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) This timeless, Tony award winning musical is headed for a run at the Forrest Street Theater. This story of fame, fortune and all that jazz will have you snapping and singing long after you leave.

⌚️May 12-17, 📍1114 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 forrest-theatre.com, 💵 $48-216

(Community) On the hunt for your next great trinket or treasure? Look no further, this festival brings together local businesses and community members for a day of delicious food and small business shopping. Don’t miss the chance to support small businesses, get down at a dance party and get a true taste of the flavors of Philly.

⌚️May 16, 12-5p.m., 📍3500-3700 Lancaster Ave. Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Get ready for the very best of Brewerytown, Francisville, Spring Garden and Fairmount at this outdoor festival. Stop by to enjoy more than 100 vendors, live music from local bands and delicious bites. This event is perfect for the whole family.

⌚️May 16, 11a.m. - 5:30p.m., 📍W. Girard Ave., between College Ave. and 29th St., 🌐 parktobroad.org/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Vino lovers, this one’s for you. Sample an incredible variety of wines at this elevated tasting experience. In addition to trying amazing wine, the day will also be filled with live entertainment, delicious food and so much more.

⌚️May 16, 12-6:30p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $50.26

(Community) One of Philly’s most popular festivals is back for another year of great food, live music and all things Italian culture. Come celebrate in the heart of the Italian Market, the nation’s oldest outdoor market. The festival will feature a range of music, a range of cuisine, artist and activities.

⌚️May 16-17, 10a.m. - 5p.m., 📍 919 S 9th St, Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 italianmarketphilly.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) This music festival celebrates and provides space for music created by Jewish people. It is open to all and highlights a broad range of genres and styles, all represented by Jewish performing artists.

⌚️May 17, 12p.m., 📍2300 S. Swanson St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 phillyjewishmusic.org/, 💵 $43-187

(Community) Music, community and creativity are coming together at this beloved art festival. Lansdowne Avenue will be transformed into a buzzing outdoor gallery complete with performers, artists and visitors from across the region.

⌚️May 17, 12-6p.m., 📍30 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, Pa, 19050, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Looking to improve your sustainability practices? This festival makes it easy, with shopping available from eco-friendly vendors, local nonprofits ready to educate and plenty of tips on living a greener life. bring in old batters and clothes to be recycled as your first start to a greener footprint.

⌚️May 17, 12-4p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Theater) This show commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Watch as the founding fathers come alive as they fight members of the Continental Congress and press towards an independent America, set right here in Philadelphia.

⌚️Apr. 14 - May 31, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $107-127

(Community / free) South Philly’s iconic Italian Market shuts down for two packed days of food, music, and classic neighborhood chaos, from the greased pole climb to the half-ball tournament to Sunday’s procession of saints. Come hungry and prepared for crowds. All ages.

⌚ May 16–17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍S. 9th St. from Christian to Wharton sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 italianmarketphilly.org, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Community / music / free) In Brewerytown, Girard Avenue transforms into a sprawling spring block party, with live performances on two stages — from neighborhood dance and karate groups to the West Philly Orchestra — plus vendors and food all along the corridor. All ages.

⌚ May 16, 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m., 📍W. Girard Ave. from College Ave. to 29th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130, 🌐 parktobroad.org, 💵 Free

(Cars / community / free) Back after a rain delay, Roxborough’s vintage car showcase brings classic rides, hot rods, and plenty of chrome back to Ridge Avenue, alongside food vendors and neighborhood browsing. All ages.

⌚ May 16, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 📍Ridge Ave. from Green Lane to Fountain St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19128, 🌐 roxborough.brighttravel.com, 💵 Free

(Community / free) At Cherry Street Pier, this sustainability-minded fest mixes practical recycling opportunities with family fun — from battery drop-offs and clothing repair help to zoo animals, collaborative art-making, and eco-friendly inspiration. All ages.

⌚ May 16, noon–4 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community / music / free) Outside the Mummers Museum in Pennsport, Philly’s cultural mashup takes center stage with Aztec dancers, soca, brass bands, steel drums, Mummers performances, and food trucks celebrating the city’s many communities. All ages.⌚ May 17, noon–6 p.m., 📍1100 S. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 mummersmuseum.org, 💵 Free

(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

(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

(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