🏖️ Lay up on the urban beachfront | Things to do

It’s a three-day weekend; so you know what that means. It means there’s more fun to be had than usual. Thankfully, there’s a lot to explore this Memorial Day holiday.

In fact, it’s divine timing for us weekend warriors. The seasonal favorites are making a comeback on the Delaware River waterfront, and the nation’s largest equine show and oldest rose garden are opening — all in our backyard.

Of course, we can’t forget about the musical heavyweights headed to our region (more on that below), and the headliners that were just announced for the city’s Independence Day bash.

With Memorial Day weekend ahead, here are some of my recommendations on how to make the most of these extended weekend offerings. Read below to find out what’s happening.

— Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

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The lineup for the “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” on July 4 at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway has arrived.

The Independence Day concert will feature headliners Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, and The Roots.

They will be joined by Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge fame, and State Property, the Philly hip-hop collective that includes Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Peedi Crakk, and Chris and Neff.

Doors to the concert will open at 3 p.m., and the music is scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to just before midnight, with a fireworks finale to follow.

For more information, read my colleague Dan Deluca’s story here. And July maybe far away but never too early to plan your concert fits.

🏆 A chance at gold: The 18-karat gold FIFA World Cup will make a tour stop at the University of Pennsylvania on Thursday. Fans can catch a glimpse of the cup by registering for a spot on the Coca-Cola website.

🇺🇸 A play on American history: The America Play, written by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, offers a fresh take on Abraham Lincoln’s legacy. The show takes center stage at the Wilma Theater through May 31.

💐 Stop and smell the roses: The nation’s oldest rose garden is tucked away in Germantown. On Saturday, a free festival offers guests garden tours, pay-as-you-go food and drink, and views inside the neighborhood’s historic homes.

📅 My calendar picks this week: Memorial Day Weekend at Sesame Place, Dinos After Dark at the Academy of Natural Sciences

It’s lively on the Delaware River waterfront this season, with the reopening of the Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest.

At the urban beachfront, visitors can enjoy games, ice cream, and carnival-themed bites. Plus, swan boats in the marina and a series of free concerts happening all summer.

Just north along the waterfront, Summerfest is also making a comeback. The area will be packed with roller skating, mini golf, carnival rides, and games. Plus, an indoor space when the summer heat begins to sizzle.

These attractions will be open to visitors through September. For more information, visit delawareriverwaterfront.com.

🏇 Regional horse show and county fair: Step outside the Philly city lines to attend the annual equine celebration at the Devon Show Grounds. The county fair and horse show remains the oldest and biggest multi-breed horse competition in America, and it’s right in the heart of Chester County.

🎭 Dear theater lovers: The six-time Tony Award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen, arrives at Arden Theater on Thursday night. The heartwarming show will run at the Old City theater through July 5.

🔔 Get lost in twilight: Twilight Tours at the Liberty Bell Center returns on Friday. The free Old City attraction welcomes guests for a walking tour through Philly’s historic halls and storied sites from Thursday to Sundays.

Here’s pop music critic Dan Deluca’s list of the top concerts this weekend.

🎸 Thursday: Finnish psychedelic black metal band Oranssi Pazuzu makes a rare appearance in support of its 2024 album Muuntautuja at Underground Arts.

🎸 Friday: Head to the Shore to watch Journey, featuring guitarist Neal Schon and company with singer Arnel Pineda, perform at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall for the band’s “Final Frontier” tour.

🎤 Sunday: Neo-soul singer Ari Lennox will take the stage at Met Philly in support of her new album, Vacancy, which features sultry jams like “Deep Strokes” and “Company.”

🎤 Also Sunday: Perhaps the hottest name in the south is Houston rapper Don Toliver, whose set to perform at Xfinity Mobile Arena for his race-car-themed “Octane Tour.”

There’s a lot to unpack this extended weekend. But when there’s more to do, more should be done. Don’t miss out on these outdoor happenings along the waterfront, and others throughout the region. And let me know what you were upto.

– Earl Hopkins