The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: From upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

You can always find our favorite activities of the week at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Community) Your favorite reality show is coming to life at Evil Genius. You’ll be pitted against your fellow guests in a competition of deceit, challenges and murders. Whether you’re assigned as a traitor or a faithful, you’ll have a great night.

⌚️May 5, 7p.m., 📍1727 N. Front St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19122, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $25

(Community) Ready to get a little crafty this week? Learn how to create your own stylist tote bag from scratch. You’ll get to choose from a selection of colors for your bag, and get hands-on guidance to walk you through it. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed.

⌚️May 7, 6-8p.m., 📍1518 Walnut St, Suite 306, Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐eventbrite.com, 💵 $65

(Movies) This film festival celebrates independent filmmaking and the creatives who make them. Come enjoy a lineup of genre-spanning films made by student, emerging and professional filmmakers. In addition to screenings, you’ll also get to enjoy networking, Q&A sessions, afterparties and more.

⌚️ May 8-10, 📍400 Ranstead St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 firstglancefilms.com, 💵 $21.50

(Community) Looking to meet new people and practice your Spanish in a fun environment? Enjoy a relaxing evening in Historic Germantown with great conversations, drinks, snacks and great company. Your ticket enters you to win a raffle prize from El Quetzel.

⌚️May 8, 5-7p.m., 📍5501 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 app.etapestry.com, 💵 $10-15

(Community) More than 80 curated craft vendors are taking over Cherry Street Pier. This is the perfect chance to find unique gifts, fun items for your home or creative pieces to add to your collection. 75 free tote bags will be given out at 11am and 3pm each day to help you carry your new finds home.

⌚️May 9-10, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 artstarcraftbazaar.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This maker market truly has it all from vintage jewelry to perfumes and handmade items. Come shop, support local artisans and leave with unique and one-of-a-kind goodies.

⌚️May 9, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 📍1331 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19125, 🌐 instagram.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Kick off Pride with a week full of celebrations in New Hope. The festivities include special events, parties, and educational activities all culminating with a parade and fair.

⌚️May 9-17, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 newhopecelebrates.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Theater) History is coming to life at Cherry Street Pier as student bands perform songs from the time of the Revolutionary War. This event is a part of the Soundtrack of Independence Series, which highlights the role of music in shaping early American identity.

⌚️May 10, 3p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.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

(History) At the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, this 45-minute tour drops visitors into 18th-century life, with hands-on looks at what it meant to live in a log home and work the land. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ May 9, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 📍84 S. Pine St., Doylestown, Pa. 18901, 🌐 mercermuseum.org, 💵 $5–$10

(Shopping) At Cherry Street Pier along the Delaware River, this Mother’s Day weekend staple mixes shopping with kid-friendly fun — make-and-take crafts, a mini print vending machine, sweet treats, and plenty of giftable finds. All ages.

⌚ May 9–10, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 artstarcraftbazaar.com, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Community / free) Along Ridge Avenue in Roxborough, classic cars line the street alongside live music, food vendors, face painting, and wellness booths, turning the neighborhood into a full-day festival. All ages.

⌚ May 9, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍Ridge Ave. from Leverington Ave. to Fountain St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19128, 🌐 roxborough.brighttravel.com, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Community / free) At Liberty Lands Park — and spilling out onto nearby streets — this first-of-its-kind neighborhood fest brings games, vendors, and family-friendly entertainment to one of Philly’s busiest social hubs. All ages.

⌚ May 9, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍913 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19123, 🌐 explorenorthernliberties.org, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Community / free) At Historic Fair Hill in North Philly, this literacy-focused event offers book giveaways, a bookmobile, and interactive storytime — plus a bonus visit from the Philly Goat Project’s goats for an extra dose of chaos and charm. All ages.

⌚ May 9, noon–3 p.m., 📍2901 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19133, 🌐 historicfairhill.com, 💵 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

(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 cardholders