Whether you’ve just closed the book on a great school year or you’re taking a breather between spring and summer sessions, now is the time to treat yourself to some Philly fun! Here are our upcoming events picks for you.
1. Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Tuesday, May 9 through Sunday, June 11 starting at 6 p.m. daily | Franklin
Square, 200 6th St.
Franklin Square is magically lit up with 29 handcrafted lanterns, including a 200-foot Chinese dragon constructed by lantern artisans from China! Get a pic with illuminated sea creatures, lions, pandas and more.
2. Beer Gardens! When warm weather comes, Philly beer gardens emerge and blossom into must-hang spots. Check out our beer garden picks for the 21+ crowd.
3. Night Market Philadelphia: Burholme
Thursday, May 11 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Cottman & Rising Sun
Come hungry! The Food Trust throws this awesome (and very popular) festival which brings Philly’s amazing food options– from food trucks to local restaurants–to the streets and sidewalks.
4. Spruce St. Harbor Park Grand Opening Weekend
Opening Friday, May 12 | Columbus Boulevard & Spruce Street
IMO, this is the ultimate chill spot. At Spruce St. Harbor Park, you can swing from the hammocks, lounge in the Adirondack chairs, stroll the boardwalk lined with delicious local treats, catch an outdoor movie, have a drink on the floating bar.
5. 14th Annual Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing
Saturday, May 12- Sunday, May 13 | 100 S Columbus Boulevard
There’s rain in the weekend forecast but this bazaar is happening rain or shine! If you’re looking for a locally handmade gift for your mom on Mother’s Day, this is the place to get it. Or! Why not just bring your mom along for a crafty day in the city?
6. Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair
Saturday, May 12- Monday, May 14
We love when there’s some big event happening in Rittenhouse Square, especially when the park is filled with beautiful handmade arts and crafts. Walk around, admire what’s on display and grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant like Shake Shack or Devil’s Den.
7. 9th Street Italian Market Festival
Saturday, May 20 to Sunday, May 21 | 9th Street & Washington Avenue
The Italian Market is always buzzing with energy and full of great food. Multiply that by 100 and add a greased pole and you have the Italian Market Festival.
8. 40th St. Summer Series: Sun Ra Arkestra
Saturday, May 20 | 40th & Walnut Streets
This free outdoor series features internationally-recognized talent in one of “West Philly’s picturesque open green spaces” (Philadelphia Weekly.)
9. Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
Saturday, May 20 | 18th & Walnut Streets
Take to the streets-literally, this is the only time Walnut St. is blocked off to vehicular traffic- for a day of strolling around the Rittenhouse’s most popular festival.
10. Free Yoga on Race St. Pier
Monday-Sunday, times vary
Now that class is over, head to a different kind of class– yoga class! It’s not your everyday yoga either, it’s yoga with a beautiful view of the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin Bridge.
This is just a sample of what’s going on this month! For more events, check out our up-to-date calendar and Facebook events page for more ways to explore and experience Philadelphia.
