The best things to do in Philadelphia this weekend

Happy Friday! Below are some of our favorite things to do in the Philadelphia area this weekend. We put out new Philly weekend plans for you every week, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

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

(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) This unique marketplace is one of the oldest organized flea market groups in Philadelphia. Grab a tote bag and come shop antique and vintage pieces, including classic and statement pieces.

⌚️ July 19, 8a.m. - 5p.m., 📍S. 2nd St., and Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreet.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Music) This music festival honors the legacy of jazz and the vibrant community in West Philly. Come out and enjoy live performances, shop from local vendors and dig into summer eats at food trucks. The festival is free and perfect for the entire family.

⌚️July 19, 12-7p.m., 📍 300-50 Saunders Ave., Philadelphia, Pa 19104, 🌐 hopephl.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Beer lovers, how does sipping on over 100 local award-winning craft beers sound? If that’s your ideal celebration, grab a ticket to this festival which includes admission to the zoo, a tasting cup and unlimited beer samples. Non-drinkers can enjoy discounted tickets and everyone can enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks.

⌚️ July 19, 7-10p.m., 📍3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19104, 🌐 philadelphiazoo.org, 💵 $45-99

(Community) The Delaware River is going green for this celebration. Come out to honor the Super Bowl champions with an illuminating boat parade and party on the pier. A fleet of Eagles-themed boats will cruise the Delaware while competing for prices. Don’t miss out on meet-and-greets with former players, delicious food, merch and more.

⌚️July 19, 7:30-9p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa, 19106, 🌐 seaphilly.us/, 💵 Free

(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) ‘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

From fairy wings to jazz riffs, this weekend is packed with outdoor fun for Philly families. Celebrate revolutionary heroes, build a boat, cheer on Eagles-themed floats, or just soak up the sunshine.

(Nature) If the woods ever struck you as magical, this four-hour festival at the Schuylkill Center is for you. Expect a trail of handmade fairy houses (accepting DIY submissions July 16, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.), fantastical face painting, drinkable potion-making, professional Polaroid portraits, and live music from Indecorous Theater. Ages 4 and up.

⌚July 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 📍8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19128, 🌐 schuylkillcenter.org, 💵 $10–$18

(Music / festival / free) Introduce the kids to headliner V. Shayne Frederick’s piano and vocals — or just enjoy the vibes, food trucks, and family activities provided by West Philly community groups at Saunders Park Green. All ages.

⌚July 19, noon–7 p.m., 📍39th St. & Powelton Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104, 🌐 hopephl.org, 💵 Free

(Boats / free) Decorated boats sail by Cherry Street Pier in a celebration worthy of Shore towns — but Philly-style, with an NFL Champion Eagles twist. Expect themed activities for kids on the pier, potential player appearances, food, and drinks. Ages 5 and up.

⌚July 19, 7:30–9 p.m., 📍121 N. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 seaphilly.us, 💵 Free

(History / festival / free) Cliveden and Wyck celebrate the 200th anniversary of Revolutionary War hero Lafayette’s U.S. return with family-friendly festivities, historical reenactments, and fancy chocolate tastings. All ages.

⌚July 20, noon–4 p.m., 📍6401 and 6026 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19144, 🌐 cliveden.org, 💵 Free

(Craft / free) Spruce Street Harbor Park hosts a weekly drop-in craft session from Pop-Up Play. This Sunday: Build and decorate your own mini sailboat to take home. Ages 3–10.

⌚July 20, 1–4 p.m., 📍301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19106, 🌐 delawareriverwaterfront.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

(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