Evening Activities in Philadelphia

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Date January 10, 2024

Evening Activities in Philadelphia

After a day of meetings, Philadelphia has countless options for those looking for after-hours fun. Whether you’re in the mood for exhilarating sports, live music performances, or simply exploring the city, Philadelphia has something for everyone. Discover these evening activities that will leave you with lasting memories.

Attend a sporting event

Philadelphia is known for its passionate sports fanbase. Head down to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex where four professional teams play. Watch the Phillies in the summer, the Eagles in the fall and winter, and the Sixers and Flyers fill out the rest of the calendar. If there are no games while you’re in town, cheer on your favorite team at one of Philadelphia’s iconic sports bars.

In addition to our professional sports teams, Philadelphia is also home to nearly 100 collegiate institutions and exciting annual sporting events. During the spring and summer, catch rowing races along the banks of the Schuylkill River. And check your calendar to see if your trip coincides with one of the NCAA championship events coming to Philadelphia.

A packed indoor arena is shown. Fans fill the stands. Every seat is filled. Fire shoots from either end of the basketball court. Players are shown on the court. A large blue flag with a red 7 and a white 6 is shown in the center. The jumbo tron hanging above the court lights up.

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Catch a show

Philadelphia is a premier hub for the performing arts, housing many esteemed companies. Ensemble Arts Philly is home to world-renowned organizations, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philadelphia Ballet, and Opera Philadelphia. Or visit the historic Walnut Street Theatre – the oldest continuously operating theatre in the nation – for a variety of stage productions.

An overhead view on the orchestra on stage. Audience members are seen in the seats both in front and behind the performers.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin, photographed at the Kimmel Center on Friday, Dec. 3, 2015, in Philadelphia. ( Photo by Jessica Griffin )

Musicians are always coming through Philadelphia, from legacy acts to emerging talents. Up-and-coming artists and local musicians perform at neighborhood venues every night, such as Johnny Brenda’s in Fishtown or Solar Myth in South Philadelphia. Or catch an iconic headliner perform at one of the city’s major venues, such as the Wells Fargo Center or Lincoln Financial Field.

Purple and white lights light up the stage inside of an indoor music venue called The Met. Audience members are shown standing facing the stage.

Photo courtesy of The Met Philadelphia.

Try your luck at a casino

Philadelphia has two casinos that are open 24/7 and are perfect for late-night gaming. Near Fishtown, Rivers Casino features an impressive collection of slots and table games and a roomy sportsbook lounge for betting. In the Stadium District, Live! Casino & Hotel offers state-of-the-art slot machines, live-action table games, and a FanDuel Sportsbook and Lounge. Live! Is also home to multiple dining options, including Philadelphia favorites like The Prime Rib, Lorenzo and Sons Pizza, and Termini Brothers Bakery.

Play a game

Games are a great way to bond with your team and meet new neighborhood friends. Local bowling alleys, such as Lucky Strike and South Bowl, provide a lively environment where you can showcase your competitive spirit. Alternatively, take aim at Kick Axe Throwing Philadelphia, where you can relish the satisfaction of hitting the bullseye. Or tee off after the sun goes down at Five Iron Golf, an indoor golf simulation experience.

Bright purple lights shine down on bowling lanes and bowling balls in an open space

South Bowl. Photo courtesy of EnRoute Marketing.

Go out with locals

While staying in Center City, be sure to explore the dynamic neighborhoods of Philadelphia and experience its iconic bars. Bob and Barbara’s in South Philadelphia is the origin place of Philadelphia’s “citywide special” — a shot of Jim Beam and a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon. They’re also home to the longest-running drag show in the city.

Monk’s Café in Rittenhouse Square offers visitors a “Belgian Beer Bible” where they can choose from over 25 beers on tap and over 200 bottles worldwide. Alternatively, if you prefer cocktails R&D Cocktail Bar in Fishtown features a regularly changing list of must-try libations. And right next door is Frankford Hall, a German biergarten with open-air picnic tables, games, and liters of great beer.

Hands are shown playing Jenga on a picnic table. Beers are shown on the table.

Frankford Hall. Photo courtesy Starr Restaurants.

Stay up to date on local events

In addition to the mainstay activities, local festivals, markets, and events are always taking place in Philadelphia. Check Center City District’s events calendar for programs just blocks away from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. And to explore events and activations across the city, take a look at Visit Philadelphia’s calendar of weekly events.

Looking for a great meal to pair with your night out? Visit our Food and Drink page and discover Philadelphia’s finest bars and restaurants near you.

Evening Activities in Philadelphia