Things To Do In Philadelphia – First Friday Events & Philly Festivals

‘Exploring the Beautiful Art throughout Philadelphia’

Ignore the rain and just enjoy the many wonderful ways to explore Philadelphia’s Art Scene.

We start off the week with First Friday’s, which has grown over the years in popularity. Not only can you check out the art scene in areas such as Old City and Manayunk, but it’s been expanding into areas such as Penns Landing, local restaurants and bars, and so many other locations.

One of MyPhillyAlive’s favorite artists is our very own Britt Miller, whose art work is in the photo above. Britt’s art work can be seen at Drink Philly’s headquarters on 239 Chestnut St on the 2nd floor.

There is a lot more than just art in Philly this weekend. Check out several of the festivals or events taking place in the City of Brotherly Love. What event or activity this weekend or during the week excites you the most? Please share with us in the comments below.

Did you know : Philadelphia was named 1 of the top 10 US travel destinations for 2013. Also named for having the best sandwich in America, #2 in best burgers in the country by Travel + Leisure and in the last 8 months, the city has been recognized for top 10 parks in the world, best cheesesteaks, and #1 in Culture. We can feel that the list will be growing in 2013.

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  ~ June 6 – 13 ~

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of June ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for June 2013 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• First Friday Park After Dark ~ June 7 ~ From 7-9 pm on the Race Street Pier, visitors can enjoy regional artists’ performances presented by FringeArts, just across from their future home on the waterfront, and then stroll up Race Street to explore the galleries in Old City. This week, enjoy comedy improv acts by N Crowd and Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) House Team “The Future” and music by the West Philly Orchestra.
• First Friday’s in Old City~ June 7 ~ 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 7 ~ 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 ~
• Art After 5 ~ June 7 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Bearded Ladies Cabaret : Marlene and the Machine – The Bearded Ladies Cabaret fuses cabaret and theater to tackle the politics of gender, identity, and artistic invention with sparkle and wit. Their presentation Marlene and the Machine combines the music of Marlene Dietrich and Lotte Lenya with the visual language of German Expressionism. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Fantastic Fridays Summer Concert Kickoff with Sensational Soul Cruisers ~ June 7 ~ Postponed until further notice
• Fete Day at Elfreth’s Alley ~ June 8 ~ From Noon to 5 pm, come hang out on our nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street for Fete Day. Meet Benjamin Franklin, enjoy authentic colonial cookery, artists, live music, story-tellers, and refreshments. Kids will enjoy colonial games, a mock archaeological dig, and a scavenger hunt.  ~ Fete Day at Elfreth’s Alley ~
• 104.5 Summer Block Party ~ June 8 ~ Summer concerts held at the Piazza at Schmidt’s from 3:45 pm to 7 pm, bringing you popular Philadelphia bands. On June 8th, listen to Metric, Royal Teeth and Goodnight Lights.  The next concert will be July 13th ~ 104.5 Summer Block Party ~
• Liberty Lands Flea Market & Music Festival ~ June 8 ~ Two events taking place at Liberty Lands Park in Northern Liberties around 913 N. 3rd Street. The flea market will start at 9 am and the music fest will go from 4 pm to 11 pm. The music fest will feature the famous $20 bottomless beer cup and a great lineup of area bands.~ Northern Liberties Music Fest & Flea Market ~
• Islamic Heritage Festival ~ June 8 ~ FREE! From 2 – 8 pm on the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. This PECO Multicultural Series festival, which kicks off with the Unity in Diversity Parade, will wind its way through the city, ending at Penn’s Landing. From there, the Islamic Cultural Preservation & Information Council has organized a celebration of Islamic culture, which will feature family friendly games, face painting, boat rides, a health and wellness fair, free giveaways, live entertainment, speakers and a global open market bazaar.
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ June 8 & 12 ~ 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 ~
• Strides for Strokes 5k Run ~ June 9 ~ This walk/run event helps raise money for stroke awareness & to help stroke survivors. ~ Strides for Strokes Info ~   ~ Sign Up for Strides for Strokes ~
• 25th Annual LGBT Pride Festival ~ June 9 ~ From 12 – 6 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. $10 general admission – The LGBT Pride Festival at Penn’s Landing marks the ending point for the LGBT Pride Parade, and the beginning of six hours of entertainment. Philly Pride presents festival with over 140 community groups and vendors, free health screenings, a dance area, a family zone, food, adult beverages, a dunk tank, fun and games. Headliner will be Omarosa Manigault, best known for her appearance as the bad girl favorite on Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice.”
• Free Yoga on the Race Street Pier ~ June 9 ~ Taking place every Sunday morning in June starting at 9:30 am at Race Street Pier. Yoga enthusiasts of all levels can enjoy a yoga class by Dhyana Yoga, an established yoga studio in Philadelphia. ~ Free Yoga on the Race Street Pier ~
• Philly Beer Week ~ Now until June 9 ~ The Main event is the Opening Ceremony that starts at 7 pm on May 31st at the Independence Visitors Center. There will be all kinds of events for 10 days, surrounding beer & the history of beer, with taste testing events. ~ Philly Beer Week ~MyPhillyAlive’s Cheat Sheet to Philly Beer Week ~
• Center City Sips ~ June 12 ~ A great opportunity to sample cocktails and appetizers at new restaurants and visit local favorites with friends and co-workers for happy hour every Wednesday during the summer.  ~ Center City Sips ~
• Pay As You Wish ~ June 12 ~ 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 ~
• Pairings on the Parkway ~ June 13 ~ From 5 pm – 8 pm every Thursday, until September 26, come enjoy the fun at Sister Cities Park.  Bring your own bottle of wine and Milk & Honey Café will have cheeses and other goodies for sale that will pair perfectly with your selection. Grab a seat and enjoy the light entertainment from 5:30-7:30 pm. ~ Pairings on the Parkway at Sister Cities Park ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ June 13 ~ FREE!  A movie each week until August 22nd. Come watch 10 Things I Hate About You. 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 ~
• Hidden City Festival ~ Now – June 30 ~ The festival showcases Philadelphia landmarks which are often over-looked. It welcomes local & national artists who are to create visual and performing arts installations at each site. ~ Hidden City Festival ~
• Tugboats at the Independence Seaport Museum ~ Now until August 4, 2013 ~ Dave Boone, an award-winning artist, brings his collection of tugboats to the museum. He showcases his journey as a kid growing up around boats and his love for tugboats.  ~ Tugboats at Independence Seaport Museum ~
• Join the Continental Army! ~Now until September 2 ~  The Continental Army is recruiting a few good kids for drills in the art of marching and musket etiquette. Taking place at Independence Hall, Musters will occur at 2 pm & 3 pm. From June 18 through August 10, the musters will occur twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Starting August 16 through August 31, musters will occur on Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Musters will occur at the same times on Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2 (Labor Day).  ~ More info ~
• End of Day Declaration Readings ~ Now until September 2 ~ Between 3:30 pm and 4 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. From June 18 through August 10, history makers operate Tuesday through Saturday. From August 16 through August 31 and will operate for Labor Day Weekend, September 1 and September 2. ~ More info ~
• Raise the Flag with Betsy Ross ~ Now until September 2 ~ Start your Memorial Day Weekend with Betsy & raise the flag at the Betsy Ross House, daily, starting at 10 am. Complete with interactive pomp and circumstance. The Betsy Ross House is located at 3rd & Arch Streets. ~ More info ~
• 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 ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2013 Season ~ Enjoy miniature golf, take a spin on the Philadelphia Park Liberty Carousel, enjoy food at Square Burger and special weekend events for the kids. ~ Franklin Square ~
• 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~

Come Back later this afternoon or evening for more things added to the Philly to do list!

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 Company~ Philly Sightseeing Company ~ If you feel like walking instead, check out Free and Friendly Tours. Click Here for more info.

Upcoming Events & Attractions in Philadelphia

• Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~ June 19 ~ Every Wednesday night, from now until September 11, come experience eclectic live music in a laid-back fun atmosphere, listening to musicians from all around the world. Just $5! ~ Summer Nights at Penn Museum ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ June 20 ~ Next Night Market is West Oak Lane, 72nd & Ogontz Avenues, from 6 pm – 10 pm. ~ Night Market Philadelphia ~
• 40th Street Summer Series ~ June 29 ~ Starting at 6 pm, come listen to the Philadelphia Ukulele Orchestra. A twelve piece ensemble comprised of bohemians, libertines and ukulele enthusiasts. Next up, July 27, August 31 & September 28. ~ 40th Street Summer Series in University City ~
• 4th of July in Philadelphia & Events ~ July 1 – 7 ~ It’s much more than just awesome fireworks in the City of Brotherly Love. The largest free concert in America and many events & activities for one whole week. ~ Week Long 4th of July Events ~

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 June 7 – 9

 

Friday  |  100% Heavy Rain  |  High 70°  | Low 62°

Saturday  |  Partly Cloudy |  High 79° | Low 61°

Sunday  |  Partly Cloudy  |  High 84° |  Low 67°

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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Picture of Philadelphia skyline – Art by Britt Miller – Britt Miller Art – More About Britt Miller