As summer kicks into high gear, fun festivals fill all neighborhoods including a number of great celebrations at Penn’s Landing.
(Photo by J. Smith for Visit Philadelphia)
Philadelphia’s summer festival season heyday is at hand, and the prime time to take advantage of spending good times in great outdoor spaces is now.
From the Tall Ships Festival on the Delaware River and the multicultural festivals at Penn’s Landing to the epic Made in America music festival and neighborhood block parties, the entire city is abuzz during the summer months.
In our roundup, we’ve organized our list chronologically and noted whether each festival is free or ticketed. So be sure to look for the notation throughout the roundup. Good news, though, most fests are completely free of charge!
Read on for our picks of the best festivals, events and exhibitions happening this summer in Philadelphia.
JUNE
Juneteenth at The Johnson House
Saturday, June 20.
Historic Germantown hosts a free, family-friendly festival commemorating the abolishment of slavery in the United States during the 6th annual Juneteenth Celebration. Spend the day learning about significant impact of the 13th Amendment with special exhibitions, performances, discussions and more. Free | MORE INFO
Clark Park Music and Arts Festival
Saturday, June 20.
Every year, Clark Park celebrates the Summer Solstice and the local music and art scene with the annual Clark Park Music and Arts Festival. A lineup of 10 bands playing a wide variety of tunes take the stage at park throughout the day. The live music wraps with a headlining performance by Cheap Dinosaurs. Beyond live music, dozens of vendors set up shop offering up everything from food to art. Guests are also encouraged to take part in on-site arts and crafts and children are invited to enjoy family-friendly activities (like a zip line and bounce house!). Free | MORE INFO
Roxborough Solstice Festival
Saturday, June 20.
Celebrate the summer solstice with a fun-filled festival at Gorgas Park in Roxborough. Enjoy food trucks, a beer garden, carnival games, a music lineup curated by WXPN and much more. Free | MORE INFO
Manayunk Arts Festival
June 20-21.
The largest outdoor juried arts festival in the region, the 26th annual Manayunk Arts Festival attracts thousands of visitors for a weekend of arts, crafts and entertainment. Hundreds of artists from around the country will showcase their works along Main Street in Manayunk during the two-day celebration. Free | MORE INFO
The Manayunk Arts Festival puts the spotlight on handcrafted work by more than 300 artists at a weekend-long festival.
(Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Portuguese Heritage Festival
Sunday, June 21.
The 21st annual Philadelphia Portuguese Heritage Festival is designed to bring attention to the Portuguese-American immigrant's contributions to the city. A variety of traditional foods and Portuguese wines will be available for sampling and for purchase. Revolutionary art, folklore dance groups, international music, and the traditional blessing of the fleet aboard the Tall Ship Gazela will help Philadelphians learn and celebrate Portuguese culture. Free | MORE INFO
Tall Ships Festival — Philadelphia Camden
June 25-28.
The billowing sails of 15 majestic vessels and one gigantic rubber duck mark the arrival of Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden. Docked along both sides of the Delaware River waterfront will be elegant tall ships from France, Brazil, Canada and all around the globe. Visitors can tour the ships, including the L'Hermione, a replica of the French naval ship that brought General Lafayette to America to help fight the British. Also on tap: live entertainment, hands-on activities, games and a spectacular fireworks display that will close out the weekend. Best of all: Uwishunu readers can get multi-day tickets for half-off, or $12.50, by using the code VISITPHILLY. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Paris in the Village at Peddler’s Village
June 25-28.
During the last weekend in June, Peddler’s Village hosts a number of events that focus on French food and drinks at the first-ever Paris in the Village event. Enjoy everything from afternoon tea and wine tastings to performances and French dinners. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
Thursday, June 25.
Save your $1 bills for the popular Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll in West Philadelphia. Dozens of businesses along the Avenue set up shop on the sidewalk for an evening of $1 deals that include tasty bites, pet toys, giveaways, local beer and much more. Free | MORE INFO
Watch majestic ships sail the Delaware River at the Tall Ships festival. (Photo courtesy Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden 2015)
Franklin Flea
Saturdays, June 27, July 11, 25, August 8, 22, September 12, 26.
On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, the Franklin Flea joins forces with the South Street Headhouse District to host a market of anywhere from 40 to 60 vendors all peddling high-end and handmade wares from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Headhouse Plaza — located at 2nd Street between Lombard and South streets. Bites from food trucks rounds out the fun. Free | MORE INFO
Many more festivals, below.
Wawa Welcome America!
June 27-July 4.
Celebrate Independence in Philadelphia with the eight-day Wawa Welcome America! festival from June 27 through July 4 featuring free special events and activities throughout the city leading up to the massive Philly 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Free | MORE INFO
40th Street Summer Series
Sunday, June 27.
Live music fills the alfresco space at 40th and Walnut streets for the annual 40th Street Summer Series. Once a month every month this summer, talented musicians and performers perform an array of acts for attendees at the series of free outdoor concerts. Free | MORE INFO
JULY
Wawa Hoagie Day
Thursday, July 2.
Your lunch plans are covered on July 2 as the 23rd annual Wawa Hoagie Day returns to Independence National Historical Park. Any and all visitors can feast on free Wawa hoagies in honor of local and national heroes including members of the military, fire and police departments. Meet Food Network Chef Robert Irvine and enjoy performances by NBC's The Voice contestants Matthew Schuler and Audra McLaughlin along with the USO Show Troupe. Free | MORE INFO
Over the summer, Penn’s Landing hosts a variety of festivals that celebrate a number of cultures for the PECO Multicultural Series.
(Photo by Matt Stanley courtesy DRWC)
Liberty Block Party
Friday, July 3.
At 5th and 6th streets between Market and Chestnut streets, enjoy a pre-Fourth of July party complete with food, drinks, live entertainment and more. Free | MORE INFO
Party on the Parkway, 4th of July Jam and Grand Finale Fireworks
Saturday, July 4.
The “Largest Free Concert in America,” the Wawa Welcome America! The Party on the Parkway and Philly 4th of July Jam is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the day-long festival and free concert features some of the largest musical acts in the country including Philly’s own The Roots. The 2015 Philly 4th of July Jam stars The Roots, with special guests Miguel and Jennifer Nettles. Immediately following the concert, July 4th comes to an explosive end with an incredible fireworks finale over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Free | MORE INFO
50th Anniversary of the Gay Rights Movement
Saturday, July 4.
On Independence Mall, the Equality Forum will honor the 50th Anniversary of the first major U.S. protest for LGBT equality with a stirring re-enactment of the demonstrations that took place in front of Independence Hall on July 4, 1965. The ceremony will include a commemorative wreath laying at the Gay Rights Demonstrations Historical Marker at the site of the original public demonstrations. Free | MORE INFO
Blobfest
July 10-12.
Phoenixville, the town where segments of the campy 1950s horror-sci fi flick The Blob were filmed, invites humans and aliens to join in the wacky Blobfest, a three-day horror extravaganza complete with screenings, themed competitions, a street fair and the recreation of a pivotal scene where hundreds of scared townspeople flee the Colonial Theatre. Free and Ticketed | MORE INFO
A photo posted by Visit Philly (@visitphilly) on
Jul 4, 2014 at 6:55pm PDT
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway welcomes tens of thousands of people for the annual Fourth of July Jam and July 4th fireworks show.
Bastille Day at Eastern State Penitentiary
Saturday, July 11.
Wigs are welcome at the Bastille Day celebration at Eastern State Penitentiary, where a reenactment of the French Revolution includes a Marie Antoinette re-enactor yelling "Let them eat Tastykakes," followed by more festivities, a block party and French dinner specials at local restaurants. Free | MORE INFO
Hispanic Fiesta
July 11-12.
The Hispanic Fiesta at Penn's Landing is one of Philadelphia's premier Latino events, drawing upwards of 15,000 people each day. The festival continues to unite and raise awareness of Latino culture and community through the celebration of music, dance, entertainment, ethnic foods and artisan crafts from nearly all Latin American countries. Free | MORE INFO
University City Dining Days
July 16-26.
This summer, University City District makes sampling the wide array of flavors in the neighborhood a cinch with the return of University City Dining Days. Beginning on July 16 and running through July 26, more than two dozen University City restaurants will open their doors to serve discounted dinners for the annual University City event. At each participating restaurant, three-course feasts are dished for $15, $25 or $35 depending on the restaurant. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Lancaster Avenue Jazz and and Arts Festival
Saturday, July 18.
All day on Saturday, July 18, the Powelton Village neighborhood welcomes acclaimed jazz artists for the 9th annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival at Saunders Park. From noon to 7 p.m. groove to live jazz, browse art and enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks. Free | MORE INFO
This summer, festivals of all sort pop up with great alfresco shopping for all to enjoy. (Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Five Dollar Comedy Week
July 20-26.
The Plays and Players Theater hosts the summer installment of Five Dollar Comedy Week. Throughout the week, enjoy more than 20 hilarious shows for just $5 admission per show. Ticketed | MORE INFO
XPoNential Music Festival
July 24-26.
Experience three amazing days of great music and family fun during the annual XPoNential Music Festival on the Camden Riverfront. The fest is held at two locations the Susquehanna Bank Center and Wiggins Park, a venue selected by WXPN for its spectacular waterfront views and lush open green spaces perfect for a weekend of live music. This year’s performers include My Morning Jacket, St. Vincent, Grace Potter, Lord Huron, Indigo Girls, Dawes and many more. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Summer Ale Festival at the Philadelphia Zoo
Saturday, July 25.
Sample more than 40 types of local craft beer and tons of tasty food samplings from a number of on-site food trucks at the Philadelphia Zoo's Summer Ale Festival. In addition to food and drinks, visit the many animals of the zoo at the annual event and groove to live music. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Summerfest Live at Xfinity Live
Saturday, July 25.
For beer-fueled entertainment, look no further than the SummerFest Craft Beer and Music Festival at XFINITY Live. Throughout the day, more than 150 beers from 75+ breweries will be on tap and sangria and spiked lemonade will be available, too. Pair your beer with live tunes and call it a day. Ticketed | MORE INFO
The festivities surrounding Bastille Day are of epic proportions as Eastern State Penitentiary hosts its annual block party, numerous restaurants present dinners and much more. (Photo by Darryl W. Moran for Eastern State Penitentiary)
East Passyunk Car Show & Street Festival
Sunday, July 26.
Muscle car enthusiasts show off their Turtle Waxed best at the East Passyunk Car Show and Street Festival, where vehicles in multiple categories are on display for the judging. Street eats and live entertainers round out the offerings. Free | MORE INFO
Shakespeare in Clark Park
July 29-August 2.
Clark Park welcomes the crowds for Shakespeare in Clark Park, free theater performances from July 29 to August 2. This year, The Winter’s Tale takes the stage at the West Philly park. Free | MORE INFO
BlackStar Film Festival
July 30-August 2.
Now in its fourth year, the BlackStar Film Festival is a four-day celebration showcasing artistically innovative and genre-defying films by and about the global black experience. Nicknamed "The Black Sundance" by Ebony magazine, this local festival highlights independent films from emerging directors, producers and writers. Again this year, the majority of film screenings are scheduled to take place at International House in University City. Ticketed | MORE INFO
AUGUST
Center City Restaurant Week
August 2-7, 9-14.
Center City District Restaurant Week comes early this year with delicious, budget-conscious meals at more than 120 restaurants from $20 to $35. Dozens of Center City's finest restaurants are offering indulgent prix-fixe menus that are both delectable and easy on the wallet with three-course dinners for only $35 per person. A number of participating restaurants will also be offering a three-course lunch option for $20 per person. Ticketed | MORE INFO
In July, the XPoNential Music Festival returns to the Camden Waterfront to celebrate a number of top alternative rock musicians.
(Photo courtesy XPoNential Music Festival)
2nd Street Festival
Sunday, August 2.
A block party sponsored by the businesses of Northern Liberties, the 2nd Street Festival showcases live music, workshops, art, shopping and the very best local eats and drinks. The festival also promises beer gardens (yes, plural!). Free | MORE INFO
ACANA Festival at Penn's Landing
Sunday, August 2.
The African Cultural Alliance of North America Inc. (ACANA) again hosts its signature ACANA Festival, an outdoor concert experience that brings artists, groups, and dance troupes from around the Africa to perform for Philadelphia audiences. The Festival provides a wide range of African entertainment, from traditional dance performances to modern Afropop and reggae musical performances. This free event also brings delicious African food vendors, as well as traditional and modern clothing, arts, and crafts vendors. Free | MORE INFO
Night Market: Lancaster Avenue
Thursday, August 6.
Philadelphia's favorite street food festival returns to Lancaster Avenue (from 35th to 39th streets) this August with more than 50 food trucks and a number of neighborhood restaurants serving up food and drinks alfresco for crowds. Free | MORE INFO
Mad Decent Block Party
August 6-7.
One of the summer’s biggest block party concerts returns to Philadelphia for not one, but two nights this year. On August 6 and 7, the Mad Decent Block Party will take over Festival Pier at Penn's Landing with songs by hit-makers like Major Lazer, Flosstradamus and more. Tickets are available online. Ticketed | MORE INFO
The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll and University City Dining Days return this summer with meal deals for all.
(Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia)
Pennsylvania Dutch Festival at Reading Terminal Market
August 6-8.
Take a trip to Amish country without leaving the city limits during the annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival at Reading Terminal Market. Indulge in traditional food, and browse handmade crafts at the festival which runs from August 6-8, 2015. On Saturday, enjoy an outdoor celebration on Arch Street complete with Amish buggy rides, horse drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo and live music. Free | MORE INFO
Iron Hill Twilight Criterium
Saturday, August 8.
Whether on two wheels or two feet, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is all about speed. Runners and bikers of all ages and abilities participate in a variety of races all leading up to the marquee event in which nationally ranked pro cyclists compete to qualify for the USA CRITS invitational. No bike, no problem. Just enjoy the accompanying street fair. Free | MORE INFO
Peach Festival at Peddler’s Village
August 8-9.
The annual Peach Festival and Summer Sidewalk Sale at Peddler's Village is a peach-lover's paradise with peachy treats, pie eating contest, family fun and live music. Festival goers can enjoy locally grown peaches from Bechdolt’s Orchards of Bucks County and special sales and discounts at the shops at Peddler's Village. Free | MORE INFO
Philadelphia Folk Festival
August 14-16.
The hills of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania come alive every summer with the sound of folk music during the long-running Philadelphia Folk Festival at Old Poole Farm near Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. It’s all about the music during the 54th annual, three-day festival with nationally recognized and up-and-coming performers on seven stages, late-night sing-alongs and thousands of fellow music aficionados. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Throughout the summer, Peddler’s Village hosts a number of fun festivals including its annual Peach Festival.
(Photo by A. Sinagoga for Visit Philadelphia)
Festival of India at Penn’s Landing
Saturday, August 15.
The annual Festival of India hosted by the Council of Indian Organizations (CIO) of Greater Philadelphia celebrates India's Independence Day while highlighting the vibrant Indian American community here in Philadelphia. Now in its 21st year, the free festival is a colorful panorama of art, music, dance, and cuisine. Free | MORE INFO
Caribbean Festival
Sunday, August 16.
Celebrate culture, music and food from 14 Caribbean islands during the 28th annual Caribbean Festival at Penn's Landing. Benefiting college students of Caribbean descent, this year's festival will feature a Caribbean workshop, a children's corner, a marketplace and music from across the islands. Free | MORE INFO
Ukrainian Folk Festival & Outdoor Concert
Sunday, August 23.
The annual Ukrainian Folk Festival & Outdoor Concert in Horsham celebrates the anniversary of Ukraine's independence through traditional dance, music performances, flavors from traditional Ukrainian kitchens and a variety of Ukrainian liquors and beers. Ticketed | MORE INFO
SEPTEMBER
Philadelphia Fringe Festival
September 3-19.
The popular citywide Philadelphia Fringe Festival is back with hundreds of dance, theater, visual arts, music and spoken-word presentations performed in venues of every stripe, from traditional stages to street corners, cars, galleries, cabarets and restaurants. It's all offbeat, daring and avant-garde and entertains Philadelphia for weeks. Free | MORE INFO
Travel to the islands through culture, music and food at the annual Caribbean Festival at Penn's Landing.
(Photo courtesy Delaware River Waterfront Corporation)
Made in America
September 3-19.
It's back. For the fourth year in a row, the wildly popular Budweiser Made In America festival will hit Philadelphia with two days of genre-defying music on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The festival mastermind, Jay Z, will once again curate a top-notch lineup of the industry's hottest talents to deliver another round of show-stopping performances across multiple stages. Full details on this year's festival are still to be confirmed, so stay tuned for more information. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Greenfest Philly
Sunday, September 10.
Honor Mother Nature at Greenfest Philly located in Headhouse Square as it celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. On September 10, visit booths to learn how to preserve the earth, while enjoying bites from some of Philly's favorite food trucks and vendors. Free | MORE INFO
Philadelphia Honey Festival
September 11-13.
The Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild presents the Philadelphia Honey Festival for all lovers of things sweet and local (aka everyone!). From September 5 through 7, the Wagner Free Institute of Science, Wyck Historic House and Garden and Bartram's Garden open their doors to the honey connoisseurs of Philadelphia. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
September 12-13.
The mushroom is elevated to rock-star status during the annual Kennett Square Mushroom Festival. The Mushroom Capital of the World puts the fun in fungi with a weekend of culinary events, amusement rides, mushroom farm tours, a street fair, entertainment, an antique car show and more. Free | MORE INFO
he Made in America Festival will return to Philadelphia with blockbuster pop, hip hop and rock starts over Labor Day weekend.
(Photo by Ryan Farber courtesy Made in America)
Feria del Barrio
Sunday, September 13.
Serving as one of Philadelphia's largest celebrations of Latino arts and culture, the annual Feria del Barrio brings together thousands of community residents from throughout the Greater Philadelphia region for a free family event featuring some of the world's most renowned musical artists. At Feria you can find your favorite foods, artists, singers, dancers, performers all while getting useful information from dozens of local agencies and cultural partners. Free | MORE INFO
Mexican Independence Day at Penn's Landing
Sunday, September 13.
Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with music, food, dancing, and more on the Delaware River Waterfront. Browse traditional arts and crafts, dance with Mexican rock bands and enjoy face painting and giveaways during the popular Penn's Landing event. Free | MORE INFO
Mt. Airy Street Fare
Thursday, September 17.
Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy turns into a hub for mobile fare on September 17 in celebration of the third annual Street Fare, an evening of dozens of food vendors, live music, shopping, craft beer and family fun. Free | MORE INFO
The Kennett Square Mushroom Festival returns this fall with mushroom eating contests, mushroom farm tours, shopping, yummy food and more. (Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Terror Behind the Walls
Opens Friday, September 18.
Halloween starts early at the massive Eastern State Penitentiary a gothic, castle-like structure in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood with one of the nation's largest and most ambitious and top-rated haunted attractions, Terror Behind the Walls. The seasonal event is not for the faint of heart, with six frightening attractions and new up-close-and-personal scares. Ticketed | MORE INFO
Brazilian Day at Penn’s Landing
Sunday, September 20.
Brazilian Day Philadelphia returns to celebrate Brazilian Independence Day by sharing the wonderful culture and traditions of Brazil with local festival-goers. Vendors will offer an abundant variety of authentic traditional foods and merchandise as performers light up the stage with the contagious rhythms and dances of Brazil. The festival will feature a unique blend of Brazilian Culture and will showcase Samba, Forro, Pagode, Capoeira, Samba-Reggae and more. Free | MORE INFO
World Meeting of Families/Pope Francis Visits
September 22-27.
Tens of thousands of people from around the globe will converge on Philadelphia for the eighth annual World Meeting of Families. Throughout the week, 100 speakers will lead panel discussions and workshops at the Pennsylvania Convention Center focused on the theme "Love is our Mission: The Family Fully Alive." Pope Francis will make his first visit to the United States (and the first visit to Philadelphia by any pope since Pope John Paul II in 1979) to say a public mass during the event. Free and Ticketed | MORE INFO
The summer concludes with one of the biggest events in Philadelphia’s history, the World Meeting of Families and visit from Pope Francis. (Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia)