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

📅 Submit an event to our calendar here.

(Music) In the decade since its founding as an Allman Brothers-adjacent event in 2012, Scranton’s Peach Music Festival has become a leading jam band gathering. This year’s multi-stage event starts Thursday, with bluegrass whiz Billy Strings headlining, followed by Joe Russo’s Almost Dead on Friday, Trey Anastasio Band on Saturday and Black Crowes (and fireworks) on Sunday. Goose, who Anastasio sat in with last weekend in New York, is also playing Saturday, as is not-to-be missed guitarist Celisse. ($69-$299, June 30-July 3, Montage Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, PeachMusicFestval.com)

(Seasonal / free) Haitian folk-soul singer and guitarist Nathalie “Talie” Cerin headlines an evening where Afrovisualist Jihan Thomas leads an estate-inspired art activity. Pack your own picnic or grab a pita sandwich from the Moshava Food Truck. All ages. (Free, June 30, 6-8:30 p.m., 5001 Grant Ave., glenfoerd.org)

(Community / educational) It’s time to go back to sex-ed with this engaging and fun workshop from certified sex educator Jaime Joy. Open to folks of all sexualities and genders, this workshop covers language, communication, toy demos, trans-specific sex technique and more. Bring an open mind and be ready to explore and engage. ($10-$30, June 30, 6-7:30 p.m., 407 South St., eventbrite.com)

(Art / kid-friendly / community) It’s going to be a bright summer at Longwood Gardens thanks to Light, a new immersive experience. The exhibit features eight light installations by artist Bruce Munro placed throughout Longwood’s indoor and outdoor spaces. The exhibit is on view Thursday to Sunday evenings until October 30. ($13-$25, June 30-Oct. 30, 1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org)

(Music) Now based in Los Angeles, Ryan Kattner — who performs as Honus Honus — and his band have become more pop-oriented over the course of its nearly 20-year history, though there are still traces of Captain Beefheart and Tom Waits to be heard in 2020′s Dream Hunting In the Valley of the In-Between. Hard Tay’s Night, hosted by saxophonist Taylor Plenn, who also plays in Man Man, gets the party started. ($29-$45, June 30, 8 p.m., 23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, ardmoremusichall.com)

(Fourth of July) Now’s your chance to see the city’s best cultural and art institutions for free or cheap. Through the Fourth, some of the city’s best attractions will participate in free or pay-what-you-wish days. Some require pre-registration or timed tickets. Participants this weekend include:

(Through July 4, Various locations, welcomeamerica.com)

(Fourth of July) It wouldn’t be a Fourth of July celebration without traveling back in time to revisit the journey to independence. The Museum of the American Revolution hosts events, workshops and activities all weekend long from quizzo to flag making. If you want to take the celebration home, stop by the museum gift shop for all of your flag-themed needs. (Through July 5, 101 S. Third St., amrevmuseum.org)

(Kid-friendly) Whether you take it in from the ground or in the clouds via hot air balloon, you won’t want to miss out on this Philly tradition. Bring the entire family for a weekend full of live music, food trucks, fireworks, and, of course, hot air balloons. Book a ride in advance to head into the sky or stay on the ground and watch the balloons soar and glow above you. ($10-20, July 1-4, 1326 Germantown Pike, Glenmoore, phillyballoonfest.com)

(Fourth of July) Kick off your weekend at the waterfront for a night of great food, music and, of course, fireworks. Performances include everything from spoken word to song and dance. Fill up on your favorite local food trucks and try your luck at games and activities. Then, end your night with a grand fireworks display over the Delaware River. (Free, July 1, 6-10 p.m., 121 N. Columbus Blvd., welcomeamerica.com)

(Art) Kick off your weekend with contemporary art and a glass or two of sangria. Indie Life Creative Studio is hosting urban folk artist Susan Ragland and sketch master Robert Bradley for an evening of local art and fun. Stop by to enjoy a drink, light bites, music by DJ Rocdaspot and hang with fellow art lovers. (July 1, 5-9 p.m., 4616 Baltimore Ave., universitycity.org)

(Art) Pianist, composer and music historian Guthrie Ramsey is headed to the Parkway for a night out at the Barnes. Stop by for live music sets at 6:30 and 7:45p.m., pop up gallery talks and access to the Barnes collection galleries and special exhibits. Cocktails and light bites will also be available for purchase. (July 1, 6-9 p.m., 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., barnesfoundation.org)

(Outdoors) Just as fun as eating blueberries is going out to gather them. This is the time to do it, and, unless you grew a bush and protected it from birds in your backyard, NJ is the place. Expect to pay $2.50-$3 a pint, while they last. All ages. (DiMeo’s Farm, by appointment, organic blueberries, 3101 Nesco Rd., Hammonton, dimeofarms.com; Haines Berry Farm, daily, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., 98 Sheep Pen Hill Rd., Pemberton, hainesberryfarm.com; Mood’s Farm Market, Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m.-7 p.m., 901 Bridgeton Pk., Mullica Hill, moodsfarmmarket.com)

(Science) Disney Jr. brings toy versions of its cartoon ER, OR, nursery, and vet office to inspire kids to build a little play-based agency when it comes to medical venues and procedures. Heck. Maybe the exhibit will also build a career path toward medicine. Ages 2-8. ($22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, through Sept. 18, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, pleasetouchmuseum.org)

(Music) The Philly ska band fronted by singer Brittany Luna are back home after a U.S. tour. The Specials- and Selector-influenced quartet will kick off the holiday weekend in support of its 2021 album Nice One with a Free at Noon at World Cafe Cafe Live that will also be broadcast on WXPN-FM (88.5) and live streamed at xpn.org. (Free, July 1, noon, 3025 Walnut St., worldcafelive.com)

(Movies) The untold story of young Gru’s ambition to become the world’s worst, dare we say “Despicable” supervillain. Featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Taraji P. Henson, Michelle Yeoh, Julie Andrews and Pierre Coffin as The Minions. (Rated PG. Premieres Friday, July 1 in theaters.)

(Fourth of July) Esperanza hosts a block party to celebrate Latinx cultures in the city. The fest has food, music, and local vendors, as well as indoor performances from pianist Emiliano Messiez and his quartet, dance lessons with members of the Philadelphia Argentine Tango School, and more. (Free, July 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 4261 N. Fifth St., welcomeamerica.com)

(Music) They’re going into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a couple, though you may not know who Neil Giraldo is. (He’s Pat Benatar’s guitarist musical partner and husband.) The “Heatbreaker” and “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” singer and hubby and will be inducted into the Cleveland hall in a ceremony in Los Angeles, and are meanwhile on the road, playing Atlantic City this weekend. ($80-$99, July 2, 8 p.m. Caeser’s Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, caesars.com/atlanticcity)

(Music) This excellent double bill is headlined by Jerry Paper, the rock persona of synth-pop songwriter Lucas Nathan, who self-describes as “a non-binary artist, groover, and most importantly, shaker of ass.” The opener is Dougie Poole, the former Cool World bassist whose most recent album of smart, finely wrought cosmic country is 2020′s Freelancer’s Blues. ($16, July 2, 9 p.m., Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, johnnybrendas.com)

(Music) Battling brothers Chris and Rich Robinson have been at peace, it seems, since reuniting just before the pandemic began and returning to touring last summer. They play Atlantic City on Saturday, playing their 1994 album Shake Your Moneymaker in its entirety, before heading to the Peach fest in Scranton on Sunday. ($47-$122, July 2, 8 p.m., Event Center at Borgata Hotel & Casino, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, borgata.mgmresorts.com)

(Music) “Philly’s most dangerous band is back to shred your face!,” promises the Vixen77 headline on the poster for this PunkNews.org Summer Soiree show, which also includes Danjomar (feat. Joe Jack Talcum and Dan Stevens of the Dead Milkmen) and Marissa Paternoster of Screaming Females. Vixen77, fronted by Samantha Joan, have just released two catchy singles, “Your Love” and “Record Store,” the latter with a video shot at Repo Records on South Street. At Night and Froggy are also on the bill. ($12, July 2, 7:30 p.m., PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St., philamoca.org)

(Fourth of July) Stop by this beer garden and pre-party before you make your way to the POPS Concert. Fifth Street between Market and Chestnut will turn into a festive block party with delicious food, performances by Rev. R2 and Da’Crew and so much more. (Free July 3, 4-9 p.m.,)

(Fourth of July) The Philly POPS are back to continue their 44-year Independence Day tradition. This year’s show features guest artists Terell Stafford, Cam Anthony, and Paula Holloway. Philly’s own Mother Bethel AME Choir will also perform, all alongside the POPS Big Band. (Free, July 3, 7-9 p.m., Independence Mall Block 2, phillypops.org)

(Museums) The Barnes partners with Temple’s famed Blockson Collection to present BLAM: Black Lives Always Mattered! a new graphic novel about 14 Black Philadelphians, plus interactive activities with Baby Wordplay, a reading by Philly Youth Poet Laureate Cydney Brown, plus plenty of art-making. Registration required. Ages 2+. (Free, July 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., barnesfoundation.org)

(Parade / kid-friendly) Red, white, and blue take over the city streets on Monday, complete with lavish floats, marching bands, dance, pomp, and a lot of American flags. Miss America is the grand marshal. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at Market and Second Street, and makes its way along Market to City Hall. (Free, July 4, 11 a.m.-noon, Market Street from Second Street to City Hall, welcomeamerica.com)

(Community) Celebrate the Fourth at the spot where it all began. Independence Hall will serve as this backdrop to this celebration of our history. You’ll hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence as well as remarks from a lineup of special guests. There will be limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Free, July 4, 10-11 a.m., Sixth & Chestnut St., welcomeamerica.com)

(Music) This dinner cruise along the Delaware is a fancy way to celebrate the Fourth. Start the night with a chef-prepared dinner, live DJ entertainment, and drinks on the open-air deck. Then, look up and take in the spectacular fireworks, right from the water. (July 4, 6:30-10:30 p.m., 401 S. Columbus Blvd., cityexperiences.com)

(Party / kid-friendly) It’s a block party under the El, hosted by Middle Child and Snacktime. Enjoy tasty bites from Liberty Kitchen, Pitruco Pizza and 1-900 ICE-CREAM. Drinks will be served by Middle Child, Le Bouchon, and Jambrü Ferments. Middle Child Clubhouse and Snacktime have you covered with five hours of great local music. Kids under 12 can enter for free. ($30, July 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 1232 N. Front St., tickettailor.com)

(Community) Grab your walking shoes and check out all of the Fourth celebrations on foot. Covering a distance of about eight miles, you’ll start at Jefferson Station and make your way along the Ben Franklin Parkway, stopping at various July 4th celebrations along the way. Stay all day or hop on and off at your own pace. (Free, July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., 10th and Filbert Sts., eventbrite.com)

End the weekend with an epic concert with Jason Derulo, Ava Max, and Tori Kelly followed by fireworks synced to a DJ set. (If you don’t want to see it in person, the show will also be broadcast live on NBC10 & TeleXitos). If you do want to go, here are some tips: You can bring food, a small cooler, pets, and chairs/blankets (as long as you’re not in the ticketed section). You can’t bring fireworks, weapons, large signs or banners, skateboards, glass containers, selfie sticks, laser pointers, and a few other contraband items.(Free, July 4, 7-10 p.m., Benjamin Franklin Parkway, welcomeamerica.com)

(Outdoors) Trying to get outside more this summer? Mark your calendar, and head to the Delaware River Waterfront Tuesday evenings through August 30. You can stroll along the stunning waterfront and snag deals on food, drinks and more at spots like Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park. (July 5-Aug. 30, 4-7 p.m., Cherry Street Pier, cherrystreetpier.com)

(Quizzo) Test your knowledge skills with a free trivia night every Tuesday at The Post. Get quizzed on different theme genres each week while also enjoying drink specials. Winners will take home special prizes. (Free, July 5, 6-8 p.m., 129 S. 30th St., eventbrite.com)

(Outdoors) Get ready to sweat your way into summer. Barre3 Rittenhouse is bringing you a full body workout that combines cardio, strength training and mindfulness practices. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle and light hand-held weights, if you have them. (Free, July 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 2005 Market St., eventbrite.com)

(Outdoors) Toast to the start of summer, without the buzz. Spend the afternoon tasting and learning about Seedlip non-alcoholic spirts. Then, head to the rink to lace up your skates, enjoy lunch and, of course, a few more zero-proof cocktails. (Free, July 5, noon-2 p.m., 1 S. 15th St., eventbrite.com)

(Music) With a voice that evokers Hank Williams Sr., Wayne “The Train” Hancock is an expert practitioner of what he calls “Juke Joint Swing,” an amalgam of roadhouse ready honky tonk, blues and Western Swing. Always a treat. ($21.50-$ 29.50, July 5, 8 p.m., Sellersville Theater 1894, 24 W. Temple Ave., Sellersville, st94.com)

(Music) This sweet sounding night series will be staged at a 500 seat amphitheater at Liberty Point, Avram Hornik’s oversized restaurant on the Delaware River. It’s a collaboration with Eli Kulp’s Delicious City podcast booked by Philly music biz vet Marley McNamara. Different local chefs cook each week, starting with Kulp on July 5, when chooglin’ CCR cover band Kensington Clearwater Revival get the series underway. 20% of ticket revenues will be donated to reproductive rights organizations. ($15, July 5, 7 p.m., 211 S. Columbus Blvd, phillyindie.com)

» READ MORE: Find the best kids events in our weekly kids calendar

(Quizzo) Are you up to date on all things Marvel? Test your fanhood at this quizzo night on all things Marvel. The questions — and menu — will be themed after your favorite heroes and villains. Tickets are limited. ($8, July 6, 6:30-10 p.m., 1642 Fairmount Ave., exploretock.com)

(Music) Fans have been waiting for some time for 2000, Joey Badass’ first album since 2017′s All-American Bada$$ and a follow-up of sorts to his mixtape 1999, which came out in 2012. They’ll have to wait a little longer for new music from the Brooklyn rapper, who appeared with Chance the Rapper on the BET awards this week, because the scheduled June release was delayed due to sample clearance issues. ($28, July 6, 8 p.m., Theater of Living Arts, 322 South St., tlaphilly.com)

(Music) Philly has never been short on local musical talent. Stop by LOVE Park for a showcase of local musicians performing across genres. (Free, July 7, 5-8 p.m., Love Park, eventbrite.com)

(Theater) Charles M. Schultz’s beagle sage, wily Woodstock, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Peppermint Patty, and Charlie Brown set their iconic comic strip to music in a performance that will feel delightfully retro to grown-ups and very relevant to the target audience. Ages 2-12. ($20-$35, July 7-31, with relaxed, audio-described performance July 24, times vary, 64 Rose Valley Rd., Media, hedgerowtheatre.org)

(Circus / multiday / kid-friendly) Joined by eight circus performers from Troup Bingo of Kyiv, Ukraine (mostly women, since their male counterparts had to stay behind to fight the war), this proudly Mexican group of clowns, jugglers, aerialists, acrobats, and dancers sets up their pink big top outside our region’s biggest mall. Ages 3+. ($40-$60 adult, $35-$55 senior, $25 child, through July 11, 160 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, circusvazquez.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 / outdoors / multiday / kid-friendly) This Franklin Square summer tradition is back for another year. You won’t want to miss this celebration of light and culture featuring larger-than-life lantern displays all throughout the park. And yes, the 200-foot-long dragon lantern is back. ($12-$23, through Aug. 7, 200 N. Sixth St., historicphiladelphia.org)

(Museum / free / kid-friendly) The art museum has eased into an expanded summer menu of children’s programming, including family art-making every Friday night in July and August, extra studio time in the South Vaulted Walkway and in the outdoor sculpture garden, pop-up studios with local artists, and pay-what-you-wish admission for grown-ups on July 3. Guests up to age 18 are always admitted free. Ages 2-12. (Free, through Aug. 28, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., philamuseum.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, through 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 October, 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)

» READ MORE: How to do everything better right now: A collection of our most useful stories