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.

(Art) This group exhibit features work from eleven artists from the Joined Hands Collective. The pieces span watercolor, collage, mixed media, ceramics, fiber and photography. The exhibit explores how individuals, communities and shared environments intersect, showing the many ways we are all connected.

⌚️Sept. 5 - Oct. 10, 📍601 W. Allens Ln., Philadelphia, Pa, 19119, 🌐 allenslane.org, 💵 Free

(Community) This massive festival celebrates the very best of Polish culture. There will be traditional polka music, dancing, carnival rides and, of course, delicious festival food.

⌚️Sept. 5-7, 📍654 Ferry Rd., Doylestown, Pa, 18901, 🌐 polishamericanfestival.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Celebrate the beauty and vibrancy of Brazilian culture at this free outdoor festival. Come honor Brazilian Independence Day with music, dancing, food and so much more.

⌚️Sept. 6, 1-7p.m., 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) This free concert series brings a variety of genres and groups to perform right on the Delaware River. This week, enjoy a performance by Sheer Mag, a contemporary rock group with rhythmic beats and memorable lyrics.

⌚️Sept. 6, 7p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(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

(Seasonal / free) It’s the final week to enjoy the Delaware River Waterfront’s warm-weather playground before it packs up to make way for Winterfest. Take a spin around the outdoor roller rink, ride the Ferris wheel and carousel, or squeeze in one last round of mini golf. All ages.

⌚ Through Sept. 7, hours vary, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Movie) Watch the Ben Stiller comedy about museum exhibits coming to life in the courtyard of the Betsy Ross House, weather permitting. Bring your own snacks, then stick around after the movie for an after-hours tour of the real-life museum. Ages 7 and up.

⌚ Sept. 4, 5:30 p.m., 📍239 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org, 💵 $10

Labor Day Weekend

(History) Kids 12 and under get free admission to the Museum of the American Revolution throughout summer’s unofficial final weekend. Check out The Declaration’s Journey and catch pop-up presentations exploring what work looked like 250 years ago. Ages 4 and up.

⌚ Sept. 5–7, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍131 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 Free–$25

(Culture) The National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown celebrates the festival’s 60th anniversary with two weekends of carnival rides, traditional Polish food, music, dancing, and other cultural festivities spread across dozens of acres. Most rides are included with admission, and kids 3 feet tall and under get in free. All ages.

⌚ Sept. 5–7 and 12–13, noon–8 p.m., 📍654 Ferry Rd., Doylestown, Pa. 18901, 🌐 polishamericanfestival.org, 💵 $15

(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

(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