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) Join BalletX at the Festival at Highmark Mann, featuring the world premiere of The Four Seasons Reimagined, an epic love letter to Mother Nature. This visually stunning experience includes stunning costumes, scenic stage designs and pre-show performances from dance organizations from across the region.

June 4-5, 7:30p.m., 📍5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 balletx.org, 💵 $25

(Community) Celebrate Flag Day with the Betsy Ross House with hands-on activities, family-friendly fun, music, crafts and more. The celebration will take place over ten days as the house comes alive with programming.

⌚️June 5-14, 📍239 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org/, 💵 Free

(Art) Looking to build your art collection? Head to Rittenhouse Square where more than 1,000 professional fine artists will be showing their best work at booths surrounding the park. Come browse, meet talented local artists and hang with fellow art lovers.

⌚️Jun. 5-7, 11a.m., 📍1800 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 rittenhousesquareart.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

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

(Community) Philadelphia’s oldest residential blocks is opening its doors and hosting a neighborhood fete. Come discover how generations have preserved and updated their historic homes and enjoy reenactors, crafters, activities for kids and more.

⌚️June 6, 1-5p.m., 📍126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 elfrethsalley.org, 💵 $11.20-62.20

(Community) It’s officially Pride month and Philly is celebrating in a major way. This year’s parade theme is Pride is Power, and will be ticketed for admission. The Pride March remains free to attend this year.

⌚️June 7, 12-7p.m., 📍Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 phillypride365.org, 💵 $10

(Community) The largest African American street festival is coming back to South Philly for its 51st year. The week of events include fitness classes, workshops, happy hours and so much more. The celebration ends with an epic block party featuring more than 100 vendors, two stages of live performances, delicious food and so much more.

⌚️June 7-14, 📍Various locations, 🌐 odundefestival.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Movies) This beloved festival is celebrating 15 years as the Greater Philadelphia region’s only festival showcasing innovative work of emerging and established Latine/x/a/o filmmakers. If you love all things film and Latino culture, grab a pass to enjoy well crafted cinematic magic. The festival will include feature films, shorts, animations, web series and documentaries, as well as workshops and discussions.

⌚️May 24-July 5, 📍Various locations, 🌐 phlaff.org, 💵 $10-150

(Theater) This four time Tony Award winning musical is a classic coming-of-age story taking place in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Follow along as Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade and their outsider crew try to envision who they want to be in a world that will never accept them.

⌚️May 26 - Jun 7, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $42 - 218

(Community) As America celebrates her 250th, there’s no better time to ask “what now?” ArtPhilly is presenting a five-week long arts and culture festival that seeks to answer that question through a range of experiences. Tap in for thought provoking performances, exhibitions and an amazing month of arts programming.

⌚️May 27-July 2, 📍Various locations, 🌐 artphilly.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(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

(Animals) At the Philadelphia Zoo, a refreshed and expanded habitat debuts for the zoo’s Andean and sloth bears, giving visitors a closer look at two species considered vulnerable in the wild. All ages.

⌚ Daily beginning June 4, from 11:30 a.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $24–$29

(Dogs / free) At the Navy Yard, some of the most talented dogs in the country show off their skills during three days of diving and agility competitions, proving that athleticism comes in all shapes, sizes, and breeds. All ages.

⌚ June 5–7, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍4747 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19112, 🌐 akc.org, 💵 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

(Community / free) After a rain postponement, Ridge Avenue once again fills with food vendors, live music, games, face painting, and neighborhood groups for a spring celebration in Northwest Philly. All ages.

⌚ June 6, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍Ridge Ave. from Green Lane to Fountain St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19128, 🌐 roxborough.brighttravel.com, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Art / free) At the Barnes Foundation, author and tap dancer Khalil Munir brings his children’s book series — and his tap shoes — for a day focused on confidence, creativity, and self-expression alongside the exhibition “Freedom Dreams.” Reservations open June 4 at 10 a.m. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ June 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, 🌐 barnesfoundation.org, 💵 Free

(Nature) At Longwood Gardens, these short, accessible guided walks are designed with younger attention spans in mind, using binoculars, magnifying glasses, and expert guides to help kids slow down and notice the natural world. Weather permitting. All ages.

⌚ May 30; June 6, 13, 15, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $22–$38; free ages 4 and under

(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) At Cherry Street Pier along the Delaware River, this three-part market series — in collaboration with Fleisher Art Memorial — highlights Latino makers with food, music, art, and plenty to browse and buy. All ages.

⌚ April 18, May 30, July 11, noon–5 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.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