Weekend Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ XPN Music Film Festival, Philadelphia Cherry Blossom Festival, First Sunday At The Barnes and More!

Cherry Blossoms overlooking Boathouse Row

Cherry Blossoms over-looking Boathouse Row

‘Cherry Blossoms In Philly!’

Experience the beauty of Cherry Blossoms throughout Philadelphia! The weekend kicks off with The King and I Musical, XPN Music Film Festival, Philly Pops & Jazz, American Spirits: The Rise & Fall of Prohibition, the continuation of the Israel Film Festival and the continuation of Jurassic World: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute.

During the weekend enjoy the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens, XPN Music Film Festival, Elfreth’s Alley Museum’s Season Opening, Philly Pops & Jazz, The King and I Musical, American Spirits: The Rise & Fall of ProhibitionFREE tours of Yards Brewing Cofarmers’ markets and much more. The weekend ends with First Sunday at the Barnes Foundation, the last day of The King and I musical, Pay-What-You-Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, FREE Admission to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Art and much more.

During the week enjoy the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, American Spirits: The Rise & Fall of Prohibition, the end of the XPN Music Film Festival, Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and much more.

In upcoming weeks get ready for First Friday, the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, Manayunk Restaurant Week, Dining Out For Life Philadelphia Food Truck Pop-Up, Philadelphia Science Festival, NFL Draft Experience, 4th Friday in South Street Headhouse District, Manayunk Craft Beer Festival, Flavors On The Avenue, South Street Spring Festival, Greater Northeast Philadelphia Beer Festival, Chinese Lantern Festival, Night Market Burholme 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 ~ March 31 – April 6 ~

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 ~
  • XPN Music Film Festival March 31 – April 2 ~ This three-day event, brought to you by WXPN, World Cafe and the Philadelphia Film Society, will include six music-centric films, to include Talking Heads documentary Stop Making Sense, 90’s classic Singles, 50 years of Stg. Pepper’s, the Last Waltz and much more. ~ XPN Music Film Festival ~
  • The King and I Musical ~ March 31 – April 2 ~ Held at the Academy of Music, enjoy a musical that tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens! Listen to popular songs from the Broadway production including Getting To Know You and Something Wonderful. ~ The King and I Musical ~
  • Philly Pops & Jazz ~ March 31 – April 2 ~ Philly Pops kicks off Jazz Appreciation Month at the Kimmel Center by performing music created by some of the jazz scene’s biggest names such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald with songs such as Sweet Georgia Brown, A Tisket A Tasket, What a Wonderful World and more! ~ Philly pops & Jazz ~
  • Jurassic World: The Exhibition ~ March 31 – April 23 ~ Held at The Franklin Institute, this huge exhibition, thanks to the blockbuster movie franchise, allows visitors to come face-to-face with large life-like dinosaurs with thousands of square feet of dinosaur-inhabited galleries and incredibly life-like animatronic creatures! ~ Jurassic World: The Exhibition ~
  • Israel Film Festival ~ March 31 – April 2 ~ Philadelphia’s annual showcase of the best in Israeli film will showcase a lineup of documentaries, dramas and more which will be held at several locations across the city. ~ Israel Film Festival ~
  • American Spirits: The Rise & Fall of Prohibition ~ March 31 – July 16 ~ Held at the National Constitution Center from 9:30 am to 5 pm, this exhibit includes 100 + rare artifacts from the temperance movement, original ratification copies of the 18th and 21st amendments and much more.  ~ American Spirits: The Rise & Fall of Prohibition ~
  • March Madness ~ April 1 & 3 ~ Enjoy your favorite college basketball team at the many sports bars in Philadelphia! ~ March Madness ~
  • Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~ April 1 – 9 ~ The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia brings culinary events and classes, martial arts demonstrations, live music, workshops, film screenings, dance performances and more; all of which promote Japanese culture. 楽しむ (enjoy) and 幸せな桜 (happy Cherry Blossoms) ~ Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~
  • Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens ~ April 1 – May 26 ~  Held at Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, be mesmerized by  a beautiful horticultural display garden of dogwoods, magnolias, wisterias, azaleas, foam-flowers, and more than 240,000 tulips! ~ Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ March 31 – April 6 ~

  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of March ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for March 2017 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Art After 5 ~ March 31 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Final Fridays: Rebel Rebel – A night to celebrate art world renegades. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. Art After 5 ~
  • XPN Music Film Festival ~ March 31 – April 2 ~ This three-day event, brought to you by WXPN, World Cafe and the Philadelphia Film Society, will include six music-centric films, to include Talking Heads documentary Stop Making Sense, 90’s classic Singles, 50 years of Stg. Pepper’s, the Last Waltz and much more. ~ XPN Music Film Festival ~
  • The King and I Musical ~ March 31 – April 2 ~ Held at the Academy of Music, enjoy a musical that tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens! Listen to popular songs from the Broadway production including Getting To Know You and Something Wonderful. ~ The King and I Musical ~
  • Philly Pops & Jazz ~ March 31 – April 2 ~ Philly Pops kicks off Jazz Appreciation Month at the Kimmel Center by performing music created by some of the jazz scene’s biggest names such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald with songs such as Sweet Georgia Brown, A Tisket A Tasket, What a Wonderful World and more! ~ Philly pops & Jazz ~
  • American Spirits: The Rise & Fall of Prohibition ~ March 31 – July 16 ~ Held at the National Constitution Center from 9:30 am to 5 pm, this exhibit includes 100 + rare artifacts from the temperance movement, original ratification copies of the 18th and 21st amendments and much more.  ~ American Spirits: The Rise & Fall of Prohibition ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of April ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for April 2017 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ April 1 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 ~ April 1 ~ 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 ~ April 1 ~ 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 ~
  • TedxPenn 2017 Conference ~ April 1 ~ At 1 pm held at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, speakers will talk about their own interpretation of the theme, Rise and Run, regarding that every revolutionary idea was born from a simple thought, and a drive to rise to the challenge. ~ TedxPenn 2017 Conference ~
  • Grand Opening of Morris Arboretum in Motion ~ April 1 ~ From 1 pm to 3 pm at the Morris Arboretum, meet and observe metal artist Lyman Whitaker as he demonstrates how he creates and assembles his dynamic and beautiful sculptures!  ~ Grand Opening of Morris Arboretum in Motion ~
  • Elfreth’s Alley Museum’s Season Opening ~ April 1 ~ From 1 pm to 5 pm at Elfreth’s Alley, enjoy a festive tribute in honor of the founder of the Elfreth’s Alley Association, Dorothy “Dolly” Ottey, who was the first Alley resident to recognize the importance of the early American houses that make up Elfreth’s Alley, and formed the Elfreth’s Alley Association in 1934! The Alley will be offering tours from 12-5 pm on the half hour. ~ Elfreth’s Alley Museum’s Season Opening ~
  • Yards Brewing Co Tours ~ April 1 & 2 FREE – Saturdays & Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm at Yards Brewery, enjoy a wonderful tour of the brewery! All tour-goers must be 21+ unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Bus tours, private tours and guided tastings are offered by appointment only. Please contact events@yardsbrewing.com for booking information. ~ Yards Brewing Co Tours ~
  • March Madness ~ April 1 & 3 ~ Enjoy the Final Four games at the many sports bars in Philadelphia! ~ March Madness ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ April 1 & 5 ~ 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 ~
  • Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~ April 1 – 9 ~ The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia brings culinary events and classes, martial arts demonstrations, live music, workshops, film screenings, dance performances and more; all of which promote Japanese culture. 楽しむ (enjoy) and 幸せな桜 (happy Cherry Blossoms) ~ Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~
  • FREE Admission to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts aka PAFA ~ April 2 ~ PAFA is FREE every Sunday during the World War I and American Art exhibits! This allows you to explore all other exhibits as well! ~ PAFA FREE Sundays ~
  • First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ April 2 ~ 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 ~
  • The King and I Musical ~ April 2 ~ Held at the Academy of Music, enjoy a musical that tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens! Listen to popular songs from the Broadway production including Getting To Know You and Something Wonderful. ~ The King and I Musical ~
  • XPN Music Film Festival April 2 ~ This three-day event, brought to you by WXPN, World Cafe and the Philadelphia Film Society, will include six music-centric films, to include Talking Heads documentary Stop Making Sense, 90’s classic Singles, 50 years of Stg. Pepper’s, the Last Waltz and much more. ~ XPN Music Film Festival ~
  • Pay-What-You-Wish ~ April 2 ~ 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 ~
  • March Madness ~ April 3 ~ Enjoy the National Championship game at the many sports bars in Philadelphia! ~ March Madness ~
  • Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~ April 4 – 9 ~ The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia brings culinary events and classes, martial arts demonstrations, live music, workshops, film screenings, dance performances and more; all of which promote Japanese culture. 楽しむ (enjoy) and 幸せな桜 (happy Cherry Blossoms) ~ Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival ~
  • Pay-What-You-Wish ~ April 5 ~ 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 ~ 
  • Dilworth Park ~ Now Open ~ Enjoy seating areas for relaxation, food & live music. ~ Dilworth Park ~
  • Franklin Square ~ Now Open for the 2017 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 ~
  • 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~
  • Museum of  the American Revolution ~ Opens April 2017 ~ The Museum of the American Revolution tells the full story of the American Revolution and explores its ongoing legacy, showcasing a vast collection. There are over 3,000 artifacts that have been collected to include General George Washington’s marquee and much more. Anchoring the eastern end of Independence National Historical Park, The Museum is going to be an exciting and important project. ~ Museum of the American Revolution ~
  • 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 ~ April 7 & beyond

  • Art After 5 ~ April 7 Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. ~ Kris Allen – NYC–based saxophonist and composer praised for his savvy and creative compositions. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. Art After 5 ~ 
  • First Friday’s in Old CityApril 7 ~ Starts at 5 pm. Your chance to visit Art Galleries throughout Old City after normal hours. You will be able to talk to the art directors and possibly some of Philadelphia’s local artists. This also takes place as First Saturdays with select Art Galleries extending out to Fishtown. ~ First Fridays ~ 
  • First Friday’s in Manayunk ~ April 7 ~ Starts at 5 pm. Come enjoy art in Manayunk. Before or afterwards, enjoy a meal at the many restaurants, or stop in one of Manayunk’s wonderful specialty shops. ~ First Friday’s in Manayunk ~
  • Liberty Lands Market ~ April 8 ~ From 9 am until 3 pm at 926 N. American St in Northern Liberties. One can find everything from fresh organic produce to hand crafted wears and lotions. Hand made soaps, Ice Creams, sauces, organic teas and coffees and more. Part of the market, you will find animal rescues with adoptables & pet products. Liberty Lands Market ~
  • FREE Admission to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts aka PAFA ~ April 9 ~ PAFA is FREE every Sunday during the World War I and American Art exhibits! This allows you to explore all other exhibits as well! ~ PAFA FREE Sundays ~
  • Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~ April 9 ~ Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival is a foodies dream come true. Check out the many Manayunk restaurants, some Philadelphia’s top food trucks, art vendors, live music, restaurant tours and plenty of shopping along Main Street Manayunk. Just make sure to bring your appetite. Enjoy! ~ Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival ~
  • Manayunk Restaurant Week ~ April 10 – 21 ~ Manayunk Restaurant Week offers various types of food selections such as Seafood, Steak, American, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Indian, and more. Many local restaurants will be participating, allowing you to indulge in special three course meals offered at $15, $25, and $35 price ranges. (Does not include tax, gratuity or alcohol). Check it out! ~ Manayunk Restaurant Week ~
  • Dining Out For Life Philadelphia Food Truck Pop-Up ~ April 20 ~    ~ Dining Out For Life Philadelphia Food Truck Pop-Up ~
  • Philadelphia Science Festival ~ April 21 – 29 ~ Coming Soon   ~ Philadelphia Science Festival ~
  • NFL Draft ExperienceApril 27 – 29 ~ The NFL Draft Experience will be nothing like it before! There will be 25 football fields worth of action to include interactive exhibits like the Combine Corner and NFL Virtual Reality, awesome memorabilia in an NFL Museum and much more! ~ NFL Draft Experience ~
  • 4th Friday in Headhouse District April 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 ~
  • Manayunk Craft Beer Festival ~ April 29 ~  Coming Soon   ~ Manayunk Craft Beer Festival ~
  • Flavors On The Avenue ~ April 30 ~ Flavors on the Avenue in East Passyunk Neighborhood is an exceptional event where guests can enjoy tasty food with specialty drinks from many East Passyunk restaurants. This spring time event that is held outdoors sells out quickly, so don’t hold back. ~ Flavors On The Avenue ~
  • Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~  Month of May ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for May 2017 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
  • First Friday’s in Old CityMay 5 ~ 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 ~ May 5 ~ 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 ~
  • South Street Spring Festival ~ May ~ Coming Soon ~ South Street Spring Festival ~
  • Greater Northeast Philadelphia Beer Festival ~ May 6 ~ Coming Soon ~ Greater Northeast Philadelphia Beer Festival ~
  • First Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ May 7 ~ 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 ~ May 7 ~ 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 ~
  • Chinese Lantern Festival ~ May 9 – June 11 ~ Take pleasure in the Chinese Lantern Festival at  Franklin Square ! The square will come alive and glow with 29 larger-than-life illuminated displays such as a huge 200-foot Chinese dragon, pandas, sea creatures, mythological creatures and more. Enjoy special food, shopping, live performances as well. ~ Chinese Lantern Festival ~
  • Night Market Burholme ~ May 11 ~ Coming Soon ~    ~ Night Market Burholme ~

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 March 31 – April 2

Friday  |  100% Rain  |  High 51°  |  Low 44° Saturday  |  Cloudy  |  51°  |  Low 37° Sunday  |  Mostly Sunny  |  62°  |  Low 41°

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: By Jeff Belonger for MyPhillyAlive

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