Things To Do In Philadelphia ~ Smooth Jazz, Beer Gardens and More!

‘Get To Know Philadelphia’

For some, the summer is ending quickly. Get out there and enjoy the many kid friendly free activities. The City of Brotherly Love has so many hidden gems. No matter if you live in Philadelphia or visiting, have you checked out the historical sites that aren’t main stream, or the many wonderful museums? Don’t forget to check out the beer gardens at the PHS Pop-Up Garden, Spruce Street Harbor Park or the Independence Beer Garden. Don’t forget the Farmers’ Markets and much more.

In upcoming weeks, get ready for free music, Night Market in Chinatown 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.

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 22 – 28 ~

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

• Our Guide to All Museums in Philadelphia ~ Visit many wonderful museums in Philly. ~ Philadelphia Museums ~

Events & Activities Happening Everyday From August 8 to End of Summer or October

• PHS Pop Up Garden ~ August 23 – October 2014 ~ The PHS : Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is back with its Pop Up Garden. In its 4th year, the garden is located on South Street next to the Jamaican Jerk Hut. Lots of beer, cocktails, food, live music & much more.  ~ PHS Pop Up Garden ~
• Philadelphia Historical Activities for Kids & Adults ~ August 23 to October 2014 ~ 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 ~
• Raise the Flag with Betsy Ross ~ August 23 until September 1 ~ 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.
• Colonial for a Day ~ August 22 – August 29:  Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm – Kids can now rent Colonial-themed costumes and immerse themselves in their Historic Philadelphia adventure with the *Brand New* Colonial for a Day costume program! Costumes are available exclusively at the Historic Philadelphia Center at 6th & Chestnut Streets. ~ Colonial for a Day ~
• Spruce Street Harbor Park ~ August 22 – August 31 ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park is an outdoor paradise that allows visitors to enjoy an oasis surrounded by colorful chairs, tables, food and drinks. The park will also have hammocks, a boardwalk with games and food and much more. ~ Spruce Street Harbor Park ~
• Special $10 Admission at Penn Museum ~ August 22 to August 31 ~ Penn Museum is offering a special $10 admission for all ages. ~ Special $10 Admission at Penn Museum ~
• Join the Continental Army! ~ August 22 until September 1 ~  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. Musters will occur at 2 pm & 3 pm. From June 20 to August 16, the musters will occur on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 2 & 3 pm. August 22 through August 30, the musters will occur twice daily, Tuesday through Saturday at 2 pm. and 3 pm.  August 31 – September 1: Labor Day Weekend, 2 & 3 pm (Labor Day). ~ Join the Continental Army ~
• End of Day Declaration Readings ~ August 22 until September 1 ~ 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. 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. ~ End of Day Declaration Readings ~
• Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~ August 22 to August 31 ~ From 9 am to 10 am, every day except Wednesdays, head to Race Street Pier for free yoga with instructors from Dhyana Yoga. Just bring a yoga mat and be ready to stretch out. ~ Free Yoga at Race Street Pier ~
• Independence Beer Garden ~ August 22 to February 2015 ~ Enjoy a relaxing area and taste good beers and food right across the street from the Liberty Bell and so many other historical sites. Drink like our Forefathers did in the past. ~ Independence Beer Garden ~  
• “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 ~ 
• Morgans Pier ReOpens for 2014 ~ Now Open ~ Come relax outside with great food & drinks. Enjoy food by Executive Chef in residence, David Gilberg – the critically-acclaimed owner and chef of the much-missed three bell-reviewed KoozeDoo, and James Beard Award nominee—as well as the reintroduction of Sunday Brunch, and the world-class entertainment!  ~ Morgans Pier ReOpens for 2014 ~
• Boat Pond at Sister Cities Park  ~ Now Open ~ From 10 am to 5 pm, BYO boat or purchase them at the Sister Cities Park! Small boats are $5 and large boats are $7 (two large boats are $12).~ Boat Pond at Sister Cities Park Officially Opens ~
• 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 ~
• Franklin Square ~ Now Open for 2014 ~ Franklin Square has many things to do for the kids and with upcoming events! ~ Franklin Square ~
• Ride The Ducks ~ Now Open for the 2014 Season ~ The 70 minute amphibious (land and water) sightseeing tour takes you through the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District and then on a relaxing cruise along the Penn’s Landing waterfront. Monday – Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm. Reservations, made 24 hrs in advance, must be made with Ride Ducks by calling 877-887-8225, or by visiting the Ride the Ducks kiosk inside the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets. ~ Ride The Ducks ~
• 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 ~

Date Specific Events & Activities ~ August 22 – 28

• Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours ~ Month of August ~ Come check out the many Mural Arts tours throughout Philadelphia. ~ Philadelphia Mural Arts Tours for August 2014 ~ or 215-925-3633. ~ About Philadelphia Mural Arts ~
• Art After 5 ~ August 22 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Francois Zayas – Born in Cuba composer and drummer Francois Zayas brings to his original compositions images from all the musical worlds that he has explored, creating an artwork that manifests itself as singular and innovative. Everything that inspires him unite in harmony in this material that represents the current status of jazz as a global form of expression.  Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~ August 22 ~ From 5 pm – 9 pm, come enjoy art, music, food & shopping along Historic Fabric Row in South Street Headhouse District. ~ Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~
• Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~ August 22 ~  FREE – Listen to Chris Standring starting at 7:30 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing for a full night of music on the beautiful waterfront. ~ Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 22 ~ At 8:00 pm, enjoy magic with Dan Hauss! Dan brings us the new, unusual, and wildly amazing impossibilities that he’s been working on for the past few years. If ticket sales have ended, call South Street Magic at 215-450-7193. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Philadelphia Phillies ~ August 22 – 24 ~ Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park. 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! ~ Phillies Tickets ~
• Phila Flea Markets ~ August 23 ~ FREE admission – From 8 am to 5 pm, 50+ vendors will be indoors at the Kimmel Center at Broad & Spruce Streets. They’ll be selling everything from antique furniture, jewelry, clothing, and more! ~ Phila Flea Markets ~
• Filter Square Farmers’ Market ~ August 23 ~ 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 ~
• Clark Park Farmers’ Market ~ August 23 ~ 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 ~ 
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ August 23 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at The Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Arts Star Pop Up Market ~ August 23 ~ From 11 am to 3 pm at  Spruce Street Harbor Parkpp, guests can expect a variety of handmade goods that will be affordable with most items priced under $50. ~ Arts Star Pop Up Market ~
• Sounds of Inspiration ~ August 23 ~ From 3 pm to 8 pm held at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, enjoy contemporary gospel, traditional hymns, and songs of praise. ~ Sounds of Inspiration ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 23 ~ At 7:30 pm, enjoy Saturday Night Wonders of Magic as South Street Magic will feature different local and visiting magicians as they provide a fun and amazing show of magic, mind reading and variety skills. ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• Free Yoga at Schuylkill Banks ~ August 23 & 24 ~ Starting at 11 am, near 25th and Locust streets along the Schuylkill Banks, enjoy free yoga with instructors from Dhyana Yoga. Just bring a yoga mat and be ready to stretch out. ~ Free Yoga at Schuylkill Banks ~
• Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours ~ August 23 & 27 ~ 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 ~
• Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~ August 24 ~ From 10 am to 2 pm, The Food Trust holds the city’s largest outdoor market at 2nd and Lombard streets. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Headhouse Farmers’ Market ~
• Philadelphia Phillies ~ August 24 ~ Phillies play the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park at 1:35 pm. 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! ~ Phillies Tickets ~
• Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~ August 24 ~ At 1:30 pm, enjoy Family Fun Magic Show. Music, dancing, laughing and amazement. Tons of audience participation… you’re gonna love it. The show stars the one and only Mr. Messado!! ~ Magic Shows at South Street Magic ~
• FREE Admission to Benjamin Franklin Museum ~ August 25 ~ FREE – from 9 am to 7 pm, enjoy free admission to the Benjamin Franklin Museum thanks to the National Park’s Services 98th birthday! ~ FREE Admission to Benjamin Franklin Museum ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ August 26  ~  FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Parade for the Taney Dragons ~ August 27 ~ Starting at 2 pm, the parade will begin at 20th and Market Streets and travel east on Market Street, go around the southwest corner of City Hall and travel south on Broad Street down to FDR Park at Broad and Pattison Streets. There will be 2 stops: At the Kimmel Center, where the little leaguers will be serenaded by the Philly POPS and the second stop is at Broad Street and Washington. ~ Parade for the Taney Dragons ~
• Center City Sips ~ August 27 ~ Last one of the year! Enjoy discounted happy hours every Wednesday at participating bars and restaurants in Center City all summer long.  ~ Center City Sips ~
• Penn Museum’s Summer Nights Concert Series ~ August 27 ~ Every Wednesday night from 5 pm to 8 pm during the summer, Penn Museum offers Summer Nights Concerts until September 3. Live cultural music with food and refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. ~ Penn Museum’s Summer Nights Concert Series ~  
• Pay As You Wish ~ August 27 ~ 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 ~
• Stroller Strides ~ August 28 ~ From 9:30 am – 10:30 am at Sister Cities Park, this stroller-based fitness program is designed for moms with little ones. Each 60-minute total body workout incorporates power walking/running, strength, toning, songs and activities. ~ Stroller Strides at Sister Cities Park ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ August 28 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to Music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~ August 28 ~ From 3 pm to 7 pm, The Food Trust holds an outdoor market at 22nd and Fairmount Avenue. Enjoy fresh vegetables & food from favorite local farmers and producers. ~ Fairmount Farmers’ Market ~
• Pairings on the Parkway ~ August 28 ~ From 5 pm – 8 pm every Thursday, until August 28 (excluding July 3), come enjoy the fun at Sister Cities Park.  Bring your own bottle of wine as Logan Square Café will feature a special summer grilling menu. Grab a seat and enjoy the light entertainment from 5:30-7:30 pm. ~ Pairings on the Parkway at Sister Cities Park ~  
• Clysedales Kick Off Made in America Festival ~ August 28 ~ Starting at 5 pm, King of Beers presents team of Clydesdales as they arrive at Eastern State Penitentiary and get groomed and hitched for parading Fairmount Avenue.   ` Clydesdales Kick off Made in America Festival ~
• Franklin Square‘s Food Truck Festivus ~ August 28 ~ From 6 pm to 9 pm at Franklin Square, come enjoy fabulous food trucks & a beer garden. ~ Food Truck Festivus Event ~
• Movie Nights by Schuylkill Banks ~ August 28 ~ FREE!  A movie every Thursday night until August 21st. Come watch Despicable Me 2 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 ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ August 28 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Fralinger String Band. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm; soft pretzels, hot dogs and soda. FYI – BYO lawn chairs! ~ Mummers in Philadelphia Summer Series ~
• Screenings Under the Stars at Penn’s Landing ~ August 28 ~ FREE!  Enjoy ‘The Lego Movie‘ tonight at Penn’s Landing, starting around 8:30 pm. Bring your lawn chairs. ~ Screenings Under the Stars at Penn’s Landing ~
• Pay Just $5 at Independence Seaport Museum ~ August 28 – August 30 ~ At the Independence Seaport Museum, pay just $5 after every Thursday – Saturday until August 30 from 5 pm to 7 pm for a ships-only or Museum-only ticket (regular price if visiting both Museum and Historic Ships). ~ Pay $5 at Independence Seaport 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~
• 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 ~ August 15 & beyond

• Art After 5 ~ August 29 ~ Free with admission, from 5 pm to 8:45 pm. Peter Gaudiso – Peter Gaudioso, Vocalist and Percussionist, has transformed his career from drummer to frontman after being diagnosed with tendonitis. He maintains a rhythmic approach to singing and often uses “beat box” technique to vocalize his drum parts. Peter has studied with internationally recognized Musician Bobby McFerrin and performs regularly throughout Philadelphia. Held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Great Stair Hall. ~ Art After 5 ~
• Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~ August 29 ~  FREE – Listen to Valerie Simpson starting at 7:30 pm at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing for a full night of music on the beautiful waterfront. ~ Smooth Jazz Summer Nights ~
• PHAIR Open Air Market ~ August 30 ~  From 10 am to 5 pm at The Shambles in the South Street Headhouse District, come enjoy shopping. Find locally-made items such as jewelry, pottery, photography prints, clothing, home decor and much more. There will food as well & some Philly food trucks. ~ PHAIR Open Air Market at the Shambles in Headhouse District ~
• Arts Star Pop Up Market ~ August 30 ~ From 11 am to 3 pm at  Spruce Street Harbor Parkpp, guests can expect a variety of handmade goods that will be affordable with most items priced under $50. ~ Arts Star Pop Up Market ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 2 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• Penn Museum’s Summer Nights Concert Series ~ September 3 ~ Every Wednesday night from 5 pm to 8 pm during the summer, Penn Museum offers Summer Nights Concerts until September 3. Live cultural music with food and refreshments. $10 gets you into the weekly concert and to explore the museum itself. ~ Penn Museum’s Summer Nights Concert Series ~
• Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~ September 4 ~ FREE – From 12 pm to 1:30 pm, come listen to music at John F. Collins Park at 1707 Chestnut Street. ~ Music in the Park at John F. Collins Park ~
• String Band Music Under the Stars ~ September 4 ~ FREE concert starts at 8 pm. – Every Thursday through September, join the Mummers for an outdoor string band performance at the Mummers Museum! Tonight, Greater Overbrook 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 5 ~ 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 5 ~ 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 Sundays at Barnes Foundation ~ September 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 ~
• Ride Broad Street Line to Eagles Game for FREE ~ September 7 ~ From 10 am to 6 pm, thanks to Miller Lite, you can ride the Broad Street line to and from the Philadelphia Eagles home opener. Not going to the game, still ride it for free to tailgate or to go to XFinity Live.  ~ FREE ride on Broad Street Line ~
• Green Fest Philly ~ September 7 ~ More to come
• Fashion Under the Shambles ~ September 23 ~ 
• Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~ September 26 ~ From 5 pm – 9 pm, come enjoy art, music, food & shopping along Historic Fabric Row in South Street Headhouse District. ~ Fourth Fridays in South Street Headhouse District ~
• Night Market Philadelphia ~ October 2 ~ From 6 pm to 10 pm, held in Chinatown. Enjoy great food by some of Philly’s best food trucks while listening to live music. ~ 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 Weather for the weekend of August 22 – 24

Friday  |  60% T-Storms  |  High 81°  | Low 67°

Saturday  |  40% PM Showers  |  High 77° | Low 63°

Sunday  | Mostly Sunny  |  High 81°  |  Low 62°

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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