Skip to content
Things To Do

The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

If you're looking for the best things to do in Philly this week, you've come to the right place.

Co-workers and Rittenhouse neighbors Carly Pettis (left) and Becky Sobeck (right) play chess on an oversized board along Walnut Street during the final car-free Open Streets of the spring Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025. The Center City District takes space usually used by cars and trucks and gives it over to pedestrians every spring near Rittenhouse Square — 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut Street and Walnut from 15th to 19th Streets.
Co-workers and Rittenhouse neighbors Carly Pettis (left) and Becky Sobeck (right) play chess on an oversized board along Walnut Street during the final car-free Open Streets of the spring Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025. The Center City District takes space usually used by cars and trucks and gives it over to pedestrians every spring near Rittenhouse Square — 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut Street and Walnut from 15th to 19th Streets.Read moreTom Gralish / Staff Photographer

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.

Philly Jazz Month Kick Off Celebration

(Music) Did you know that April is Philly Jazz Month? Kick off this citywide celebration of jazz heritage with wine, refreshments and, of course, live jazz music in the Mayor’s Reception Room at City Hall.

⌚️Mar. 31, 5-7p.m., 📍1400 JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

All Creatives Networking

(Community) Looking for new collaborators, creative friends or a new coworking buddy? This networking event brings together creatives of all kinds to meet, mingle and find opportunities to collaborate. The goal is to get inspired and find new ways to make great creative work happen.

⌚️Apr. 1, 7-9p.m., 📍915 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19123, 🌐 luma.com, 💵 Pay-what-you-can

Confluence Film Festival

(Movies) The Academy of Natural Sciences is bringing back its annual month-long environmental film festival. The series takes place in April in honor of Earth Month and follows the theme Seeding the Future. All month long, enjoy feature-length films, documentaries, shorts and more centered on how we can shape a more sustainable future.

⌚️Apr. 2-16, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵$6-10

Friday Night Improv

(Comedy) In need of a good laugh this week? Head to this improv show where the performers will take your suggestions and create a hilariously funny show. Light refreshments will be available, and feel free to BYOB.

⌚️Apr. 2, 7-8p.m., 📍1625 E. Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $13 online, $15 at the door

Sistah Soul Series

(Music) Support local independent artists at this monthly event at Cherry Street Pier. Each month, local performances across music genres will put on a show with great vibes, delicious food, drinks, and an amazing view of the Delaware River.

⌚️Apr. 3, 6-9p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

Sneakercon Philadelphia

(Community) Don’t miss out on the world’s premiere sneaker showcase. Come shop, trade pairs to other sneaker lovers and check out some of the most exclusive and sought after shoes in the sneaker game.

⌚️Apr. 4, 12-7p.m., 📍1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 sneakercon.com, 💵 $33

93rd Easter Promenade

(Community) It’s time to celebrate Easter on South Street with a day of family-friendly fun. The promenade includes pictures with the Easter Bunny, games, prizes and a best dressed competition.

⌚️Apr. 5, 12-3p.m., 📍5th & South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 Free

Dine Latino Restaurant Week

(Community) Latino owned restaurants across the city are preparing to introduce you to their delicious flavors during Dine Latino Restaurant Week. This year’s lineup of restaurants include El Merkury, Casa Mexico, Mixto and dozens more.

⌚️Apr. 5-11, 📍Various locations, 🌐 philahispanicchamber.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

Romeo & Juliet

(Theater) Catch Williams Shakespeare’s famous play on stage, right at the Arden Theater. The play follows the story of two star crossed lovers who fall in love while navigating coming from families sworn to hate each other. The show is a bold reimagining directed by Barrymore Award winner Amina Robinson.

⌚️Mar. 5 - Apr. 5, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $37-70

The best events for kids in Philly

The Sound of Music

(Theater) At the Academy of Music, the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic — now 60 years removed from the beloved film — arrives on its North American tour, bringing the von Trapp family story and all the singalong favorites to Broad Street. Ages 7 and up.

⌚ March 31–April 5, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $31–$160

Play-A-Palooza

(Community / free) At Smith Memorial Playground in East Fairmount Park, the annual spring kickoff means rides down the giant wooden slide, Philly Sensory Theater performances, a kids’ DJ, hands-on activities from local arts orgs, and snacks from Herr’s. Registration suggested. Ages 0–8.

⌚ April 4, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 📍3500 Reservoir Dr., Philadelphia, Pa. 19121, 🌐 smithplayground.org, 💵 Free

Peppa Pig: My First Concert

(Music) Inside the Miller Theater, Peppa, George, and family team up with the Muddy Puddles Orchestra for an interactive intro to live music — a first concert experience designed for the littlest audiences (with a sensory-friendly option). Ages 18 months and up.

⌚ April 4, 1 and 4 p.m., 📍250 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $30–$83

Open Streets: West Walnut

(Community / free) In Center City, Walnut Street between Broad and 19th closes to cars and opens to pedestrians, turning the corridor into a walkable stretch filled with games, pop-ups, and outdoor dining — basically, a citywide excuse to be outside again. All ages.

⌚ Sundays, April 5–May 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍Walnut St. between Broad and 19th sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 19102–19103, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free

The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

(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

Spring Break at the Museum

(History) At the Museum of the American Revolution, spring break stretches into a two-week run of discovery carts, reenactors, storytelling, and hands-on exhibition activities — a way to sneak in some learning during time off. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ March 28–April 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 $14–$27; $2 ACCESS cardholder

“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition”

(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

Shaun the Sheep: Flock This Way

(Kids) The Please Touch Museum welcomes a hands-on exhibit visiting from Minnesota Children’s Museum, inspired by the beloved British cartoon. Kids can climb, balance, animate stop-motion scenes, explore a play truck, and even try on a sheep costume. Ages 3–9.

⌚ Feb. 7–May 10, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 📍4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24; $2 ACCESS cardholders