A photo posted by Chris Burrichter (@chrisburrichter) on
May 11, 2015 at 5:05pm PDT
Memorial Day weekend kicks off the first days of summer, and Philadelphia is celebrating with everything from openings of seasonal parks and special events to exhibitions and shopping markets.
The unofficial start of summer begins as Philadelphia celebrates Memorial Day weekend starting Friday, May 22.
To help you pack the long weekend with fun activities for all ages, we've put together a guide to all the special exhibitions, events and celebrations honoring the men and women of the military, both past and present, during Memorial Day in Philadelphia.
The extended holiday celebration marks the return of the super-popular waterfront pop-up, Spruce Street Harbor Park featuring exciting new food, more hammocks and outdoor roller skating at neighboring Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest.
The holiday not only marks the return of well-loved summer traditions — picnics, outdoor festivals, alfresco concerts, pop-up parks — but also marks a day of remembrance. To honor the men and women of military, both past and present, many of Philadelphia’s museums and attractions host Memorial Day events made for commemoration of the day.
Browse more of our top picks for Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia, below.
SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES SPECIFIC TO MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2015
Memorial Day Weekend Programming at National Constitution Center
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25.
In addition to fantastic permanent displays and temporary exhibitions including Creating Camelot The Kennedy Photography of Jacques Lowe, the National Constitution Center will be presenting a variety of special programming in celebration of Memorial Day. Throughout the weekend visitors can participate in flag ceremonies when the museum opens and closes each day, enjoy patriotic karaoke, themed crafts, a thank-a-vet letter station, giant flag folding lessons and much more. MORE INFO
Memorial Day Weekend at Independence National Historical Park
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25.
In addition to famous historic attractions including the Liberty Bell , Independence Hall and the President’s House, Independence National Historical Park will be honoring the nation’s veterans throughout Memorial Day weekend. Meet soldiers from the American revolution and enjoy musical events all leading up to a Memorial Day ceremony and flag raising in front of Independence Hall. MORE INFO
Memorial Day Parade and Service at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Sunday, May 24.
Laurel Hill Cemetery honors the fallen heroes with a re-dedication ceremony for the Silent Sentry, a bronze statue of a Civil War soldier. The event kicks off with a parade through the cemetery to the burial plot of General George Gordon Meade, a war hero from the Battle of Gettysburg. MORE INFO
Over Memorial Day weekend, Spruce Street Harbor Park and Summerfest opens for the season! (Photo by Matt Stanley courtesy DRWC)
The Philly Pops’ Memorial Day Concert at Longwood Gardens
Saturday, May 23.
The Philly POPS — the largest stand-alone POPS orchestra in America head out to Kennett Square’s Longwood Gardens for a Memorial Day Salute to Broadway. Attendees can look forward to both Broadway classics and patriotic tunes at one of the world's premier horticultural display gardens. MORE INFO
Independence After Hours
Friday-Saturday, May 22-23.
Explore history after the sun sets with the return of Independence After Hours tours. Travel back to 1776 with your tour guide and enjoy a delicious three-course meal at the historic City Tavern. After dinner, visit Independence Hall for an after-hours tour of the national landmark. MORE INFO
Opening Weekend For Spruce Street Harbor Park & Summerfest
Friday-Monday, May 22-25.
Last summer visitors were blown away by the debut of Spruce Street Harbor Park, a seasonal pop-up park on the Delaware River Waterfront. By popular demand, the riverside oasis will return in 2015 with beer gardens, pop-up restaurants and, of course, hammocks. For the first time this year, the area that housed this past winter's Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest will transform into a warm-weather edition with a roller rink, a boathouse-styled Lodge, a play area for kids, food and drink options and summer events throughout the season. Opening Memorial Day weekend, Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest will be free and open to the public daily through the end of September. MORE INFO
Franklin Flea at Headhouse Plaza
Saturday, May 23.
Browse handmade and vintage items from dozens of vendors at Franklin Flea, a popular, curated market that will be putting up shop at Headhouse Square this summer. The expansive outdoor market is known for a wide array of vintage goods, handcrafted items, jewelry, artisanal food, furniture and much more. Be sure to look out for delicious dishes from Luke's Lobster, Poi Dog Snack Shop, Lil' Pop Shop and handmade sausages from Hocks N Coqs. MORE INFO
Some of the most talented college lacrosse players will take the field at Lincoln Financial Field for the NCAA Lacrosse Championship.
(Photo courtesy NCAA Lacrosse Championship)
NCAA Lacrosse Championship at Lincoln Financial Field
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25.
College lacrosse’s most talented stars will take up their game at Lincoln Financial Field this Memorial Day Weekend for the 2015 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships. From Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25, semifinals and championships take over the NFL Eagles' home turf for a fun-filled time for all. MORE INFO
More, below.
Superhero Weekend at the Please Touch Museum
Friday-Monday, May 22-25.
Meet your favorite superhero or come dressed as one as the Please Touch Museum honors all heroes throughout Memorial Day weekend. Meet Captain America and Spiderman (Saturday, May 23), write a letter to a real-life hero or design your own superhero or enjoy the museum's hands-on activities throughout the family-friendly weekend celebration. MORE INFO
Yoga on Race Street Pier
Saturday-Sunday, May 23-24.
For some morning relaxation this Memorial Day weekend, Race Street Pier continues to host its super popular free yoga sessions at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 7 a.m. on Memorial Day. Classes are an hour long and completely free. Just bring your own yoga mat and say “Namaste.” MORE INFO
Macy's Family Fun Day at AAMP
Saturday, May 23.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia honors Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month with a family-friendly day of music, dance, arts, crafts and more in celebration of the cultural connections and crossovers between African peoples and those of the Asian Diaspora. MORE INFO
Longwood Gardens hosts a concert by the Philly POPS over Memorial Day weekend. (Photo courtesy Longwood Gardens)
10th Anniversary of Once Upon a Nation
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25.
For ten years, visitors have been able to discover the true stories in the places the actually happened with Once Upon A Nation. Look for the storytelling benches to hear entertaining tales told by professional storytellers for free. Each story lasts approximately five minutes, but the memories of your adventure will last forever. MORE INFO
Garden Railway Opening at Morris Arboretum
Opening Saturday, May 23.
A family favorite, Morris Arboretum's garden railway returns on Saturday, May 23. Included with your admission to the arboretum, this year's railway theme is "Art & Architecture" and includes miniature versions of iconic Philadelphia sculptures, famous lighthouses and recognizable buildings. MORE INFO
Antiques Show at the Brandywine River Museum of Art
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25.
More than 30 antique dealers set up shop at the Brandywine River Museum of Art for its Antiques Show over Memorial Day weekend. Fine antiques including furniture, rugs, porcelain, needlework and more will be available for perusing and purchasing. MORE INFO
Devon Horse Show & Country Fair
Thursday, May 21-Sunday, May 31.
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, the country's oldest and largest event of its kind, features hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, four-in-hand coaching and more, plus exhibitions and an old-fashioned Country Fair at the Devon Show Grounds. Tickets are required for entry and are available online. MORE INFO
The Devon Horse Show starts up on Thursday, May 21, just a few days before the holiday weekend begins.
(Photo courtesy Devon Horse Show)
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS AND SUMMER EVENTS
Here are some of the big events and exhibitions that are open during Memorial Day weekend.
Celebrate at Franklin Square
Saturday-Monday, May 23-25.
Welcome summer at Franklin Square attractions with a round of Philly-themed mini golf, a burger and cake shake from SquareBurger and the return of the Lightning Bolt Express Train. MORE INFO
Inside Out at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Open through November 2015.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is taking some of its priceless art outside this summer. Beginning in May 2015, the museum will be displaying dozens of high-quality replicas of its most recognizable artworks to unexpected places throughout the region during Inside Out. Wander past a Monet in East Passyunk or gaze at a Van Gogh on Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill during the special exhibition. MORE INFO
LEGO: Art of the Brick at The Franklin Institute
Open until September 6.
Since opening in February 2015, tens of thousands have experienced an art exhibition unlike any ever seen at the Franklin Institute. Don’t miss your chance to see the world's largest exhibition of LEGO art during The Art of the Brick, a limited-time exhibition from artist Nathan Sawya who recreates famous masterpieces and original artworks using only LEGO bricks. MORE INFO
Genghis Khan at the Franklin Institute
Open until January 3, 2016.
Discover the treasures and stories of Genghis Khan's 13th-century Mongol Empire at The Franklin Institute. Visitors enter into the greatest empire the world has ever known to discover the amazing genius of the Mongolian conqueror, learn how this unsophisticated warrior nomad had such a profound impact on world politics and on creating an empire that led the world into the modern age. MORE INFO
The unofficial start of summer should be spent at a beer garden like Morgan’s Pier (shown here). (Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia)
The Order of Things at the Barnes Foundation
Open until August 3.
Embracing the unconventional methods Dr. Albert C. Barnes used to display his priceless art collection, The Order of Things at the Barnes Foundation presents three large-scale installations by internationally renowned artists Mark Dion, Judy Pfaff, and Fred Wilson. Each piece invites discussion about museum displays in addition to the importance of Dr. Barnes' philosophy behind his ensembles. MORE INFO
Richard Avedon: Family Affairs at the National Museum of American Jewish History
Open until August 2.
The National Museum of American Jewish History is the only location in the United States to host the remarkable work of photographer Richard Avedon. The exhibition Family Affairs features more than 70 of the late artist's portraits and iconic fashion photography on loan from the collection of the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Please note: the museum will not be open Monday, May 25. MORE INFO
The Artist’s Garden at PAFA
Open until May 24.
Memorial Day weekend is your last chance to view The Artist’s Garden: American Impressionism and the Garden Movement, currently on display at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The exhibition examines the impact of the American Impressionists on the growing popularity of gardening at the turn of the 20th century. Please note: the museum will not be open Monday, May 25. MORE INFO
Animal Grossology at ANSP
Open until August 30.
Get grossed out at the latest exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Discover the slimy, stinky and yucky side of nature during Animal Grossology, an interactive exhibit based on the best-selling children’s book series Grossology by Sylvia Branzei. MORE INFO
Dinosaurs of the Deep at Adventure Aquarium
Open until July 4.
Learn about the powerful marine animals that ruled the water during the time of Tyrannosaurs Rex in Dinosaurs of the Deep, a new temporary exhibit at the Adventure Aquarium. The fascinating exhibition will allow visitors to come face-to-fossil with ancient sea creatures, including the 34-foot-long Liopleurodon, a feared predator with four-inch-long teeth. MORE INFO
The Franklin Institute hosts a number of great exhibitions this spring, including Genghis Khan and LEGO: The Art of the Brick.
(Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Morgan's Pier
One of Philadelphia's most popular summer hotspots, Morgan's Pier is an oasis of craft beer, delicious food and incredible live music on the Delaware River Waterfront. This year, none other than Top Chef victor Nicolas Elmi of the highly lauded Laurel on East Passyunk Avenue will be in charge. The spacious footprint at Morgan's Pier will allow tons of diners to taste Elmi's take on backyard barbecue, which will be inspired by his New England roots and his affinity for French and Japanese techniques. Highlights include peel-and-eat shrimp with togarashi butter, a kombu-cured rib-eye and pork belly tacos. MORE INFO
Independence Beer Garden
Just steps from famed historic attractions including Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, the Independence Beer Garden is in its second year of providing an outdoor respite for visitors and Philly residents. With more than 40 beers on tap, oversized games and and extensive menu of summertime favorites, IBG is a comforting and convenient stop during your Memorial Day weekend adventuring in the city. MORE INFO
Dilworth Park
Opened in the fall of 2014, the reimagined Dilworth Park at City Hall is a gorgeous multi-use space with a lush outdoor lawn for special events, dancing fountains for cooling off and a cafe operated by Garces Catering group. MORE INFO
GETTING AROUND
Ride Indego
Philly's bike sharing program, Indego, has taken off since launching in April 2015. Starting at just $4 per ride, Indego is an easy and fun way to get around to the city's popular attractions and activities. With stations near popular attractions like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you shouldn't have a problem riding your way around the city this Memorial Day weekend. MORE INFO
PHLASH
The PHLASH is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get around to 22 of the city's most popular attractions including Penn's Landing, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market and the Philadelphia Zoo. The unmistakeable purple bus makes stops every 15 minutes with rides starting at $2 per person or $5 for an all-day pass. MORE INFO
Enjoy the warm air and long weekend by hopping aboard a Ride Indego bike, Philly’s new bike sharing system.
(Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia)
MUSEUMS THAT ARE OPEN ON MEMORIAL DAY
Independence Hall
The Liberty Bell
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Barnes Foundation
The Franklin Institute
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
The Independence Seaport Museum
Mutter Museum
Eastern State Penitentiary
The Mint
The Philadelphia Zoo
Please Touch Museum
Brandywine River Museum of Art
Spend the holiday weekend in the city and book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package
VISIT PHILLY OVERNIGHT HOTEL PACKAGE.