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.

(Art) Whether you’re a painting pro or grabbing a brush for the first time, come relax and enjoy this all-levels art class. Your instructor will walk you through basic watercolor techniques to help you create a master piece. All painting supplies, plus a special gift to take home, are included with your ticket.

⌚️May 21, 6-7:30p.m., 📍1438 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 phsonline.org, 💵 $58

(Community) The Devon Horse Show is one of the largest multi-breed horse shows in the country. Come watch as competitors from around the world showcase their skills in hopes of winning top prize. The County Fair features activities for the entire family and includes food, games and unique vendors to shop.

⌚️ May 22-June 2, 📍23 Dorset Rd., Devon, PA 19333, 🌐 devonhorseshow.net, 💵 $20-350

(Community) The food and culture contained in the Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park is unlike anything you’ve tasted or seen. Celebrate AAPI month with a night of culture and community with a 7-course tasting menu. You’ll leave with a full stomach and a tote bag full of merch from AAPI owned businesses. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the Vendors Association of the Market.

⌚️May 22, 6-9:30p.m., 📍1901 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19148, 🌐 eventbrite.com/

(Community) Swing by Northern Liberties for a night of food, games, live music and fun. This night market will feature dozens of your favorite food trucks, plus entertainment, cocktails and beer, kids activities and so much more. This event is pet friendly and perfect for the entire family.

⌚️May 22, 5-10p.m., 📍N. 2nd St., between Fairmount Ave., and W. Laurel St. Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 northernlibertiesnightmarket.com/, 💵 pay-as-you-go

(Community) Looking to get a little artsy? Come enjoy delicious sips from Young American Hard Cider while screen printing. Between pours, you’ll get to create your own paper screen prints with 3 different designs. For an additional fee, you can even turn your design into a t-shirt ot tote bag.

⌚️May 22, 7-9p.m., 📍6350 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19144, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $30

(Community) There hasn’t been a more dynamic duo than these wine and empanada selections. Lula’s Empanadas will pop up in the garden of Jet Wine Bar with perfectly friend empanadas with a variety of fillings. Taste some of your favorites and grab a glass of wine perfectly paired to complete the experience.

⌚️May 23, 5-9p.m., 📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com, 💵 pay-as-you-go

(Community) Guac lovers, this ones for you. Sample the freshest guacamole mixed up by some of Philly’s best restaurants, and vote for your faves. One contestant will be crowned 2024′s Guac Master. Proceeds benefit MANNA’s mission to deliver meals to those experiencing chronic illness in Philadelphia.

⌚️May 23, 6-9p.m., 📍221 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa., 19106, 🌐 donate.mannapa.org, 💵 $35-75

(Outdoors / free / multiday) The seasonal riverside pop-up returns to Penn’s Landing with special daytime family programming on Sundays (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) and plenty of games and pay-as-you-go snacks for just about everyone. Ages 3 and up. Also re-launching on the Delaware this weekend (May 25): the RiverLink Ferry from Philly to Camden, NJ.

⌚May 24-Sept. 29, 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐delawareriverwaterfront.com , 💵 Free

(Movies) Both established and emerging Latino filmmakers will be celebrated for their creativity and contributions to culture. This festival lineup includes workshops, feature films, shorts, animations and so much more. Plus, celebrate the 10th annual LOLA Awards, which honors the filmmaking achievements of Latino creatives.

⌚️May 26 - July 7, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 phlaff.org/

And just like that, Memorial Day weekend is upon us. For those families who aren’t planning a long weekend schlep to the Shore, the Poconos, Grandma’s, etc., here are some reasons to get out of the house and into the city.

(Theater / multiday) The Arden Theatre recently extended its lovably modernized take on this classic tale of a boy made of wood, his creator-dad, a whale, a cricket, and believing in yourself. Tickets remain for two ASL interpreted performances on May 25 at 4 p.m. and June 5 at 10:30 a.m. Ages 4-12.

⌚May 21-June 9, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St.., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵$20-$45

(Dance / free) It’s not always financially wise to take a fidgeting, short-attention-spanned younger kid to a major live performance. But stopping by City Hall’s Dilworth Park for a show by Philadelphia’s renowned contemporary dance troupe Philadanco? That’s budget friendly. All ages.  

⌚May 23, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., 📍1 S. 15th St.., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free

(Dinosaurs / garden / multiday) An elegant Chestnut Hill botanical enclave has declared the coming months the “Summer of Dinos” at Morris Arboretum featuring a self-guided tour of prehistoric-related plants, an expansive outdoor toy train setup featuring fantastic Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, etc. made out of bark, and a “paleontologist’s cottage” with fossil-digging capabilities. Ages 2 and up.

⌚May 25-Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends, 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19118 🌐 morrisarboretum.org , 💵$20 adult, $18 ages 65 and up, $10 ages 3-17, free under age 3 and member

(Seasonal / free) Franklin Square (still somewhat under construction), activates its eastern half for two hours of kid-friendly fitness, giant bubble-making, live music, and games, a summertime kickoff. All ages.

⌚May 25, noon-2 p.m. ,📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19106 🌐historicphiladelphia.org , 💵 Free

(Culture / free) Fisher Park in Olney hosts its first day celebrating African history and heritage with dance, drumming, music, a mancala tournament, crown-making (and parading), and lots of African vendors. All ages.

⌚May 25, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. ,📍600 W. Spencer St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19120 🌐facebook.com, 💵 Free