Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Fringe Festival, Burger Brawl, Opera On The Wall, Center City District Restaurant Week and More!

Boathouse Row

‘Philadelphia – Arts, Theatre, Sports, Festivals, Neighborhoods & More!’

The weekend kicks off with the Fringe Festival, Franklin Square Fountain Show, Parks on Tap, Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre,Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens and more. 

During the weekend enjoy the Fringe Festival, Franklin Square Fountain Show, Jewelers’ Row Fall Festival, Philadelphia Jazz & Soul Festival, Opera On The Mall, Mexican Independence Day at Penn’s Landing, Burger Brawl, Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre, Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens, FREE tours of Yards Brewing Co, farmers’ markets, free yoga and much more.

During the week enjoy the Fringe Festival, Quizzo at Plough and the Stars, Parks On Tap, Franklin Square Fountain Show, Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens, Pay-What-You-Wish and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Night Market, Feastival, Dinos After Dark, 4th Fridays in Headhouse District, First Friday, First Sunday 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 ~ September 13 – 19 ~

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 Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of September ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for September 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Parks On Tap Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown ~ September 13 – 15 – Penn Treaty Park is located on the Western bank of the Delaware River in the Fishtown area of Philadelphia, off of Delaware Ave and Beach Street. The park is great for dog walking and picnicking, which is near the water, where Parks on Tap will be set up with a panoramic view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge is present. ~ Map ~ ~ Parks On Tap ~
• FringeFestival ~ September 13 – 22 ~ Enjoy 18 days of progressive performing and visual arts city-wide throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods! Check out our guide to top shows! ~ FringeFestival ~ 
• Free Fringe Philly ~ September 13 – 22 ~ Free Fringe Philly makes art accessible to all by helping to promote free performing-arts shows going on over the course of the same three weeks as the Fringe Festival. ~ Free Fringe Philly ~
• Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens ~ September 13 – 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 ~ 
• Franklin Square Fountain Show  ~ September 13 – 30 ~ FREE – Held every Thursday thru Sunday in August at Franklin Square at 200 N. 6th Street. Enjoy a newly renovated fountain with light shows every 30 minutes from noon to 2 pm and then 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm! ~ Franklin Square Fountain Show ~
• Creatures of Habitat at the Philadelphia Zoo ~ September 13 – 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 ~ 
• Scarecrows In The Village At Peddler’s Village ~ September 13 – October 27 ~ FREE – Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. Visitors can roam around and explore one hundred handmade scarecrows created by local residents and organizations for a seven-week scarecrow showcase and competition.  Also enjoy the Scarecrow Festival: September 14-15.  This weekend event features scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live entertainment and more kid-friendly activities. ~ Scarecrows In The Village At Peddler’s Village ~
• Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre ~ September 13 – November 17 (select dates) ~ Held at The Forrest Theatre at 1114 Walnut Street. Hello Philadelphia! Welcome Hamilton! Lin-Manuel Miranda’s record-breaking Broadway show about the Founding Fathers features a historic story line set to a modern-day score of hip-hop, blues, R&B and jazz. Prices start at $129. Fans can enter a lottery daily for the chance to win $10 tickets. ~ Hamilton at the Forrest Theatre ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ September 13 – 19 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of August ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for August 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• Friday Nights Art ~ September 13 ~ 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 ~ 
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ September 14 ~ 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 ~ September 14 ~ 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 ~ September 14 ~ 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 ~ September 14 ~ 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 ~     
• Jewelers’ Row Fall Festival ~ September 14 ~ FREE pay-as-you-go –  Noon – 5 pm. on Sansom Street from 7th to 8th Streets. Enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, family-fun activities and high-quality jewelry shopping during this festival in the oldest diamond district in America. ~ Jewelers’ Row Fall Festival ~ 
• Philadelphia Jazz & Soul Festival ~ September 14 ~ FREE to attend. Pay-As-You-Go. 2 pm – 10 pm at 15th & South streets. Some of Philly’s talented jazz and soul musicians perform at this vibrant community festival, including the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble with special guest Carl Grubbs. It also showcases local craft and food vendors. ~ Philadelphia Jazz & Soul Festival ~ 
• Opera On The Mall: La bohème ~ September 14 ~ FREE with downloaded tix – Starts at 7 pm at Independence Mall at 5th and Chestnut streets. Opera Philadelphia’s recent revival of Puccini’s romantic tragedy, La bohème, gets an encore performance during a broadcast on Independence Mall. Before the show, attendees can grab a bite from food trucks, pose for a picture in a photobooth and enjoy kid-friendly activites in the Family Fun Zone. Free tickets are required! Download Here. ~ Opera On The Mall: La bohème ~ 
• Philadelphia Phillies vs Boston Red Sox ~ September 14 ~ Starting at 7:05 pm at Citizens Bank Park against the Boston Red Sox. ~ Philadelphia Phillies Vs Boston Red Sox ~  
• Scarecrow Festival ~ September 14 – 15 ~ 10 am – 6 pm both days. Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. This event features scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live entertainment and more kid-friendly activities. ~ Scarecrow Festival At Peddler’s Village ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ September 14 & 15 ~ 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 ~ September 14 & 18 ~ 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 ~ September 15 ~ 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 ~  
• Scarecrow Festival ~ September 15 ~ 10 am – 6 pm. Held at Peddler’s Village at 2400 Street Road, New Hope. This event features scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live entertainment and more kid-friendly activities. ~ Scarecrow Festival At Peddler’s Village ~ 
• Philadelphia Phillies vs Boston Red Sox ~ September 15 ~ Starting at 1:05 pm at Citizens Bank Park against the Boston Red Sox. ~ Philadelphia Phillies Vs Boston Red Sox ~ 
• Philly Burger Brawl ~ September 15 ~ 2 pm – 5 pm at The Navy Yard at 4701 Intrepid Avenue. Guests will be able to enjoy more than 60 restaurants who compete to determine who has the best burger! Proceeds benefit the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia. ~ Philly Burger Brawl ~
• Mexican Independence Day Festival at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing ~ September 15 ~ FREE to attend – pay-as-you-go – 2 pm – 8 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing at 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard.  Attendees can enjoy folkloric and mariachi performances, great Mexican food, drinks, kids’ activities and more at the festival! ~ Mexican Independence Day Festival at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing ~
• Irish Sessions ~ September 15 ~ FREE – Every Sunday from 5 pm – 9 pm (tonight 4 pm – 8 pm because of the Eagles Sunday Night game) at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Enjoy musicians playing Irish music while enjoying drinks and or your dinner. 
• Center City Restaurant Week ~ September 15 – 27 ~ Enjoy 3 course meals for lunch or dinner set at prix fixe prices.  ~ Center City Restaurant Week ~
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ September 16 ~ 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 ~ September 18 ~ 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 Pretzel Park  ~ September 18 – 22 ~ Pretzel Park is located in the heart of Manayunk at the corner of Cresson, Cotton and Silverwood Streets.  ~ Map ~ ~ Parks On Tap ~ 
• 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 ~ September 20 & beyond

• Friday Nights Art ~ September 13 ~ 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 ~    
• 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~ September 14 ~ 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 ~  
• Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~ September 16 ~ Starting at 9 pm enjoy quizzo at the Plough & the Stars in Old City! Big Money!! Win $100! ~ Quizzo at The Plough & the Stars ~
• Dinos After Dark ~ September 27 ~ 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 fall, 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 ~ September 27 ~ Starting at 5 pm in the South Street Headhouse District, Experience the creativity and energy of the fabulous Fourth Street and South Street business communities with an evening of extended hours, art, music, food and shopping along Historic Fabric Row (and beyond). ~ 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ 
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of October ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2019 or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~  
• First Friday in Old City~ October 4 ~ 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 ~ October 4 ~ 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 ~ October 6 ~ 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 ~ October 6 ~ 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 ~ 

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 September 13 – 

Friday  |  AM Clouds & PM Sun  |  High 73°  |  Low 61°
Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 81°  |  Low 70°
Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 85°  |  Low 63°

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 Hughe Dillion from PhillyChitChat for MyPhillyAlive

Please ‘Like’ our Philly Fan Page