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 interactive art show and kick back is the perfect opportunity to support local artists while connecting with fellow art lovers. There will be food trucks, complementary wine and so much more. The event is free to attend but a $10 donation is suggested.

⌚️Mar. 27, 7-10p.m., 📍6380 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Spring has officially arrived and so have Fairmount Park’s stunning cherry blossom blooms. Come celebrate the start of a warmer season at this event that brings a taste of Japan to Philadelphia through unique cultural lessons and experiences.

⌚️Mar. 28-29, 📍100 N. Horticultural Dr., Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 japanphilly.org, 💵 $0-15

(Community) With the exception of local churches, taverns were some of the most essential institutions in 18th century towns. Enjoy an evening of 18th century beer, cocktails, parlor games and heart-cooked food at this fundraising event too support food education programs in the city. You’ll be transported to a tavern from the 1770 and entertained just like patrons of the time.

⌚️Mar. 28, 6-10p.m., 📍208 Lincoln Dr., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $28.52

(Community) What better way to support our local waterways than with local brews? At this festival, you’ll enjoy samples from local breweries, cideries and distilleries while learning all about how water is used in their processes. Our waterways matter, and we should celebrate them.

⌚️Mar. 28, 4-9p.m., 📍211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 phillyseaport.org, 💵 $50-80

(Community) This open mic night welcomes comedians, dancers, musicians and more for an evening of creativity and community. You’ll get to hear from and support local performers and artists, enjoy great drinks, enter to win prizes and more.

⌚️Mar. 28, 6p.m., 📍3675 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $15

(Community) America isn’t the only one with a big birthday to celebrate. Come honor the country’s 250th and the Port Richmond neighborhood’s 179th birthday. The festival will include live music, food trucks, games and more. (

⌚️Mar. 28, 12-5p.m., 📍2535 E. Allegheny Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19134, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This poetry workshop is designed for all writers and explores themes of friendship. Come get creative with other community members and enjoy light refreshments while putting pen to paper.

⌚️Mar. 29, 1-4p.m., 📍3952 Landcaster Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 plantandpeople.com, 💵 Free

(Theater) Philly GRIT showcases experimental performances by local artists through a mix of storytelling styles. This year’s showcase includes three different performances, all exploring a range of topics, themes and styles.

⌚️Mar. 18-29, 🌐 theatreexile.org/, 💵 $25-35

(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

(Art) This art exhibition will transport you to a world of color, connection and creativity. Works from more than 40 artists will be on display all month long at Cherry Street Pier. The showcase celebrates the strength of artists supporting artists.

⌚️Mar. 6-31, 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Nature / free) At the Newlin Grist Mill, the 160-acre grounds surrounding the historic mill host a guided, all-ages exploration focused on spotting local birds and seasonal migrants. Bring binoculars if you have them and meet at the log cabin. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ March 28, 9–11 a.m., 📍219 Cheyney Rd., Glen Mills, Pa. 19342, 🌐 newlingristmill.org, 💵 Free

(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

(Seasonal / free) This ever-growing community event splits into two locations: a morning hunt at Gorgas Park and an afternoon round at Wilson Farm Park on the Main Line. Timed egg hunts run every 10 minutes, with extras like face painting, inflatables, a petting zoo, and pony rides in Roxborough. Ages 2 and up.

⌚ March 28 (rain date: April 4), 11 a.m.–noon and 2–4 p.m., 📍6300 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19128; 500 Lee Rd., Wayne, Pa. 19087, 🌐 phillyegghunt.com, 💵 Free

(Seasonal) Held at West Fairmount Park, this annual celebration arrives early to catch peak blooms, with a full weekend of Japanese cultural programming. Sunday leans especially kid-friendly, with kimono dressing, games, storytelling, calligraphy, face painting, and a daylong scavenger hunt. All ages.

⌚ March 28–29, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., 📍4700 States Dr., Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 japanphilly.org, 💵 $15–$20; free ages 12 and under

(Seasonal) At the American Swedish Historical Museum in FDR Park, this Scandinavian-inspired celebration goes beyond the egg hunt with crafts, dress-up as Easter witches, and face painting — a slightly different take on the holiday. Ages 2–12.

⌚ March 29, 2–4 p.m., 📍1900 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19145, 🌐 americanswedish.org, 💵 $5–$15

(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

(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 cardholder