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) If you love all things sci-fi, horror, comics and cosplay, you won’t want to miss this convention. Get ready for great panels, workshops, screenings, fan meetups and so much more. Keep an eye out for celeb guests popping in through the con.

⌚️May 16-18, 📍1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19107, 🌐 fanexpohq.com, 💵 $49-199

(Community) The African People’s Education & Defense Fund launched this festival to address health disparities in Black communities. Come get free health screenings, join fitness activities, learn about health resources. Then, pop over to the One Africa! One Nation! Uhuru Flea Marketing to shop the best natural products, crafts and more.

⌚️May 17, 9a.m. - 5p.m., 📍4300-4398 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 oneafricamarketphilly.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This free festival celebrates the rich culture and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. There will be cheer squads, a drumline, marching bands, live music and so much more. Bring the entire family, and don’t miss out.

⌚️May 17, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 manncenter.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Pride kicks off in May every year in New Hope with thousands of visitors coming to celebrate. Their festival features a pride parade that crosses state lines and includes a 100-foot long Rainbow Equality Flag, alongside marching bands and floats.

⌚️May 17, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 📍Various locations, New Hope, Pa, 18938, 🌐 newhopecelebrates.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) If you want delicious food, live music and family-friendly fun, look no further than this festival. It’s a fun afternoon for the entire family complete with live local bands, the best food from Brewerytown restaurants, a kids zone and bounce houses.

⌚️May 17, 11a.m. - 5:30p.m., 📍West Girard Avenue between College Avenue and 29th Street, Philadelphia, Pa, 19121, 🌐 parktobroad.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) This fun-filled festival is perfect for the entire family. Come out and enjoy music, family-friendly activities and the perfect space to explore the world of art. There will be delicious treats provided by Lil Pop Shop and Middle Child.

⌚️May 18, 1-4p.m., 📍1537 Cherry St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19102, 🌐 pafa.org, 💵 Free

(Community) More than 300 home and garden vendors will pop up along Germantown Avenue this weekend. Come find the best of garden decor, landscaping, furniture and more.

⌚️May 18, 11a.m. - 5p.m., 📍800 block of Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19118, 🌐 chestnuthillpa.com, 💵 pay-as-you-go

(Community) One of the city’s most popular festivals is back for another year. Come celebrate culture, community, art and great cuisine right in the heart of the Italian Market. The festival will feature a range of music, artists and activities.

⌚️May 17-18, 10a.m. - 5p.m., 📍 919 S 9th St, Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 italianmarketphilly.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

(Art) A new exhibit is heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective is an anthology of the Chicago artist’s work, highlighting the full spectrum of her career.

⌚️Feb. 8-June 1, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 press.philamuseum.org, 💵 $14-30

It’s spring festival season, and the city is blooming with street fairs — from Brewerytown to North Broad, South Philly to Cherry Street Pier (not technically a street, but we’ll allow it). Whether you’re after food, music, art, or eco-fun, there’s something for every Philly kid and their grown-up this weekend.

(Run / walk) This family-friendly 5K and 2-mile walk through Fairmount Park supports Rebuilding Together Philly’s work repairing homes for neighbors in need. A beautiful course and a great cause. All ages.

⌚May 17, 8 a.m.–noon, 📍200 W. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118, 🌐 rebuildingphilly.org, 💵 $40

(Seasonal / free) The city’s loudest and most delicious street festival returns with cannoli, spicy mangoes, a Parade of Saints, and the infamous greased pole contest (look, but don’t let the kids climb). Ages 4 and up.

⌚May 17 & 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍S. 9th St. between Christian and Wharton Sts., Philadelphia, PA 19147, 🌐 italianmarketphilly.org, 💵 Free

(Seasonal / free) Brewerytown’s spring bash includes live bands, food, local vendors, and a dedicated kid zone with activities and games just for them. Ages 3 and up.

⌚May 17, 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m., 📍W. Girard Ave. between College Ave. and 24th St., Philadelphia, PA 19121, 🌐 parktobroad.org, 💵 Free

(Environment / community / free) Missed Earth Day? No worries. This eco-minded fest has vendors, workshops, and storytelling sessions to inspire young environmentalists — all with river views. Ages 4 and up.

⌚May 17, noon–6 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 cherrystreetpier.com, 💵 Free

(Art / free) At PAFA’s Lenfest Plaza, kids can screenprint, card-make, and more alongside balloon twisters and face painters. Food and live music round out the open-air creative vibe.

⌚May 18, 1–4 p.m., 📍118–128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102, 🌐 pafa.org, 💵 Free

(Gaming / history / multiday) A treasure hunt-style tour through priceless artifacts — from African tools to Greek armor and Mesoamerican cities — shows how real-world history inspired pixelated gaming worlds. Kids can make mosaics with colored tiles, too. Ages 6-12.

⌚May 10 & 24, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. & 2-4 p.m., 📍3260 South St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 penn.museum, 💵 $20

(Outdoors / free) Movement coach Yvonne “YOYO” Kusters brings the energy with kids’ dance, games, and more. Add in crafts, music, and giant bubbles, and it’s a perfect midmorning outing.

⌚May 10 & 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 📍200 N. 6th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org, 💵 Free

(History / multi-day) At the Museum of the American Revolution, view nearly half of the 30 surviving Revolutionary War flags in this rare and carefully curated exhibit. Kids will love seeing the early “colors” that came before today’s stars and stripes — some made by Philadelphia icons Betsy Ross and Rebecca Flower Young. Ages 5 and up.

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

(Theater / multi-day) At Arden Theatre, Greg Banks’ fast-paced adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit brings Bilbo Baggins out of his comfort zone and into an unforgettable adventure filled with creatures, challenges, and lessons on courage. Ages 7 and up.

⌚April 2–May 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $25–$46