First Friday
When: The first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Old City
What: Though many areas now do a First Friday event, on first Fridays in Old City the streets fill with art lovers looking for a glimpse into the art scene in Philly. The neighborhood is stuffed with 40-plus galleries who take part in the event. People are encouraged to wander the streets in search of some great art, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many great restaurants located along the blocks. Most of the action is located between Front and Third and Market and Vine Streets.
Taste of Philadelphia
When: June 24 at 5 p.m., and June 25 and 26 at 11 a.m.
Where: Penn’s Landing
What: This is the fifth year that Taste of Philadelphia has consumed the city, and every year they include more and more restaurants to the festivities. This event is free to enter, though some restaurants charge a low rate for their food. Walk along the waterfront and taste some of the most popular restaurants in the city, while listening to local musical performances. On Saturday night, stick around for a concert and firework displays. This event kicks off Wawa Welcome America!
Marc Chagall Exhibition
When: March 1 to July 10
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art
What: “Paris Through the Window: Marc Chagall and His Circle” showcases the work of Marc Chagall with more than 70 paintings, sculptures and a mix of other media. This collection was all conceived in or inspired by Paris, France during the 20th century, which is evident by his avant-garde style and feel. The exhibit is free after regular admission to the museum.
Concerts in the Park
When: Aug. 11, 18 and 25 at 7 p.m.
Where: Rittenhouse Square
What: Spend your Wednesday night listening to free music in the park for their annual “Concerts in the Park” series. Sponsored by Philadelphia Weekly, the concerts feature a variety of artists from different musical genres, from country to rock. Bring a blanket and some food and enjoy a picnic on the greens before the concerts begin. The line-up for these events will be posted once the summer arrives.
July 4th Celebration
When: July 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
What: This Fourth of July celebration is held every year near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The afternoon is filled with a patriotic festival, Party of the Parkway, complete with food and festivities, with a parade running through historic Philadelphia. As the day continues, a free concert by Philly’s very own, The Roots, will take place on the art museum steps. The night is concluded with fireworks, which are estimated to begin at 10:30 p.m. This is a Wawa Welcome America! Event.
New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys Concert
When: June 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Wells Fargo Center
What: New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) and the Backstreet Boys (BSB) will be gracing Philly with their presence at a one-night-only concert at the Wells Fargo Center. The return of the two bands in their combined concert tour will be sure to remind fans of their love for a good boy band. Tickets range from $32 to $92 with tickets still available for purchase online.
Dave Matthews Band Caravan
When: June 24 to 26
Where: Bader Field in Atlantic City, N.J.
What: This is not your typical Dave Matthews Band summer concert. Each night DMB will put on a headlining show, with a diverse collection of acts during the day. The Caravan includes artists such as The Flaming Lips, O.A.R, Dr. Dog, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Damian Marley, as well as DMB themselves. The band will be traveling to Governors Island, New York City, stopping in Atlantic City on the way. Tickets, as well as full travel packages, can be purchased online. Tickets are still available, but must be purchased as a 3-day pass. Gates open at 11 a.m. each morning and concerts plan to go well into the night.
Screening Under the Stars
When: Thursday nights from July 1 to Aug. 26
Where: Penn’s Landing
What: Every Thursday night during the summer, sit back and enjoy some of the most recent blockbuster hits right along the Delaware River. This is a free movie event, with a themed activity prior to the showing. The movies include “Twilight: New Moon,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “The Blind Side,” and several others.
