The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

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.

(Community) August 5th is National Oyster Day and what better way to celebrate than with an Oyster Bash? Oysters were the original snack of choice for the Founding Father’s, so this bash is taking it back with a party at Carpenter’s Hall. Your ticket inclueds a dozen oysters and one beer with additional food and drinks available for purchase.

⌚️Aug. 5, 5:30-8p.m., 📍320 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 carpentershall.org, 💵 $75

(Community) Come celebrate the launch of Fishtown Pickles newest hit, the Aloha Pickle, with a gone but never forgotten Philly food staple, Poi Dog. For one night only, enjoy Poi Dog’s famous Mochi Nori Fried Chicken and a twist on some of Post Haste’s classic dishes featuring the Aloha Pickle.

⌚️Aug. 6, 5-10p.m., 📍2519 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19125, 🌐 instagram.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) What goes better with a good glass of wine than a beloved classic movie? Jet Wine Bar is serving up both every Thursday in August. Grab a glass, relax and enjoy a screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

⌚️Aug. 6, 8-10p.m., 📍1525 South St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19146, 🌐 jetwinebar.com/, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Movies) Blackstar Film Festival is a one-of-a-kind film festival that celebrates the stories and craft of Black, Brown and Indigenous film makers. Grab your passes to get access to movie screenings, amazing events, panel discussions, seminars and more. Festival passes are available for in-person and virtual access.

⌚️Aug. 6-9, 📍300 S. Broad St., Philadephia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 blackstarprojects.org/, 💵 $35-375

(Community) Comic book and Anime lovers, you won’t want to miss this con! Spend the weekend with other lovers of pop culture and have access to a huge range of vendors, voice actors, artists, writers, cosplayers and more. The con will include panels, performances, contests, gaming tournaments and other opportunities to meet and great actors from your favorite series.

⌚️Aug. 7-9, 📍100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pa, 19456, 🌐 libertycomiccon.com/, 💵 $20-65

(Community) Need First Friday plans this week? Elfreth’s Alley and 48 Record bar are teaming up for a garden party. Head to one of the nation’s oldest streets to enjoy a night of DJ sets, delicious cocktails, pop-up vinyl mini-market with new records from around the world, and more.

⌚️Aug. 7, 4:30-8:30p.m., 📍126 Elfreth’s Alley, Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 elfrethsalley.org/, 💵 Free Admission

(Community) Continuing the celebration of America’s 250th Birthday, this exhibit examines Philadelphia’s creative spirit through the eyes of 7 artists born in 1976. Their work spans several disciplines and reflects the culture, creativity and experiences that have shaped the city for over 50 years. The exhibit will kick off with an opening reception.

⌚️Aug. 7, 5-7p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) It’s going to be a wild weekend at the Academy of Natural Sciences. From bug walks on the Parkway to a real life roach race, there are fun ways for everyone to get involved in this celebration of insect biodiversity. Connect with Academy researchers and fellow bug enthusiasts about the fascinating ways invertebrates shape science, conservation and our communities.

⌚️Aug. 8-9, 10a.m. - 5p.m., 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 ansp.org/, $16-20

(Community) The Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition to showcase the region’s historic arts and crafts works, in honor of its 150th anniversary. The exhibit features 250 objects from ceramics and furniture to textiles and stained glass, that tell the story of Philadelphia’s Centennial Exhibition.

⌚️July 5 - October 18, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 philamuseum.org/, 💵 Free with museum admission

(Community) Franklin Square’s annual illuminated lantern festival is returning and bringing the magic. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with dozens of detailed hand-crafted lanterns. You’ll even spot soccer themed displays honoring the countries coming to Philly for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

⌚️June 5- Aug. 16, 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16-32

(Community) This exhibit celebrates Philadelphia’s rich immigrant history through bold flags designed by artists from around the world. The designs will be displayed all summer long at Spruce Street Harbor Park in honor of all of the people who have made Philly their home.

⌚️May 22 - Sept. 7, 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com/, 💵 Free

(Outdoors) Linvilla Orchards celebrates sunflower season with hayrides to the fields for pick-your-own blooms, plus peach pie, fresh cider, lemonade, roasted sweet corn, and other summertime treats. All ages.

⌚ Aug. 8, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; rain date Aug. 9, 📍137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, Pa. 19063, 🌐 linvilla.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(History / free) Historic Newtown marks the nation’s semiquincentennial with living history, museum programming, reenactments, and tributes to notable figures including William Penn and Harriet Tubman. Don’t miss the Fife and Drum Band at 9:30 a.m. or the Bird-in-Hand battle reenactment at 10:50 a.m. on State Street. All ages.

⌚ Aug. 8, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍State St., Newtown, Pa. 18940, 🌐 newtown2026.com, 💵 Free

(Education / yoga) Kids’ yoga instructor and birth doula Courtney D’Avella leads an interactive class that combines gentle yoga with age-appropriate lessons about welcoming a new baby, helping older siblings feel confident and included. Families expecting a new arrival are especially encouraged. Ages 2 and up.

⌚ Aug. 8, 10–11 a.m., 📍1148 Wharton St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 courtneydavella.com, 💵 $40 per family

(Science) The Academy of Natural Sciences’ annual bug celebration features cockroach races, insect encounters, crafts, Parkway bug walks, behind-the-scenes tours of the museum’s renowned entomology collection, and plenty of creepy-crawly fun. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Aug. 8–9, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16–$30

(Design / free) Inspired by Scandinavian immigrants who helped build some of America’s most iconic landmarks, this hands-on family day invites visitors to create miniature structures with LEGOs and other building materials. Ages 3 and up.

⌚ Aug. 9, noon–4 p.m., 📍1900 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19145, 🌐 americanswedish.org, 💵 Free

(Art / free) Spruce Street Harbor Park’s newest attraction is part art installation, part playground. Visitors wander through a maze that responds to movement with changing lights and music, creating an immersive, hands-on experience along the Delaware River waterfront. All ages.

⌚ June 26–Aug. 17, 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free

(Culture) At Franklin Square on the edge of Chinatown, giant illuminated sculptures, live acrobatic performances, food vendors, and countless photo opportunities return for another summer of after-dark magic. All ages.

⌚ June 5–Aug. 16, 6–10 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16–$32

(Seasonal / free) The Delaware River waterfront favorite is back with hammocks, oversized games, ice cream, and a few new additions this year, including swan boats, “glow” boats, and Sunday family fun days throughout the season. All ages.

⌚ May 22–September, dates TBA, 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Seasonal / free) Just north along the Delaware River Waterfront, Summerfest reopens with roller skating, mini golf, carnival rides, games, and indoor space to cool off once summer humidity fully kicks in. All ages.

⌚ May 22–Sept. 7, 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free, pay-as-you-go

(Community / free) The city’s roaming beer garden is back, offering drinks, oversized games, and plenty of room for kids to run around all summer long. All ages. Visit Parks on Tap’s website to find the location each week.

⌚ Though October 11, Wed.–Fri., 4–10 p.m.; Sat.–Sun., noon–10 p.m.; more locations through Oct. 11, 🌐 parksontap.com, 💵 Free entry

(Movie-making) The Franklin Institute hosts a world premiere exhibit that turns movie magic into hands-on discovery, with behind-the-scenes looks at Universal’s biggest franchises — from Minions and Jurassic World to dragons, monsters, Mario, and Luigi — via immersive sets and interactive displays. Ages 5 and up.

⌚ Feb. 14–Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. plus extended hours, 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $25–$65