Summertime is here, Philadelphia. It’s time to sit back and unwind with longer days, beautiful weather, and plenty of activities both inside and out. The city has so much to offer from concerts to food festivals and everything in between, so get ready to experience the season in the City of Brotherly Love.
The Science Behind Pixar: Take an inside look at the creative process behind Pixar’s groundbreaking films. The exhibition highlights the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics used every day at Pixar, and invites visitors to experience the different roles of Pixar employees. Just a short walk from Logan Square and the Ben Franklin Parkway, the Pixar exhibit is something the whole family can enjoy.
- Date: Now – September 5
- Location: The Franklin Institute
- Cost: Adults $29.95 Children (3-11) $24.95
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest: Celebrate the warm weather at Philadelphia’s first and only outdoor skating rink. After a successful debut last summer, the RiverRink is back to create an active and beautiful waterfront oasis filled with a newly added 9-hole mini golf course, Chickie and Pete’s Waterfront Crabshack, and ample outdoor seating for plenty of people watching opportunities. Located in the heart of Penn’s Landing, the RiverRink is only a stone’s throw away from the beautiful residential areas of the neighborhood, perfect for Waterfront I & II residents to enjoy any day or night.
- Date: Now – September 5
- Location: Penn’s Landing
- Cost: $3 skate fee and $10 rental
Outdoor Movies at the Schuylkill Banks: Sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite movies in the heart of the city surrounded by the beautiful Schuylkill River parks system. This summer, 10 fan favorites will be screened on the Schuylkill River Banks between Walnut Street and Grays Ferry Crescent. Bring your friends, blankets, and picnic baskets for a great time watching movies under the stars.
- Date: Every Thursday through August 11
- Location: Schuylkill River Banks (Walnut Street Bridge and Grays Ferry Crescent)
- Cost: Free
40th Street Summer Series: Explore the University City neighborhood this summer with live music and entertainment provided by University City District, Penn, and The Rotunda. International acts and local favorites capture the heart and soul of University City (and all of Philadelphia), filling the park behind the Walnut Street Library at 40th Street. Watch the neighborhood come alive with music and experience the vibrancy of 40th Street with fun for the whole family.
- Date: June 18, July 23, August 20, September 17
- Location: Green space behind Walnut Street Library
- Cost: Free
Night Market Philadelphia: Join Philadelphia foodies and visitors as Night Market takes over a different city street throughout the summer and serves up diverse ethnic foods from all over the region. The event provides residents a unique venue to enjoy fresh food from local entrepreneurs. This won’t be just another busy food truck gathering – it creates a local healthy food economy that everyone can enjoy. Be sure to come hungry and catch this touring foodie destination as it moves through Philly’s neighborhoods. First stop is 12th and Callowhill – right in your backyard, Packard residents.
- Date: June 23 and September 1
- Location: Callowhill and West Philly
- Cost: Pay as you go
Ride DNC: The 2016 Democratic National Convention places Philadelphia at the center of the political world this summer. Regulations make attending nearly impossible, but Philly has you covered. RideDNC isn’t a protest but a peaceful event open to everyone looking to celebrate the political process. The event will make its way down Broad Street culminating in a dance party across the street from the Wells Fargo Center in FDR Park. The leisurely bike ride is a perfect way to celebrate the American political process and honor the urban landscape of our city.
- Date: July 27
- Location: Broad Street and Cheltenham Avenue to Wells Fargo Center
- Cost: Free
Philly BBQ Fest: We know BBQ isn’t what first comes to mind when Philadelphians think about food, but this inaugural festival is trying to change that. The festival will feature a craft beer garden, carnival games, live entertainment, and over 40 vendors sampling all things BBQ. Each ticket comes with two Phillies ticket vouchers and includes a donation to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. VIP tickets are also available that include grilling lessons with world renowned pit master Glenn Ross and a commemorative apron.
- Date: July 30
- Location: Citizens Bank Park
- Cost: $50 – $75
2nd Street Festival: Come revel in the streets as Philadelphia’s biggest block party takes over the Northern Liberties neighborhood this summer. The festival is a celebration of healthy and positive lifestyles and fills the streets with food trucks, beer gardens, craft vendors, and three stages of live music. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to explore the growing Northern Liberties neighborhood.
- Date: August 7
- Location: 2nd Street Northern Liberties
- Cost: Pay as you go