Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Dad Vail Regatta, Plazapalooza, Museum Exhibits, KidStock and More!

The Christ Church Steeple

‘Enjoying Outdoor Activities In Philadelphia’

This weekend kicks off with the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen’s Fine Craft Fair, Art in the Open Philadelphia, the continuation of the Chinese Lantern Festival, the continuation of the exhibits at Penn Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Franklin Institute. During the weekend enjoy the Spruce Street Harbor Park & Roller Rink, Dad Vail Regatta, Plazapalooza, Second Saturday in Germantown, FREE yoga, farmers’ markets, magic shows and much more. The weekend ends with the Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival, KidStock, an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars and a magic show.

During the week enjoy Art Museum Day, Christ Church Farmers’ Market, Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cycle Check-Ups At Hotel Monaco and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair, Silkies Hike, 9th Street Italian Market Festival, Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village, Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, Kinetic Derby & Arts Festival, 4th Friday in Headhouse District, Philly Beer Week, The Hammer of Glory Relay, Opening Tap 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

Did you hear that Philadelphia was named best place to visit in the U.S. by Lonely Planet. Read more, click here.

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 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. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~
• Dad Vail Regatta ~ May 13 & 14 ~ The Dad Vail Regatta is a spectacular 2-day event that attracts more than 3,000 competitors from nearly 150 colleges and universities across the country and Canada and about 25,000 spectators. Will you be one of them? ~ Dad Vail Regatta ~
• Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen’s Fine Craft Fair ~ May 13 – 15 ~ Taking place in Rittenhouse Sqaure, the Craft Fair brings 150 craftspeople from around the country, including local artisans, to Rittenhouse Square this spring. Enjoy an emerging artists section of the fair, hands on activities & more. ~ Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen’s Fine Craft Fair ~
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 13 – June 12 ~  Take pleasure in the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square! The square will come alive and glow with more than 25 larger-than-life illuminated displays of handcrafted giant flowers, a three-story pagoda and a huge 200-foot Chinese dragon. ~ Chinese Lantern Festival ~
• Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science ~ May 13 to August 28 ~ At the Franklin Institute, visitors will explore a recreation of an Egyptian tomb, a real mummy, and authentic art and artifacts from ancient Egypt.  ~ Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science at Franklin Institute ~
• The Science Behind Pixar ~ May 13 – September 5 ~ Held at The Franklin Institute, experience the Science Behind Pixar! Learn how your favorite Pixar characters were born into animated movies! Explore the science and technology behind it and more! ~ The Science Behind Pixar ~
• Spruce Street Harbor Park & Roller Rink ~ May 13 – September 27 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park and RiverRink Summerfest will include a floating restaurant, boardwalk, hammocks, tons of colorful LED lights, new planted greenery, an outdoor roller rink, more Philadelphia restauranteurs, seating options, and a new family entertainment area! ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park & Roller Rink ~
• Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~ May 13 – November 1 ~ Held at the Academy of Natural Sciences, this exhibit illustrates what scientists can deduce from the fossil record when creating a reconstruction of a skeleton or model and what they must look to artists to interpret. It will also feature a touchable copy of a dinosaur skin impression & more. ~ Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~
• The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~ May 13 to November 27 ~ Held at Penn Museum, get acquainted with the Golden Age Of King Midas Exhibit and find out the hidden story of the golden touch, aka the Midas golden touch. A video experience lets visitors explore the tomb as if they were in the tomb itself when it was sealed nearly 3,000 years ago. ~ The Golden Age of King Midas Exhibit ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ May 13 – 19 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of May ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for May 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Dad Vail Regatta ~ May 13 ~ The Dad Vail Regatta is a spectacular 2-day event that attracts more than 3,000 competitors from nearly 150 colleges and universities across the country and Canada and about 25,000 spectators. Will you be one of them? ~ Dad Vail Regatta ~
• Art After 5 ~  May 13 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Creative African Dance Party – Help us celebrate Creative Africa. Enjoy the “golden voice of Liberia,” Fatu Gayflor, who opens the night at 5:45 p.m. with African pop sounds. Then, stick around for a performance featuring the joyful music of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, a band that has toured extensively to raise awareness for humanitarian causes. The party continues until 11:00 p.m. and all Creative Africa exhibitions are on view at the Perelman Building from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~ 
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 13 ~ At 8:00 pm, enjoy magic with Dan Hauss! Dan brings us the new, unusual, and wildly amazing impossibilities that he’s been working on for the past few years. If ticket sales have ended, call South Street Magic at 215-450-7193. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~  
• Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 13 – June 12 ~  Take pleasure in the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square! The square will come alive and glow with more than 25 larger-than-life illuminated displays of handcrafted giant flowers, a three-story pagoda and a huge 200-foot Chinese dragon. ~ Chinese Lantern Festival ~
• Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen’s Fine Craft Fair ~ May 13 – 15 ~ Taking place in Rittenhouse Sqaure, the Craft Fair brings 150 craftspeople from around the country, including local artisans, to Rittenhouse Square this spring. Enjoy an emerging artists section of the fair, hands on activities & more. ~ Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen’s Fine Craft Fair ~
• Art in the Open Philadelphia ~ May 13 to 15 ~ FREE – Art in the Open (AiO) is a citywide, biennial, event that will run along the Schuylkill River Banks Park- from the Fairmount Water Works to South Street. AiO hosts jurors-selected artists to create art along the Schuylkill Trail, inspired by the environment that surrounds them. ~ Art in the Open Philadelphia ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ May 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 ~ 
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ May 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 ~
• Dad Vail Regatta ~ May 14 ~ The Dad Vail Regatta is a spectacular 2-day event that attracts more than 3,000 competitors from nearly 150 colleges and universities across the country and Canada and about 25,000 spectators. Will you be one of them? ~ Dad Vail Regatta ~
• Second Saturday Festival in Germantown ~ May 14 ~ Noon to 5 pm in Germantown. On the Second Saturday of the month, Germantown opens the doors to all 16 of its historic houses, museums and destinations and hosts a slew of alfresco fun in the neighborhood. ~ Second Saturday Festival in Germantown ~
• Plazapalooza in Graduate Hospital ~ May 14 ~ From 1 pm to 7 pm at the Grays Ferry Triangle at 23rd and South Street. Come out and enjoy food, drinks, live music and games for the whole family. There will be Philly food trucks as well: Phoebe’s BBQ, Cow and the Curd, Samosa Deb & Tacos Don Memo. *Rain date May 15th. ~ Plazapalooza in Graduate Hospital ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 14 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Saturday Night Wonders of Magic as South Street Magic will feature different local and visiting magicians as they provide a fun and amazing show of magic, mind reading and variety skills. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~  
• FREE Yoga Classes ~ May 14 & 15 ~ FREE – Held from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Race Street Pier at the Delaware River Waterfront. Free classes run from now through the first weekend of November. ~ FREE Yoga Classes ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ May 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 ~
• Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival ~ May 15 ~ From 11 am to 5 pm, enjoy food, Philly food trucks, live music, drinks and more! ~ Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival ~
• Kidstock ~ May 15 ~ From 1 pm to 5 pm, Kidstock will bring together over 200 families in celebration of family, art and music as a benefit for By My Side Parenting. By My Side has been nurturing families and growing community in Fishtown for nearly a decade. 5 kid (and adult!) friendly bands will take the stage at the Garden Center in the heart of Fishtown to rock out in support of their critical programming that provides parenting resources, high quality early childhood education, and community building for families. All funds raised will go to their scholarship fund. Suggested donation of $10/family.  ~ Kidstock ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 15 ~ At 1:30 pm, enjoy Family Fun Magic Show. Music, dancing, laughing and amazement. Tons of audience participation… you’re gonna love it. The show stars the one and only Mr. Messado!! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~   
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ May 15 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~    
• Art Museum Day ~ May 18 ~ Art Museum Day allows guests to visit specific museums in Philadelphia for free or half priced. Such museums that participate are the Brandywine River Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Institute if Contemporary Art and the Penn Museum. ~ Art Museum Day ~ 
• Christ Church Farmers’ Market ~ May 18 ~  Every Wednesday from 2 pm to 7 pm through the late-fall, there will be rotating pop-up vendors and food trucks with complement weekly vendors including Taproot Farm, Cherry Grove Farm, Beechwood Orchards, Lunaria Gardens, Weckerly’s Ice Cream, Big Sky Bread, Spruce Hill Preserves, Mycopolitan Mushroom Company, and more. Located on Church Street, between 2nd and 3rd.  ~ Christ Church Farmers’ Market ~
• Singing Fountain Farmers Market ~ May 18 ~ From 3 pm top 7 pm at the Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Ave. ~ Singing Fountain Farmers Market on East Passyunk Ave ~
• Free Parking! ~ May 18 ~ Philadelphia Parking Authority offers FREE meter parking Center City at 5 pm; rush-hour zones at 6:30 pm. The boundaries are from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River and from Bainbridge to Spring Garden Streets. ~ Free Parking ~  
• Pay As You Wish ~ May 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 ~  
• Cycle Check-Ups At Hotel Monaco ~ May 19 ~  From 7am to 9 am, noon to 2 pm & 5pm to 7pm, Cyclists should head to the Hotel Monaco Philadelphia at 433 Chestnut Street for the hotel’s annual cycle check-up!
• Franklin Square ~ Open 2016 Season ~ The Franklin Square is a great place to bring the family or for a date. Located in the historical part of Philadelphia in Old City. This park offers a carousel, a miniature golf course, a storytelling bench, a playground, a picnic area and more. ~ 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 ~

Philly Beer Gardens, Pop-Up Beer Gardens & Outdoor Bars

• Independence Beer Garden ~ April 22 – September  ~ The Independence Beer garden, across from the Liberty Bell, has beers, seating for food, games, fire pit & more! ~ Independence Beer Garden ~
• Morgan’s Pier ~ April 21 – September ~  Drinks, beer, live music, food & more all next to the Ben Franklin Bridge on Delaware Ave!    ~ Morgan’s Pier ~

Visiting Philadelphia

Are you Visiting Philadelphia? Have you lived in or near the City of Philadelphia, but never ventured out too the many historical sites in Philly? Here is a quick guide for some must see attractions in the City of Brotherly Love.

• The Independence Visitor’s Center – Your guide for all of your information relating to historical sites in Philadelphia and other things to do in Philadelphia. ~ Independence Visitor’s Center ~
• Philadelphia Zoo ~ With the warmer weather approaching, you can not miss America’s Oldest Zoo. 42 acres of awesomeness and over 1,000 animals. ~ Philadelphia Z00 ~
• Liberty Bell – Symbol of American Independence – If you are visiting Philadelphia, this is one site that must be seen. ~ Liberty Bell ~
• Elfreth’s Alley ~ Get to walk down a street with 300 years of history. Elfreth’s Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in America. ~ Elfreth’s Alley ~
• Philadelphia City Hall ~ Like Architecture? Philadelphia History? They give tours of the Philadelphia City Hall. If you go up high enough, you get to see the whole city. ~ Philadelphia City Hall ~
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – So many things that surround this museum. The “Rocky” Steps or the “Rocky” statue. A great view down Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Behind the museum, you can view Boat House Row and a few other things. ~ Philadelphia Museum of Art ~
• Betsy Ross House – Did Betsy Ross actually make the American Flag? Learn about some of Philadelphia’s earliest history. ~ Betsy Ross House ~
• Independence Hall – This is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and where the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. ~ Independence Hall~
• National Constitution Center – If anything, you must see the ‘We the People’ exhibit. There are other timely exhibits. ~ National Constitution Center ~
• Philadelphia Parks – Such as Fairmount Park or even Franklin Square for the kids or relaxing.

Those visiting who need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more, please ask us in the comments below, Tweet us at @MyPhillyAlive or ask us on our Facebook Page. ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia ~ May 20 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ May 20 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Orrin Evans – This distinctive and inventive pianist is at the forefront of the jazz scene. The party continues until 11:00 p.m. and all Creative Africa exhibitions are on view at the Perelman Building from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Silkies Hike ~ May 21 ~ Silkies Hike is built on the premise that camaraderie and humor will save lives. Twenty-two veterans a day are taking their own lives! This hike allows veterans, both former and active, to bond, build friendships, and become a support network that veterans often need to fight the war at home. Silkies Hike in Philadelphia does the same with a 13 mile hike through the streets of Philly! ~ Silkies Hike Philadelphia ~
• Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair ~ May 21 & 22 ~  The Craft Phila Craft Fair invades Independence Mall, right where it all begun hundred’s of years ago! Visitors will being able to browse everything from ceramics and photography, to jewelry and fashion, art and more! Throughout the two-day event, there will be music, a kid-centric craft making station, music, food trucks, free pretzels and more! ~ Craft Phila Arts & Craft Fair ~
• 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~ May 21 & 22 ~ 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 & culture. Just make sure to bring your appetite with you! ~ 9th Street Italian Market Festival ~
• Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village ~ May 21 – 22 ~ Held at peddler’s Village, enjoy Strawberries of all sorts, live entertainment, pie-eating contests and more! ~ Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village ~
• Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival ~ May 21 & 22 ~ 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 ~
• Kinetic Derby & Arts Festival ~ May 21 & 22 ~ Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival is an all-day event that brings a combination of crazy derby admirers for those who love to watch creative human-powered vehicle floats ride through mud and those that love art, food and much more. ~ Kinetic Derby & Arts Festival ~
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ May 22 ~ From 5 pm to 9 pm every Sunday since 1997, enjoy a traditional Irish session, along with good Irish food & drinks. ~ Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~  
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ May 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 June ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for May 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• The Hammer of Glory Relay ~ June 3 ~     ~ The Hammer of Glory Relay ~
• Opening Tap ~ June 3 ~       ~ Opening Tap ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ June 3 ~ Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~
• First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ June 3 ~ 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 ~  
• Philly Beer Week ~ June 3 – 12 ~  Did you know that Frommer’s mentioned Philadelphia as one of the top 14 cities in the world for drinking beer in 2011. Philly has gotten better over the years and first started Beer Week. Don’t miss out on these 10 days of exciting events & activities. Will you be attending? ~ Philly Beer Week ~
• Philly Beer Week Cheat Sheet ~ June 3 – 12 ~ Here is our cheat sheet for Philly Beer Week for the many events, activities, special beer guests & more during the 10 days in June!~ Philly Beer Week Cheat Sheet ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ June 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 ~    
• Pay As You Wish ~ June 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 ~

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 13 – 15

Friday  |  90% Strong Thunderstorms  |  High 69°  |  Low 54° 

Saturday  |  60% PM Thunderstorms  |  High 75°  |  Low 46°

Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 58°  |  Low 42°

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 for MyPhillyAlive by Jeff Belonger

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