Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Free Movies, Music and Festivals

‘Relaxing with Family & Friends for Father’s Day’

Yes, we are already in the middle of June. But don’t sweat it, because the list of things to do in Philadelphia just get better and better as we head into the summer of 2013.

We have found several free movie nights, many activities for the kids, several attractions at Philadelphia museums, and events at local theaters.

What event or activity this weekend or during the week excites you the most? Please share with us in the comments below.

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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 14 – 20 ~

• 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 ~
• Honoring Flag Day ~ June 14 ~ Check out the many Flag Day events in Philly. Military band performances, cutting of the Army birthday cake, raising of the Flag at the Betsy Ross House and much more.  ~ Flag Day Events in Philadelphia ~
• Art After 5 ~ June 14 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Philadelphia Dance Party with Lyrispect – Join Lyrispect and a lively and diverse lineup of performers for an evening of music and poetry. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Movie Night at Penn Treaty Park ~ June 14 ~ Starting at 7 pm, come enjoy a good movie and relax. ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~ ~ Directions to Penn Treaty Park ~
• Finns & Swedes in America Since 1638 Festival ~ June 15 ~From noon to 6 pm at the Great Plaza at Penns Landing. There will be Finnish and Swedish music, culture, food, and family fun.  Included will be traditional Scandinavian games, gifts, and tours aboard a docked replica of the ship that brought Finnish and Swedish settlers to the Delaware Valley. The evening will end with a traditional Scandinavian bonfire floating on the Delaware River.  ~ Finns & Swedes in America ~
• Serpentine – Photo’s of the World’s Deadliest Snakes ~ June 15 – September 22 ~ A new exhibit of photos of deadliest snakes by Photographer Mark Laita, which is held at  The Academy of Natural Sciences. Mark’s selection of a dozen colorful and alluring photographs from his latest book, Serpentine, depicts what he calls “the sensual attractiveness” of serpents, whose mystery and symbolism have fascinated humanity for thousands of years. Free with museum admission. ~ Serpentine Exhibit ~
• Paddle Penn’s Landing ~ June 15 & 16 ~ From noon – 8 pm,  try your luck on a kayak or swan boat, located at the Penn’s Landing Marina. ~ Paddle Penn’s Landing ~
• Experience the U.S. Open at Independence Mall ~ June 15 & 16 ~ Play with the Pros at the US Open on the Merion Golf Course with interactive golf at Independence Mall. Click the link for more info! ~ Info from Philly Chit Chat ~ Press Release: Walk with the Pros w/ American Express at Merion ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ June 15 & 19 ~ 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 ~
• Color Me Rad 5k ~ June 16 ~ Starting at 8 am, special event takes place at the Please Touch Museum and benefits the Special Olympics of Philadelphia. Watch runners as they get pummeled with Color Bombs, that they get plastered with paint every 5 minutes. Sign up for the Color Bomb Squad! ~ Color Me Rad 5k ~
• Free Yoga on the Race Street Pier ~ June 16 ~ 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 ~
• Portuguese Festival ~ June 16 ~ From 1 pm – 7 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, experience Portuguese customs and culture through traditional music, folklore, and food.  There will be the ceremonial Raising of the Flag, revolutionary arts and crafts, folklore dance groups, & much more. ~ Portuguese Festival ~
• Center City Sips ~ June 19 ~ 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 19 ~ 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 ~
• 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 ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ June 20 ~ FREE!  A movie each week until August 22nd. Come watch Despicable Me 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. ~ Free Movie Nights with Schuylkill Banks ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ June 20 ~ Enjoy Night Market on West Oak Lane, 72nd & Ogontz Avenues, from 6 pm – 10 pm. ~ Night Market Philadelphia ~
• BootCandy at Wilma Theater ~ Now until June 22 ~  A hilarious showwhich begins behind a tall church pulpit, a fire-and-brimstone preacher delivers a shocking sermon to his congregation.  ~ BootCandy at Wilma Theater ~
• Pinocchio ~ Now until June 23 ~ Come watch the old classical show Pinocchio. Watch as the wicked wooden boy trades his schoolbooks for candy and plays hooky at the amusement park at the Arden Theatre. ~ Pinocchio at Arden Theatre ~
• 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 ~
• River Tours on the Summer Wind ~ Now until August 11 ~ Visitors can set sail on The Summer Wind, a 48-foot Chinese Junk-rigged schooner, that docks at the Independence Seaport Museum. ~ The Summer Wind River Tours ~
• 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

• Philadelphia Phillies ~ June 21 – 23 ~ A three game series against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. On 6/22, Giant Phillie Phanatic Sand Sculpture & on 6/23, Cliff Lee t-shirt. Cool Tip! Free face painting before every Sunday home game by Paint Your Face, inside McFadden’s Ball Park from 10:30 am until the game starts. Anyone can stop by for a free Phillie’s P or even have the Phanatic painted on their cheek!
• Fantastic Fridays Summer Concert with Kenn Kweder ~ June 28 ~ Starting at 6 pm, come enjoy live music at Penn Treaty Park and relax.  ~ Events at Penn Treaty Park ~ ~ Directions to Penn Treaty Park ~
• 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 ~
• 4th of July Cheat Sheet ~ July 1-7 ~ Check out the guide to your 4th of July activities that we put together for you. ~ 4th of July in Philadelphia Cheat Sheet ~
• 104.5 Summer Block Party ~ July 13 ~ Summer concerts held at the Piazza at Schmidt’s from 3:45 pm to 7 pm, bringing you popular Philadelphia bands. On June 13th, listen to Cold War Kids, Bad Books & Capital Cities.  The next concert will be August 3rd ~ 104.5 Summer Block Party ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ August 15 ~ Next Night Market is South Street, from 6 pm – 10 pm. ~ Night Market Philadelphia ~

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 14 – 16

 

Friday  |  30% Scattered Thunderstorms  |  High 75°  | Low 58°

Saturday  |  Sunny |  High 81° | Low 59°

Sunday  | 30% Isolated Thunderstorms  |  High 82° |  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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Photo of Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing – By M. Kennedy for GPTMC