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) Dive into American history like never before at this show by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Park. The America Play is a poetic drama that examines American History through the perspective of a Black Abraham Lincoln impersonator named the “Founding Father.” The play examines the way we document American history and draws on themes of race and identity.

⌚️May 19-31, 📍265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 wilmatheater.org, 💵 $20-120

(Music) This live music session pays homage to one of the most celebrated artists of all time, Stevie Wonder. Featured vocalists include KJ McNeil, Naeemah Harper and Lawrence Newton, with maestro Luke Carlos O’Reilly.

⌚️May 20, 7-11:30p.m., 📍140 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $10-17.85

(Community) Your favorite traveling outdoor beer garden is back for another season of outdoor happy hours. This week, check out Clark Park with its lush 9 acres, open field, playgrounds and more and enjoy delicious drinks and food.

⌚️May 20-25, 📍4300-4398 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 parksontap.com/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This horse show is one of the oldest and largest multi-breed horse shows in North America. Watch as competitors from around the globe showcase their equestrian skills in hopes of winning top prize. The County Fair also hosts dozens of pop up restaurants, fair food stands, boutique shopping vendors and more.

⌚️May 20-31, 📍 23 Dorset Rd, Devon, Pa, 19333, 🌐 devonhorseshow.net/, 💵 $10-325

(Community) Brittany Lynn and her Drag Mafia are shutting down the rooftop at Bok Bar again. Take in an amazing view of the city and watch as the most award winning drag troupe gives you an all star performance.

⌚️May 21, 7-9p.m., 📍800 Mifflin St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 bok-bar.com, 💵 $41.80-123.40

(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

(Community) The historic Wyck House is in full bloom this season. Take a look, and a smell, at the beautiful roses in their garden and also enjoy special lectures, vendors, and garden tours.

⌚️May 23, 11a.m. - 3p.m., 📍6026 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 wyck.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Celebrate women in leadership through celebrating the life, legacy and impact of Marian Anderson. You’ll learn more about Marian’s story and many contributions while also celebrating the power of women who lead with purpose and vision.

⌚️May 23, 12p.m., 📍419 S. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 oldcitydistrict.org, 💵 $50

(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

(Seasonal / free) At the Scott Arboretum & Gardens on Swarthmore College’s campus, families can wander among blooming roses while enjoying floral-inspired treats, live music, art-making, temporary tattoos, and dumplings from Humpty’s. Picnicking encouraged. Rain or shine. All ages.

⌚ May 20, 4–7 p.m., 📍500 College Ave., Swarthmore, Pa. 19081, 🌐 scottarboretum.org, 💵 Free

(Art / free) At Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, original works by local students in grades three through eight debut in the Helen Millard Children’s Gallery, each inspired by the iconic Langston Hughes poem “I Dream a World.” The exhibition remains on display through the summer. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ May 21, 5–6:30 p.m., 📍9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19118, 🌐 globalphiladelphia.org, 💵 Free

(Seasonal / free) The Delaware River waterfront favorite returns beside the Seaport Museum 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

(Museums / free) Across the Historic District, five museums offer free admission and special programming designed to get families exploring places they may not have visited before. Participating venues include the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Betsy Ross House, Carpenters’ Hall, National Constitution Center, and the Weitzman. Reservations suggested. All ages.

⌚ May 22, 1–5 p.m., 📍Various locations, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 annualmeeting.aam-us.org, 💵 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

(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