over the Nats! Fans 15 & over will receive the Jimmy Rollins 2008 World Champions replica ring! ~ Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals ~ 
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ May 4 & 5 ~ 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 4 & 8 ~ 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 5 ~ Starts at 8 am. FREE for spectators. A 40-year-old Philadelphia tradition,thousands of runners of all levels take to the streets for the 10-mile! Spectators can watch the action from anywhere along Broad Street, between Sommerville Avenue in North Philadelphia and Farragut Avenue in South Philadelphia, located inside The Navy Yard. Some of the best spots to watch include the west side of City Hall at Dilworth Park, outside of The Bellevue Hotel on Broad and Walnut streets and in South Philly at Broad and Jackson streets. ~ Broad Street Run ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ May 5 ~ 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 ~  
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ May 5 ~ 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 ~
• Haverford Spring Fest ~ May 5 ~ FREE (suggested $3) pay-as-you-go ~ From noon to 7 pm. The Haverford Spring Fest will bring live music from bands, artisan and craft vendors, food, beer, and a fun zone for kids of all ages. All proceeds will be donated back into the community, particularly for music education. Come check out the fun! ~ Haverford Spring Fest ~
• Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals ~ May 5 ~ Starting at 2:05 pm at Citizens Bank Park against the Washington Nationals to hopefully increase their National League lead over the Nats! Women 15 & over will receive a ladies fleece pullover during Herr’s Mother’s Appreciation Day! ~ Philadelphia Phillies vs Washington Nationals ~
• Philadelphia 76’ers vs Toronto Raptors Game 4 ~ May 5 ~ Starting at 3:30 pm. Come on out and cheer on the 76’ers in possibly taking a 3 – 1 lead in the playoffs. If not going to the game, watch the Sixers at many different Philly Sports bars! ~ Philadelphia 76’ers vs Toronto Raptors ~
• Irish Sessions ~ May 5 ~ 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. 
• Pay As You Wish ~ May 5 ~ 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 ~ 
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ May 6 ~ 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 8 ~ 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 Columbus Square ~ May 8 – 12 ~ Columbus Square is a vibrant community gathering place located between 12th and 13th Streets and Wharton and Reed streets in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia. ~ Map ~ ~ Parks On Tap ~
• Night Market El Centro De Oro ~ May 9 ~ From 6 pm to 10 pm in the Fairhill neighborhood (along 5th Street). Enjoy the many Philly food trucks, live music, restaurants, shops and more! Experience “the hub of Latino life and culture in Philadelphia” in the culinary mecca that is El Centro de Oro (“The Golden Block”) in Fairhill, which serves as the heart of Philly’s Latino community. ~ Night Market El Centro De Oro ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 9 – 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 10 & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ May 10 ~ 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 ~    
• Parks On Tap at Columbus Square ~ May 10 – 12 ~ Columbus Square is a vibrant community gathering place located between 12th and 13th Streets and Wharton and Reed streets in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia. ~ Map ~ ~ Parks On Tap ~
• 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 ~
• 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 ~  
• 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 ~ 
• 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 ~

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 3 – 5

Friday  |  40% PM Thunderstorms & 80% Late Thunderstorms  |  High 72°  |  Low 59°
Saturday  |  50% AM Showers & 90% Rain Night  |  High 78°  |  Low 57°
Sunday  |  90% Rain  |  High 63°  |  Low 51°

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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