Top Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest Opening, Chinese Lantern Festival, Many Philly Events and More!

LOVE Park Fountain

‘Spring Events In Philadelphia’

The weekend kicks off with Philly Tech Week, Parks on Tap, Chinese Lantern Festival, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens and more. 

During the weekend enjoy the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, Chinese Lantern Festival, 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites, Kensington Derby & Arts Festival, Plazapalooza Festival, All-Star Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival, Parks on Tap, Philly Tech Week, Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair, Mother’s Day brunch and dinner at the Plough and the Stars, Love Your Park Week, 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, Parks On Tap, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, 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, 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 10 – 16 ~

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 ~   
• Dad Vail Regatta ~ May 10 & 11 ~ FREE – The world’s largest collegiate regatta takes place on the Schuylkill River and attracts more than 3,000 competitors from 125 colleges across the country and Canada. The races begin just north of where Kelly Drive intersects Hunting Park Avenue and ends 2,000 meters later at the Grand Stand — one of the best places to catch all the action — near the Columbia Avenue Bridge. ~ Dad Vail Regatta ~
• Philly Tech Week ~ May 10 – 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 ~
• Opening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~ May 10 – 12 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park at 301 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard. The 2019 season begins with the Let’s Roll roller skating party at Summerfest (Friday-Saturday) and a performance by jazz vocalist Laurin Talese at SSHP (Sunday). ~ Opening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and the Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~ 
• Opening: Civil War and Reconstruction at the National Constitution Center ~ May 10 – 12 (permanent exhibit) ~ Held at the National Constitution Center at 525 Arch Street. The National Constitution Center opens a new permanent exhibit that explores the constitutional debates over slavery that led to the Civil War and how the nation transformed the Constitution during Reconstruction. Artifacts and documents from the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia and other partners fill the 3,000-square-foot space and help tell the stories of Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman and other significant Civil War-era historical figures. ~ Opening: Civil War and Reconstruction at the National Constitution Center ~ ~ Details of Civil War Exhibit ~ 
• 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 ~
• Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair ~ May 10 – 12 ~ FREE – pay-as-you-go – Rittenhouse Square around 210 W. Rittenhouse Square. Visitors can enjoy beautiful crafts created by artists from across the country in which there will be 140 + vendors selling such crafts. ~ Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 10 – 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 10 – 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 10 – 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 10 – 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 ~ 
• Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair ~ May 11 – 12 ~ FREE – pay-as-you-go – Rittenhouse Square around 210 W. Rittenhouse Square. Visitors can enjoy beautiful crafts created by artists from across the country in which there will be 140 + vendors selling such crafts. ~ Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair ~ 
• Love Your Park Week ~ May 11 – 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ May 10 – 16 ~

• 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 ~    
• 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 ~ 
• Filter Square farmers’ Market ~ May 11 ~ 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 11 ~ 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 11 ~ 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 11 ~ 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 ~   
• 2nd Saturday at Historic Germantown Sites ~ May 11 ~ 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 ~ 
• Kensington Derby & Arts Festival ~ May 11 ~ FREE pay-as-you-go. From noon to 6 pm. Along Trenton Avenue between Norris Street and York Street. Explore the streets of East Kensington and Fishtown to find an eclectic mix of local artists, musicians and food. The derby portion of the day celebrates human-powered transit as fanciful mobile sculptures parade along an urban obstacle course that ends at a mud pit. ~ Kensington Derby & Arts Festival ~
• Plazapalooza Festival ~ May 11 ~ From noon to 7 pm.  Let the good times roll during Plazapalooza in Graduate Hospital neighborhood! Enjoy a casual setting at the Grays Ferry Triangle at 23rd and South Street! There will be food, drinks, live music and games for the whole family. ~ Plazapalooza Festival ~
• Gathering of the Heroes ~ May 11 ~ From 2 pm to 6 pm at Irish Pub at both locations, 1123 Walnut St & 2007 Walnut St. This event honors 4 Medal of Honor Recipients: Barney Barnum, Brian Thacker, Tom Norris and Mike Thornton as well as local government and law enforcement officials, and countless military men and women. $20 donation at the door. ~ Gathering of the Heroes ~
• All-Star Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival ~ May 11 ~ From 3 pm to 7 pm at Citizens Bank Park at 1 Citizens Bank Way. Guests get to visit a 100,000-square-foot drinking garden complete with draft trucks, live entertainment and more. The day includes more than 250 of varieties of craft beer and wine. Plus, guests get two tickets to a Phillies game, the chance to walk on the field and take a photo in the Phillies dugout, giveaways throughout the day and more. ~ All-Star Craft Beer, Wine and Cocktail Festival ~
• Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ May 11 & 12 ~ 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 ~
• Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair ~ May 11 – 12 ~ FREE – pay-as-you-go – Rittenhouse Square around 210 W. Rittenhouse Square. Visitors can enjoy beautiful crafts created by artists from across the country in which there will be 140 + vendors selling such crafts. ~ Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ May 11 & 15 ~ 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 12 ~ 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 ~  
• Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair ~ May 12 ~ FREE – pay-as-you-go – Rittenhouse Square around 210 W. Rittenhouse Square. Visitors can enjoy beautiful crafts created by artists from across the country in which there will be 140 + vendors selling such crafts. ~ Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Fair ~
• Irish Sessions ~ May 12 ~ 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 12 – 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 ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ May 15 ~ 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 13 ~ 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 15 ~ 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 Fernhill Park ~ May 15 – 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 ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 16 – 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 17 & 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 ~    
• 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 10 – 12

Friday  |  50% AM Showers & 50% Thunderstorms Early Evening  |  High 78°  |  Low 55°
Saturday  |  Cloudy  |  High 69°  |  Low 52°
Sunday  |  505 Showers & 100% Rain Night  |  High 54°  |  Low 48°

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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