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.

(Community) West Fairmount Park is going to be overflowing with dance, music and more all in celebration of community. Come enjoy a day filled with kid-friendly activities, live music, performances, food venors and more. Performances at this year’s festival include Philly’s Got Dance, Philadanco 3, De Tierra Caliente and other beloved local acts.

⌚️ June 13, 1-6p.m., 📍West Fairmount Park, 1769-1825 State Rte. 3005, Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 westparkcultural.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Part of the PECO Multicultural Series, this waterfront festival is dedicated to preserving and sharing Islamic heritage across generations. Come enjoy cultural performances, fun kid-friendly activities and shopping from a variety of vendors.

⌚️June 13, 2-8p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) TED Democracy Philadelphia brings global thinkers into the city ahead of America’s 250th celebration. Hosted at the Kimmel Center, the event will include a full day of ideas, conversation and connection focused around the past, present and future of democracy.

⌚️June 13, 9a.m., 📍300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org/, 💵 $29-280

(Community) This daylong celebration kicks off at City Hall with a parade celebrating people with disabilities, allies, aides, family and friends. After the parade the celebration keeps going with food trukcs, arts and craft vendors, giveaways and more. This year’s theme is we belong here and we’re here to stay.

⌚️June 13, 12-4p.m., 📍1400 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 disabilitypridepa.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This mixer brings together dynamic women looking to connect and network over a shared love of tennis. Your ticket grants you full access to the on-court and off-court events of the day. Come pick up a racket, put yourself out there and leave with an improved game and great new connections.

⌚️June 14, 5-7p.m., 📍411 W. Manheim St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $45

(Community) Celebrate Flag Day with the Betsy Ross House with hands-on activities, family-friendly fun, music, crafts and more. The celebration will take place over ten days as the house comes alive with programming.

⌚️June 5-14, 📍239 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org/, 💵 Free

(Community) Franklin Square’s annual illuminated lantern festival is returning and bringing the magic. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with dozens of detailed hand-crafted lanterns. You’ll even spot soccer themed displays honoring the countries coming to Philly for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

⌚️June 5-16, 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16-32

(Community) The largest African American street festival is coming back to South Philly for its 51st year. The week of events include fitness classes, workshops, happy hours and so much more. The celebration ends with an epic block party featuring more than 100 vendors, two stages of live performances, delicious food and so much more.

⌚️June 7-14, 📍Various locations, 🌐 odundefestival.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(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

(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) 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 / history) At Center City’s historic Plays & Players Theatre, Pig Iron Theatre revives its imaginative sci-fi adventure that asks a very Philadelphia question: What if Benjamin Franklin really could control the weather? The time-bending production returns after a successful debut last summer. Ages 10 and up.

⌚ June 12–28, times vary, 📍1714 Delancey St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 franklinskey.com, 💵 $39–$80

(History / free) At the Betsy Ross House, the city’s most famous flag-maker gets her annual celebration, complete with a flag-raising ceremony, hands-on crafts, living history, and a special afternoon program. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ June 14, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍239 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org, 💵 Free

(Outdoors / trains) The garden railways at the Morris Arboretum & Gardens take center stage during this annual celebration of all things locomotive. Young train enthusiasts can search for favorite engines and admire miniature rail lines winding through lush landscapes. Ages 2 and up.

⌚ June 13–14, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118, 🌐 morrisarboretum.org, 💵 $12–$22

(Community / music / art / free) West Fairmount Park becomes an outdoor celebration of music, dance, art, and culture, with performances ranging from Latin and Japanese bands to spoken-word artists and youth dance groups. Family activities come courtesy of organizations including the zoo, Mural Arts, Smith Memorial Playground, and the Please Touch Museum. All ages.

⌚ June 13, 1–6 p.m., 📍4200 S. Concourse Dr., Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 westparkcultural.org, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Community / free) At Philadelphia Brewing Company, local pups compete for the chance to become the Philadelphia Water Department’s canine ambassador for responsible pet ownership. Expect games, caricatures, and plenty of four-legged contenders. Dogs must be leashed. All ages.

⌚ June 14, 2–5 p.m., 📍2440 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125, 🌐 delawareestuary.org, 💵 Free

(Animals) At the Philadelphia Zoo, a refreshed and expanded habitat debuts for the zoo’s Andean and sloth bears, giving visitors a closer look at two species considered vulnerable in the wild. All ages.

⌚ Daily beginning June 4, from 11:30 a.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $24–$29

(Culture) At Franklin Square on the edge of Chinatown, giant illuminated sculptures, live acrobatic performances, food vendors, and countless photo opportunities return for another summer of after-dark magic. All ages.

⌚ June 5–Aug. 16, 6–10 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16–$32

(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

(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

(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