Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Memorial Day Weekend In Philly! Kids Activities, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Museum Exhibits and More!

Memorial Day Weekend in Philadelphia

‘Remembering Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives For Our Country!’

This Memorial Day Weekend kicks off with 4th Friday in the Headhouse District, Independence After Hours, the continuation of the Chinese Lantern Festival and the continuation of the exhibits at Penn Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Franklin Institute. During the weekend enjoy Spruce Street Harbor Park & Roller Rink, End of Day Declaration Readings, Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults, FREE yogafarmers’ markets, magic shows and much more. The weekend ends with an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars and a magic show.

During the week enjoy Christ Church Farmers’ Market, Singing Fountain Farmers Market, Center City Sips, Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for Philly Beer Week, The Hammer of Glory Relay, Opening Tap, First Friday, Fete Day at Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia International Cycling Championship, First Sundays at Barnes Foundation, 4th Friday in Headhouse District, Manayunk Arts Festival, Philly Burger Brawl 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 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  ~ May 27 – June 2 ~

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 ~
  • Memorial Day Weekend ~ May 27 – 30 ~ Enjoy the many activities & events for the kids, adults & the family during Memorial Day Weekend. ~ Memorial Day Weekend In Philly ~
  • Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 27 – 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 27 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 27 – 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 27 – 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 ~
  • Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ May 27 to October 22 ~ 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 ~
  • Independence After Hours ~ May 27 – October 22 ~ Check out the Independence After Hours tours for the 2016 season that starts at 5:30 pm. Travel back to 1776 with your tour guide and fill up on a three-course meal from City Tavern. After dinner, visit Independence Hall for an after-hours tour of the national landmark. Tickets are available online.
  • Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~ May 27 – 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 27 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 ~
  • Colonial Kids’ Quest Puppet Show ~ May 28 – July 23 ~ FREE (Saturdays Only) Enjoy a light-hearted adventure where kids of all ages will help animal puppets search for a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence. Click the link for more details. ~ Colonial Kids’ Quest Puppet Show ~
  • Once Upon A Time Storytelling Benches ~ May 28 – September 5 ~ FREE ~ Hear five minute stories from our nation’s past in the places where it happened! Click the link for details. Once Upon A Time Storytelling Benches ~
  • Join the Continental Army! May 28 – September 5 ~  FREE – The Continental Army is recruiting a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette. Taking place at Independence Hall at Signers’ Garden, 5th & Chestnut Streets. More details, click the link. ~ Join the Continental Army!
  • End of Day Declaration Readings ~ May 28 – September 5 ~ Starting around 3:45 pm, behind Independence Hall, listen to History Makers as they tell the story of every day Philadelphians during this moving version of the Declaration of Independence. For more details, click the link. End of Day Declaration Readings ~
  • Colonial Stations ~ FREE ~ May 29 – September 5 – 11 am to 1 pm. Stations include crafting, gaming, colonial music, and meet the founding fathers. Locations: Tuesday: Christ Church (20 N. American Street), Wednesday: Harmony Lane (3rd & Chestnut Streets), Thursday: Independence Square, behind Independence Hall Friday: National Constitution Center (525 Arch Street). ~ Colonial Stations ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ May 27 – June 2 ~

  • 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 ~
  • Art After 5 ~  May 27 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. – Outside Sound – Bassist and composer Chris Coyle will share new music inspired by artwork by adults with disabilities. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~ 
  • 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 ~  
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 27 ~ 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 ~  
  • Memorial Day Weekend ~ May 27 – 30 ~ Enjoy the many activities & events for the kids, adults & the family during Memorial Day Weekend. ~ Memorial Day Weekend In Philly ~
  • Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ May 28 ~ 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 28 ~ 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 ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 28 ~ 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 28 & 29 ~ 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 28 & June 1 ~ 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 ~
  • Memorial Day Weekend ~ May 28 – 30 ~ Enjoy the many activities & events for the kids, adults & the family during Memorial Day Weekend. ~ Memorial Day Weekend In Philly ~
  • Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ May 29 ~ 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 29 ~ 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 ~  
  • Memorial Day Weekend ~ May 30 ~ Enjoy the many activities & events for the kids, adults & the family during Memorial Day. ~ Memorial Day In Philly ~
  • 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 ~
  • Christ Church Farmers’ Market ~ June 1 ~  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 ~ June 1 ~ From 3 pm top 7 pm at the Singing Fountain on East Passyunk Ave. ~ Singing Fountain Farmers Market on East Passyunk Ave ~
  • Center City Sips ~ June 1 ~ From 5 pm to 7 pm, enjoy discounted drinks & foods at local restaurants & bars throughout the city!  ~ Center City Sips ~
  • Free Parking! ~ June 1 ~ 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 ~ June 1 ~ 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 ~  
  • Schuylkill Banks Movie Nights ~ June 2FREE  A movie every Thursday night until August 11. Come watch Stand By Me at Walnut Street Movies. The movies usually begin around dusk, between 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, but come early for free snacks. ~ Schuylkill Banks Movie Nights ~
  • 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 MuseumBest 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 ~
  • Uptown Beer Garden ~   ~ Uptown Beer Garden ~
  • Pagano’s Beer Garden ~    ~ Pagano’s Beer Garden ~

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 ~ June 3 & beyond

  • Art After 5 ~ June 3 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Arden Cabaret – Joliet Harris brings her signature mix of jazz standards, musical theater, gospel, and pop to the Museum. Presented with the Arden Theatre Company. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. Art After 5 ~
  • The Hammer of Glory Relay ~ June 3 ~ Hammer of Glory Relay kicks off Philly Beer Week. Follow the HOG, aka the Hammer of Glory, throughout the City of Philadelphia as it makes it way to Opening Tap, which begins at 7 pm. Prost!  ~ The Hammer of Glory Relay ~
  • Opening Tap ~ June 3 ~  Opening Tap Night kicks off Philly Beer Week starting at 7 pm at The Filmore! At Opening Tap, enjoy beers from 35+ different local breweries and live music. Prost! ~ Opening Tap ~
  • First Friday’s in Old CityJune 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 ~
  • Fete Day at Elfreth’s Alley ~ June 4 ~ From 1 pm to 5 pm, this unique block party, on the oldest residential street in America, will feature private tours of homes that are only opened once a year to the public. There will also be colonial crafts, artists, games, historic interpreters, a fife and drum corps, and refreshments. ~ Fete Day at Elfreth’s Alley ~
  • Philadelphia International Cycling Championship ~ June 5 ~ Watch some of the most competitive cyclists from the World. Starting in Manayunk at the Wall, cycling down Kelly Drive, through Farimount Park, before they head back to the finish line while they climb up the feared Manayunk Wall . ~ Philadelphia Bike Race ~
  • 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 ~     
  • Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ June 5 ~ 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 ~ 
  • 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 ~
  • Center City Sips ~ June 8 ~ From 5 pm to 7 pm, enjoy discounted drinks & foods at local restaurants & bars throughout the city!  ~ Center City Sips ~
  • Schuylkill Banks Movie Nights ~ June 9 ~ FREE  A movie every Thursday night until August 11. Come watch Labyrinth at Grays Ferry Crescent Movies. The movies usually begin around dusk, between 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm, but come early for free snacks. ~ Schuylkill Banks Movie Nights ~
  • 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ June 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 ~   
  • Manayunk Arts Festival ~ June 25 & 26~ Nearly 300 artists that will showcase their work along historic Main Street in Manayunk with 0\over 200,000 visitors for the weekend. ~ Manayunk Arts Festival ~
  • Philly Burger Brawl ~ June 26 ~ Held at XFinity Live from 4 pm to 7 pm, you’ll get to enjoy a sampling of a burger from 30+ establishments, such as restaurants, a food truck and a chef. Also enjoy taco creations by 10+ restaurants and food trucks. Come on out and have a burger of a time for a worthy cause.  ~ Philly Burger Brawl ~

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 27 – 29

Friday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 90°  |  Low 67° 

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 90°  |  Low 65°

Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 90°  |  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: Photo for MyPhillyAlive by Jeff Belonger

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