59 of the best things to do in Philly this weekend and next week

📅 Our calendar is updated every Thursday with the best events for the week. You can always find it at inquirer.com/calendar. Submit an event to our calendar here.

(Community / free / multiday) We are still in a pandemic. Make a plan to get vaccinated or your booster shot; there are many places throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey — CVS, Rite Aid, neighborhood rec centers, and more — where you can get your free COVID-19 shot. (Free, phila.gov)

(Music / free) The artist dubbed “the Drag Queen King of Philadelphia” by the Inquirer will perform with the Yannick Nézet-Séguin-conducted Orchestra (as will Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot and the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus) in this free Pride Month concert celebrating the region’s LGBTQ community. (Free, but tickets required, June 2, 7:30 p.m, 300 S. Broad St., philaorch.org)

(Books / free) Have a story read to you, then write your own — and go home with a new book and an activity bag. Not bad for a mid-week, after-school haul. Event is in partnership with the National Liberty Museum. Ages 3-8. (Free, June 2, 4 and 5 p.m., 4200 Wissahickon Ave., libertymuseum.org)

(Dance / community) Philadelphia Ballet Chairman David Hoffman opens his property up for a night of ballet in the garden. Enjoy a special program featuring multiple performances, and pack a picnic and a bottle of wine. ($250 for up to 4 people, June 2-4, 1022 North Spring Mill Rd., Villanova, philadelphiaballet.org)

(Pride Month / comedy) Come ready to laugh as local LGBTQ comics take the stage at Punchline Philly. Running ahead of schedule? The Callback Bar and patio open at 5 p.m. for a pre-show drink. ($15-23, June 2, 7 p.m., 33 E. Laurel St., punchlinephilly)

(Pride Month / drinks) Raise a glass to the start of Pride Month with a glass full of Evil Genius’ #LoveIsLove brew. This kickoff party will have plenty of cold cans plus more beers on tap. The #LoveIsLove strawberry ale benefits The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization that works on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youths. (June 2, 5-8 p.m., 1727 Front St., evilgeniusbeer.com)

(Music) Who says there are no second chances in life? On a recent visit to Tucson, Arizona, I was gravely disappointed when a Metalachi show I had tickets for was canceled. But lo and behold, the Los Angeles quintet that bills itself as “the world’s first and only heavy metal mariachi band” has followed me home. Philly psychedelic cumbia band Qlebras opens. ($18, June 2, 8 p.m., 1009 Canal St., brooklynbowl.com/philadelphia)

(Music) In 2008, Tallahassee-born rapper-singer and massively influential auto-tune user T-Pain had a hit called Can’t Believe It, in which he sang “I would put you in a mansion in Wiscansin.” This year, he’s out on his Road To Wiscansin tour, which will end on June 11 in Wisconsin. On his way there, he’s stopping in Fishtown. ($39-$42.50, June 2, 8 p.m., 29 E. Allen St., thefillmorephilly.com)

(Art / music / community) Renowned Cuban singer and songwriter Daymé Arocena heads to The Barnes for a night of music and mingling. Then, El Laberinto del Coco and his genre-bending band close out the evening. In addition to a night of music, drinks and light bites, your ticket also gets you access to the museum’s galleries and exhibits. ($10-$28, June 3, 6-9 p.m., 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., barnesfoundation.org)

(Art / community / outdoors) More than 140 artists take to Rittenhouse Square to showcase their unique creations at this annual outdoor art festival. Stop by to shop locally made fine art, featuring everything from sculptures to jewelry. (June 3-5, 18th and Walnut Sts., rittenhousesquareart.com)

(Pride Month / community / free) The city kicks off Pride Month every year by raising the More Color, More Pride flag at City Hall. Join the community and city officials this year for a lineup of speakers and performances as the flag is raised for 2022. (Free, June 3, noon-1 p.m., 1400 JFK Blvd., phillygaycalendar.com)

(Drink / multiday) It’s not a lie, Philly really does love beer. Head to any of the participating restaurants and breweries to grab your favorite brew or to try something new. The week kicks off with a citywide toast on June 3 at 7 p.m. (June 3-12, Various times and locations, phillylovesbeer.com)

(Pride Month) Moderated by Anne Ishii, the executive director of the Asian Arts Initiative, this panel will shine a light on local queer voices. You’ll hear from a group of diverse queer folks working in different industries as they discuss the evolution of queer voices and the future of allyship. Note: This event will take place at the W Hotel, not at the Asian Arts Initiative. ($30, June 3, 7-9 p.m, 1439 Chestnut St., phillyblackpride.org)

(Pride Month / dance / multiday) Groove your way into Pride Month with a weekend full of dance events. Head to the Moshulu on Friday for an epic boat party, stop by Concourse for a futuristic dance party on Saturday, and finish off with a DJ-driven dance party at 13th and Locust on Sunday. ($40-$200, June 3-5, various locations, eventbrite.com)

(Music / free) Early James is an old soul, a 28-year-old singer-guitarist from Troy, Alabama who draws on vintage Southern R&B and rock stylings. His songs take their time and he sings in an inviting, quavery growl. In August, his new album Strange Time To Be Alive is due on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label. You can catch a free show at World Cafe Live either in-person or via online streaming at xpn.org. (Free, June 3, noon, 3025 Walnut St., xpn.org)

(Music) Local hero Kurt Vile is winding up the first leg of his tour for his new album (Watch My Moves) with two shows at Union Transfer. On Friday, openers are Natural Information Society, led by guembri player Josh Abrams, and on Saturday it’s Sun Ra Arkestra, with nonagenarian sax player Marshall Allen. ($30, June 3-4, 8 p.m., 1026 Spring Garden St., utphilly.com)

(Movie) Romcom set at the famed gay summer getaway. Joel Kim Booster, who also wrote the film, stars with SNL’s Bowen Yang, as besties seeking the greatest summer vacation week ever. With Margaret Cho. Directed by Andrew Ahn. (Rated R. Premieres June 3 on Hulu)

(Movie) A look at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on its 50th anniversary in 2019, featuring the rhythm and resilience of the Big Easy. With Earth Wind & Fire, Tab Benoit, Gary Clark Jr., Dave Matthews Band, Jimmy Buffett, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and more. (Rated PG-13. Premieres June 3 in select theaters)

(Pride Month / food / performance) Kick off Pride Month with a special tea service and some of your favorite local drag queens. Brittany Lynn and her drag mafia will be there to help you celebrate while you sip (or spill) the tea. Can’t make this week? Stop by any Saturday in June from 2-4 p.m. ($75-$85, Saturdays, June 4-25, 2-4 p.m., 120 S. 17th St., eventbrite.com)

(Community / outdoors / kid-friendly / free) Think you have what it takes to make it under the big top? Learn what it takes at this free outdoor circus workshop with performers from the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. You’ll learn everything from the tight wire to basic aerial acrobatics. (Free, June 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 140 N. Columbus Blvd., fringearts.com)

(Drink / music) Ease into summer with great music and even better beers. Celebrating 16 years of specialty beer, this festival features tastings from more than 150 breweries, along with food vendors, live music, a silent disco, and more. All attendees must be at least 21 years old. ($70-$135, June 4-5, 545 Albany Ave., Atlantic City, acbeerfest.com)

(Seasonal / outdoors / kid-friendly) Strawberry season has hit its peak which means Linvilla Orchards’ Strawberry Festival is back. Bring the whole family to enjoy a day of live music, games, and plenty of strawberry picking. Those who stick around can see and taste Delaware County’s largest strawberry shortcake. ($9/pint of pick-your-own strawberries, June 4, 137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, linvilla.com)

(Pride Month / fitness) Professional running skills are not required to get into this race. Compete in an obstacle course, all while dressed in drag, for the chance to win cash prizes, bar giveaways, and more. ($10, June 4, 3-6 p.m., 208 S. 13th St., phillygaycalendar.com)

(Community / kid-friendly / fundraiser) Ever wonder what Philadelphia was like in the 18th and 19th centuries? This weekend, Elfreth’s Alley hosts its annual Fete Day, a day when residents open their doors to visitors to take a glimpse at modern living in their historic homes. Proceeds benefit the Elfreth’s Alley Association. ($10-$60, June 4, 1-5 p.m., 126 Elfreth’s Alley, elfrethsalley.ticketleap.com)

(Art / shopping / free) InLiquid’s 22nd installment of this free public art sale is back for art collectors and novices alike. All of the pieces featured will sell for $200 or less, with all proceeds directly benefiting the artist. In addition to art sales, the day also has workshops, craft-making demos, and free community programming. (Free, June 4, noon-6 p.m., 1400 N. American St., inliquid.org)

(Community / outdoors / kid-friendly / free) Celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Philly all summer long with a series of festivals on the Delaware River. You’ll get a chance to experience other cultures through performances, music, food, and activities. The festivals kick off this weekend with the Philadelphia Irish Festival. (Free, June 4, noon-7 p.m., 101 S. Columbus Blvd., cherrystreetpier.com)

(Music / outdoors / multiday) The Roots summer-starting festival is back, expanded to two days at the Mann Center in Fairmount Park with The Roots, of course, and headliner Mary J. Blige on Saturday and Summer Walker on Sunday. Saturday streams for free on the Roots’ YouTube channel. ($225-$1099 for two-day passes, June 4-5, 1 p.m., 5201 Parkside Ave., rootspicnic.com)

(Seasonal / kid-friendly / free) OK, so, maybe you drove down the Shore a couple of sweltering weekends ago, and again for the long weekend. For argument’s sake, you could make it a trifecta, if only to experience the sweetness, both literal and metaphorical, of an adorable community fair devoted entirely to strawberries. Plus, glitter tattoos. All ages. (Free, June 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., rain date, June 5, 732 Broadway, West Cape May, capemay.com)

(Seasonal / kid-friendly) Berry season lasts a blink. Hop aboard Shady Brook’s wagon soon and be sure to snap pics as your little ones slyly gobble the red gems by the fistful — before you reach the checkout line. Concessions and live music too. All ages. ($10-$12, free 23 months & under, June 4-5, 11-12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, shadybrookfarm.com)

(History / free / kid-friendly) No charge to gawk at the Revolutionary War battlers, but if you want to ride on one of their horses (OK, not really, but a Red Sky Ranch pony), you’ll need to pony up a Hamilton. Also, no charge to enter the yelling contest, dance like a colonial, or talk to the faux Redcoats and other reenactors. ($10 per ride, June 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Skirmish takes place 2-2:20 p.m., 205 N. Haddon Ave., Haddonfield, indiankingfriends.org)

(Kid-friendly) Sesame Street has gone hi-def, but the decidedly low-fi, live-action fivesome Mighty Morphins seem so a few decades ago — and little kids so don’t care. The fab group will be there in their goofy silky suits to interact with fans while adding to their $1 billion-plus lifetime revenue. Reservations recommended. Ages 3-8. ($30-$50, June 4-5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, sesameplace.com)

(Seasonal / kid-friendly) Local strawberries are a here-today-gone-tomorrow crop. There are only a few weekends left to pluck sweet red gems from the Johnson family fields. After that, it’s back to plastic-boxed Foxy’s and Driscolls. Ages 1+. ($6, free under age 1, June 4, 5, 11, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ, johnsonsfarm.com)

(Music) There are not one, but two songs inspired by Philadelphia bars on At The Moonbase, the fourth album by Slaughter Beach, Dog. (One about Boot & Saddle and another about Oscar’s.) Saturday’s show by Jake Ewald’s band kicks off a busy week at Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City, with We Were Promised Jetpacks coming Tuesday and ReBirth Brass Band on Thursday. ($17, June 4, 8 p.m., 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City, anchorrockclub.com)

(Music / free) It’s starting to sound a lot like summer. Grab your free ticket in advance and head to Xfinity Live for this all-ages concert. You’ll hear from artists like Vance Joy and Walderado, rain or shine. (Free, June 5, 5 p.m., 1100 Pattison Ave., alt1045philly.iheart.com)

(Pride Month / outdoors / free) Celebrate LGBTQ activists past and present at the city’s 50th annual Pride celebration. This year also represents the first Pride celebration that’s hosted by the PHL Pride Collective, which is working to reimagine Philly Pride in a way that authentically honors its origins. The Pride March, hosted in collaboration with the Philly Dyke March, starts at 11 a.m. at Fifth and Arch Streets with three stops to highlight diverse voices. The festival starts at noon in the Gayborhood and includes plenty of entertainment, food, games, and more. It’s free and open to all. (Free, June 5, 11 a.m., facebook.com)

(Art / free / kid-friendly) You might hesitate before taking your tot to view a protest-themed exhibition called Waiting for Tear Gas. Fear not if you go on a family day when kids can spend 4.5 hours making art in the South Vaulted Walkway, take a just-for-them tour (book ahead), and, best of all, hang with the very child-friendly muralist Symone Salib. Tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Ages 2-12. (Free, June 5, 10:30 p.m.-3 p.m., 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., philamuseum.org)

(Pride Month / fitness / outdoors) Grab a helmet and get ready to ride. Whether you’re a biking pro or taking your first lap, you’re welcome to join in this bike ride in celebration of the LGBTQ community. Snacks, drinks, and swag will be available for all participants. (Free, June 5, 9 a.m., 4159 Main St., eventbrite.com)

(Art / free / kid-friendly) Free family Sunday takes a turn for the fabulous when the day of art-making and discovery includes storytelling by Leslie Hamilton (10:30 and 11:15 a.m.), live performance by the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus (12:30 p.m.), and a lesson in Voguing from Kemar Jewel (2:30 p.m.). Ages 2+. Registration opens June 2 at 10 a.m. and is required. (Free, June 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., barnesfoundation.org)

(Music / free / outdoors) The place to be on Saturday afternoon (if you’re not at the Roots Picnic) is West Philly. Scores of bands will play on porches from noon to 6 p.m., from singer-songwriter Avi Wisnia, to rapper Kuf Knotz, to the Soul Dragon Sound System, playing roots reggae vinyl from Jamaica. Check out the website for an interactive map. (Free, June 5, noon, throughout West Philly, westphillyporchfest.com)

(Music / free / outdoors) Philly psychedelic indie rock label Petty Bunco is throwing a Sunday afternoon party at Philadelphia Brewing Company, with a smashing array of bands, including Heavenly Bodies, Strapping Fieldhands, Emy Robb, Bill Nace, and Blues Ambush. (Free, June 5, 1 p.m., 2440 Frankford Ave., philadelphiabrewing.com)

(Music) Steve Earle is never short on new material, but the Texas troubadour also has a sideline in tributes to his favorite Lone Star State songwriters. He’s followed Townes and Guy with the spirited new Jerry Jeff, created for Mr. Bojangles singer Jerry Jeff Walker. Openers are the Whitmore Sisters, featuring Eleanor Whitmore of the Dukes, whose lovely new album is Ghost Stories. ($42.50-$57.50, June 5, 7:30 p.m., 227 Bridge St., Phoenixville, colonialtheatre.com)

(Music / free) The love-him-or-hate-him subject of Penny Lane’s HBO documentary Listening To Kenny G is the biggest-selling jazz musician of all time. He kicks off the Sunset Jazz Series in Camden, which features Corinne Bailey Rae, The Sugarhill Gang, and Matt Cappy in the coming weeks. (Free, June 6, 8 p.m., 2 Riverside Drive., Camden, camdencounty.com)

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(Music) The 10-time Grammy winner and former Rufus singer whose 1984 hit Through The Fire was sampled by Kanye West on Through The Wire will headline the Kimmel Center’s 2022 gala to support arts education. Philanthropist Brook J. Lenfest will be honored. ($59-$109, June 8, 8 p.m., 300 S. Broad St., kimmelculturalcampus.org)

(Music) Born in a Tuareg encampment in Niger, Bombino is among the leading lights of the North African desert blues genre that includes Tinariwen, Terakraft and Les Filles de Illighadad. The guitarist is often called “the Sultan of Shred,” and lives up to the name. Philly vocalist and poet Seraiah Nicole opens. ($24-$36, June 8, 8 p.m., 990 Filbert St., citywinery.com/philadelphia)

(Music) The formerly Philadelphian married duo is now based in Nashville, where singer-songwriter Brown works as a cardiologist. She’s touring behind her new album, Under The Surface. Last year, Sax released Of a View, his reunion album with Wanderlust, the Philly power pop band he led in the 1990s. AC Sapphire opens. ($15, June 8, 7 p.m., 118 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, 118northwayne.com)

(Seasonal / outdoors) A ticket for this party at Cherry Street Pier gets you food and drinks samples (from Cry Baby Pasta, Fiore Fine Foods, Figo, and an array of liquor and wine brands) and access to live music and fun activities. ($30-$70, June 9, 6 p.m., 101 S. Columbus Blvd., phillymag.com)

(Movies / community) Celebrating its 10th year, the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival features the work of Latino filmmakers. This year’s festival features both in-person and online screenings and events that celebrate diverse elements of the Latino experience. ($15-$100, through June 5, various locations, phlaff.org)

(Seasonal / outdoors) The Devon Horse Show is one of the largest multi-breed horse shows in the country. Top competitors from around the world showcase their skills in hopes of winning the top prize. The Country Fair features tons of fun for the entire family, hosting everything from food and games to art and unique vendors. ($16-$325, through June 5, 23 Dorset Rd., Devon, devonhorseshow.net)

(Art / community) The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ walls will be taken over by the work of graduate and undergraduate art students for its annual student exhibition. This tradition offers the artists the chance to curate and sell their own work and for art enthusiasts to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces at a lower price point. Enjoy a pay-what-you-wish rate to the exhibit during opening weekend, May 13 to 15. Otherwise, general admission gets you access. ($10-$18, through June 5, 118-128 N. Broad St., pafa.org)

(Seasonal) Local strawberries are a here today, gone tomorrow crop. There are only three-and-a-half weekends left to pluck sweet red gems from the Johnson family fields. After that, it’s back to plastic-boxed Foxy’s and Driscolls. Ages 1+. ($6, free under age 1, weekends through June 11, 133 Church Rd., Medford, NJ, johnsonsfarm.com)

(Seasonal / multiday / outdoors) With a roof of inflated beach balls, the warm weather version of City Hall’s ice rink is back, inaugurated by the local rollers of Great on Skates. The outdoor roller skating rink promises activations through the spring and summer — and an adjacent beer garden. Reservations recommended. Ages 3+. ($10 adult, $8 child, $5 skate rental, opening: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., daily through July 17, 1 S. 15th St., centercityphila.org)

(Science / multiday) The Academy continues a year focused on water with an exhibit co-created by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Things that live and happen on the ocean floor — five-foot-long tubeworms, thermal vents, giant clams, iconic shipwrecks — could inspire kids to become the next Cousteau (and likely inspire grown-ups to rewatch The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou). Ages 5+. ($22 ages 13 and up, $19 senior, student, military, $18 ages 2-12, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2, through Jul. 24, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., ansp.org)

(Seasonal / free / kid-friendly) Those of us tired of waiting for a beach day can swing by these outdoor shops to watch four pro sand-sculpting teams build whimsical, gritty art. In a few weeks, the castles and such will be complete to wander among, and, sandboxes will be open to play in. Ages 2+. (Free, building: through June 4; on display: June 8-Aug. 31, 400 State Rd., New Hope, peddlersvillage.com)

(Drinks / multiday) Center City’s Wednesday evening happy hours are back and boozier than ever. Stop by any of the dozens of participating bars and restaurants and enjoy half-priced apps, $6 cocktails, $5 wine, and $4 beers. This year, select retailers (Mitchell and Ness, Verde, Joan Shepp, and more) will participate in SIPS Style, offering 25% off select items and services each Wednesday. (Wednesdays through Aug. 31, 4:30-7 p.m., various locations, centercityphila.org)

(Museum / multiday / kid-friendly) The museum version of J.K. Rowling’s juggernaut lets visitors choose their Hogwarts houses, explore Gringotts, Hogwarts, and the Forbidden Forest — but not record video. Timed tickets are good for museum admission up to two hours early. Ages 5 and up. ($43 ages 12-64, $41 senior and military, $39 ages 3-11; free ages 2 & under, evening tickets: $30, through Sept. 18, 222 N. 20th St., harrypotterexhibition.com)

(Fitness / outdoors) Head to the Schuylkill Banks for a morning of zen movement. Bring your own yoga mat or towel and enjoy this all-levels instructor-led yoga class. Yoga classes take place (weather permitting) on Saturday and Sundays at 10 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursdays at 6 p.m. throughout the spring and summer season. (Pay what you can, various dates through Oct., 2500 Locust St., eventbrite.com)

(Art / outdoors / free) Magical Fantasy, a collection of bold and bright 3D art pieces by London-based artist Morag Myerscough, has transformed The Navy Yard into a colorful playground. Stop by to wander through the exhibit and escape into an abstract dreamland without leaving the city. (Free, through October, Broad St. and Constitution Ave., navyyard.org)

(Seasonal) You have to weigh at least 35 pounds to board a row, or swan- or dragon-shaped paddle boat docked on a manmade basin on the Delaware. (Keep in mind: A rowboat goes faster.) Lifejackets are required — as is an adult, for boaters not yet 18-years-old. ($12 per half hour, $4 per ACCESS cardholder, through Oct. 22, 211 S. Columbus Blvd., phillyseaport.org)

(Outdoors / multiday / kid-friendly / free) Philly’s oldest research garden has teamed up with the Bicycle Coalition to lend, repair, and teach kids about bikes every Friday after school. There are snacks, too. Ages 5-17. (Free, Fridays through Nov., 3-6 p.m., 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., bartramsgarden.org)

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