Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ End Of The Oval Pop Up, Ukrainian Folk Festival, Spruce Street Harbor Park and More!

Things To Do In Philadelphia

‘End Of Summer Fun In Philadelphia!’ 

This weekend kicks off with Smooth Jazz Summer Nights, a fantastic magic show, the last few days of The Oval Summer Pop-Up and the continuation of the Lego Art exhibit at the Franklin Institute and Beneath the Surface exhibit at Penn Museum. During the weekend enjoy the Spruce Street Harbor Park, magic shows, farmers’ markets, and much more. The weekend ends with the Ukrainian Folk Festival and an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars. Tip: If you haven’t done so in recent months or years, visit the many wonderful museums in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Museums

For some family fun, head on over to Independence National Historical Park and allow your kids to join the Continental Army for marching drills and musket etiquette. How about raise the flag with Betsy Ross or listen to historians as they tell the story of every day Philadelphians during this moving version of the Declaration of Independence.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for Smooth Jazz Summer Nights, 4th Friday at South Street Headhouse District, the Invisible River Festival, 40th Street Summer Series, Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Made in America, Dîner en Noir, South Philly Sausage Fest, Mexican Independence Day, Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, Manayunk Restaurant Week, Brazilian Day Philadelphia 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.

Are you prepared for the Papal visit to Philly? Know about the road closures? For the article, Click Here. #PhillyRocks #WhyILovePhilly

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 updatesMyPhillyAlive on Facebook –

Here at MyPhillyAlivewe 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  ~ August 21 – 27 ~

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 ~
  • The Oval Summer Pop-Up ~ August 21 – 23 ~ See the brand new 25,000 square foot mural, Summer Kaleidoscope, commissioned by the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, explore a newly designed beer garden, fun and games for the kids, movies, enjoy food from some of Philly’s best food trucks and more. ~ The Oval Summer Pop-Up ~
  • Spruce Street Harbor Park ~ August 21 – 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 & Summerfest ~
  • Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~ August 21 – September 27 ~ The Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will feature a full-sized roller skating rink with a high end roller hockey-grade flooring system, a skate rental facility (roller skates AND inline skates), and plenty of food and beverage options. ~ Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest ~
  • The Art of The Brick Exhibit ~ August 21 – October 4 ~ Come explore the largest display of Lego Art at the Franklin Institute. Stop by this afternoon for details to this spectacular attraction. ~ The Art of The Brick Exhibit at the Franklin Institute ~
  • Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ August 21 to October 2015 ~ Explore the many historical activities and events throughout the year in Philadelphia. Many of which are free and are made just for kids, allowing quality family fun time.  ~ Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~
  • Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~ August 21 – November 1 ~ Held at the Penn Museum, explore artifacts, gold & much more that came from the banks of the Rio Grande Cocle in Panama. ~ Beneath the Surface: Life, Death, and Gold in Ancient Panama ~  
  • Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~ August 21 – November 1 ~ From 9 am to 10 am, every day except Wednesdays, head to Race Street Pier for free yoga with instructors from Dhyana Yoga. Just bring a yoga mat and be ready to stretch out. ~ Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~
  • Center City Sips Happy Hour ~ August 26 – September 2 (Every Wednesday) ~ Welcome Center City Sips! Have a favorite establishment? Maybe wanting to try a new place out? This event is a great opportunity to sample cocktails and appetizers at new restaurants and visit local favorites with friends and co-workers at discounted prices. ~ Center City Sips Happy ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ August 21 – 27 ~

  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours Month of August ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for August 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~ 
  • Art After 5 ~ August 21 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Reggae Night – Local ensemble Natural Selection, —featuring Chris Aschman on steel drums bring the sounds of the Caribbean to the Great Stair Hall. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~ August 21 ~ FREE – Starting at 7:30 pm at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, enjoy music from some of the country’s best smooth jazz artists. ~ Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 21 ~ 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 ~
  • Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ August 22 ~ 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 ~ August 22 ~ 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 ~    
  • PHAIR Open Air Market ~ August 22 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at the Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 22 ~ 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 ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours August  22 & 26 ~ 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 ~
  • Ukrainian Folk Festival ~ August 23 ~ From noon to 8 pm in Horsham, PA, enjoy Ukrainian food, cold drinks, an authentic crafts bazaar and a designated area just for kids’ fun.~ Ukrainian Folk Festival ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 23 ~ 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 ~ August 23 ~ 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 ~
  • Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ August 25 ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. Listen to Elliott Levin, sax. Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ For more info, Click Here.
  • Free Parking! ~ August 26 ~ 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 ~ 
  • Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~ August 26 ~ Penn Museum offers Summer Nights every Wednesday night 5 pm – 8 pm during the summer. What a great way to relax & break up your work week. Live cultural music with food & refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. Tonight, Red Hot Ramblers. ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
  • Pay As You Wish ~ August 26 ~ 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 ~   
  • Center City Sips Happy Hour ~ August 26 – September 2 (Every Wednesday) ~ Welcome Center City Sips! Have a favorite establishment? Maybe wanting to try a new place out? This event is a great opportunity to sample cocktails and appetizers at new restaurants and visit local favorites with friends and co-workers at discounted prices. ~ Center City Sips Happy ~
  • Outdoor Movies Series ~ August 26 ~ FREE – Starting at 8:30 pm at FringeArts Headquarters, enjoy the movie Dirty Dancing! ~ Outdoor Movies Series ~
  • Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ August 27 ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. Listen to the Rittenhouse String Quartet. Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ ~ For more info, Click Here. ~  
  • Pop-Up Beer garden at Mütter Museum ~ August 27 ~    ~ Pop-Up Beer garden at Mütter Museum ~
  • Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ August 27 ~ FREE  A movie every Thursday night until September 4th because of rain dates. Come watch Gardians of the Galaxy at Walnut Street Movies. The movies usually begin around dusk, between 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, but come early for free snacks. ~ Free Movie Nights with Schuylkill Banks ~
  • Movie Screenings Under the Stars ~ August 27 ~ FREE – Starting around dusk, enjoy a movie at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing every Thursday night until August 27. Tonight, Gardians of the Galaxy (PG 13). ~ Movie Screenings Under the Stars ~
  • String Band Music Under the Stars ~ August 27 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through October 1, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Polish American String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
  • Franklin Square Now Open for 2015 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ 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 MuseumBest 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 ~
  • 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 ~ August 28 & beyond

  • Art After 5 ~ August 28 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Dendê & Band – Dendê & Band’s sizzling showmanship combines rhythmic Brazilian music with the grooves of afrobeat, reggae, and merengue in a dance party atmosphere. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
  • Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~ August 28 ~ FREE – Starting at 7:30 pm at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, enjoy music from some of the country’s best smooth jazz artists. ~ Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~
  • 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ August 28 ~ 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 Phillies ~ August 28 – 30 ~ Phillies series against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Cool Tip! Free face painting before every Sunday home game by Paint Your Face. Inside McFadden’s Ball Park from 10:30 am until the game starts. Anyone can stop by for a free Phillie’s P or even have the Phanatic painted on their cheek! ~ Phillies Tickets ~
  • Invisible River Festival ~ August 29 ~ Invisible River Festival Celebrates Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River and combines dance, art, boating, and love of the environment. Come experience this wonderful exhibition on the water and enjoy food and beer as well.  ~ Invisible River Festival ~
  • 40th Street Summer Series ~ August 29 ~ FREE – Starting at 6 pm in University City at 40th & Walnut Streets! Performers haven’t been announced yet.40th Street Summer Series in University City ~
  • Philadelphia Union ~ August 29 ~ At 7:00 pm at PPL Park, the Philadelphia Union play the New England Revolution. ~ Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution ~
  • Philadelphia Phillies ~ August 30 ~ Phillies play the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park at 1:35 pm. Cool Tip! Free face painting before every Sunday home game by Paint Your Face. Inside McFadden’s Ball Park from 10:30 am until the game starts. Anyone can stop by for a free Phillie’s P or even have the Phanatic painted on their cheek! ~ Phillies Tickets ~
  • Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ August 30 ~ 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 ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours Month of September ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for September 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~ September 2 ~ Penn Museum offers Summer Nights every Wednesday night 5 pm – 8 pm during the summer. What a great way to relax & break up your work week. Live cultural music with food & refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. Tonight, Animus . ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
  • Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ September 3 ~ FREE!  A movie every Thursday night until September 4th because of rain dates. Come watch Safety Not Guaranteed at Walnut Street Movies. The movies usually begin around dusk, between 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, but come early for free snacks. ~ Free Movie Nights with Schuylkill Banks ~
  • Philadelphia Fringe Festival ~ September 3 – 19 ~ More info to come. Stay tuned. ~ Philadelphia Fringe Festival ~ 
  • First Friday’s in Old CitySeptember 4 ~ 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 ~ September 4 ~ 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 ~  
  • Made in America ~ September 5 & 6 ~  ~ Made in America ~
  • First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ September 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 ~ September 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 ~
  • Dîner en Noir ~ September 10 ~ Enjoy a pop-up picnic with friends, family and new friends. The location isn’t disclosed until last minute. All net proceeds will go to a local charity in Philadelphia. ~ Diner en Noir ~
  • String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 10 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through October 1, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Trilby String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
  • South Philly Sausage Fest ~ September 12 ~ More info soon. ~ South Philly Sausage Fest ~  
  • Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~ September 13 ~    ~ Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~
  • Mexican Independence Day ~ September 13 ~ From 1 pm to 7 pm at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, this festival is the biggest event celebrating the Independence of Mexico in the Delaware Valley, with approximately 11,000 attendees. Enjoy food, music, dancing and much more. ~ Mexican Independence Day ~
  • 104.5 Block Party ~ September 13 ~ From 1 pm to 11 pm at Festival Pier,     ~ 104.5 Block Party ~
  • Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ September 14 – 25 ~     ~ Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
  • Brazilian Day Philadelphia ~ September 20 ~ From 1 pm to 7 pm at The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, enjoy an abundant variety of authentic traditional foods and merchandise, and performers that will light up the stage with the contagious rhythms and dances of Brazil. ~ Brazilian Day Philadelphia ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours Month of October Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for October 2015 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Ya Gotta Try This Tasting Party ~ October 8 ~ Hosted by Mike Jerrick, indulge in signature dishes from dozens of restaurants in the region, all in one place! Ya Gotta Try This Tasting Party ~

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 August 21 – 23

Friday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 89°  |  Low 65°
Saturday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 87°  |  Low 64°
Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 88°  |  Low 68°

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: Christopher Nowaczyk for MyPhillyAlive

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