The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

You can always find our favorite activities of the weekend at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Theater) Looking for a night out at the theater, with more open skies? Head to the bowl at Clark Park for a reimagined performance of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, shared with an ensemble-driven approach featuring a cast of acclaimed Philly performers. This adaptation of the classic Shakespeare play is brought together by Revolution Shakespeare.

⌚️July 29 - Aug. 2, 7p.m., 📍1101 S 45th St, Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 shakespeareinclarkpark.org, 💵 Free

(Community) South Street is one of the most unique shopping destinations in the city. Come celebrate the businesses and leaders who work together to keep South Street great with an evening of activities including a new exhibit at Magic Gardens, food and beverage specials, and meeting local vendors and businesses.

⌚️July 31, 5-9p.m., 📍900 and 1000 blocks of South Street, Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Travel back in time to the 1926 Philadelphia Zoo for a night of mystery and adventure. You’ll serve as a detective for the night, participating in a live-action scavenger hunt through the zoo, tracking down clues and interrogating suspects. You’ll have the chance to win some very cool prizes including special behind-the-scenes experiences and private zoo tours.

⌚️Aug. 1, 5:30-8:30p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave, Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $70

(Community) This fun community workshop pays homage to John Dunlap, the man who helped give the Declaration of Independence it’s physical form. Come explore two portable printing presses and see an upclose demonstration of how it brings type to life.

⌚️Aug. 2, 11a.m. - 2p.m., 📍420 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 oldcitydistrict.org, 💵 $17.25

(Community) This outdoor festival on the Delaware River is one of the largest African festivals on the East Coast. Spend the day enjoying globally inspired food and drinks, live music performances, shopping from unique vendors and makers, and so much more.

⌚️Aug. 2, 2-8p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) This community festival in Northern Liberties is jammed packed with blocks of fun activities. Come check out the best of the neighborhood and enjoy food, games, drinks, live entertainment and more.

⌚️Aug. 2, 12-10p.m., 📍2nd St from Girard Ave. to Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 2ndstfestival.org/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This festival honors the speech Martin Luther King Jr. made at the Freedom Now Rally Tour in 1965 at 40th and Lancaster. Head to the very block where he spoke for a day complete with live music performances, a Black-owned business marketplace, film screenings, kid and youth activities and so much more.

⌚️Aug. 2, 1p.m., 📍38th & Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

(Theater) The best-selling novel turned film is now adapted for the stage. Watch the story of Allie and Noah who overcome all of the odds to share a love that lasts a lifetime. The Notebook is directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, and features music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.

⌚️July 21 - Aug. 2, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $31-153

(Theater) Have you ever imagined a world where Ben Franklin became the nation’s first rock star? Jump into a world where that very thing is true in this rock musical rooted in American history. Each ticket includes a 45-minute walking tour led by Ben Franklin himself.

⌚️July 1- Aug. 1, 📍140 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 soundofamericamusical.com/, 💵 $76

(Community) The Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition to showcase the region’s historic arts and crafts works, in honor of its 150th anniversary. The exhibit features 250 objects from ceramics and furniture to textiles and stained glass, that tell the story of Philadelphia’s Centennial Exhibition.

⌚️July 5 - October 18, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 philamuseum.org/, 💵 Free with museum admission

(Community) Franklin Square’s annual illuminated lantern festival is returning and bringing the magic. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with dozens of detailed hand-crafted lanterns. You’ll even spot soccer themed displays honoring the countries coming to Philly for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

⌚️June 5- Aug. 16, 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16-32

(Community) This exhibit celebrates Philadelphia’s rich immigrant history through bold flags designed by artists from around the world. The designs will be displayed all summer long at Spruce Street Harbor Park in honor of all of the people who have made Philly their home.

⌚️May 22 - Sept. 7, 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com/, 💵 Free

(Seasonal / free) Peddler’s Village celebrates one of summer’s sweetest fruits with peach-themed treats, face painting, lawn games, sand art, a petting zoo, and family activities throughout the charming Bucks County shopping village. All ages.

⌚ Aug. 1–2, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., 📍2101 S. College St., Lahaska, Pa. 18931, 🌐 peddlersvillage.com, 💵 Free admission; pay-as-you-go

(Outdoors) Morris Arboretum offers discounted admission during a weekend celebrating its beloved Garden Railway, complete with Thomas & Friends trains, the Whimsical Woods, a fairy garden, and hands-on activities highlighting native trees. All ages.

⌚ Aug. 1–2, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118, 🌐 morrisarboretum.org, 💵 $2–$12 with discount

(Community / free) The Alliance for Health Equity hosts a family-friendly celebration in Coatesville with inflatables, a ninja course, water ice, a DJ, and opportunities to meet local organizations that support families throughout Chester County. All ages.

⌚ Aug. 1, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 📍744 E. Lincoln Hwy., Coatesville, Pa. 19320, 🌐 alliancehealthequity.org, 💵 Free

(Community / free) Northern Liberties throws one of Philadelphia’s biggest neighborhood parties as North 2nd Street fills with dozens of vendors, live music, circus performers, drumlines, food, and activities stretching for multiple blocks. All ages.

⌚ Aug. 2, noon–10 p.m., 📍North 2nd Street between Spring Garden Street and Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 2ndstfestival.org, 💵 Free admission; pay-as-you-go

(Culture / free) Cherry Street Pier hosts this annual celebration of African cultures and the African diaspora with live music, dance, food, art, shopping, and performances from across the continent and beyond. All ages.

⌚ Aug. 2, 2–8 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free admission; pay-as-you-go

(Art / free) Spruce Street Harbor Park’s newest attraction is part art installation, part playground. Visitors wander through a maze that responds to movement with changing lights and music, creating an immersive, hands-on experience along the Delaware River waterfront. All ages.

⌚ June 26–Aug. 17, 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free

(Culture) At Franklin Square on the edge of Chinatown, giant illuminated sculptures, live acrobatic performances, food vendors, and countless photo opportunities return for another summer of after-dark magic. All ages.

⌚ June 5–Aug. 16, 6–10 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16–$32

(Seasonal / free) The Delaware River waterfront favorite is back with hammocks, oversized games, ice cream, and a few new additions this year, including swan boats, “glow” boats, and Sunday family fun days throughout the season. All ages.

⌚ May 22–September, dates TBA, 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Seasonal / free) Just north along the Delaware River Waterfront, Summerfest reopens with roller skating, mini golf, carnival rides, games, and indoor space to cool off once summer humidity fully kicks in. All ages.

⌚ May 22–Sept. 7, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Community / free) The city’s roaming beer garden is back, offering drinks, oversized games, and plenty of room for kids to run around all summer long. All ages. Visit Parks on Tap’s website to find the location each week.

⌚ Though October 11, Wed.–Fri., 4–10 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., noon–10 p.m.; more locations through Oct. 11, 🌐 parksontap.com, 💵 Free entry

(Movie-making) The Franklin Institute hosts a world premiere exhibit that turns movie magic into hands-on discovery, with behind-the-scenes looks at Universal’s biggest franchises — from Minions and Jurassic World to dragons, monsters, Mario, and Luigi — via immersive sets and interactive displays. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ Feb. 14–Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. plus extended hours, 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $25–$65