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) Explore the unique connections between wine, gems and geology around the world. You’ll explore Pennsylvania’s rich geological history with a guided gemstone presentation, all paired with delicious local wines and light bites. You’ll learn a lot about gems, wine and how they’re all connected.

⌚️Aug. 21, 6-9p.m., 📍1809 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $70

(Community) Book lovers, you won’t want to miss this. Grab your largest tote, and maybe a bookmark, and head to this crawl, which celebrates Philly’s vibrant bookstore scene. There will be discounted books, author signings, giveaways and more at each stop.

⌚️Aug. 22, 📍Various locations, 🌐 phillybookstorecrawl.com/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) You won’t need luck on your side to score big at this marketplace. Come shop from more than 40 vendors offering unique fashion, vintage finds, accessories, art and more. Come support small businesses and local makers while enjoying a fun day of shopping on the waterfront.

⌚️Aug. 22, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Lace up your sneakers and head outside for fresh air, great vibes and even better company. This hike gives you some space to decompress and enjoy the morning while soaking in nature and enjoying the scenery at Lloyd Hall.

⌚️Aug. 22, 9:30a.m., 📍1 Boathouse Row, Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Get a taste of Ukrainian culture at this day long festival. There will be amazing traditional foods, live music and concert performances, a craft marketplace and more. Children 15 and under can enter for free, and $2 from every admission benefits humanitarian relief in Ukraine.

⌚️Aug. 23, 12-8p.m. 📍 Lower State and County Line Rd., Horsham, Pa, 19454, 🌐 tryzub.org/, 💵 $20

(Community) The Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition to showcase the region’s historic arts and crafts works, in honor of its 150th anniversary. The exhibit features 250 objects from ceramics and furniture to textiles and stained glass, that tell the story of Philadelphia’s Centennial Exhibition.

⌚️July 5 - October 18, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 philamuseum.org/, 💵 Free with museum admission

(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

(Film / free) Second only to “Rocky,” the Nicolas Cage historical-fiction adventure — and its sequel — has become synonymous with Philly on film. The Independence Visitor Center hosts back-to-back nights celebrating the movies, with activities and free popcorn beginning at 5:30 p.m. and screenings at 7 p.m. Ages 10 and up.

⌚ Aug. 21–22, 5:30 p.m., 📍Independence Mall, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 phlvisitorcenter.com, 💵 Free

(Culture) Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence is celebrated at the Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub in Horsham with a family-centered day of traditional dancing, live music, food, and other festivities, against the backdrop of the country’s continuing war. All ages.

⌚ Aug. 23, noon–8 p.m., 📍Lower State and County Line roads, Horsham, Pa. 19454, 🌐 tryzub.org, 💵 Free–$20

(Boating / free) Once or twice a month, weather permitting, FDR Park breaks out the blue heron paddle boats at its boathouse. Anyone weighing at least 30 pounds can strap on a life jacket, grab some binoculars, and spend a half-hour pedaling around the lake while looking for turtles and ducks. Ages 4 and up; adults must accompany minors.

⌚ Aug. 15 and 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 📍1500 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19145, 🌐 myphillypark.org, 💵 Free

(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) 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