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.

(Community) Get a taste of University City this week with special menus and fixed pricing at a range of amazing eateries. Participating restaurants will offer three-course meals at $20, $30 and $40 so you can truly eat your way through the neighborhood.

⌚️July 16-26, 📍Various locations, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 $20-40

(Art) This all woman artist exhibition series provides space for female artists to showcase their unique styles and creativity. Come enjoy a good drink (included with your ticket), great music and browse local artwork from truly amazing artists. If you love what you see, you’ll be able to purchase pieces to take home.

⌚️July 18, 6-9p.m., 📍1034 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $12.51

(Community) Diplo’s Run Club is coming back to the City of Brotherly Love for another year. If you’re a runner, grab a ticket that includes a 5k starting and ending at Lincoln Financial Field. Following the race, the field at the stadium will convert to a concert venue with Diplo and Friends performing.

⌚️July 18, 8:30a.m., 📍One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 letsdothis.com, 💵 $52-189

(Community) One of the country’s largest gluten free food festivals is making a stop in Philly. You’ll find allergen free, vegan and of course gluten free vendors serving up safe and delicious food options. Your ticket includes a tote bag full of products to sample, access to over 100 exhibitors and so much more throughout the day.

⌚️July 18, 10a.m. - 5p.m., 📍100 Station Ave, Oaks, Pa, 19456, 🌐 store.wickedglutenfree.com, 💵 $12-27.50, kids under 5 are free

(Community) This jazz festival draws in thousands of music lovers each year. Come dance and vibe along to live performances from some of Philly’s best jazz musicians. You’ll also enjoy delicious food trucks and shopping from local vendors.

⌚️July 18, 12-7p.m., 📍Saunders Park Greene, N. 39th St. & Powelton Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 hopephl.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Keep the celebration of America’s 250th birthday going with more than 100 food trucks, a beer garden, live music and an incredible display of fireworks. This festival is perfect for the entire family to enjoy, and includes budget-friendly options at every vendor.

⌚️July 18, 2-10p.m., 📍777 Harrah’s Blvd., Chester, Pa, 19013, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $12.99

(Community) Looking to give your jewelry collection a refresh? Bring up to five pieces to this swap and come back with up to five new-to-you gems. You’ll also enjoy complimentary drinks while you browse for new treasure.

⌚️July 19, 12-4p.m., 📍1809 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $15

(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) Northern Liberties’ Piazza Alta hosts a one-day community festival with arts and crafts, local vendors, family activities, fitness experiences, and plenty of neighborhood block-party energy. All ages.

⌚ July 18, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 📍1099 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 livepiazza.com, 💵 Free admission; pay-as-you-go

(Fishing / free) Pier 68 offers a relaxed introduction to fishing, with rods, tackle, and instruction provided. Families can learn about local fish species while trying their luck on the Delaware River—no fishing license required. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ July 18, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 📍1751 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free

(Music / free) Saunders Park Greene in West Philadelphia celebrates jazz legend John Coltrane with a full afternoon of live performances, food vendors, and community gathering at this annual neighborhood festival. All ages.

⌚ July 18, noon–7 p.m., 📍39th Street and Powelton Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 hopephl.org, 💵 Free admission; pay-as-you-go

(Music / free) Spruce Street Harbor Park showcases the city’s rising talent as more than 150 young musicians perform throughout the day. Workshops led by local artists round out this celebration of Philadelphia’s next generation of performers. All ages.

⌚ July 19, 2–8 p.m., 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 instagram.com, 💵 Free

(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