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) The Philadelphia Folk Festival has returned for another year with music, camping, and fun activities for all ages. Experience with epic live music performances, including a Thursday night concert just for campers.

⌚️Aug. 15-17, 📍1323 Salford Station Rd., Harleysville, Pa, 19438, 🌐 folkfest.org, 💵 $5-535

(Community) Lovers of all things strange and unusual, you won’t want to miss this. This expo is the world’s largest traveling oddities event, and truly has it all from preserved specimens and antiques to creepy clothing and artwork. Come explore, meet fellow lovers of all things weird and check out a variety of vendors.

⌚️Aug. 16, 10a.m. - 4p.m., 📍100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pa, 19460, 🌐 showpass.com, 💵 $11.55 - 345

(Community) Celebrate India’s Independence Day with delicious food, Bollywood performances, shopping and more. The festival is presented by Indian organizations from throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

⌚️Aug. 16, 2-8p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) The rich culture of 15 different Caribbean nations are taking the stage at Cherry Street Peer. Come enjoy amazing music, delicious food, performances and kid-friendly activities.

⌚️Aug. 17, 12-8p.m., 📍 121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Community) This taco festival will be the biggest one-day festival of its kind. Over 130 styles of tacos will be served up by more than 45 incredible vendors alongside live music, wrestling, a nacho station and more. Not to mention, there will be multiple margarita bars and tequila flights available to make the day complete.

⌚️Aug. 17, 2p.m., 📍1100 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 xfinitylive.com, 💵 $9.99-74.99

(Community) Franklin Square’s annual illuminated festival is back. This year’s festival features more than 1,100 individual sculptures placed in larger than life lantern displays. Your ticket includes three main-stage live performances every night and all of the glowing lantern displays.

⌚️Jun. 20 - Aug. 31, 📍200 N 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com/, 💵 $16-29

(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

Time is running out to tackle your adventurous summer to-do list. This week, you can wander through blooming sunflower fields in Bucks County, step into George Washington’s wartime camp in Clark Park, celebrate canine companions in Manayunk, and enjoy everything from reggae beats to futbol fiestas, henna artistry, and a live throwback to Yo Gabba Gabba!

(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.

⌚Aug. 1–Sept. 1, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sept. 2–Nov. 1, 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m., 📍5500 Easton Rd., Doylestown, Pa. 18902, 🌐 hellericksfarm.com, 💵 $16–$20

(Dogs / free) Main Street in Manayunk goes to the dogs with pet portraits, treats, adoptable pups, and activities for humans, too. All ages.

⌚Aug. 16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍4202–4418 Main St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19127, 🌐 manayunk.com, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Culture / free) Cherry Street Pier hosts a celebration of Indian culture with live performances, regional cuisine, henna tattoos, and artisan vendors. All ages.

⌚Aug. 16, 2–8 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 indiacouncil.org, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Music) The beloved, colorful crew brings its “Music Is Awesome!” tour — with songs from The Shins, The Roots, Chromeo, and more — to the Keswick Theatre in Glenside. Ages 2 and up.

⌚Aug. 16, 6 p.m., 📍291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, Pa. 19038, 🌐 keswicktheatre.com, 💵 $41–$53

(Sports / community / free) The Italian Market teams up with the Philadelphia Union to celebrate soccer with street food, live entertainment, and FIFA World Cup volunteer sign-ups. All ages.

⌚Aug. 17, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., 📍S. 9th St. from Christian St. to Washington Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19147, 🌐 philadelphiaunion.com, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Culture / free) Cherry Street Pier’s annual festival features music, dance, food, and crafts from across the Caribbean, plus a children’s village and face-painting. All ages.

⌚Aug. 17, noon–8 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 phillycaribbeanfestival, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Seasonal / multiday) Franklin Square transforms into a wonderland of illuminated sculptures, cultural performances, and selfie spots at this evening-only event near Chinatown. New this year: dumpling-making workshops Fridays through Sundays. All ages.

⌚June 20–August 31, 6–10 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16–$29, free ages 2 and under

(Seasonal / multi-day) These two Delaware River-side parks reopen for summer with roller skating, boardwalk games, hammocks, oversized board games, and all the snacks you could want. All ages.

⌚May 23–Sept. 1 (later for Spruce Street Harbor Park), 📍101 & 301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Books / multi-day) At the Please Touch Museum, kids explore the worlds of Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, Ada Twist, and friends through themed games in engineering, science, government, and more. Ages 2–7.

⌚May 24–Aug. 27, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $22