The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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

(Music) This festival celebrates the music, culture and community across Montgomery County. Whether you’re a new jazz lover or long time fan, come out for live jazz performances, interactive workshops and more.

⌚️Sept. 16-21, 📍Various locations, 🌐 valleyforge.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Art) For nearly 100 years, this showcase has highlighted fine art and artists in Philadelphia. Enjoy a weekend full of splendid art, featuring everything from sculpture to painting with more than 140 exhibiting artists and 8 exhibitor categories.

⌚️Sept. 19-21, 📍1800 Walnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 rittenhousesquareart.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) This festival packs the stage with music legends and local talent for a weekend of great performances. This year’s lineup features over 20 acts including WAR, SNACKTIME, The Attachment Theory and more

⌚️Sept. 19-21, 📍2 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ, 08103, 🌐 xpnfest.org, 💵 $10-250

(Community) Upper Darby is made up of tens of thousands of residents, representing cultures from around the world. This festival celebrates that diversity of cultures with live music, performances, activities for kids, dancing and so much more.

⌚️Sept. 20, 1-6p.m., 📍100 Garrett Rd., Upper Darby, Pa, 19082, 🌐 upperdarby.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Don’t miss out on this two-day celebration of Indigenous art and culture. The weekend will be packed with art-making, dancing, performances and more, and this year’s festival includes a pow-wow representing many styles and regions.

⌚️Sept. 20-21, 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Celebrate the grand opening of Calder Gardens with the community at this free parade. The parade lineup includes Mad Beatz Philly, Pig Iron Theatre, Almanac Dance Circus and more. The parade will honor the Calder family’s history in Philadelphia and celebrate the city’s rich art scene.

⌚️Sept. 20, 12-2p.m., 2100 Benjamin Franklin Pwky., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 caldergardens.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Summer isn’t gone quiet yet, so enjoy one more sunny outdoor event. This terrace party includes delicious bites and drinks, a special floral bouquet bar, special treats and more.

⌚️ Sept. 21, 1-4p.m., 📍224 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 goodthingsphl.com, 💵 $85

(Community) This month-long celebration puts hundreds of performances, including everything from theater to dance and film, on center stage throughout the city. With more than 300 events to explore, experiences and workshops, there is truly something for everyone.

⌚️Sept. 4-28, 📍Various Locations, 🌐 phillyfringe.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) ‘Tis the season for outdoor eating, all summer long in Media. Grab an alfresco table at one of over two dozen participating restaurants, and enjoy a meal in the fresh air with the street closed to traffic.

⌚️May - September 24, 📍State St., between Jackson St., and Orange St., Media, Pa, 19063, 🌐 visitmediapa.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) A visit to Longwood Gardens is a must on your spring and summer bucket lists. All spring and summer, the fountains in the gardens come to live, with some jets blasting as high as 175 feet. Whether you stroll through during the daytime, or catch an illuminated night time performance, you’re bound to have a great time.

⌚️ May 9 - September 28, 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Sq., Pa, 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $8-35

A new hands-on exhibition at the Please Touch Museum, a must-visit school fair at the Convention Center, and festivals stretching from South Philly to Montgomery County round out this week’s lineup.

(Educational / multiday) The Please Touch Museum debuts its latest bilingual (Spanish and English) visiting exhibition, focused on brain development through play. Kids can test a light-up tilt table, dance in a mini studio, or dive into creative storytelling games, while parents learn about early childhood growth. Visit Saturday for a superhero theme. Ages 0–4.

⌚Sept. 20–Jan. 4, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays, 📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $24, $2 ACCESS cardholder

(Community) The Wells Fargo Center’s parking lot transforms into a kid’s dreamscape of firetrucks, motorcycles, sirens, and flashing lights. Celebrating its 70th year, this afternoon extravaganza showcases emergency vehicles and uniformed heroes in action. Ages 2 and up.

⌚Sept. 20, noon–5 p.m., 📍Broad St. and Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19148, 🌐 herothrillshow.org, 💵 $15

(History / free) Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills welcomes families to its 160-acre site and 320-year-old grain mill for a colonial-style market, archaeological digs, 18th-century trade demonstrations, and hayrides. A classic autumn outing. All ages.

⌚Sept. 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍219 S. Cheney Rd., Glen Mills, Pa. 19342, 🌐 newlingristmill.org, 💵 Free, $5 parking

(Seasonal / free) Woodford Mansion’s annual festival now highlights both apples and pawpaws, North America’s largest native fruit. Visitors can sample the tropical-tasting pawpaw fresh or in ice cream, try cider- and vinegar-making, and enjoy lawn games and historic tours. All ages.

⌚Sept. 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍33rd St. and Dauphin Dr., Philadelphia, Pa. 19342, 🌐 phillyorchards.org, 💵 Free, $5 parking

(Community / free) At the PA Convention Center, families can meet representatives from public, private, charter, and cyber schools across the city. The fair provides an easy way to compare options, even if in-person visits are still on your to-do list. Preregistration suggested. Ages 4 and up.

⌚Sept. 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍12th and Arch Sts., Philadelphia, Pa. 19107, 🌐 fair.phillyschoolscompass.org, 💵 Free

(Nature / free) The Audubon Center at Mill Grove celebrates fall with folk dancing, food trucks, canoeing, face painting, and bird-themed activities alongside a new art exhibit featuring scarlet tanagers, cerulean warblers, and wood thrush. All ages.

⌚Sept. 21, 3–7 p.m., 📍1201 Pawlings Rd., Audubon, Pa. 19403, 🌐 johnjames.audubon.org, 💵 Free

(Seasonal / multiday) At Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, it’s pumpkins and apples galore, plus sunflowers, zinnias, and a Sesame Street–themed corn maze. Families can also enjoy bonfires, light shows, and weekend live music, with extra thrills from after-dark haunts. Ages 1 and up.

⌚Sept. 12–Oct. 30, hours vary, 📍931 Stony Hill Rd., Yardley, Pa. 19067, 🌐 shadybrookfarm.com, 💵 $20–$40, free under 2

(Community / free) Each Sunday through Oct. 12, the blocks around and east of Rittenhouse Square close to cars and open to people. Expect games, street performers, and food vendors as Walnut and Locust Streets transform into a lively pedestrian zone. All ages.

⌚Sundays, Sept. 7–Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍Walnut and Locust Sts. between 15th and 19th, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Free

(Outdoors / multiday) Hellerick’s Farm in Doylestown blooms with 25 varieties of sunflowers, plus pick-your-own raspberries and blackberries. Admission also includes farm activities like a silo climbing wall, goat petting, mini golf, and more. Kids 36 inches and under are free. All ages.

⌚Sept. 2–Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m., 📍5500 Easton Rd., Doylestown, Pa. 18902, 🌐 hellericksfarm.com, 💵 $16–$20