Things To Do In Philadelphia – Festivals & Movies in Philly

Things to do in Philadelphia - Events, Festivals, Food, Music in Philly

‘Philly Food Rules’

We strike again. This time, the “Best Sandwich” in America, has been named right here in Philadelphia. Congratulations to DiNic’s Roast Pork for winning this title. ~ DiNic’s Best Sandwich in America ~

What are the first things you think about when you hear the word Philadelphia. Philly cheesesteaks, Philly pretzels, the Liberty Bell, the Phillie Phanatic, the Mummers?

This great city is so rich in history, Philly sports, foods, events, attractions, festivals, and so much more. How can one not get excited about living here or visiting Philadelphia. We get excited about this post every week when sharing you the many things to do in Philadelphia week in and week out.

Did you know : Philly was named #2 in best burgers in the country by Travel + Leisure. In the last 8 months, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, #1 in Culture; and we can feel that the list will be growing in 2012. This city just keeps impressing us, but then why should it. Philadelphia is a city with a lot of pride and is being recognized for much more than its historical events.

Here at MyPhillyAlive, we like to share these events and attractions with you. Here are a few highlighted events or attractions for this weekend in Philly and some upcoming attractions or events to put on your calendar. Please don’t hesitate to stop by here tomorrow for any new updates of what is going on this weekend or during the week.

Things To Do In Philadelphia this Weekend & Week of  ~ August 17 – 23 ~

  • Moonlight Movies In Mt. Airy ~ August 17 ~ Free movie screenings every Friday night, showing movies outside for the whole summer. Tonight’s movie, Ghostbusters, a fun family movie. Seating at 8 pm & movie starts at 8:30 pm. Held at Lovett Library Park on Germantown Ave, which this event is also hosted with the Free Library of Philadelphia. ~ Moonlight Movies in Mt. Airy ~
  • Summer Concert Series at Penn’s Landing ~ August 17 ~ From jazz to gospel to R&B, & much more. Cindy Bradley tonight at 7:30 pm at Great Plazza at Penn’s Landing. Held on Friday nights and sometimes on Saturdays. ~ Music at Penn’s Landing ~
  • Art After 5 ~ August 17 ~ Larry McKenna – Philly tenor sax legend and musicians’ musician Larry McKenna is a veteran saxophonist in all his lyrical glory, interpreting unique versions of classic standards. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall, starting at 5 pm. ~ Art After 5
  • Fantastic Fridays at Penn Treaty Park ~ August 17 ~ Free. Rockfish will be playing. Starting at 6:30 pm, bring a blanket or a lawn chair and some snacks and listen to live bands.  ~ Fantastic Fridays ~
  • Summer Movie Nights at Peddler’s Village ~ August 18 ~ Free. The movie is Goonies, starting at 8:30 pm.  ~ Movie Night at Peddler’s Village ~
  • Concert at XFinityLive ~ August 18 ~ Free. Starting at 8:30 pm, Badfish, a tribute to Sublime, will be playing. ~ Free Concert at XFinityLive ~
  • Movie Night at Race Street Pier ~ August 18 ~ Free. From 8 pm – 10 pm. Richard’s Wedding, a comedy that explores how the most enduring friendships take place. ~ Richard’s Wedding at Race Street Pier ~
  • Movie Night at Race Street Pier ~ August 18 ~ Free. From 10 pm – 11:30 pm. The Dynamiter, recipient of two Film Independent Spirit Award nominations. ~ The Dynamiter at Race Street Pier ~
  • Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ August 18 & 22 ~ Starts at 10 am every Wed & Sat – Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 114-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 ~
  • 26th Philly Caribbean Festival ~ August 19 ~ From noon – 8 pm. Enjoy workshops, arts, crafts, music, and food. ~ Caribbean Festival ~
  • Center City Sips ~ August 22 ~ Every Wednesday until August 29th. Enjoy discounts on beer, wine, cocktails, and food from 88 bars and restaurants in Center City.  ~ Center City Sips ~
  • Penn Summer Nights with Animus ~ August 22 ~ From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Penn Museum in University City presents Animus. This internationally acclaimed ensemble offers an exciting fusion of ancient and modern music with traditional elements of Greek, Rock, Middle Eastern, Blues, Indian, Jazz, African, and more. ~ Penn Summer Nights Event ~
  • Awesome Fest Movie Night in Northern Liberties ~ August 23 ~ Starting at 8 pm. FREE outdoor screening of Beetlejuice at Liberty Lands in Northern Liberties. ~ Movie Night – Beetlejuice ~
  • Shark Week at Adventure Aquarium ~ Now until September 3 ~ Adventure Aquarium in Camden this summer be showcasing the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast as well as the only two “great hammerheads” in the United States. ~ Sharks at Adventure Aquarium ~
  • Light Installations By Bruce Munro ~ Now until September 29 ~ This will allow visitors to explore Longwood Gardens after-hours, while giving you a different perspective with cool displays of lights & more. ~ Light Installations by Bruce Munro ~
  • Free Play on the Parkway ~ Now until September 30; except Mondays ~ Play In between recognizes the need for free play in children’s education. Come check out what it’s all about. ~Free Play on the Parkway ~
  • Barnes Foundation ~ Now Open ~  The new building finally opened May 19th. You get to explore the world’s largest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modern paintings–including tons of works by Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Renoir—inside this new 12,000 square-foot gallery. ~ Barnes Foundation ~
  • Bruce Springsteen ~ Now –until Sept. 3 ~ Springsteen comes to the National Constitution Center. The first exhibit of Bruce Springsteen to ever be seen outside the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You will have the opportunity to view more than 150 artifacts, videos of his first successful audition, and much more. ~ Bruce Springsteen exhibit~
  • Dead Sea Scrolls ~ Now until October 14 ~ The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit arrives at The Franklin Institute. Get a glimpse of ancient Israeli culture with more than 600 artifacts and 20 of the rarest scroll. ~ Dead Sea Scrolls ~
  • Maya 2012 – Lords of Time Exhibit at Penn’s Museum ~ Now until January 13, 2013 ~ Learn more about that superstition and the culture behind the Mayan prophecy. This exhibit will showcase the fascinating and mysterious Mayan people.~ Maya 2012 Exhibit ~
  • Special Information! – Do you know that Philadelphia has its own slide? Yes, the Philly Slide. With Jaye Moore & Tony Luke Jr, to help support Little Kids Rock. Check it out. ~ The Philly Slide~

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.

Are you Visiting Philadelphia and need a good tour company to show you around the City of Philadelphia, the historical sites, and much more. Try the Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours CompanyPhilly Sightseeing Company ~

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

  • Summer Concert Series at Penn’s Landing ~ August 24, 31 ~ From jazz to gospel to R&B, & much more. Held on Friday nights and sometimes on Saturdays. (more to follow)
  • Philadelphia Eagles Flight Night ~ August 26 ~  The 3rd annual Eagles Flight Night is to help raise funds in support of the year-round programs of the Eagles Youth Partnership. There will be entertainment for football fans of all ages such as the Eagles Cheerleaders,  an appearance by Swoop, a full Eagles practice,  random prize giveaways, interactive games, and much more. ~ Eagles Flight Night ~
  • Labor Day Weekend in Philly ~ September 1 & 2 ~ The “Budweiser Made in America” concert will have Jay-Z to Headline the Musical Festival.  The two day festival will feature 30 acts on three stages. (more info to come)
  • 4th Annual Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest ~ September 29 ~ Come hang as a VIP for 3 hours with access to great food and beers from noon to 3 pm. Event is from noon until 8 pm for the general public. Brauhaus Schmitz Event ~

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 Weekend Weather for the weekend of August 17 – 19

 

Friday  |  30% Isolated Thunderstorms |  High 91  | Low 68

Saturday  |  40% Scattered Thunderstorms |  High 78 | Low 61

Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 80 |  Low 64

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 ~

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