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.
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.
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. This Thursday, May 18, we’ll be heading to Brews & Views: Spring Rooftop Mini Series at the Free Library!
Spruce Street Harbor Park
May 12 to October 1 | 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.
Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival
Saturday, May 20 | Trenton Avenue from Norris to Dauphin
Just as wacky, artsy, and Kensington as ever, the “best day in the neighborhood” is now known as the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby & Arts Festival. Join them for over 200 local arts and food vendors, alongside a parade of human-powered sculptural floats.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Stay tuned! Returns in May | 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
This seasonal park will offers rollerskating and a summer playground for all ages!
Night Market Philadelphia
Spruce Hill on Thursday, June 29
Roxborough on Thursday, August 10
Italian Market on Thursday, October 5
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.
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.
