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.

(Theater) The best-selling novel turned film is now adapted for the stage. Watch the story of Allie and Noah who overcome all of the odds to share a love that lasts a lifetime. The Notebook is directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, and features music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.

⌚️July 21 - Aug. 2, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $31-153

(Community) Interested in a little spooky gardening? This workshop combines history and botany to help you create a cemeterrarium to take home. You’ll learn more about Laurel Hill’s history, take a guided garden stroll and do some hands-on crafting.

⌚️July 22, 5:30-7:30p.m., 📍3822 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19132, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵$28.52

(Comedy) Long Shot is an experimental comedy show where comedians can take risks and audiences get a hilarious and unique experience. This show features Grace Lazarz and friends as they imagine a reboot of the The Ellen Degeneres Show One-Night-Only Live Taping! Don’t miss out on this funny twist on the iconic talk show.

⌚️July 23, 7p.m., 📍319 N. 11th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Pay-what-you-wish, suggested $10 donation

(Music) The MTWB Charity Concerts have been an almost yearly Philadelphia tradition since 2013, putting on great shows while raising money to improve public spaces across the city. This year’s lineup includes Pavement with Ratboys, Kurt Vile and the Violators and more. Every ticket purchased supports real, lasting improvements to parks, playgrounds and recreation centers across the city.

⌚️July 24-25, 📍2400 Strawberry Mansion Dr., Philadelphia, Pa, 19132, 🌐 mtwbconcert.com, 💵 $30-60

(Community) This flea market brings a collection of the top vintage and artisan vendors from the Philadelphia area. Come shop for unique home decor, antiques, clothing and more that you won’t find anywhere else.

⌚️July 25, 10a.m. - 5p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) This jazz festival is back for its 6th year celebrating all things community, fun and music. Don’t miss out on live music performances, giveaways, activities for kids and so much more.

⌚️July 25, 12-6p.m., 📍2200 Block of Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19121, 🌐 phila.gov, 💵 Free

(Community) Come celebrate all things wine, food, music and community at this immersive festival. Chefs, winemakers, creators and cultural leaders will come together for impactful conversations, delicious tastings and fun activations. Come sip, socialize and enjoy the vibes.

⌚️July 25, 11a.m. - 11p.m., 📍1901 S. 9th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 wineandculturefest.com/, 💵 $106.23-266.71

(Community) Enjoy summer Latino style at this vibrant outdoor celebration. Enjoy a performance of La Guagua 47, a bilingual Latino musical and universal story of migration, belonging, and finding home in one another. Registration is encouraged but not required.

⌚️July 25, 6-9p.m., 📍4261 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19140, 🌐 esperanzaartscenter.us, 💵 Free

(Community) Get a taste of University City this week with special menus and fixed pricing at a range of amazing eateries. Participating restaurants will offer three-course meals at $20, $30 and $40 so you can truly eat your way through the neighborhood.

⌚️July 16-26, 📍Various locations, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 $20-40

(Theater) Have you ever imagined a world where Ben Franklin became the nation’s first rock star? Jump into a world where that very thing is true in this rock musical rooted in American history. Each ticket includes a 45-minute walking tour led by Ben Franklin himself.

⌚️July 1- Aug. 1, 📍140 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 soundofamericamusical.com/, 💵 $76

(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) 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- Aug. 16, 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16-32

(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 / free) Holman Field in Germantown becomes the stage for a family-friendly musical comedy about a vacation cruise gone wonderfully wrong. Expect silly mysteries, awkward mishaps, and plenty of laughs from performers in the Yes! And... Music Theatre Camp. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ July 22–24, 6 p.m., 📍21 W. Washington Ln., Philadelphia, Pa. 19144, 🌐 yesandcamp.org, 💵 Free

(Math / free) The Pennsylvania Convention Center opens the doors of the International Congress of Mathematicians to families with hands-on games and activities exploring probability, symmetry, mazes, geometry, and other surprisingly fun math concepts. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ July 24–25, 2–6 p.m., 📍1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

(Art / community / free) At Woodmere Art Museum, families decorate hollow eggs filled with colorful confetti before cracking them over each other’s heads in celebration of a joyful Mexican tradition—and an attempt to set a Guinness World Record. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ July 25, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 📍9001 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118, 🌐 woodmere.ticketapp.org, 💵 Free

(Community / free) Franklin Square celebrates 20 years since its restoration—and National Carousel Day—with temporary tattoos, birthday card-making, live music, a scavenger hunt through the Chinese Lantern Festival, fountain shows, and buy-one-get-one carousel rides. All ages.

⌚ July 25, 10 a.m.–noon, 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org, 💵 Free

(Community / free) The Animal Welfare Association’s annual festival in Voorhees combines lawn games, face painting, popsicles, food vendors, and hands-on activities with opportunities to meet pets looking for loving homes. All ages.

⌚ July 25, 4–7 p.m., 📍509 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees, N.J. 08043, 🌐 awanj.org, 💵 Free

(Art / free) Spruce Street Harbor Park’s newest attraction is part art installation, part playground. Visitors wander through a maze that responds to movement with changing lights and music, creating an immersive, hands-on experience along the Delaware River waterfront. All ages.

⌚ June 26–Aug. 17, 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free

(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

(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