57 of the best things to do in Philly this weekend and next week

📅 Our calendar is updated every Thursday with the best events for the week. You can always find it at inquirer.com/calendar. Submit an event to our calendar here.

(Community / in-person / free / multiday) We are still in a pandemic. Make a plan to get vaccinated or your booster shot; there are many places throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey — CVS, Rite Aid, neighborhood rec centers, and more — where you can get your free COVID-19 shot. (Free, phila.gov)

(Community / in-person / kid-friendly) Your favorite food trucks and local vendors (Standard Tap, El Camino Real, Urban Village Brewing, and more) take over N. Second Street for an evening street party. Come with friends or bring the fam for a night of food, live music, street performers, games, prizes, and more. The market is free to attend, and food and drink are pay-as-you-go. (May 26, 5-10 p.m., N. Second St. between Fairmount & Poplar, northernlibertiesnightmarket.com)

(Seasonal / in-person / free / kid-friendly) Glen Foerd hosts its first of four Thursday evenings to bring your own blanket to the historic mansion’s grounds, let your kids hula hoop, play badminton and cornhole, have a go at making a collage (this week, paper flower bouquet and arrangement-making), listen to a live band (Liberty Bell Brass), and enjoy food truck fare (tacos) and locally-distilled spirits. Ages 3+. (Free, May 26, 6-8:30 p.m., 5001 Grant Ave., glenfoerd.org)

(Seasonal / in-person / outdoors) The Devon Horse Show is one of the largest multi-breed horse shows in the country. Top competitors from around the world showcase their skills in hopes of winning the top prize. The Country Fair features tons of fun for the entire family, hosting everything from food and games to art and unique vendors. ($16-$325, May 26-June 5, 23 Dorset Rd., Devon, devonhorseshow.net)

(Community / in-person / free) Don’t limit the greens of spring to the outdoors. Stop by The Porch at 30th Street station to pick up a free mini plant from STUMP. Plants will be available while supplies last with a limit of one per person. (Free, May 26, 12:30-1:30 p.m., 2955 Market St., facebook.com)

(Art / in-person / community) Grab a bottle of your favorite wine, pack snacks, and head to Philly’s iconic mosaic garden. This dreamy BYOB night includes live music and hands-on activities where you can create your own artwork. ($16-$25, May 27, 7-10 p.m., 1020 South St., phillymagicgardens.org)

(Movies / in-person / outdoors / free) What’s better than a movie under the stars? Start your weekend with a free screening of Prince’s Sign O’ The Times in Clark Park. In addition to a great indie film, you can fill up from local food trucks and hear sets from local DJs. (Free, May 27, 7-10 p.m., 4300 Chester Ave., universitycity.org)

(Wildwood / festival / in-person / kid-friendly) The 36th-annual Wildwoods International Kite Festival, one of the largest in North America, features kites from makers across the globe. Whether you’re learning to fly a kite or are ready to sail the skies like a pro, there’s an activity here for you. You can buy yourself a kite, take part in the illuminated night kite fly, join in on silent auctions, and more. The festival ends with a World Indoor Kite Competition on Monday where competitors attempt to fly their kites with no wind. (Free, May 27-30, throughout Wildwood, wildwoodsnj.com)

(Museum / in-person / kid-friendly) From story time to live performances and art gallery visits, the Museum of the American Revolution offers plenty of ways to honor those who serve. Pop into the special exhibit Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War to learn about compelling stories of colonial veterans. Veterans, military, and Blue Star Families can enjoy free admission to the museum all weekend. (May 27-30, 101 S. Third St., amrevmuseum.org)

(Music / in-person / kid-friendly) Kick off your summer with the Philly POPS as they put on a free concert to honor Americans who serve. This year’s concert features guest conductor Byron Stripling, vocalist Sydney McSweeney, and violinist Jennifer Orchard. The night will end with a fireworks show high above the Mann Center. (Free, May 27, 7 p.m., 5201 Parkside Ave., phillypops.org)

(Museum / in-person / kid-friendly) Bring the whole family to honor American service members while deepening your knowledge of the holiday. Visit the flag show to learn more about the stars and stripes, then head to the Thank A Vet station to write messages to Americans who’ve served. (May 27-29, 525 Arch St., constitutioncenter.org)

(Wildwood / community / in-person) This drag show features some of Wildwood’s fiercest drag queens. Kick off your Memorial Day weekend with the drag versions of Dolly Parton, Madonna, Beyoncé and many more. ($20, May 27-28, 7 p.m., 3700 Pacific Ave., Wildwood, eventbrite.com)

(Music / in-person) This double bill is part of the Puerta Arbieta summer music series that aims to center and celebrate the sounds of the Latinx diaspora. Rubinos, the daughter of Puerto Rican and Cuban parents, grew up in Connecticut; her music mixes salsa, rumba, hip-hop, jazz and classical. She broke through with the terrific Black Terry Cat in 2016 and followed it up last year with Una Rosa. Mexican-born Brooklyn rapper Pieri opens. ($20, May 27, 8 p.m., 3025 Walnut St., worldcafelive.com)

(Ocean City / in-person) You’ve never seen beachgoers quite like this. Participants dress in business wear as they jump into the cool ocean water. A local band plays tunes to provide some background music for this epic sight. It’s a great chance to meet local business owners and celebrate the summer season in Ocean City. (Free, May 27, noon-1 p.m., Moorlyn Terrace St. Beach, Ocean City, oceancityvacation.com)

(Music / in-person) Peck is like the Lone Ranger of country music, a queer cowboy crooner who covers his face not to keep from getting COVID-19 but to conceal his identity and add a level of stylized intrigue. It’s worked: Peck’s true identity has not been revealed — though we do know he grew up in South Africa — and the campy aspects of his persona have surely helped him build an audience while he’s grown more proficient at putting over sturdy songs like The Curse of the Blackened Eye and Outta Time with a flair for melodrama. ($30-$35, May 27, 8 p.m., 29 E. Allen St., thefillmorephilly.com)

(Movie / in-person) Thirty-six years after he first took to the skies, Tom Cruise returns as pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, now working as a test pilot, and fighting off promotions and retirement to teach a new group of hotshots. With cameras mounted in fighter jets, the flying scenes are incredible. Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, and amazing effects co-star. (Rated PG-13. Premieres May 27 in theaters)

(Movie / in-person) The TV cartoon series brings its small-screen animation to the big screen as the Belchers try to save their restaurant from going under. Literally. There’s a sinkhole. Featuring the voices of H. Jon Benjamin, Kristen Schaal, Dan Mintz, Zach Galifianakis, Aziz Ansari, and more. (Rated PG-13. Premieres May 27 in theaters)

(Food and drink / in-person) Head to the winery and raise a glass to the start of summer. Sip on the summer hits wine flight or opt for something a bit stronger like the sangria spritz or sangria slushie. Common Good Pizza will be serving up slices while live music acts rotate in all weekend. (May 28-30, 632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, chaddsford.com)

(Community / in-person / outdoors / free) Historic Wyck House is best known for its stunning garden and Heritage roses. This weekend, you can celebrate these stunning blooms with lectures, a vendor marketplace, music and more. Attic Brewery and 2nd Street Sammies will also be there to keep your plates and cups full. (Free, May 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 6026 Germantown Ave., wyck.org)

(Community / in-person) In celebration of Black Birders Week, come join some of Philly’s most well-known birding experts for a panel discussion. In addition to hearing from the pros, you’ll get to meet other birders while enjoying great cocktails and appetizers. ($25-$50, May 28, 5-9 p.m., 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., ansp.org)

(Shopping / in-person / community) Whether you’re shopping for vintage fashion finds or unique home decor, this market has something for you. The market at Cherry Street Pier is free to attend and features some of the region’s best makers and artisans. (May 28-29, 10 a.m., 121 N. Columbus Blvd., cherrystreetpier.com)

(Seasonal / in-person / music / kid-friendly) Nothing says summer on the Delaware River like a brilliant fireworks show with a great soundtrack. This year, Visit Philadelphia hosts a free fireworks show over the river, which can be viewed from Race Street Pier, RiverRink Summerfest, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and more points along the Delaware River near Old City. Head to the Garden at Cherry Street Pier for a great view of the show, followed by a free concert by Liberty Vibes, the 78th Army’s band. (Free, May 28, 9:30 p.m., 121 N. Columbus Blvd., cherrystreetpier.com)

(Seasonal / in-person) You have to weigh at least 35 pounds to board a row, or swan- or dragon-shaped paddle boat docked on a manmade basin on the Delaware. (Keep in mind: A rowboat goes faster.) Lifejackets are required — as is an adult, for boaters not yet 18-years-old. ($12 per half hour, $4 per ACCESS cardholder, May 28-Oct. 22, 211 S. Columbus Blvd., phillyseaport.org)

(Ocean City / community / in-person / kid-friendly / fundraiser) Think you could handle a Navy SEAL-approved obstacle course? Bring the whole family (younger members of the family can join the kids’ fun run) to the beach and try your luck with these two competitive events. The day closes with a Memorial paddle out with a special wreath-laying to honor fallen heroes. Proceeds from the event will benefit 31Heroes, which supports veterans and their families. (May 28, 7:30 a.m., 825 Boardwalk, Ocean City, memorialbeachchallenge.com)

(Wildwood / art / in-person / community / kid-friendly) Shop unique pieces from dozens of local makers and vendors right on the boardwalk in Wildwood. Admission is free to explore a wide range of creative and high-quality handmade goods. Tents will be set up directly on the boardwalk just south of the convention center. (Free, May 28-29, 9 a.m-5 p.m., 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, boardwalkcrafts.com)

(Food and drink / in-person) Take in the fireworks show from the water while you cruise down the Delaware River. This three-hour cruise includes a buffet dinner, drinks, stunning views of the city, and onboard entertainment. ($119.47-$144.37, May 28, 7-9:30 p.m., 401 S. Columbus Blvd., cityexperiences.com)

(Food and drink / in-person / kid-friendly) If summer for you is synonymous with grill lines on burgers and live music, then you won’t want to miss this BBQ. Grab lunch from one, or both, food trucks and enjoy two special sangrias inspired by summer from Bellview Winery. Tables are available first-come, first-served but you can bring your own tables and chairs and grab a space under the tent. (May 28, noon-5 p.m., 150 Atlantic St., Landisville, NJ, visitsouthjersey.com)

(Music / in-person) Rock-pop sister act Haim are finally on the road behind their 2020 album Women in Music Pt. III on their One More Haim tour. And this time, there’s a movie star in the band: youngest sibling Alana Haim broke into the film scene with her role in Licorice Pizza by Paul Thomas Anderson (though she was snubbed by the Oscars). Sasami opens. ($29-$125, May 28, 8 p.m., 5201 Parkside Ave., manncenter.org)

(Community / in-person) Laurel Hill Cemetery was the site of the first Memorial Day observance in Philadelphia. This year, the community gathers and performs a traditional service honoring veterans who lost their lives in service. The event is free to attend, but a $5 donation is appreciated. (Free, May 29, 12 p.m., 3822 Ridge Ave., thelaurelhillcemetery.org)

(Atlantic City / party / in-person) Cruise into summer with this unforgettable yacht party. A live DJ will be on board providing the perfect background track while you dance and sail the marina. Bars on board will be cash-only, so plan ahead before you set sail. ($45, May 29, 8;30-11 p.m., 800 N. New Hampshire Ave., Atlantic City, eventbrite.com)

(Movies / in-person / virtual / community) Celebrating its 10th year, the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival features the work of Latino filmmakers. This year’s festival features both in-person and online screenings and events that celebrate diverse elements of the Latino experience. ($15-$100, May 29-June 5, various locations, phlaff.org)

(Seasonal / art / in-person / community) Open rain or shine, there’s plenty to browse at this arts and craft pop-up. Shop handmade goods and antiques, and take advantage of the fresh produce stand and coffee bar. (May 29, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 19th St. and Bayview Ave., Barnegat, vikingvillageshows.com)

(Atlantic City / in-person) Celebrate the start of summer and the grand opening of Bally’s new location with fireworks, live music, and giveaways. DJs spin all night, alongside live music acts, and there will be plenty of food and cocktail options. (Free, May 29, DJs, 1 p.m.-12 a.m., Fireworks, 9 p.m., 1900 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, ballys.com)

(Seasonal / in-person / kid-friendly / outdoors) Barnegat is set to host its annual Memorial Day parade to kick off the summer season. The event concludes with a remembrance ceremony at the lighthouse. Attendees can throw flowers along the parade route in honor of fallen veterans. (Free, May 29, 6-7:30 p.m., W. 11th St., Barnegat, welcometolbi.com)

(Seasonal / in-person) Join hosts Legendary Parry P and Ms. Patty Jackson from WDAS as they kick off the summer at an evening party at Rivers Casino. There will be DJ sets and live music performances from musicians including Sam The Beast and DJ Too Tuff. If you’re feeling festive, come dressed in red, white and blue. Veterans and service members can get 50 percent off with ID. ($30, May 29, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., 1001 N. Delaware Ave., eventbrite.com)

(Cape May / community / in-person) Head to Cape May for a ceremony honoring service members and fallen heroes. After the ceremony, join the Coast Guard as they present a rifle salute and launch a flower boat from the Gurney St. Beach in honor of fallen veterans. (Free, May 30, 11 a.m -1 p.m., 714 Beach Ave., Cape May, capemay.com)

(Music / in-person) The Brooklyn-born veteran R&B singer made his debut with a self-titled album in 1988 and in a long dependable career has consistently delivered the two words that make up the title of his most recent album, released in 2021: Sophisticated Soul. His Sunday night show at City Winery is sold out, but tickets remain for Monday. ($70-$90, May 30, 8 p.m., 990 Filbert St., citywinery.com/philadelphia)

(Music / in-person / free) Bronx-born poet, beatboxer, and singer Navaja is a Def Poetry Jam veteran and the former host of the All That! Hip-Hop Poetry and Jazz showcase at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York. He performs with his band, the Razor Blades, at the Commonwealth Plaza at the Kimmel Center on Memorial Day. (Free, May 30, 8 p.m., 300 S. Broad St., kimmelculturalcampus.org)

(Music / in-person) Nnamdi Ogbonnaya is a Chicago multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who makes dreamy, fractured, and frisky music that rarely sits still. He pulls from indie rock, hip-hop, and jazz on songs that mine his experience as a self-described “Black, Jewish, first-generation Nigerian-American.” He was terrific last year at the Mann Center opening for Wilco and Sleater-Kinney, though he couldn’t play guitar because he had broken his wrist skateboarding. He should be able to put both hands to use at Johnny Brenda’s on Tuesday. Philly bands Ghosh and Lizdelise open. ($15, May 31, 8 p.m., 1201 N. Frankford Ave., johnnybrendas.com)

» READ MORE: Find the best kids events in our weekly kids calendar

(Drinks / in-person) Center City’s Wednesday evening happy hours are back and boozier than ever. Stop by any of the dozens of participating bars and restaurants and enjoy half-priced apps, $6 cocktails, $5 wine, and $4 beers. This year, select retailers (Mitchell and Ness, Verde, Joan Shepp, and more) will participate in SIPS Style, offering 25% off select items and services each Wednesday. (Wednesdays, June 1-Aug. 31, 4:30-7 p.m., various locations, centercityphila.org)

(Books / in-person / free) Have a story read to you, then write your own — and go home with a new book and an activity bag. Not bad for a mid-week, after-school haul. Event is in partnership with the National Liberty Museum. Ages 3-8. (Free, June 2, 4 and 5 p.m., 4200 Wissahickon Ave., libertymuseum.org)

(Dance / in-person / community) Philadelphia Ballet Chairman David Hoffman opens his property up for a night of ballet in the garden. Enjoy a special program featuring multiple performances, and pack a picnic and a bottle of wine. (June 2-June 4, 1022 North Spring Mill Rd., Villanova, philadelphiaballet.org)

(Music / in-person) Who says there are no second chances in life? On a recent visit to Tucson, Arizona, I was gravely disappointed when a Metalachi show I had tickets for was canceled. But lo and behold, the Los Angeles quintet that bills itself as “the world’s first and only heavy metal mariachi band” has followed me home. Philly psychedelic cumbia band Qlebras opens. ($18, June 2, 8 p.m., 1009 Canal St., brooklynbowl.com/philadelphia)

(Music / in-person) In 2008, Tallahassee-born rapper-singer and massively influential auto-tune user T-Pain had a hit called Can’t Believe It, in which he sang “I would put you in a mansion in Wiscansin.” This year, he’s out on his Road To Wiscansin tour, which will end on June 11 in Wisconsin. On his way there, he’s stopping in Fishtown. ($39-$42.50, June 2, 8 p.m., 29 E. Allen St., thefillmorephilly.com)

(Music / in-person / free) The artist dubbed “the Drag Queen King of Philadelphia” by the Inquirer will perform with the Yannick Nézet-Séguin-conducted Orchestra (as will Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot and the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus) in this free Pride Month concert celebrating the region’s LGBTQ+ community. (Free, but tickets required, June 2, 7:30 p.m, 300 S. Broad St., philaorch.org)

(Seasonal / in-person / multiday) For 228 years, the farm one hour’s drive up Broad Street from City Hall has raised crops. In more recent years, Hellerick’s has also raised agritainment-based fun with an obstacle course, ziplines, goat yoga, you-pick crops, party packages galore, and, new this season, a silo climbing wall. The farm is open on weekends only through Memorial Day. Ages 2+. (Prices vary, weekends only, through May 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 5500 N. Easton Rd., Doylestown, hellericksfarm.com)

At Chester County’s annual Styer’s Festival of the Peony, you can walk through 25 acres containing more than 55,000 peonies and a large selection of precut flowers to take home. There are more than 100 peony varieties, such as coral charm, glowing candle, sally, and red charm. While the peony fields are beautiful on foot, Styer’s also has a drive-through option for anyone who wants to keep their walking to a minimum. During the festival, you can also order fresh-cut flowers and bulbs for delivery. ($8-$20, through May 31, 4313 S. Creek Rd., Chadds Ford, styerspeonies.com)

(Art / in-person / community) The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ walls will be taken over by the work of graduate and undergraduate art students for its annual student exhibition. This tradition offers the artists the chance to curate and sell their own work and for art enthusiasts to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces at a lower price point. Enjoy a pay-what-you-wish rate to the exhibit during opening weekend, May 13 to 15. Otherwise, general admission gets you access. ($10-$18, through June 5, 118-128 N. Broad St., pafa.org)

(Seasonal / in-person) Local strawberries are a here today, gone tomorrow crop. There are only three-and-a-half weekends left to pluck sweet red gems from the Johnson family fields. After that, it’s back to plastic-boxed Foxy’s and Driscolls. Ages 1+. ($6, free under age 1, weekends through June 11, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ, johnsonsfarm.com)

(Seasonal / in-person / multiday / outdoors) With a roof of inflated beach balls, the warm weather version of City Hall’s ice rink is back, inaugurated by the local rollers of Great on Skates. The outdoor roller skating rink promises activations through the spring and summer — and an adjacent beer garden. Reservations recommended. Ages 3+. ($10 adult, $8 child, $5 skate rental, opening: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., daily through July 17, 1 S. 15th St., centercityphila.org)

(Science / in-person / multiday) The Academy continues a year focused on water with an exhibit co-created by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Things that live and happen on the ocean floor — five-foot-long tubeworms, thermal vents, giant clams, iconic shipwrecks — could inspire kids to become the next Cousteau (and likely inspire grown-ups to rewatch The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou). Ages 5+. ($22 ages 13 and up, $19 senior, student, military, $18 ages 2-12, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2, through Jul. 24, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., ansp.org)

(Seasonal / in-person / free / kid-friendly) Those of us tired of waiting for a beach day can swing by these outdoor shops to watch four pro sand-sculpting teams build whimsical, gritty art. In a few weeks, the castles and such will be complete to wander among, and, sandboxes will be open to play in. Ages 2+. (Free, building: through June 4; on display: June 8-Aug. 31, 400 State Rd., New Hope, peddlersvillage.com)

(Museum / in-person / multiday / kid-friendly) The museum version of J.K. Rowling’s juggernaut lets visitors choose their Hogwarts houses, explore Gringotts, Hogwarts, and the Forbidden Forest — but not record video. Timed tickets are good for museum admission up to two hours early. Ages 5 and up. ($43 ages 12-64, $41 senior and military, $39 ages 3-11; free ages 2 & under, evening tickets: $30, through Sept. 18, 222 N. 20th St., harrypotterexhibition.com)

(Fitness / in-person / outdoors) Head to the Schuylkill Banks for a morning of zen movement. Bring your own yoga mat or towel and enjoy this all-levels instructor-led yoga class. Yoga classes take place (weather permitting) on Saturday and Sundays at 10 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursdays at 6 p.m. throughout the spring and summer season. (Pay what you can, various dates through Oct., 2500 Locust St., eventbrite.com)

(Art / in-person / outdoors / free) Magical Fantasy, a collection of bold and bright 3D art pieces by London-based artist Morag Myerscough, has transformed The Navy Yard into a colorful playground. Stop by to wander through the exhibit and escape into an abstract dreamland without leaving the city. (Free, through October, Broad St. and Constitution Ave., navyyard.org)

(Outdoors / multiday / kid-friendly / free) Philly’s oldest research garden has teamed up with the Bicycle Coalition to lend, repair, and teach kids about bikes every Friday after school. There are snacks, too. Ages 5-17. (Free, Fridays through Nov., 3-6 p.m., 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., bartramsgarden.org)

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