Before the summer sun and warm temperatures give way to fall, it’s time to take advantage of Philly’s lively outdoor scene without venturing far from home. Whether you live in Old City or Center City apartments, here are some fantastic things to do in Philadelphia before summer ends.
Old City Events
There’s always something going on in Old City! Here are some of the top picks for Waterfront II and The Chocolate Works residents of events happening during the last weeks of summer:
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest 2025
If you haven’t made it to RiverRink Summerfest yet, now’s your chance to soak in one of Philly’s most beloved summer traditions. Close to your Old City apartment, this lively waterfront destination offers something for everyone. Lace up your skates for a spin around the outdoor roller rink, challenge friends to a round of mini-golf, or try your luck at classic boardwalk-style games.
Between activities, grab a bite from local food vendors or cool off with a sweet treat while you take in sweeping views of the Delaware River. String lights and colorful décor create a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for both daytime fun and evening strolls. Open through Labor Day, it’s a quick, easy way to enjoy the last golden days of summer with no travel plans required.
Riverside Session on the Gazela
Experience live music with a nautical twist at Penn’s Landing. On August 30, climb aboard the historic tall ship Gazela for a Riverside Session featuring The Extraordinaires, a Philadelphia-based indie rock band known for upbeat melodies and vivid lyrical storytelling. Founding members Jay Purdy and Matt Gibson have been performing together since 2001, creating colorful characters and slice-of-life vignettes that captivate audiences. Their work has been featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered and documented in an audio feature chronicling their original musical, Ribbons of War.
This all-ages, BYOB performance kicks off at 7:00 PM, with the ship opening at 6:30 PM. In case of rain, the event will be held on August 31 at 6:30 PM. Gazela is docked just south of the Independence Seaport Museum at 201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
The Last Sonic Sunsets Concert for the Season
Cap off your summer with music under the evening sky at the historic Christ Church Burial Ground. On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the Sonic Sunsets Concert and Tour Series wraps up its season with a performance by Young Lions Roar, performing live jazz in an intimate outdoor setting. Before the show, you can join a special after-hours tour for a peek into one of Old City’s most iconic landmarks.
The combination of live music, local history, and the warm glow of a late-summer evening makes this a perfect way to spend one of the last weekends before fall. Tickets are available in advance, and the venue is just a short distance from The Chocolate Works and Waterfront II communities.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Currently celebrating its eighth year, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival transforms historic Franklin Square into a glowing wonderland of color and light, drawing locals and visitors back year after year.
Running through August 31, the festival features more than a thousand handcrafted lanterns that depict everything from enchanted forests to magical underwater worlds. The showstopper is the iconic 200-foot-long illuminated dragon, a dazzling centerpiece that has become a symbol of summer in the city. Whether you’re strolling with family, exploring with friends, or making it a date night, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is an unforgettable way to savor the magic of summer.
Movies on the Mall
On Friday, September 19, 2025, head to Independence Mall for a special outdoor screening of National Treasure 2 (2007), hosted by the Independence Historical Trust and the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation. Pre-show activities kick off at 5:30 PM, featuring family-friendly fun like 18th-century games, arts and crafts, and Park Ranger programs. Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks, or grab concessions from the nearby Liberty Garden. This free event celebrates the themes and history of Independence National Historical Park, and while advance registration is encouraged, walk-ups are welcome. The screening takes place at 599 Market Street, just a short stroll from The Chocolate Works and Waterfront II.
Center City Events
Trinity Row residents can pack their calendar with lots of end-of-summer events throughout the neighborhood, including:
Arts on Center Stage
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, enjoy an evening of live music in the heart of the city as the Temple University Jazz Ensemble takes the stage at Dilworth Park. Part of the Arts on Center Stage series, this free performance highlights Philadelphia’s rich cultural scene, featuring everything from orchestral music and ballet to jazz instrumentals.
The show runs from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., with seating on the Greenfield Lawn available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs to relax and enjoy the music against the backdrop of City Hall. All performances are weather permitting and subject to change.
Summer on the Steps
This summer, the iconic Rocky Steps are getting a lively, culinary twist. Every Saturday and Sunday from 2–6 p.m. through September 28, the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s East Terrace transforms into a vibrant, family-friendly hangout for Summer on the Steps. Guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of popular food trucks alongside a bar serving craft beer, wine, and refreshing specialty cocktails like the Summer Crush (grapefruit and ginger beer) and a pomegranate Arnold Palmer.
Between bites and sips, challenge friends to yard games or relax in the shaded seating areas, all available on a first-come, first-served basis. When you need a break from the sun, step inside to explore the museum’s latest exhibitions.
Zumba at Dilworth Park
Keep your energy up and your summer going strong with free Zumba® classes at Dilworth Park, held every Tuesday in September from the 2nd through October 7. From 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., professional trainers from City Fitness lead this upbeat, all-skill-level workout on the Greenfield Lawn. Arrive early to fill out a quick waiver (available via your smartphone) and get ready to dance, sweat, and have fun in the heart of Center City.
Don’t Let Summer Slip Away
Philadelphia has a way of making the final weeks of summer unforgettable. If you live in Old City apartments like The Chocolate Works or Waterfront II, these events make it easy to enjoy the season without having to travel very far.
For those in Center City apartments like Trinity Row, cultural pop-ups, fitness, and great food are all within easy reach, perfect for filling your calendar with experiences you’ll remember long after summer fades.
Whether it’s music under the stars, a movie in the park, or a stroll through a lantern-lit wonderland, there’s still plenty of time to make the most of the warm weather.
If you’re ready to call one of these vibrant neighborhoods home, contact Reinhold Residential today. Our Philadelphia apartments put you right where the city comes alive, so next summer, you can have it all right outside your front door.