This summer, spend your vacation somewhere great – right at home in Philadelphia! From beer gardens to exhibitions and multicultural festivals, the City of Brotherly Love is jam-packed with exciting warm-weather attractions. Here are the seven most popular ways to vacation like a local this summer in Philly.
Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts
Thursdays, May 31, 2018 – June 10, 2018 @ The Kimmel Center
The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts is back this summer. Join an expected one million others in this 10-day festival filled with avant-garde art. Immerse yourself in over 50 music, comedy, and dance performances. This year will feature big names like award-winning choreographer Ann Carlson and Pulitzer-prize-nominated performance artist Taylor Mac. The celebration closes out with the PIFA Street Fair, a massive outdoor party covering seven blocks on Broad Street.
Parks on Tap
Wednesdays thru Sundays, Now thru September 30, 2018
What better way to spend a summer than beer and barbecue in the park? Parks on Tap is the beer garden series that carries the fun to various parks throughout Philadelphia. Kick back in a hammock and enjoy fresh food, beer, wine, and snacks with friends and family. Bonus: Pups are welcome at these events.
Celebrate the Fourth … All Week Long
June 28 – July 4, 2018
Wawa Welcome America 2018 is Philadelphia’s 26th annual celebration of the Fourth of July in America’s birthplace. Get in on events hosted throughout the city for seven straight days, from free museum days to block parties and fireworks.
Kayak the Schuylkill
Saturdays, Now thru October 27, 2018 @ Bartram’s Garden
Take a tour by boat down the Schuylkill, and view the city via this eight-mile watery stretch. It’s a unique and invigorating way to see Philly like a tourist. Plus, it’s free! Things to note: Bring an extra change of clothes and be prepared to get wet.
Plus, check out Full Moon Rowboating. This special event is held monthly when lighted rowboats meander into the river against a backdrop of bluesy full moon music.
Stay Cool with a Hundred Video Games
Now thru September 3, 2018@ The Franklin Institute
Step back into childhood and play any of the 100 hands-on games featured at The Franklin Institute this summer. This exhibit covers 40 years of video games, including SimCity, Rock Band, Asteroids, and Sonic the Hedgehog. From classic to modern, it’s all here.
Caribbean Day
Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 10 am-2 pm @ Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street
Find yourself in the Caribbean this summer. Listen to the rhythmic sounds of traditional calypso. Taste authentic Caribbean cuisine and check out live cooking demonstrations. Watch the parade, see Caribbean indigenous art, and shop around. This event is a free one, and also includes giveaways.
Night Market Philadelphia
Thursday Nights, Now thru October 4th in Various Neighborhoods
For the eighth year in a row, food trucks are popping up in various Philly neighborhoods throughout the summer for good eats, music, art, and community. From corn on the cob, to kabobs, tacos, beer, and ice cream, the trucks serve sumptuous treats of all flavors. Come ready to eat food, support local entrepreneurs, and meet your neighbors, all summer long.
Spend a summer of good eats, fun and events unique to Philadelphia with these seven activities.