☀️ It’s officially summer | Things to do

Summer officially arrived this week, and Philly is wasting no time. World Cup matches return to Lincoln Financial Field, festivals are filling parks across the city, and outdoor concerts are kicking into high gear. If you’ve been waiting for the season to feel like summer, this is the weekend.

Also in this week’s edition:

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

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The Curaçao national team, among the most inspiring underdogs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is taking on Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.

It will be a hotly contested matchup between the two Group E teams. After a loss to Germany last week, Côte d’Ivoire is looking to bounce back in hopes of landing the No. 1 spot in their group.

Curaçao, nicknamed The Blue Wave, is looking to secure the team’s first win not only in this year’s tournament, but in World Cup history.

On Saturday, the fierce competitions continue. Croatia and Ghana will go head to head in what could be an upset matchup.

More about the matches.

🕺🏽Shake your tambourine: Philly-born rapper, TV host, author, and actor Eve is coming home for a one-night concert at the at the Dell Music Center. The performance, part of WaWa Welcome America events, is also a celebration of Black Music Month. The event will conclude with a firework display.

🍫 A sweet time kicking it at City Hall: Hershey’s Soccerland at Dilworth Park is a three-day pop-up where soccer, family, and chocolate collide. Visitors can enjoy fun activities, mini activations, and interactive games. Plus, they can get their hands on a limited edition Christian Pulisic Hershey milk chocolate bar.

🧙🏽‍♂️ The Wizard is here: The Philadelphia Orchestra will bring the iconic film The Wizard of Oz to life. While the film plays on screen, the orchestra will perform the movie’s score, giving long-time fans of the film a viewing experience unlike anything they’ve had before.

💃🏽 Kid-friendly cabaret: Kidchella, a free outdoor music event at Smith Memorial Playground, is delivering performances spanning Mexican son jarocho fusion, Brazilian percussion, Afrocentric R&B and dance, and family-style cabaret. The night will be capped off with fireworks.

📅 My calendar picks this week: North Broad Music & Morsels, Philly Fairy Festival, Culture Fest at Liberty Point, Harrowgate Summerfest, Germantown Art & Sound

Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta, one of Philly’s largest celebrations of Latino arts, culture, community, and tradition is back at LOVE Park this Saturday.

The annual festival is headlined by Latin Grammy Award-winning singer Olga Tañón, known for hits like “Es Mentiroso" and “Muchacho Malo."

Her performance will cap off a full day of live music, dance performances, food vendors offering authentic Hispanic cuisine, cultural exhibits, and interactive games and family-friendly activities.

For more information, read here.

🎸 The Great Divide at CBP: Noah Kahan is up at bat at Citizens Bank Park. The pop-folk superstar, known for hits like “Stick Season,” is heading to CBP for his “The Great Divide” tour. Openers include Gigi Perez and Annabelle Dinda.

🎉 Celebrations at the Navy Yard: Who says the Navy Yard is just all industrial boats and cargo? Head to the Navy Yard for an afternoon of live music, delicious food, local art and craft vendors, and other fun activities for visitors of all ages.

🎡 Go back in time: The Lits Building will be the host of Revisit 1876, a six-month exhibition that showcases the stories, sights, and extravagance of the first World’s Fair in North America. The country’s first typewriter, telephone, popcorn, and seltzer will be among the items displayed at the event, which celebrates the nation’s centennial.

🎨 Restorative justice at the Barnes: The Barnes Foundation’s new exhibition, Just Us, features original artwork crafted by artists at State Correctional Institution — Phoenix, and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew — a 24-week job readiness and life skills program for young adults. The exhibition kicks off this Friday and runs through Aug. 24.

Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week.

🎤 Thursday: Buffalo rapper Conway the Machine, fresh off his 2025 album You Can’t Kill God With Bullets, is bringing the heat to the Foundry on Thursday night.

🎸 Friday: The Strokes, Thundercat, and Hamilton Leithauser join hands for a star-studded performance at the TD Pavilion at the Mann Center.

🎤 Saturday: Wale, who quietly dropped one of rap’s best and most underappreciated bodies of work, is headlining at The Fillmore Philly with fellow emcee and St. Louis native Smino.

🎺 Sunday: For a Harlem-themed jazz party at South Restaurant & Jazz Club, Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist and songwriter Allan Harris will be headlining the night on Sunday.

When did the Lit Brothers building first open?

a) 1871

b) 1891

c) 1903

d) 1769

I’m starting something new for the newsletter, and I want your participation.

Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

That’s it for this week’s edition. At the start of the summer, there’s always plenty to do. But with the FIFA World Cup in full swing, and other events centered on the semiquincentennial celebration, there’s far more to explore than usual. Make sure to work these into your weekend plans.

– Earl Hopkins