Top Summer Activities in Philadelphia

Uncover the hidden treasures of Philadelphia this Semiquincentennial summer as America celebrates its 250^th birthday and indulge in the unique urban escape the City of Brotherly Love offers. Visitors will find a city designed for pedestrians, foodies, fans, and history buffs that is easy to navigate seamlessly between world-class events and local favorites.

As the days grow longer, Philadelphia comes alive with an abundance of seasonal sensations, pop-up parks, and unforgettable festivals. From day to night, these summer experiences help you discover what makes Philadelphia a must-visit destination.

Welcoming the World for America’s 250^th Anniversary

The summer of 2026 is promising to be one of the biggest the city has ever experienced, with major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and MLB All-Star Game bringing festivities and games to Philadelphia, and several FREE festivals and concerts surrounding Independence Day.

The eyes of the world will be fixated on Philadelphia with six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches — including matches featuring football powerhouses Brazil, France and Croatia, and a Round of 16 matchup on July 4 — set for Philadelphia Stadium. The fun continues for all 39 days of the tournament as Philadelphia’s FIFA Fan Festival™ kicks its way into Fairmount Park. Organizers promise plenty of “Philly Phlavor” throughout the festival grounds (which are free to enter). Every matchup featuring teams from around the world will be broadcast on massive screens, accompanied by local food (would you expect anything else from Philly?), cultural experiences, and live music.

Major League Baseball’s superstars are heading to Philadelphia for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14. In the days leading up to 96th Midsummer Classic, fans can enjoy the Capital One All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, HBCU Swingman Classic, and other baseball-themed events at the ballpark as part of MLB All-Star Week.

The major sporting events continue in August with the United States Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club from August 10 to 16. The event brings together the nation’s top men’s amateur golfers for one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions. The Philadelphia Cycling Classic returns for the first time in a decade on August 30. The race starts and ends on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and will include the infamous 17% grade hill in Manayunk known as “The Wall.”

Philadelphia will amplify its already electrifying summer series for the Semiquincentennial. The annual Wawa Welcome America festival returns with 16 days of FREE city-wide programming, concerts, block parties, and — of course — hoagies, running from Juneteenth (June 19) through July 4th. Highlights this summer include Philly Fair 250 and the Kidchella Music Festival in Fairmount Park, Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta, the Celebration of Black Music Month + Fireworks featuring Philly’s own Eve, and the awarding of the Liberty Medal to Pope Leo XIV. The festival culminates with the July 4th Party on the Parkway, featuring a massive concert and fireworks display.

ArtPhilly presents “What Now: 2026,” is a major city-wide, multidisciplinary arts festival celebrating Philadelphia’s role in American culture and creativity. Spanning iconic venues across the city from May 27 through July 2, the festival will feature more than 30 original commissions and projects in music, visual art, theater, dance, and other artistic expression, highlighting Philadelphia’s vibrant creative community.

While in town, get outside and see some of the music as the Highmark Mann celebrates its 50^th year in Fairmount Park. World-renowned musicians, the Philadelphia Ballet, and the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra will all take the stage at the open-air amphitheater.

Immerse yourself outside

When the sun’s up in Philadelphia, it’s time to head outdoors. Enjoy fountain shows, mini golf, a carousel, and other family-friendly fun at Franklin Square. Don’t miss the Chinese Lantern Festival, when thousands of LED-lit lanterns transform the park into a vibrant technicolor oasis from June into August. June into August.

Nature lovers can find plenty of peaceful outdoor escapes. Explore the trails and historic homes found throughout the 2,000+ acres (800+ hectares) of Fairmount Park, which includes the nearly 350-acre 140-hectare) FDR Park near the South Philadelphia Stadium Complex. Events held throughout the summer include baoting, salsa dancing, yoga, movie nights, Park After Dark: Moonwalk + Stargazing,and guided hikes.

Prefer to spend more time on the water?  The Delaware River waterfront is one of Philadelphia’s top summer destinations, thanks to an abundance of seasonal activities, dining, and attractions.

Charter a custom-restored wood boat with Sea Philly for a stunning river cruise. For more on-the-water fun, visit the Independence Seaport Museum. In addition to historic ship tours and river-focused exhibitions, the museum offers family-friendly seasonal on water programming, including paddleboats and kayak excursions.

Skate riverside on a 12,000-square-foot roller rink, putt your way through a miniature golf course,  try your luck at games, ride a Ferris wheel, and grab some food at the carnival-inspired Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Walk along the river to soak in Spruce Street Harbor Park‘s hammocks, lights, and gardens before grabbing food and drinks on the floating barges.

Don’t miss the Lazy Hammock bar, featuring live music, movies on a  16-foot video screen, and waterfront summer vibes.

Check out seasonal events and art installations at nearby Cherry Street Pier. While there, dine riverside under historic steel trusses at The Garden, the pier’s pop-up dining space serving tacos, ice cream,  and frozen cocktails. For a simple summer evening, relaxon the lawn at neighboring Race Street Pier — one of Philadelphia’s top spots for photos.

In the evening, join fellow film fans at one of the city’s many outdoor movie nights. In University City, Sunset Social hosts outdoor movie nights each Wednesday on the open-air lawn of Cira Green. Also in West Philadelphia, the University City District has partnered with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Friends of Clark Park to offer Movies in Clark Park every Friday night in August. For a truly lively experience, pack a picnic and head to Movies at the Mann where a live orchestra plays along to blockbuster films. Also, catch a movie with a bit of patriotism with Movies on the Mall on the lawn by Independence Hall.

Make memories at seasonal parks and beer gardens

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Pop-Up Gardens —on South Street and in Manayunk — transform vacant lots into lush landscapes. The Gardens offer specialty cocktails, craft beer, and seasonal menus from local restaurants.

Philadelphia’s summer traveling beer garden, Parks on Tap, brings brews and bites to a new neighborhood park every week. South Philadelphia’s Bok Bar features seasonal drinks and food on a roof that offers stunning views of the city. And those visiting Center City can enjoy seasonal drinks and food at Uptown Beer Garden — which sits just across from LOVE Park.

Each summer, Eakins Oval transforms into a pop-up outdoor space along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Visitors can enjoy art, music, and free entertainment and concerts at The Oval. It is also home to a beer garden, food trucks, a Summer Sound Stage, a carousel, and more.

Get outside to See Some Art

Philadelphia is one huge outdoor art museum thanks to the more than 4,000 painted walls located throughout the city. Mural Arts Philadelphia holds events throughout the summer. You can even go on a guided tour of the art.

The new Calder Gardens and the Rodin Museum offer gorgeous grounds along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. You can also see sculptures outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, around City Hall, and throughout Center City.

Fun for Children of All Ages

There is much to do with the children throughout the city. Start with a visit to the nation’s oldest zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, including the new Bear Country exhibit. Get high up into the Fairmount Park woods with Treetop Quest Philly Adventure Park and Ziplines.

Looking for some free family fun? Ride the giant wooden slide at the massive Smith Memorial Playground in Fairmount Park. You can all cool off at one of Philly’s 60+ public pools or 90+ spraygrounds located at playgrounds and parks. And, a jewel of Center City is Sister Cities Park with its pollinator garden, lawn, geyser-like spouts honoring 11 sister cities, and Children’s Discovery Garden featuring a pond, rock stream, push-button water jets, and cargo net.

Summer-long celebrations

 Celebrate love in all its forms during Philadelphia Pride March and Festival, a June festival in downtown Philadelphia, including a parade to the vibrant Gayborhood. Afterward, the neighborhood hosts a Pride festival where city-blocks overflow with mouth-watering food, festive entertainment, and LGBTQ+ resources.

Summer really heats up in Philadelphia with the Odunde Festival, the largest street festival celebrating African American culture through music, food, fashion, culture, and much more. Philadelphia also hosts one of the nation’s largest annual Juneteenth events: the Juneteenth Parade & Festival. The celebration starts with a parade in West Philadelphia and concludes with an afternoon of music and festivities in Malcolm X Park.

For a taste of local culture, check out a neighborhood street festival. August’s 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties has grown into one of the largest annual street festivals in Philadelphia. You can also stroll Main Street and find handcrafted arts and crafts at the annual Manayunk Art Festival in June.

Dozens of Old City restaurants and bars participate in Old City Eats, which takes place every Thursday throughout the summer. The Old City Eats block party kicks off with live music, dancers, and of course, great food.

The summer season begins with a star-studded, can’t miss music festival. During the first weekend of June, The Roots Picnic hosts a lineup of musicians, comics, and podcasters curated by the local legendary The Roots.

Feel the passion for Philadelphia sports

Coming off another National League East crown, the Philadelphia Phillies are a must-watch team. Expect a sea of fans in red outside of Citizens Bank Park – the team’s home in South Philadelphia. Even if you can’t snag tickets to a game, heading to one of Philadelphia’s local sports bars can be just as exciting as sitting in the bleachers at the ballpark.

Be close to the action at Stateside Live!, the ultimate entertainment center just steps away from the Phillies’ home diamond and features a brand-new Grand Plaza as part of a $20 million renovation. Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar, with its several locations, is known for their signature crinkle-cut Crabfries sprinkled with crabby spices. Garage Passyunk in South Philadelphia, Garage Rittenhouse in Center City and Garage Fishtown are iconic spots for watching a game while raising a glass with lifelong fans of every generation.

Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union also heat up the summer season. Catch a match at Subaru Park in Chester and cheer on the team alongside the die-hard Sons of Ben.

Philadelphia’s sporting tradition runs deep—nowhere more so than along the Schuylkill River. On weekends, Kelly Drive fills with cheering crowds during rowing competitions like the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the largest high school sprint race in the country. Visitors can catch the excitement for FREE while walking or biking along the Schuylkill River Trail that runs from South Philadelphia to Manayunk

Take a drive to Philadelphia’s Countryside

Summer is an excellent time to explore the wide-open spaces, charming gardens, and historical sites in Philadelphia’s Countryside, just a short drive from the city.

Enjoy dazzling daily fountain shows at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square during the Festival of Fountains and gaze in the sky for fireworks displays and drone shows, all held on the meticulously curated grounds. Locally-grown fungi are celebrated in Kennett Square each September at the Mushroom Festival. In nearby Valley Forge, hike over 20 miles of multi-use trails and visit dozens of historic monuments at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

In Bucks County, Peddler’s Village offers dining, boutique shopping, and seasonal events all summer. In August, celebrate Peach Month with themed treats and sidewalk sales from local businesses. Also, bring a hammer to make sounds at Ringing Rocks Park.

There is plenty of other outdoor fun to be had outside in the Greater Philadelphia region.  Take a Revolutionary tour at Washington Crossing Historic Park, the Bucks County site where Washington crossed the Delaware River. The Highlands Mansion & Gardens (Montgomery County), the Grange Estate (Delaware County), and Stroud Preserve (Chester County) all offer beautiful grounds that are free to explore.

Don’t let your summer adventures end here! Discover more Philadelphia experiences on our things to do page.