Travelling to the US? Here are five things to do in Philadelphia during summer

Cultural celebrations, unforgettable festivals and vibrant pop-ups are just a few ways to experience the summer season in Philadelphia.

Here are the top activities that make Philadelphia ideal for a visit during the summer: 

The vibrant outdoors
When the sun is up in Philadelphia, it is time to explore the outdoors. Enjoy fountain shows, mini golf, dance lessons, and other family-friendly fun at Franklin Square. Be sure to stop by in the evening during the annual Chinese Lantern Festival starting in June where thousands of lanterns illuminated by LED lights transform the Square into a technicolour oasis.

Nature lovers have plenty of opportunities to seek solace outside during the summer. Explore the trails and historic homes found throughout the 2,000 acre Fairmount Park. Night owls will enjoy the Park After Dark: Moonwalk series, a hiking tour through the park that includes lessons about nocturnal wildlife and lunar cycles.

If you prefer to spend your summer on the water, explore Philadelphia with activities on the Delaware River. Charter a custom-restored Chris-Craft with Sea Philly for a stunning river cruise. For more on-the-water fun, visit the Independence Seaport Museum. The Museum offers family-friendly, on-the-water experiences, such as paddleboats and kayak excursions.

At night, join fellow film fanatics at one of Philadelphia’s many outdoor movie screenings under the stars. Every year from June through October, the Betsy Ross House screens classic science fiction movies in its courtyard. In West Philadelphia, Sunset Social hosts outdoor movie nights each Wednesday on the lawn of Cira Green.

Also in West Philadelphia, the University City District has partnered with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and Friends of Clark Park to offer Movies in Clark Park every Friday night in August. And for a truly lively experience, pack a picnic and join your friends for Movies at the Mann where a live orchestra plays along to blockbuster films.

Philadelphia’s seasonal parks and beer gardens
The Delaware River waterfront is one of Philadelphia’s top summer destinations, all thanks to an abundance of seasonal activities, dining experiences, and memorable attractions. Skate riverside in a 12,000-square-foot roller rink, putt your way through a miniature golf course and play arcade games at BlueCross RiverRink Summerfest. Lounge in a hammock at the nearby Spruce Street Harbor Park, then enjoy local food and beverages on the park’s floating barges.

Check out seasonal events and art installations at Cherry Street Pier or, dine riverside at The Garden, the pier’s pop-up dining space serving Mexican-inspired snacks and frozen cocktails. For a simple summer evening, relax on the lawn at neighbouring Race Street Pier, one of Philadelphia’s top spots for photos.

Two Pop-Up Gardens, one on South Street and another in Manayunk, transform previously vacant lots into lush landscapes. The Gardens offer speciality cocktails, craft beer, and seasonal menus from local restaurants.

Philadelphia’s summer travelling beer garden, Parks on Tap, sets up shop in a different park each week. Those visiting Center City can enjoy seasonal drinks and food at Uptown Beer Garden which sits just across from LOVE Park.

Summer festivals and celebrations
Celebrate love in all its forms during Philadelphia Pride March and Festival, a day-long festival in downtown Philadelphia that starts with a parade from Independence Mall to the vibrant Gayborhood. Afterward, the neighbourhood hosts a Pride festival where city blocks overflow with mouth-watering food, festive entertainment, and LGBTQ+ resources.

In July, there is no better place to celebrate the USA’s independence than the city where it happened. Wawa Welcome America is an annual festival that celebrates July 4 across Philadelphia. The festivities conclude with a massive concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 

Philadelphia is also home to the largest annual Juneteenth celebration in the nation, the Juneteenth Parade & Festival. The festival starts with a parade in West Philadelphia and concludes with an afternoon of music in Malcolm X Park.

For a taste of the city’s culture, head to one of Philadelphia’s vibrant neighbourhoods and visit a local street festival. The 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties has grown into one of the largest annual street festivals in Philadelphia.

Dozens of Old City restaurants and bars participate in Old City Eats, which takes place every Thursday throughout the summer. The Old City Eats block party kicks off with live music, dancers, and of course, great food.

The summer season begins and closes with two of the most star-studded, cannot-miss music festivals. During the first weekend of June, The Roots Picnic hosts a lineup of artists, comics, and podcasters curated by the local legends, The Roots.

Sports fever
Catch the Philadelphia Phillies in action at Citizens Bank Park, the team’s home in South Philadelphia or Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union at their waterfront home venue, Subaru Park. Alternately, heading to one of Philadelphia’s local sports bars can be just as exciting as sitting in the bleachers at the ballpark. 

Head to Xfinity Live!, the ultimate entertainment centre just steps away from the Phillies’ home diamond. Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar is known for their signature crinkle-cut fries sprinkled with crabby spices. Garage Passyunk in South Philadelphia and Garage Fishtown are iconic spots for watching a game with lifelong fans of every generation.   

Philadelphia’s sporting ties run deep, including a 200-year rowing tradition along the Schuylkill River. On the weekends, Kelly Drive comes alive with spectators cheering on teams along the riverbank. 

The river hosts some of the most storied events in the sport including the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, the largest high school sprint race in the country. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the excitement while biking or strolling along the Kelly Drive riverfront path.  

Beyond city limits
Located just a short drive from downtown Philadelphia in Bucks County, Peddler’s Village, the shopping and dining destination presents special events and experiences all summer long. In August, celebrate Peach Month with peach-themed food and drink specials at local restaurants and sidewalk sales from area shops.