Top Summer Activities in Philadelphia

Uncover the hidden treasures of Philadelphia this summer and indulge in a unique urban escape.

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. 

Immerse yourself outside

When the sun’s up in Philadelphia, it’s time to head outdoors. Enjoy fountain shows, mini golf, dance lessons, 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 starting in June. 

Nature lovers can find plenty of peaceful outdoor escapes. Explore the trails and historic homes found throughout the 2,000+ acre Fairmount Park. Night owls will enjoy Park After Dark: Moonwalk, a guided hike with lessons on nocturnal wildlife and lunar cycles. 

Prefer to be on the water? Explore activities on and in the Delaware River. 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

In the evening, join fellow film fans at one of the city’s many outdoor movie nights. In West Philadelphia, Sunset Social hosts outdoor movie nights each Wednesday on the 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. And for a truly lively experience, pack a picnic and head to Movies at the Mann where a live orchestra plays along to blockbuster films.

Make memories at seasonal parks and beer gardens

The Delaware River waterfront is one of Philadelphia’s top summer destinations, thanks to an abundance of seasonal activities, dining, and attractions.

Skate riverside in a 12,000-square-foot roller rink, putt your way through a miniature golf course, and play arcade games at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. 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 shows, a 20-foot stage, and waterfront summer vibes.

Check out seasonal events and art installations at Cherry Street Pier. Or, dine riverside at The Garden, the pier’s pop-up dining space serving Mexican-inspired snacks and frozen cocktails. For a simple summer evening, relax on the lawn at neighboring Race Street Pier — one of Philadelphia’s top spots for photos.

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. 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.

Summer long celebrations

Celebrate love in all its forms during Philadelphia Pride March and Festival, a day-long festival in downtown Philadelphia that starts with 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.

In July, there’s no better place to celebrate America’s independence than the city where it happened. Wawa Welcome America is an annual festival that celebrates Juneteenth and the 4^th of July across two weeks. The festivities conclude with a massive concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Past headliners have included Jason Derulo, Pitbull, and The Roots.

Philadelphia also hosts the nation’s largest annual Juneteenth event: 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. 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties has grown into one of the largest annual street festivals in Philadelphia.

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 artists, comics, and podcasters curated by the local legends, The Roots.

Feel the passion for Philadelphia sports

Fueled by fan energy and star power, the Philadelphia Phillies are a must-watch team. Expect a sea of fans 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 Xfinity Live!, the ultimate entertainment center just steps away from the Phillies’ home diamond. Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar is known for their signature crinkle-cut fries sprinkled with crabby spices. Garage Passyunk in South Philadelphia and Garage Fishtown are iconic spots for watching a game 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 die-hard supporters.

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 while walking or biking along the river trail.

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. 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.

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