The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: from upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

You can always find our favorite activities of the week at sinomn.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Community) Prepare your taste buds for some truly amazing flavors. This week, celebrate the best of African, Caribbean and African American cuisines, and get great meal deals doing it. Head to a participating restaurant for the chance to try great dishes with special discounts.

⌚️ Jun. 23-29, 📍Various locations, 🌐 africanrestaurantweek.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Come learn the vintage art of craft hooking with Sue Liedke of South Philly Time Capsules. You’ll learn this retro fiber arts technique, with a modern pop art twist, and leave with some new crafty skills and a great piece to display at home. All materials are provided and the class is perfect for all skill levels.

⌚️Jun. 24, 6-8p.m., 📍1002 Watkins St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 phillymagicgardens.org, 💵 $50-55

(Community) Is there anything Philadelphians love more than Wawa and free hoagies? Come grab your free Wawa Shorti while honoring our local. heroes on Independence Mall. You’ll also get to enjoy a performance by the Six String Soldiers and free admission to the National Constitution Center.

⌚️ Jun. 26, 12p.m., 📍525 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 july4thphilly.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Relax after a long workday with music, food trucks and fun networking with interns and young professionals. Whether you’re looking for fun with friends or a new career connection, this is a great way to keep cool and have some early summer fun. The first 100 guests get free food vouchers, so don’t be late.

⌚️Jun. 26, 5-7p.m., 📍37th and Cuthbert St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 ucitysquare.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) An incredible lineup of local artists, choirs and musicians are heading to Independence Mall to lift up the sounds of gospel music. Bring a blanket or chair and get ready for a soul-stirring performance designed to uplift you. This year’s performance will feature special guest and GRAMMY nominated artist Marvin Sapp.

⌚️Jun. 27, 7p.m., 📍599 Market St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 july4thphilly.com, 💵 Free

(Community) It’s not a Fourth of July celebration without a spectacular fireworks display. Head to the Delaware River Waterfront and catch the show from a range of spots along the water including Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier and Spruce Street Harbor Park.

⌚️Jun. 28, 9:30p.m., 📍Various locations along the Delaware River Waterfront, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free

(Community) Latino culture is on full display at this community festival and celebration. Get ready to salsa, explore interactive exhibits, eat amazing food and try new crafts.

⌚️Jun. 28, 12-9p.m., 📍16th St. and JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 elconcilio.net, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Also known at The Philly Flea, this marketplace is one of the oldest organized flea market groups in Philadelphia. Come shop a variety of items, including vintage and antique finds you won’t find elsewhere. You never know when you’ll find your next gem.

⌚️ Jun. 28, 8a.m. - 5p.m., 📍S. 2nd St., and Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Franklin Square’s annual illuminated festival is back. This year’s festival features more than 1,100 individual sculptures placed in larger than life lantern displays. Your ticket includes three main-stage live performances every night and all of the glowing lantern displays.

⌚️Jun. 20 - Aug. 31, 📍200 N 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com/, 💵 $16-29

(Community) Raise a glass and celebrate Philly’s favorite happy hour as it returns for it’s 21st season. Select locations in Center City will be serving up half-priced apps and drink specials. After 7p.m., select locations will also offer 15% off of dinner.

⌚️Jun. 4 - Aug. 27, 📍Various locations, 🌐 centercityphila.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) ‘Tis the season for outdoor eating, all summer long in Media. Grab an alfresco table at one of over two dozen participating restaurants, and enjoy a meal in the fresh air with the street closed to traffic.

⌚️May - September 24, 📍State St., between Jackson St., and Orange St., Media, Pa, 19063, 🌐 visitmediapa.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) A visit to Longwood Gardens is a must on your spring and summer bucket lists. All spring and summer, the fountains in the gardens come to live, with some jets blasting as high as 175 feet. Whether you stroll through during the daytime, or catch an illuminated night time performance, you’re bound to have a great time.

⌚️ May 9 - September 28, 📍1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Sq., Pa, 19348, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org, 💵 $8-35

It’s the end of June in Philly, so, obviously, Fourth of July is well underway. Enjoy free museum days, plus pool, block, and park parties, an author reading, and fireworks.

(Swimming / community / free) In Olney, the neighborhood pool transforms into a summer kickoff zone with a giant waterslide, a live DJ, free water ice, crafts, giveaways, and sponsors including Jefferson and Welcome America. All ages.

⌚June 24, 4–7 p.m., 📍851–951 W. Olney Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19141, 🌐 july4thphilly.com, 💵 Free

(Culture / free) LOVE Park hosts Concillio’s huge block party downtown, featuring a colorful Hispanic Parade of Flags, tons of food, and live music — capped off by an 8 p.m. performance from Ivy Queen. Ages 5 and up.

⌚June 28, 2–9 p.m., 📍16th St. and JFK Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 🌐 july4thphilly.com, 💵 Free

(Books / free) At Independence Library, the author of You Can’t Take Your Rhino on a Plane reads his laugh-out-loud book aloud. Bonus: free copies are available while supplies last. Ages 3–8.

⌚June 28, 2:30 p.m., 📍18 S. 7th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 freelibrary.org, 💵 Free

(Music / holiday / free) Penn’s Landing gets the first fireworks of Philly’s Fourth of July season with a patriotic concert by the U.S. Army band, followed by pyrotechnics over the Delaware River. Ages 5 and up.

⌚June 28, 8–10 p.m., 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 july4thphilly.com, 💵 Free

(Community / free) South Philly’s Bok Building throws its annual front-yard party, with a bouncy house, live dance and music, crafts, games, workshops, snacks, and rooftop vibes. Ages 2 and up.

⌚June 29, noon–4 p.m., 📍800 Mifflin St., Philadelphia, PA 19148, 🌐 buildingbok.com, 💵 Free entry

(Cars / free) At the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum near the airport, Hot Wheels fans get a treat — real-life versions of their favorite cars, free of charge for one day only. Ages 2 and up.

⌚June 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍6825–31 Norwitch Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19153, 🌐 july4thphilly.com, 💵 Free

(Seasonal / multiday) Franklin Square transforms into a wonderland of illuminated sculptures, cultural performances, and selfie spots at this evening-only event near Chinatown. New this year: dumpling-making workshops Fridays through Sundays. All ages.

⌚June 20–August 31, 6–10 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com, 💵 $16–$29, free ages 2 and under

(Musical / multiday) At Players Club of Swarthmore, Mo Willems’ popular pigeon tale hits the stage with an interactive twist that invites kids to join in. Ages 2–6.

⌚June 21–22, 28–29, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., 📍614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore, PA 19081, 🌐 pcstheater.org, 💵 $10–$15

(Play / multiday) Pig Iron Theatre brings its world premiere to Plays and Players Theatre, where Benjamin Franklin is reimagined as a man who actually controls the weather. Think Stranger Things meets Harry Potter meets 1776 Philadelphia. Ages 10 and up.

⌚June 5–29, times vary, 📍1714 Delancey St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, 🌐 franklinskey.com, 💵 $29–$65

(Seasonal / multi-day) These two Delaware River-side parks reopen for summer with roller skating, boardwalk games, hammocks, oversized board games, and all the snacks you could want. All ages.

⌚May 23–Sept. 1 (later for Spruce Street Harbor Park), 📍101 & 301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Books / multi-day) At the Please Touch Museum, kids explore the worlds of Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, Ada Twist, and friends through themed games in engineering, science, government, and more. Ages 2–7.

⌚May 24–Aug. 27, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍4231 Ave. of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131, 🌐 pleasetouchmuseum.org, 💵 $22

(History / multi-day) At the Museum of the American Revolution, explore nearly half of the Revolutionary War flags that still exist — many made by Philadelphians like Betsy Ross and Rebecca Flower Young. Ages 5 and up.

⌚April 19–Aug. 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 $13–$25; $2 ACCESS; free 5 and under