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.

(Movies) The Academy of Natural Sciences is bringing back its annual month-long environmental film festival. The series takes place in April in honor of Earth Month and follows the theme Seeding the Future. All month long, enjoy feature-length films, documentaries, shorts and more centered on how we can shape a more sustainable future.

⌚️Apr. 2-16, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵$6-10

(Music) Support local independent artists at this monthly event at Cherry Street Pier. Each month, local performances across music genres will put on a show with great vibes, delicious food, drinks, and an amazing view of the Delaware River.

⌚️Apr. 3, 6-9p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Don’t miss out on the world’s premiere sneaker showcase. Come shop, trade pairs to other sneaker lovers and check out some of the most exclusive and sought after shoes in the sneaker game.

⌚️Apr. 4, 12-7p.m., 📍1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 sneakercon.com, 💵 $33

(Community) It’s time to celebrate Easter on South Street with a day of family-friendly fun. The promenade includes pictures with the Easter Bunny, games, prizes and a best dressed competition.

⌚️Apr. 5, 12-3p.m., 📍5th & South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Latino owned restaurants across the city are preparing to introduce you to their delicious flavors during Dine Latino Restaurant Week. This year’s lineup of restaurants include El Merkury, Casa Mexico, Mixto and dozens more.

⌚️Apr. 5-11, 📍Various locations, 🌐 philahispanicchamber.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Theater) Catch Williams Shakespeare’s famous play on stage, right at the Arden Theater. The play follows the story of two star crossed lovers who fall in love while navigating coming from families sworn to hate each other. The show is a bold reimagining directed by Barrymore Award winner Amina Robinson.

⌚️Mar. 5 - Apr. 5, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $37-70

(Theater) At the Academy of Music, the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic — now 60 years removed from the beloved film — arrives on its North American tour, bringing the von Trapp family story and all the singalong favorites to Broad Street. Ages 7 and up.

⌚ March 31–April 5, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $31–$160

(Community / free) At Smith Memorial Playground in East Fairmount Park, the annual spring kickoff means rides down the giant wooden slide, Philly Sensory Theater performances, a kids’ DJ, hands-on activities from local arts orgs, and snacks from Herr’s. Registration suggested. Ages 0–8.

⌚ April 4, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 📍3500 Reservoir Dr., Philadelphia, Pa. 19121, 🌐 smithplayground.org, 💵 Free

(Music) Inside the Miller Theater, Peppa, George, and family team up with the Muddy Puddles Orchestra for an interactive intro to live music — a first concert experience designed for the littlest audiences (with a sensory-friendly option). Ages 18 months and up.

⌚ April 4, 1 and 4 p.m., 📍250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $30–$83

(Community / free) In Center City, Walnut Street between Broad and 19th closes to cars and opens to pedestrians, turning the corridor into a walkable stretch filled with games, pop-ups, and outdoor dining — basically, a citywide excuse to be outside again. All ages.

⌚ Sundays, April 5–May 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍Walnut St. between Broad and 19th sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102–19103, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free

(Theater) At the Arden Theatre Company in Old City, this fast, funny mashup flips familiar fairy tales into something delightfully ridiculous — perfect for kids who like their stories a little chaotic. Ages 5–10.

⌚ April 8–May 31, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $35–$51

(History) At the Museum of the American Revolution, spring break stretches into a two-week run of discovery carts, reenactors, storytelling, and hands-on exhibition activities — a way to sneak in some learning during time off. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ March 28–April 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 $14–$27; $2 ACCESS cardholder

(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

(Kids) The Please Touch Museum welcomes a hands-on exhibit visiting from Minnesota Children’s Museum, inspired by the beloved British cartoon. Kids can climb, balance, animate stop-motion scenes, explore a play truck, and even try on a sheep costume. Ages 3–9.

⌚ Feb. 7–May 10, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 📍4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24; $2 ACCESS cardholder