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) Opera on Tap is heading to Old City for a night of great drinks, community and, of course, great classical singing. This no rules, gender-bending show allows singers to perform whatever they want and the audience is feeling. Come grab a drink and enjoy a great night of live performance.

⌚️July 23, 7-9p.m., 📍126 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 15-25

(Music) Celebrate this milestone with the Philadelphia Orchestra as they honor their 125th anniversary. This evening of classical music will begin with two iconic segments from Disney’s Fantasia, among other selections. Pack your favorite snacks, bring some chairs or a cozy blanket and get ready for a great night of classical music.

⌚️July 23, 8p.m., 📍 5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 manncenter.org, 💵 $39-89

(Theater) Shakespeare in Clark Park is celebrating 20 years of great theater and strong community ties. Celebrate their legacy with a performance of a completely reimagined A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This adaptation has a queer pop disco twist where you can expect original music blending Chappell Roan, Donna Summer, Daft Punk and more.

⌚️July 23-27, 📍4300 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19104, 🌐 shakespeareinclarkpark.org, 💵 Free

(Community) Nothing says summer time like fresh oysters and great wine. Join Oyster Master Khanh Nguyen for four flights of mystery oysters and wines to put your palate to the test. The guest with the most correct guesses at the end of the night will leave with fun prizes, but everyone will get to learn more about perfectly pairing oysters and wine.

⌚️July 24, 6:30-8:?30p.m., 📍1700 N. Front St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19122, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $92.55

(Community) Get outside to sip, shop and stroll around a car-free East Passyunk. This pedestrian-friendly block party will have local businesses out, live music and a beach-themed seating area for relaxing. Bring the whole family and don’t miss this evening of car-free fun.

⌚️July 25, 5-9p.m., 📍1800 block of East Passyunk Ave., (between Moore and Mifflin St.), Philadelphia, Pa, 19148, 🌐 visiteastpassyunk.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) These sound sessions offer an intimate night of live music and highlight local talent. This lineup features AquilDawud, FawziyaHeart and Braylynn Nahja with a mix of smooth jazz, indie soul and chill R&B. Come enjoy great live music, visual art and relaxing vibes with wine and light bites served. You can also BYOB.

⌚️July 25, 7-10p.m., 📍6380 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19144, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $17.85

(Music) This annual music weekend is back again to blend genres and get crowds on their feet. Headliner’s include Philly’s own Lucy Dacas, performing on July 25 and Remi Wolf, performing July 27. Come enjoy great music at an uplifting festival working to revitalize Philly’s public parks.

⌚️July 25 & 27, 📍1500 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19145, 🌐 axs.com, 💵

(Community) Diplo’s Run Club is officially making its Philadelphia debut. Come ready to run a 5k on a route filled with gorgeous parks, historic homes and more. Then, enjoy a post-run concert featuring Diplo and friends.

⌚️July 26, 7:30a.m., 📍NE Corner of FDR Park, near S. Broad St. & N. Access Rd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19145, 🌐 diplosrunclub.com, 💵 $52-203

(Community) Come get a taste of all that University City’s food scene has to offer. Popular restaurants will offer 3-course meals ranging from $20-$40. Don’t miss the chance to support your favorite restaurants or try out something new to you.

⌚️July 17-27, 📍Various locations, 🌐 universitycity.org, 💵 $20-40

(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

Keep the Super Bowl spirit alive, catch a rooftop Pixar flick, and roller skate like you’re in the wizarding world. Whether you’re into trains, fitness, or shaded shopping under the El, this weekend has your summer fun covered.

(Music / sports) It’s been 165 days since the Birds took Super Bowl LIX, and Philly’s still celebrating. At the Mann Center, Merrill Reese narrates the Eagles’ biggest moments from the big game on massive screens while the Philadelphia Orchestra plays the score live. Swoop and the cheerleaders will be there, too. Ages 8 and up.

⌚July 24, 8 p.m., 📍52nd St. and Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19131, 🌐 manncenter.org, 💵 $50–$191

(Health) The Franklin Institute’s SportsZone becomes the ultimate workout spot — race the Phanatic, play dodgeball and frisbee, and even watch a live lung dissection to learn how the body keeps moving. Ages 4 and up.

⌚July 26, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 📍222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 fi.edu, 💵 $23–$29

(Trains) At Oaks’ Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, this massive weekend show appeals to both tiny Thomas fans and lifelong collectors. Expect model trains of every scale and style, plus plenty of shopping and demos. Ages 1 and up.

⌚July 26–27, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍100 Station Ave., Oaks, Pa. 19456, 🌐 phillyexpocenter.com, 💵 $10–$11

(Community / free) SEPTA’s El provides the shade, and vendors, musicians, food, and even a mobile gaming truck bring the fun. Head to Fishtown for a summer block party that keeps things cool — literally. All ages.

⌚July 26, noon–6 p.m., 📍N. Front St., Cecil B. Moore Ave. to Palmer St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19122, 🌐 fishtowndistrict.com, 💵 Free / pay-as-you-go

(Movie / free) Sunset Social screens Pixar’s monster-powered buddy flick from its rooftop park — the tallest in the city. Bring a blanket, grab a snack (pay-as-you-go), and enjoy the views with the kids. Ages 4 and up.

⌚July 26, noon, 📍129 S. 30th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 sunsetsocialphl.com, 💵 Free

(Roller skating) It’s a character skate with serious Hogwarts flair at RiverRink Summerfest. Watch Harry, Hermione, and maybe even Snape glide along the waterfront roller rink. Costumes encouraged. Ages 5 and up.

⌚July 27, 2–4 p.m., 📍101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.com, 💵 $5 admission, $12 skate rental

(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

(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