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) 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) Your favorite artists are heading to a stage near you at this spring’s Roots Picnic festival. You’ll hear from legends like Jay-Z and Erykah Badu and an incredible lineup across two days of performances. Spend the days before checking out events across the city including Roots Picnic Con, the ultimate linkup of creative professionals

⌚️May 28-31, 📍Various locations, 🌐 rootspicnic.com 💵 Free, $300 - $1,000

(Community) The vibes are going to be immaculate for this night of dance-first music and movement. Come ready to groove to soulful house music, black techno, hip-hop, disco and more with DJ Kwasi and DJ Diyanna Monet.

⌚️May 29, 9p.m - 1a.m., 📍1936 N. Front St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19122, 🌐 posh.vip/, 💵 $10-20

(Community) Are you a fan of comics, sci-fi, horror, gaming or cosplay? Then this expo is for you. Come for an out-of-this-world weekend full of celebrity guests, fan meet ups, gaming booths, chances to interact with your favorite characters and so much more.

⌚️May 29-31, 📍1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 fanexpohq.com, 💵 $12-140

(Community) This vibrant event brings the spirit of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated festival, the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, to Philadelphia. The day will include a gallery experience where six powerful paintings will walk guests through a timeline of history and a street-style celebration in the style of Old San Juan.

⌚️May 30, 3-5p.m., 📍4261 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19140, 🌐 esperanzaartscenter.us, 💵 $15

(Theater) Dive into American history like never before at this show by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Park. The America Play is a poetic drama that examines American History through the perspective of a Black Abraham Lincoln impersonator named the “Founding Father.” The play examines the way we document American history and draws on themes of race and identity.

⌚️May 19-31, 📍265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 wilmatheater.org, 💵 $20-120

(Community) This horse show is one of the oldest and largest multi-breed horse shows in North America. Watch as competitors from around the globe showcase their equestrian skills in hopes of winning top prize. The County Fair also hosts dozens of pop up restaurants, fair food stands, boutique shopping vendors and more.

⌚️May 20-31, 📍 23 Dorset Rd, Devon, Pa, 19333, 🌐 devonhorseshow.net/, 💵 $10-325

(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

(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

(Animals) At Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, this annual fundraiser for the Animal Welfare Association welcomes dogs and humans alike for a costume-friendly run/walk, plus pet-focused activities, performances, treats, and hands-on fun. All ages.

⌚ May 30, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., 📍Cooper River Park, Pennsauken, N.J. 08109, 🌐 awanj.org, 💵 Pay-what-you-wish; $30–$40 for walk/run

(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

(Outdoors / free) Along the Delaware River at the Frankford Boat Launch in Tacony, this community fest offers free fishing, kayaking, biking activities, and nature programming designed to get families outdoors and onto the water. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ May 30, 12:30–3:30 p.m., 📍5501 Tacony St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19137, 🌐 riverfrontnorth.org, 💵 Free

(Seasonal) At the historic Devon Horse Show on the Main Line, the annual kid-focused day includes DIY fancy hat-making, a parade to show them off, and free admission to one of the region’s most beloved traditions. Ages 3–12.

⌚ May 30, activities beginning at 10 a.m., 📍23 Dorset Rd., Devon, Pa. 19333, 🌐 devonhorseshow.net, 💵 Free; $15 for hat craft

(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

(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