Visit Philadelphia's Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, Old City district, and celebrate the Year of the Snake with dozens of handcrafted lantern displays constructed by Chinese artisans. (Credit: Visit Philadelphia)
Despite summer storms, the season’s still in full swing in Philadelphia. From glowing lanterns to Phillies home runs, July is packed with outdoor festivals, happy hours and more.
Coming off Fourth of July weekend — which lit up the city with fireworks, concerts and crowds at the Parkway — Philly is keeping the energy going with a full calendar of events.
Several, including the Chinese Lantern Festival and Center City's beloved SIPS, will continue all summer long, along with a few exclusive festivals popping up this weekend.
Here’s what’s happening and where to find it:
Outdoor Events: Parks, Gardens and Stadiums
This traveling beer garden will be at McMichael Park, in East Falls, this week offering local brews, snacks and scenic views. Parks on Tap is scheduled to continue through Oct. 12, popping up at several different city parks.
The venue is free to enter and offers a pay-as-you-go food and drink menu.
Proceeds from Parks on Tap benefit the Fairmount Park Conservancy, and a portion benefits each park.
The Philadelphia Zoo's wildest night of the year is back on July 19, combining craft beer, live music and animal encounters for a 21+ evening. Sample 100+ craft brews while exploring the zoo after hours. Tickets: $65–$85.
Through Sept. 2
Penn’s Landing transforms into a summer escape with roller skating, boardwalk games, mini golf and food and drink vendors. Admission is free; skating rentals are $10.
Open seven days a week, the venue offers stunning views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge, and dogs on a leash are welcome at all outdoor areas.
Open daily through Sept. 29 | 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
This waterfront oasis features hammocks, floating gardens, arcade games and local eats. Entry is free; food and drink are available for purchase.
Come see live music, outdoor movies and other performances at the park's Lazy Hammock stage and bar, or visit the Floating Barges for seasonal cocktails and local beers.
The series of fountain shows continue at Longwood Gardens. Buy tickets in advance, available through September. (Credit: Longwood Gardens Instagram)Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens
Through Sept. 29 | Fountain shows daily after 11:15 a.m., illuminated shows Thursday through Saturday evenings
Stunning water displays choreographed to music will be showcased at Longwood Gardens all summer long. Timed admission is required ($25–$30 adults; discounts available).
Saturdays & Sundays through to October | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
A vibrant market filled with authentic Southeast Asian street food, clothing and crafts. The venue is free entry, and offers paid market tours.
Unexpected closures due to rain will be posted on the market's social media.
Catch Philly’s pro soccer team in action. Tickets are available here.
Film and Music
Aug. 1–4 | Multiple venues
The festival is celebrating global Black, Brown and Indigenous film for the 14th edition. Passes and single tickets are available online, along with the full schedule.
The benefit concert features indie acts like Future Islands and Yo La Tengo.
July 23–27 | 7 p.m.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey brings a Midsummer Night’s Dream to the outdoor stage at Clark Park for a community show. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and be ready for audience participation.
Saturday, July 19 | Noon–7 p.m.
Live jazz, local vendors and family-friendly fun will be front and center at the Jazz & Arts Festival in Saunders Park, free and open to the public.
Performers include Ursula Rucker, Nazir Ebo and Chris Oatts with the Pretty Big Band.
Evening Festivities
Thursday, July 19 | 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Eagles fandom on the waterfront with decorated boats, live music and giveaways, free to all.
The event includes a boat competition with a first-place prize of $400.
Wednesdays through Aug. 27 | 5–7 p.m.
For its 21st year, SIPS brings back summer happy hour with discounted beer, wine and cocktails. Enjoy apps at dozens of downtown bars in Philly's Center City district.
Expect crowds; plan ahead.
The Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Philadelphia's Old City with a celebration of lights and other festivities. (Credit: Visit Philadelphia)
Through Aug. 31 | 6–11 p.m.
The festival features 1,100 individual sculptures placed in nearly 40 all-new, larger-than-life lantern displays. With cultural performances, including juggling acts, fountain shows and acrobatics, alongside dozens of food stands, the event offers everything and more.
Tickets are $20 for adults, while children and seniors are discounted.
Wednesday, July 23 | 8 p.m.
Led by Assistant Conductor Naomi Woo, the Philadelphia Orchestra showcases a musical retrospective of the orchestra’s legacy with fireworks to follow.
Thursday, July 24 | 8 p.m.
Come back for more on Thursday and watch NFL footage with a live symphonic score. The event is hosted by “Voice of the Eagles,” Merrill Reese, partnered the great Philadelphia Orchestra.
Museums and Special Exhibits
Explore French art and culture through rare works and immersive design at The Barnes Foundation.
Tickets are $30 for adults, and $5 for college students with a valid ID or children ages 13 to 18.
Viist The Franklin Institute and explore how the body works via a series of life-size displays. (Credit: The Franklin Institute Instagram)
Through Sept.1 | Timed entry daily
A powerful look at the human body using real preserved specimens comes to The Franklin Institute. Learn about the human body through an engaging visual experience with 150 specimens, including 20 full-body plastinates.
General admission and an exhibit ticket are required. Evening hour tickets, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, are less than half price.
Saturday–Sunday, July 26–27 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Model trains, vendors and family-friendly displays will be available at the Expo Center next weekend. Tickets are $12 for adults and free for kids under 11.
Other Concerts and Shows
