For natives and visitors alike, Philadelphia is offering plenty of fun and affordable activities to explore and enjoy the city this summer.
From June through September, there are events for all-ages across the city.
Read below to learn more about what’s happening:
Arts on Center Stage
When: Thursdays, May 21 through August 27, 2026 – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Albert M. Greenfield Lawn at Dilworth Park, 1 South 15th Street
About: Returning to Dilworth Park this summer, Arts on Center Stage brings live ballet, opera, jazz and orchestral music performances to guests for free. Guests can expect performances by the Philadelphia Ballet, Opera Philadelphia, The Philly Pops and more.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets/chairs and arrive early.
Friday Night Jazz Series
When: Fridays, May 22 through September 25, 2026 – 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
About: The Friday Night Jazz Series brings free jazz performances to the Waterfront for guests of all ages. Performers include Maya Berlado, Hiruy Tirfe and Mervin Toussaint.
Latin Night: Salsa & Bachata
When: Fridays, May 29 through September 4, 2026 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
About: Free music, movement and dance is being brought to Spruce Street Harbor Park this summer. Open to all ages and dancing experiences, guests can try something new on the waterfront.
Live & Local Concert Series
When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., event dates vary*
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
About: Philly-area bands, DJs and musicians perform live, free of charge, at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Visitors can enjoy live music and other activities at the waterfront.
*Visit website for more information on dates: https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/what-to-do/live-local-concert-series-presented-by-4333
Philly’s Funniest Block
When: Saturday, June 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 2000 Block of Sansom Street
About: Bringing together ComedySportz Philadelphia, Helium Comedy Club, MacGuffin Theatre and SideQuest Theatre, the City of Philadelphia is spotlighting the independent comedy scene featuring comedy performances, interactive activities and more.
Movies on the Mall
When: June 19, August 21, August 22, September 19, October 16 – Activations start at 5:30 p.m., movies start at 7 p.m.
Where: Independence Mall, 599 Market Street
About: Movies on the Mall returns to Independence Mall with a free outdoor movie series. The series includes free admission, free popcorn and pre-show activities before each screening.
Movies include Harriet, National Treasure, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets, Hamilton, Hocus Pocus
Shakespeare in Clark Park
When: July 2026, times to be announced
Where: Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Avenue
About: Free outdoor theater is being brought to Clark Park. This summer’s production of Hamlet is putting a community-centered twist on the classic Shakespearean play.
Family Fun Day with PopUpPlay
When: Sundays, May 23 through September 27, 2026 – 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 South Columbus Boulevard
About: Free, hands-on-family fun is being brought to Spruce Street Harbor Park. Families can engage with creative crafts, STEM activities and building chalenges.
Wellness on the Waterfront – Yoga
When: Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m.
Where: Race Street Pier, North Christopher Columbus Boulevard
About: Free yoga classes return to Race Street Pier, allowing attendees to enjoy a refreshing workout with views of the Delaware River.
Colonial Muster
When: June 2 through September 7, 2026, Tuesdays through Saturdays – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Signer’s Garden, 5th and Chestnut streets
About: Kids of all ages can experience the daily life of a colonial soldier. Lively parades, marching drills and stories of camp life are available for families.
Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches
When: June 2 through September 7, 2026, Tuesdays through Saturdays – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 143 South 3rd Street
About: Grab a seat at one of the Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches located throughout Historic Philadelphia to hear short and engaging stories bringing America’s history to life. The experience highlights the women, African Americans, Native Americans and everyday Philadelphians who helped shape the nation.
Colonial Kids’ Quest
When: June 5 through September 5, 2026, Fridays and Saturdays – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: 18th Century Garden, 399 Walnut Street
About: A free, interactive puppet show designed for young visitors and their adults. A lighthearted show inviting kids to help animal puppets find a missing copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co. Free Anniversary Party
When: June 13, 2026 – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, 909 Raye Avenue, Croydon, Pa. 19021
About: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company is celebrating its 14th anniversary with a free circus-themed party open to guests of all ages. The celebration will include craft beer, food trucks, local vendors, live music and more. Special anniversary releases and limited-edition merchandise will be available.
Kidchella 2026
When: June 26, 2026 – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Smith Memorial Playground, 3500 Reservoir Drive
About: A free family music festival with live performances, hands-on activities, food and play for families of all ages.
America 250 Fireworks and Concert
When: June 27, 2026 at 8 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.
Where: Delaware River Waterfront, 101 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
About: The Delaware River Waterfront is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a free Yacht Rock concert and fireworks over the river for all ages. The concert features Tommy Conwell & The Young Rumblers.
Free Elmwood Park Zoo events
When: July 4, 2026 and September 7, 2026 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 1661 Harding Boulevard in Norristown, Pa. 19401
About: The Elmwood Park Zoo is offering free admission on the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Each holiday will include live music, drink specials, and family-friendly activities. Free parking is available.
Guests can register for free tickets in advance by clicking here.
Summerfest at Piazza Alta
When: July 18, 2026 – 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.
Where: Piazza Alta, 1099 Germantown Avenue
About: A free community block party in the Northern Liberties featuring more than 50 local vendors, food, drinks, live music and more. Family-friendly activities will be available, including face painting and balloon art.
Sunset Social Movies
When: Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 12 p.m.
Where: Cira Green Rooftop Park, 129 South 30th Street
About: Free movie screenings on a 60-foot screen open to all ages, dogs are welcome. Movies include Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Jaws and Happy Gilmore.
See the full list of movies here: https://www.sunsetsocialphl.com/movie-nights
Ben Franklin Under the Mulberry Tree
When: May 23 through September 5, 2026, Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Where: Franklin Court, 314 Market Street
About: Guests are invited to meet Dr. Benjamin Franklin underneath a historic mulberry treen in Franklin Court. Visitors can learn more about Franklin’s life through conversation and storytelling.
Betsy Ross in Her Upholstery Shop
When: May 23 through September 7, every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in June and July) and September 8 through September 30, every day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 239 Arch Street
About: Visitors are invited to step into the nation’s only working 18th century upholstery shop to meet Betsy Ross and learn about her life and connection to the first American flag. Guests are able to get a close-up look at the hand-stitching techniques used during the colonial period.
Declaration Reading
When: June 2 through September 7, 2026, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 3:45 p.m.
Where: Behind Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street
About: Visitors celebrate America’s 250th with daily theatrical readings of the Declaration of Independence. The History Makers will mingle with guests and pose for photos.
Flag Fest at the Betsy Ross House
When: June 5 through June 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
About: The Betsy Ross House is celebrating National Flag Week with a 10-day festival featuring free family-friendly programming.
Flag-Raising at the Betsy Ross House
When: May 23 to September 7, 2026, every day at 10 a.m.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
About: Experience a special flag-raising ceremony featuring Betsy Ross and learn about the history of flag-raising in 1776.
Free Quaker Meeting House
When: June 2 through September 7, 2026, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Free Quaker Meeting House, 5th and Arch streets
About: Free to all, visitors are able to meet a History Maker and learn about the people who influenced Colonial Philadelphia.
Meet the History Makers
When: June 2 through September 7, 2026, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Independence National Historical Park, 143 South 3rd Street
About: Visitors can meet costumed History Makers portraying real figures from Philadelphia’s Revolutionary-era and are invited to ask questions and hear personal stories.
Meet the Women of the 18th Century
When: June 18 through September 5, 2026, Thursdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; September 12 through October 31, 2026, Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
About: Visitors can meet women from Colonial Philadelphia. New for 2026, select days will feature Hannah Till, an enslaved cook who worked for George Washhington during the Revolutionary War.
Pay What You Wish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
When: Fridays, April 10 through September 4, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
Where: Main Building, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
About: Every Friday night, visitors can enter the museum’s galleries for late–night hours and experience live music, gallery tours, cocktails and light bites all while paying what they wish. Children 18 and under are free.
*Pay What You Wish Admission is also available first Sunday of every month
Penn & Philly 250
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Penn Museum, 3260 South Street
About: Guests can enter the Penn Museum free of charge. There will be an indoor and outdoor festival for Juneteenth with Wharton’s Wellness Empowerment Project, featuring live performances, family activities, a marketplace highlighting Black-owned businesses and more.
Juneteenth Jubilee
When: Friday, June 19 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street
About: The African American Museum in Philadelphia is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a free block party for families of all ages. A part of Wawa Welcome America, this celebration will feature musical performances, a vendor village, food trucks, games and interactive activities.
Free admission at Barnes Foundation
When: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
About: The Barnes Foundation is offering free admission to Philadelphia residents through July in honor of America’s 250th. Guests are invited to explore the museum’s collection, gallery talks, drop-in experiences and special exhibitions.
Visitors must show a valid Philadelphia ID and tickets are subject to availability.
Calder Gardens
When: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Calder Gardens, 2100 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
About: Calder Gardens is offering free admission to Philadelphia residents throughout July in honor of America’s 250. Visitors can experience the museum’s rotating installation of works by Alexander Calder and daily screenings of Cirque Calder on Film and Le Cirque Calder (from June 11 through August 3).
$2 admission at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
When: Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
About: The Academy of Natural Sciences offers $2 admissions for ACCESS, EBT and SNAP cardholders, plus up to three of their guests. Throughout June and July, the Academy is offering $10 Thursday admission as a part of their Dino-Mie Summer programming. Free admission will be available on June 26, 2026, as a part of Welcome America Free Museum Days. Pay-what-you-wish day will be August 1 for the Academy’s First-ival.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nbcphiladelphia.com ’
