Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Smooth Jazz, 4th Friday, Parks On Tap, Night Market, Sounds Of Inspiration and More!

Independence Hall In Historic Philly

‘Explore Philadelphia’

How many of you living in Philadelphia ever explore the many historical sites. Get our there and explore Philly! Many of many things listed under our visiting Philadelphia section.

The weekend kicks off with the ending of Night Out Restaurant Week, Parks on Tap, smooth jazz at Penn’s Landing, and the continuation of the exhibits at Penn Museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Franklin Institute.

During the weekend enjoy Night Market, the Spruce Street Harbor Park & Roller Rink, Sounds of Inspiration, End of Day Declaration Readings, Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults, FREE yoga, farmers’ markets and much more. The weekend ends with Parks on Tap, and an Irish Session at the Plough and the Stars.

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

In upcoming weeks get ready for First Friday, 40th Street Summer Series, Mexican Independence Day Festival, 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.

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  ~ August 26 – September 1 ~

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 ~
• Weekly Fun Things To Do In Philadelphia All Summer Long ~ Our basic cheat sheet of what to do during the week throughout the whole summer. Many of the things to do are listed below as well. ~ Weekly Fun Things To Do In Philadelphia All Summer Long ~
• Parks On Tap ~ August 26 – 28 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! This weekend, enjoy Franklin’s Paine Skatepark on Schuylkill Trail.  ~ Parks On Tap ~
• Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets & Modern Science ~ August 26 – 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 ~
• Night Out Restaurant Week ~ August 26 – 28 ~ Night Out Restaurant Week is your chance to explore restaurants mostly in Northern Liberties and Fishtown where they will be offering multicourse lunch and dinner menus ranging from $20 to $35 per meal. ~ Night Out Restaurant Week ~
• The Science Behind Pixar ~ August 26 – 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 ~
• Once Upon A Time Storytelling Benches ~ August 26 – 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! ~ August 26 – 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 ~ August 26 – 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 ~ August 26 – 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 ~
• Spruce Street Harbor Park & Roller Rink ~ August 26 – 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 ~
• Independence After Hours ~ August 26 – 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.
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ August 26 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 ~
• Nightscapes at Longwood Gardens ~ August 26 to October 29 ~  Wednesdays through Saturdays from 6 pm to 11 pm at  Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Enjoy the gardens as a backdrop for a spectacular display of light, sound, music and projection. Ideal viewing times are at or after 9 pm in August, 8 pm in September & 7 pm in October. ~ Nightscapes at Longwood Gardens ~
• Drawn to Dinosaurs at Academy of Natural Sciences ~ August 26 – 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 ~ August 26 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 ~
• Parks On Tap ~ September 1 – 5 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! This weekend, enjoy FDR Park in South Philadelphia. ~ Parks On Tap ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ August 26 – September 1 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of August ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for August 2016 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~ 
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ August 26 ~ 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 ~  
• Art After 5 ~ August 26 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Korey Riker – Back from a year of touring with John Legend, this Philly-based sax player wows with a smooth mix of neo-soul, R&B, gospel, and hip hop.. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~ August 26 ~FREE –  Starting at 7:30 pm, Smooth Jazz Summer Nights at Penn’s Landing is every Friday night in August and is a free event to the public. ~ Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~
• Parks On Tap ~ August 26 – 28 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! This weekend, enjoy Franklin’s Paine Skatepark on Schuylkill Trail.  ~ Parks On Tap ~
• Night Out Restaurant Week ~ August 26 – 28 ~ Night Out Restaurant Week is your chance to explore restaurants mostly in Northern Liberties and Fishtown where they will be offering multicourse lunch and dinner menus ranging from $20 to $35 per meal. ~ Night Out Restaurant Week ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ August 27 ~ 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 ~
• Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market ~ August 27 ~ 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 ~ August 27 ~ 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 ~
• FREE Yoga Classes ~ August 27 & 28 ~ 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 ~
• Sounds of Inspiration ~ August 27 ~ FREE – From noon to 8 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, celebrate the beauty and joy of inspirational music at the Delaware River Waterfront’s annual day-long gospel showcase on the Great Plaza. Contemporary gospel, traditional hymns, and songs of praise will fill the waterfront as thousands of people rejoice in what is one of Penn’s Landing’s most popular concerts.  ~ Sounds of Inspiration ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ August 27 & 31 ~ 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 ~
• Irish Session at Plough and the Stars ~ August 28 ~ Held at the Plough and the Stars 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 ~   
• Christ Church Farmers’ Market ~ August 31 ~  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 ~ August 31 ~ 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 ~ August 31 ~ From 5 pm to 7 pm, enjoy discounted drinks & foods at local restaurants & bars throughout the city!  ~ Center City Sips ~
• Summer Music Nights at Penn Museum ~ August 31 ~ Held at Penn Museum from 5 pm – 8 pm every Wednesday night until September 7, enjoy live cultural music with food and refreshments! ~ Summer Music Nights at Penn Museum ~
• Free Parking! ~ August 31 ~ 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 ~ August 31 ~ 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 ~ 
• Night Market Pennsport Under 95 ~ September 1 ~ Come on out and enjoy live music, tasty food from some of the best Philly food trucks, and walk the streets Pennsport. ~ Night Market Pennsport ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 1 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September 1, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Duffy String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• Parks On Tap ~ September 1 – 5 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! This weekend, enjoy FDR Park in South Philadelphia. ~ Parks On Tap ~
• 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 ~ August 12 – 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 ~ August 12 – September ~  Drinks, beer, live music, food & more all next to the Ben Franklin Bridge on Delaware Ave!    ~ Morgan’s Pier ~
• Parks On Tap ~ August 12 – October 2 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company!  ~ Parks On Tap ~
• 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 ~ September 2 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ September 2 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Valray Sturgis – This legendary Philadelphia vocalist assembles the city’s best talent to pay tribute to the likes of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~  
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 1 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September 1, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Quaker City String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• First Friday’s in Old City~ September 2 ~ 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’s in Manayunk ~ September 2 ~ 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 Friday Movie at the Betsy Ross House ~ September 2 ~ From 9 pm to 11 pm, watch “Alligator People”! The cost of the movie includes a tour of the Betsy Ross House prior to the movie starting at 5 pm. ~ First Friday Movie at the Betsy Ross House ~
• First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ September 4 ~ 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 ~ September 4 ~ Held at the Plough and the Stars 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 ~ September 4 ~ 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 ~
• Summer Music Nights at Penn Museum ~ September 7 ~ Held at Penn Museum from 5 pm – 8 pm every Wednesday night until September 7, enjoy live cultural music with food and refreshments! ~ Summer Music Nights at Penn Museum ~
• Parks On Tap ~ September 7 – 11 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! This weekend, enjoy Fairmount Water Works Side Lawn. ~ Parks On Tap ~
• 40th Street Summer Series ~ September 17 ~ FREE – Live music & dancing starting at 6 pm in University City at 40th & Walnut Streets! Watch Rennie Harris’ RHAW! ~ 40th Street Summer Series in University City ~
• Parks On Tap ~ September 16 – 18 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! This weekend, enjoy Mt. Pleasant Mansion in Fairmount Park. ~ Parks On Tap ~
• Mexican Independence Day Festival ~ September 18 ~     ~ Mexican Independence Day Festival ~
• Parks On Tap ~ September 21 – 25 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! This weekend, enjoy Powers Park in Port Richmond. ~ Parks On Tap ~
• 4th Friday in Headhouse District ~ September 23 ~ 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 ~  
• Brazilian Day Philadelphia ~ September 25 ~      ~ Brazilian Day Philadelphia ~
• Parks On Tap ~ September 30 – October 2 ~ Parks on Tap is a program that brings a traveling beer garden from park to park for 14 weeks. Get out there and explore many of Philadelphia’s beautiful parks while enjoy beer, food and good company! This weekend, enjoy Lemon Hill Mansion on Sedgely Drive. ~ Parks On Tap ~
• First Friday Movie at the Betsy Ross House ~ October 7 ~ From 9 pm to 11 pm, watch Bucket of Blood and The Night of the Living Dead! The cost of the movie includes a tour of the Betsy Ross House prior to the movie starting at 5 pm. ~ First Friday Movie at the Betsy Ross House ~

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 26 – 28

Friday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  High 94°  |  Low 72°

Saturday  |  Sunny  |  High 92°  |  Low 68°

Sunday  |  Sunny  |  High 91°  |  Low 69°

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 By Jeff Belonger For MyPhillyAlive

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