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The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

If you're looking for the best things to do in Philly this week, you've come to the right place.

The 1700 block of Walnut Street is filled with strollers an and people as the streets around Rittenhouse Square are closed to vehicular traffic Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 for pedestrian-only zones for the city's Open Streets program.
The 1700 block of Walnut Street is filled with strollers an and people as the streets around Rittenhouse Square are closed to vehicular traffic Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 for pedestrian-only zones for the city's Open Streets program.Read moreTom Gralish / Staff Photographer

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: from upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

You can always find our favorite activities of the week at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.


Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon Tasting

(Community) This wine tasting pairs perfectly with bacon in more ways than one. Come explore wines from 5 women owned and operated wineries, which can each be traced back to Philly’s own Kevin Bacon in six degrees or less.

⌚️Apr. 2, 6-8p.m., 📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com, 💵 $72

Blooms & Bottles

(Community) Looking for a fun, cozy way to honor spring in the city? Spend a day learning the art of bouquet making from award-winning florist Kaitlin Omer. Then, enjoy a refreshing wine tasting led by Nicholas Ducos of Mural City Cellars. Your ticket includes a bouquet to take home, wine tasting, mocktails and light bites.

⌚️Apr. 3, 6-8:30p.m., 📍88 W. Johnson St., Philadelphia, pa, 19144, 🌐 airykitchens.com, 💵 $65

REUSE! Screening

(Movies) Kick off the start of Earth Month with a free screening of the film REUSE! In the film, reuse pro Alex Eaves travels across the country finding reuse solutions for our waste problem, and learning along the way. This event is free, but registration is required.

⌚️Apr. 3, 6:30p.m., 📍523 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 Free

2025 Philly Theatre Week

(Theater) Philadelphia is home to a truly vibrant theater community. This week, come get a taste of that talent with a lineup of shows and performances. See a favorite or try something new with special pay-what-you-can tickets, which are limited.

⌚️Apr. 3-13, 📍Various locations, 🌐 theatrephiladelphia.org, 💵 Pay-what-you-can

Waffles & Wine Art Show Home Opener

(Art) If you love art and wine, and love them better together, this showcase is for you. More than 20 local artists are coming together to exhibit their pieces at the James Oliver Gallery. You’ll get to discover and purchase incredible pieces while enjoying music, wine and a great atmosphere.

⌚️ Apr. 5, 5-7p.m., 📍723 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $25-30

Sakura Weekend Cherry Blossom Festival

(Community) Philly’s favorite spring celebration of Japanese arts and culture is back and in full bloom. Experience a taste of Japan with events happening across the city. While you visit, don’t miss the chance to get an up close look at the pink and white blossoms of the Japanese sakura.

⌚️Apr. 5-6, 📍Various locations, 🌐 japanphilly.org, 💵 $5-15

Dine Latino Restaurant Week

(Community) Some of Philly’s best Latino-owned restaurants are serving up special deals for Latino Restaurant Week. Take advantage of great deals and make a reservation to find your next favorite Latino restaurant. This year’s celebration will include food trucks and includes special bonus offers, like free dessert with certain purchases.

⌚️Apr. 6-12, 📍Various locations, 🌐 philahispanicchamber.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

Open Streets: West Walnut

(Community) Take a car-free stroll through Rittenhouse while you sip, shop, and check out the neighborhood. Walnut street will be closed to traffic from 15th to 19th street and filled with dancers, musicians, games, and a kid-friendly zone. Restaurants and shops nearby will feature extended outdoor seating, specialty drinks, discounts and more. ( ⌚️Apr. 6, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 📍Walnut St., between 15th & 19th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go)

Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective

(Art) A new exhibit is heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective is an anthology of the Chicago artist’s work, highlighting the full spectrum of her career.

⌚️Feb. 8-June 1, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 press.philamuseum.org, 💵 $14-30


The best events for kids in Philly

Some weeks are packed with more fun than you know what to do with — and this is one of them. From adventurous theater and science fests to Swedish Easter traditions and art-meets-math mashups, it’s the perfect time to dive in and take advantage.

The Hobbit

(Theater / multi-day) At Arden Theatre, Greg Banks’ fast-paced adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit brings Bilbo Baggins out of his comfort zone and into an unforgettable adventure filled with creatures, challenges, and lessons on courage. Ages 7 and up.

⌚April 2–May 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $25–$46

A Year with Frog and Toad

(Theater / multi-day) At Eastern University’s McInnis Theatre, students perform this whimsical musical adaptation of Arnold Lobel’s beloved books about two very different amphibian friends. A relaxed performance is scheduled for April 6. Ages 4–9.

⌚April 4–5, 7 p.m.; April 6, 2 p.m., 📍1300 Eagle Rd., St. Davids, PA 19087, 🌐 eastern.edu, 💵 $5 child; $15 adult

Revolution Place Reopens

(History) At the Museum of the American Revolution, the newly relocated and expanded children’s playspace reopens with a colonial tavern, parlor, encampment, and more — now on the museum’s main floor. Ages 3–9.

⌚April 5, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 $13–$25; free for ages 5 and under

Spring Fest

(Science / free) At the Wagner Institute of Science, explore native plants and pollinators in the outdoor yard with help from Land Health Institute and Sanctuary Farm’s bees. Check out indoor specimens and a special presentation in the historic lecture hall at 1 and 3 p.m. RSVP requested. All ages.

⌚April 5, noon–4 p.m., 📍1700 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19121, 🌐 wagnerfreeinstitute.org, 💵 Free

Easter Family Day

(Culture / crafts) At the American Swedish Historical Museum, celebrate Easter the Swedish way — with egg decorating, craft-making, costumed witches, and candy giveaways. A fun springtime twist on a familiar holiday. Ages 3–10.

⌚April 5, 2–4 p.m., 📍1900 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19145, 🌐 americanswedish.org, 💵 $5 ages 2–12; $10 senior/student; $15 adult

Art of Math

(Art / math / free) At the Barnes Foundation’s free First Sunday, admire student-made 3D models of artworks from the Barnes collection (with originals nearby), including pieces by Horace Pippin, William Glackens, and Susan Cray. DJ Giz (age 14) provides the soundtrack. Registration opens April 3 at 10 a.m. All ages.

⌚April 6, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 barnesfoundation.org, 💵 Free

& Juliet

(Musical / multi-day) At the Academy of Music, this bold, pop-filled reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet asks: What if Juliet lived—and ditched Romeo? Featuring songs by Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, and more, this middle school-appropriate musical delivers a powerful, fun twist on a classic. Ages 8 and up.

⌚March 25–April 6, times vary, 📍240 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 ensembleartsphilly.org, 💵 $21–$159

In The Heights

(Musical / multi-day) At Bristol Riverside Theatre, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s breakout Broadway hit paints a vibrant, family-friendly portrait of life in a New York City neighborhood over three eventful days. It’s energetic, heartfelt, and perfect for older kids. Ages 9 and up.

⌚March 25–April 27, times vary, 📍120 Radcliffe St., Bristol, PA 19007, 🌐 brtstage.org, 💵 $20–$67

Ice Dinosaurs

(Science / multiday) Animatronic dinos from chillier climes, like the fearsome, feathered Troodon raptors, represent Late Cretaceous creatures who inhabited the Arctic. Hands-on exhibits show off ice-proof teeth and eggs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Ages 2 and up.

⌚September 28-May 4, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16-$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2