The city of Philadelphia is filled with diverse people, exciting traditions, and fascinating cultures from around the world. The largest city in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia - popularly referred to as Philly - is regarded as the city of firsts - it is where the country’s independence was first celebrated, it had the country’s first hospital, zoo, medical school, and computer. It is a historical city and also home to the Liberty Bell and the Declaration of Independence. It is now a place of warm weather, multicultural festivals, and modern buildings. Although there are no beaches and cruise boats, the location has several attractions and places of interest for tourists to enjoy and experience. As a place with unique cultural diversity, here are the top festivals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you should check out.
1. PAFA Annual Student Exhibition
Looking to bring home some of the finest art pieces by talented students at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts...
Posted by Morris House Hotel on Tuesday, 15 May 2018
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) organizes a great event every year so the students can showcase, install, and sell their works in a formal setting. This show, also known as the Annual Student Exhibition (ASE), is one of the well-known student group events in the country. The exhibition offers you the opportunity to admire and purchase the works of young talents and award-winning students. It is held every May and is open to all lovers of art, including curators, art collectors, gallery owners, and even other artists.
PAFA Annual Student Exhibition
Address: 118-128 North Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19102
Website: PAFA Annual Student Exhibition
Takes place: May to June
Price: Free
2. Hand to Hand Circus Festival
The circus is not half as popular or easy to see as they were back in the day. However, this incredible city has an event specially dedicated to celebrating this exciting act. Hand to Hand Circus Festival is a fiesta of contemporary circus performances held over a few days in June every year. This relatively new festival features several exciting acts, including acrobatic displays, aerials, juggling, and other things you may expect. It is a great place to spend some time with the family outdoors.
Hand to Hand Circus Festival
Address: FringeArts 140 N. Columbus Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19106 United States
Takes place: June
3. The Roots Picnic
A fantastic music festival held in the heart of the city, the Roots Picnic is a day of fun and excitement. This concert-like music event is now a Philly summer tradition, as it is held every year in June. It is one of the leading fairs celebrated in the city. It offers a full day of enjoying incredible hip-hop and music performances from some of the biggest names in the industry. The Roots Picnic is named after Philly’s local band, the Roots, and is held at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
The Roots Picnic
Address: Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19109
Website: The Roots Picnic
Takes place: June
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4. Philadelphia Taco Festival
Do you love tacos? Enjoy a full day of savoring the best tacos and margaritas the region has to offer at the Philadelphia Taco Festival. This event is all about food, and it will be showcasing more than 30 of the best local food purveyors and restaurants serving different kinds of tacos. Also, there will be several bars on the grounds selling soda, water, beer, and margaritas for you to enjoy to your heart’s content. There will also be other vendors to serve desserts like cake and cotton candy to add variety. There will be ticket stations on-site so you can purchase vouchers that can then be exchanged for food or drinks. Cash is not accepted at this event.
Philadelphia Taco Festival
Address: 1100 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Website: Philadelphia Taco Festival
Takes place: Usually held in May, June, or July
price: 15 - 55 USD
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Annie Leguennec
My name is Annie. I am a local Tour guide based in Philadelphia enjoying fully what the city has to offer with its deep history, street arts, murals, architecture, traditional food, black history, Farmer Markets, green space, a melting pot of neighborhoods and its great locals. I am looking for to welcome you and show you this incredible city where you will gain a better understanding of the city's rich heritage and its continuing legacy as the birthplace of the United States of America. Book my tour. Explore and learn about this unique city where you will walk on the footsteps of our America's founding Fathers. My tours are conducted in English, French and Italian.
Tours by Annie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
Philadelphia Tour Guide
Vance Lehmkuhl
Tour operator and tour guide for American Vegan Center in historic Old City Philadelphia, administering walking tours focusing on Philadelphia's "veg history" - the vegans and vegetarians through history that started the US vegetarian and vegan movements in this city. Author of "Eating Vegan in Philly" (2016) and also "V for Veg: The Best of Philly's Vegan Food Column," a collection of my columns for the Philadelphia Daily News 2011-2016. Also a proficient musician (founded eco-conscious pop band Green Beings, 1999) and cartoonist (Philadelphia City Paper, VegNews, New York Times Syndicate). Developing french-language walking tour focusing on Anthony Benezet for March 2024.
Tours by Vance
5. PIFA Street Fair [Last event in 2018]
Although it is the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA Street Fair), you don’t have to be an art buff to enjoy this event. Held right in the middle of Broad Street, this extravagant fair transforms six blocks along Avenue of the Arts into a place filled with amazing experiences and entertainment. At this street fair, you will find a variety of pleasurable activities to indulge in, including going on carnival rides, riding on a huge Ferris wheel, catching engaging circus acts, and live music performances. You can’t go hungry with the tasty meals provided by vendors.
PIFA Street Fair
Address: Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Takes place: June
6. Dad Vail Regatta
Dad Vail Regatta is the most significant intercollegiate rowing event in the entire country. This exciting fair attracts over 100 college and university participants from all around North America. Held every May on the Schuylkill River in the city, this show has been thrilling locals, visitors, and participants since 1953. Come and watch hundreds of students race on the beautiful river and take part in other activities, including seeing historic sites, discovering new cultures, and of course, enjoying sumptuous local foods. It is one of the best sporting events the region has to offer.
Dad Vail Regatta
Address: Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Website: Dad Vail Regatta
Takes place: May
7. Philly Pride Parade and Festival
The active lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual (LGBT) community celebrates the National Gay Pride Month in the heart of the city. The Philly Pride Parade and Festival is held in June and attracts more than 25,000 participants each year. Activities here include a film festival, a pride parade, food, cocktails, and many other forms of live entertainment. There is even a silent auction held during the fest. This alternative adult festival is a great way to know more about and interact with members of the LGBT community in and around the region.
Philly Pride Parade and Festival
Address: 13th and Locust Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Takes place: June
8. FringA-Thon [Last event in 2018]
Do you love dancing? Then you shouldn’t miss the FringA-Thon. This uniquely named celebration is a grand, 12-hour dance marathon that is held annually in the city. Their motive is to raise funds for the arts and culture sector and FringeArts. Showcase your dancing skills and groove in the party atmosphere that features a live DJ, themed dance hours, dance competitions, pop-up dance performances, and an organized dance finale. Whether you are a pro dancer or one with unique dancing skills, this event is the perfect opportunity to have a fun-filled day.
FringA-Thon
Address: S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Takes place: July
9. Islamic Heritage Festival
This event has been celebrated in this city since 1993 to mark the rich Islamic heritage of the town. Aptly called the Islamic Heritage Festival, the event is a part of the annual PECO Multicultural Series, and it features a parade that marches through the city and ends at the Great Plaza Penn’s Landing. The festival also features a lot of family-friendly games, a health and wellness fair, live entertainment, an open market bazaar, and even some free giveaways.
Islamic Heritage Festival
Address: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing 101 Columbus Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19106 United States
Takes place: Usually held in July
Price: Free
10. Celebration of Black Arts Festival
The African American community in the city is a large one, and they organize one of the best multicultural literary events in the country, the Celebration of Black Arts Festival. Formerly known as the Celebration of Black Writing, this festival is dedicated to honoring African American literature and art, and it lasts for a full month. The show is open to all visitors regardless of age and interests, and it features exciting events like interactive workshops, open-mic nights, talent shows, author readings, storytelling events, and so much more.
Celebration of Black Arts Festival
Address: Art Sanctuary, 628 S. 16th Street Philadelphia, PA 19146
Website: Celebration of Black Arts Festival
Takes place: June
11. Bastille Day Celebration [Last event in 2018]
Philadelphia loves celebration, and another favorite event is the Bastille Day Festival. It is marked to honor the storming of the Bastille by French revolutionaries in the late 1700s. Also celebrated in France, Bastille Day festivities come with a lot of fanfare and dancing. There is always good food too. This epic fest is one of Philly’s most popular summertime events, and it hosts thousands of visitors every year. Attend and enjoy, as there is no shortage of fun throughout this July weekend celebration.
Bastille Day Celebration
Address: Station Road and Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003
Takes place: July
Price: Free
12. Italian Market Festival
9th Street Italian Market Festival Philadelphia PA
Posted by Lou Walter Wilson on Sunday, 19 May 2019
Italian Market Festival is a family-based fair that is celebrated at the oldest outdoor market in the country: Philadelphia’s South 9th Street Italian Market. You will love the bustling scene, complete with live entertainment on the background and a street lined with vendors offering local and foreign cuisines. This fest offers a lot to keep the fun alive from start to finish. There are fun contests, a wine garden, a beer garden, the Grease Pole competition, live concerts, and the traditional Procession of Saints. You and your family or friends will make lifelong memories at this grand, open-air fair.
Italian Market Festival
Address: 919 S. 9th Street Philadelphia PA 19147
Website: Italian Market Festival
Takes place: May
13. Obon Festival and Japanese Flea Market
Held annually, Obon Festival and Japanese Flea Market in Philadelphia is a Japanese celebration held to honor their ancestors. The carnival is also celebrated in Japan every August, and it involves people coming back home to remember the dead and reunite with loved ones. The celebration features a lot of sub-events, including the special Japanese dances called bon odori. Other activities here include taiko drumming by Kyo Daiko, tea ceremony demonstrations by Urasenke Philadelphia, arts & crafts display, and traditional games. There are even food trucks as well as a flea market where you can purchase all your traditional goods.
Obon Festival and Japanese Flea Market
Address: Lansdowne Dr and Horticultural Dr. Philadelphia, PA 19131 USA
Takes place: Usually held in August
14. Blobfest at Colonial Theatre
BlobFest!! "Every July, cult film fans flock to the historic Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville for Blobfest, a three-day...
Posted by A to Z Party Rental on Thursday, 30 June 2016
Another movie-based event, Blobfest is a yearly, three-day event that features several different showings of the Blob and other horror movies. The fest is aimed at commemorating that film, and it is held at the historic Colonial Theater in Pennsylvania. It features a film competition, Q&A sessions with stars, a screaming contest, and live entertainment scheduled all throughout the weekend. Blobfest is also accompanied by a street fair that is filled with vendors selling movie items and memorabilia, as well as food stands. It is a wonderful event that you must not miss.
Blobfest at Colonial Theatre
Address: 227 Bridge Street Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Website: Blobfest at Colonial Theatre
Takes place: July
15. Wawa Welcome America
Philadelphia is referred to as America’s birthplace, and they host a genuinely great party to celebrate this heritage. The exciting Wawa Welcome America event is a weeklong celebration of America’s independence. No one does the Fourth of July better than Philly does. Enjoy six full days of parties, concerts, fireworks, movie nights, and so much more. The carnival hosts thousands of people every year and ends with a grand party and concert that features some of the biggest stars in the world.
Wawa Welcome America
Address: Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130
Website: Wawa Welcome America
Takes place: July
16. Art Star Craft Bazaar
Holiday Art Star Craft Bazaar has began! Today & tomorrow 11am - 6pm at the SugarHouse Event Center. Start {and finish...
Posted by Tiny Dog Press on Saturday, 18 November 2017
Another celebration of art, Art Star Craft Bazaar is a fair that offers its participants a lot to purchase and admire. At this two-day long bazaar held every May, visitors get to see a fantastic display of a wide range of products, including jewelry, pottery, bath and body products, clothes, lights, decorative items, accessories, bags, artworks, and so much more. The show draws over 15,000 visitors every year, with more than 150 vendors displaying their wares. There are also food trucks and a pop-up bar, as well as live music performances for your entertainment.
Art Start Craft Bazaar
Address: 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd Philadelpia, PA 19106
Website: Art Start Craft Bazaar
Takes place: Usually held in May
Price: Free
17. Manayunk Arts Festival
One of the biggest outdoor festivals in the city, Manayunk Arts Festival is a beautiful celebration of arts, crafts, music, food, and more. This fun event hosts more than 200,000 visitors every year. It offers guests a chance to browse through the shops on-site for several unique items while enjoying all the fanfare of a carnival-like atmosphere. You will find different types of items on sale such as artworks made of glass, fiber, ceramics, wood carvings, and sculptures, plus other mediums like photographs, paintings, drawings, jewelry, and a lot more.
Manayunk Arts Festival
Address: Main Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Website: Manayunk Arts Festival
Takes place: Usually held in June
18. Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival is one of the region’s most famous spring events, and it welcomes over 50,000 individuals from around the country. The aim of the festival is to highlight the region’s vibrant art, fashion, entertainment, and food scene. It takes place at Walnut Street, with several eateries lined at the venue to serve the best of spring’s treats. Aside from the lovely culinary scene, the fair also showcases fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, and live music to complement the experience. If you ever find yourself in Philly around May, this festival is a must-attend.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
Address: 18th Street and Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Takes place: Usually held in May
19. Philly Beer Week
Beer lovers and people who love the taste of a great brew will have a reason to smile when they visit the city of Philadelphia. Philly Beer Week is a yearly favorite for everyone in the city. This event offers you the chance to participate in several unusual beer-themed events like big beer parties and beer-tasting shows where you can enjoy sipping on locally made craft beers as well as international ones too. You also have the opportunity to learn more about beer and how it is made.
Philly Beer Week
Address: Devil’s Den 1148 S 11th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
Website: Philly Beer Week
Takes place: June
20. Home & Garden Stroll [Previously known as Chestnut Hill Home Garden Festival]
Springtime in Philadelphia kicks off with the annual Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Festival. It is held at Germantown Avenue in May and brings its participants all the home gardening supplies you could ever want. Seeing as much as 30,000 garden lovers each year, the fest gives you a chance to see and explore various plants and arts and crafts from over 150 vendors. The entire avenue is converted into a place full of shopping, music, fun activities, and beautiful plants.
Chestnut Hill Home Garden Festival
Address: Germantown, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Website: Chestnut Hill Home Garden Festival
Takes place: May
21. Latino Film Festival
Posted by Philadelphia Latino Film Festival on Tuesday, 23 June 2015
Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PHLAFF) started in 2012 and has since displayed the fantastic talent and creative works of both upcoming and established Latin American filmmakers. A one-of-a-kind festival, PHLAFF shows impressive screenings of works from all genres and is the perfect location for filmmakers, producers, and viewers to meet and interact with each other. This film fest is aimed at showcasing and celebrating the richness of Latin America and to promote cultural understanding
Latino Film Festival
Address: Caplan Recital Hall, Terra Hall University of the Arts, 211 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, 19107
Website: Latino Film Festival
Takes place: Usually held in June
22. Summer Ale Festival [Last event in 2019]
An adult-only event, the Summer Ale Festival that takes place at Philadelphia Zoo, presents an opportunity to enjoy specially brewed beers and live entertainment. The fest isn’t just a place to have fun, but it also acts as a fundraiser that supports Philadelphia Zoo in its mission to create joyful and perfect habitats for wildlife creatures. At this show, visitors get to enjoy a large variety of cider and beer, get food from local food trucks, and see award-winning exhibits and live music performances.
Summer Ale Festival
Address: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19104
Takes place: June
Price: 65 USD
23. Philadelphia Science Festival
This famous science festival started in 2011 and has only grown more prominent over the years. It is now celebrated with more than 80 science-themed events and programs in many corners of Philly. It attracts over 70,000 annual participants from all over the region. This science fest aims to inspire positive mindsets towards building the community around technology, engineering, and science. It takes place in parks, libraries, museums, breweries, and restaurants in the city over a period of nine days. There are many fun activities for all age groups, including different science presentations, special exhibitions, debates, and more.
Philadelphia Science Festival
Address: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Website: Philadelphia Science Festival
Takes place: April to May
24. Juneteenth Festival
The oldest celebration to honor the ending of slavery in the country, the annual Juneteenth Festival is worth your time. Held at the Johnson House Historic Site and Germantown Avenue, this family-friendly show is held for a full day and features several educational and entertaining activities. There will be a freedom parade, several places for people to shop for beautiful rustic items, areas to drinks and eat, as well as live entertainment performances. See select historical re-enactments, rare exhibits, and so much more in this heart-warming event.
Juneteenth Festival
Address: Germantown Avenue, between Washington Lane and Johnson Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Takes place: June
Price: Free
25. Philadelphia Children's Festival
Philadelphia has something in store for children too. For one weekend, a beautiful celebration for the kids takes center stage at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. It offers its visitors a variety of family-friendly performances that everyone will enjoy. Over the course of three days, the event will feature a variety of interactive activities that will keep your young ones entertained throughout the program. Listen to songs, get serenaded by live musicians, see exciting circus acts, and enjoy some quality family time. It presents an excellent opportunity to share happy moments with your household.
Philadelphia Children's Festival
Address: 3680 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6219
Takes place: Usually held in May
26. Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
One of the most popular and highly anticipated events in the Philly calendar is Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll. This event sets up exclusive marketplaces and business stands on the streets in a 10-block radius. See all the new, innovative, and established ventures in the city, admire the display of well-curated goods and wares - all in one event. Purchase food, gifts, and stationery, among others. You will also see live performances from entertainers, including singers, dancers, fire artists, and even jugglers.
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
Address: 4300 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
Takes place: September
27. Burger Brawl [last event in 2019]
Dig in and savor all-you-can-eat samples of the best burgers the city has to offer when you attend the incredible Burger Brawl event. With numerous burger restaurants and joints showcasing deliciously made burgers, you will wish for the feast to go on for decades. The food fair also features a competition where judges give awards to the best burgers on-site. It is a highly anticipated festival in the city, and one you shouldn’t miss, especially if you love yummy burgers.
Burger Brawl
Address: Marine Parade Grounds S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19112 USA
Website: Burger Brawl
Takes place: September
Price: 50 USD
28. Art in the Open
Art in the Open (AiO) is an occasion that brings talented artists to the riverbanks of Philly‘s Schuylkill River. You can admire and enjoy exhibitions of the works by selected artists. With work stations set up all over the riverbank, visitors can walk through this fair and see paintings and drawings created on the spot. To top it all off, the serene, scenic river in the background makes the atmosphere even more heavenly.
Art in the Open
Address: Schuylkill River Banks Trail, 2501 Walnut St Philadelphia, PA 19103 United States
Website: Art in the Open
Takes place: Usually held in May
Price: Free
29. Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival in Philadelphia is held at Franklin Square and is a genuinely exceptional sight to behold. Watch breathtaking displays of handcrafted, traditional Chinese lanterns that light up the entire area at sunset. Held over a couple of weeks in May, the festival showcases several intricate designs, including lions, tigers, pandas, sea creatures, and even mythological creatures. Visitors will also get to enjoy a series of Chinese art and entertainment, like martial arts displays, acrobatics, folk dancing, and more. There are also places where you can savor sumptuous Asian food and drinks.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Address: 6th and Race Streets, Philadelphia PA 19106
Website: Chinese Lantern Festival
Takes place: May
30. Winter at Dilworth Park
Our Concierge Recommends: Winter Garden Philadelphia is #AmericasGardenCapital! Celebrate this winter by visiting...
Posted by Sofitel Philadelphia on Tuesday, 17 January 2017
Winter is no dull affair in Philadelphia. With the winter period in the city comes an exciting festival held in Dilton Park every year. For three full months, November through February, this massive public park lights up with activities and holiday attractions that will keep you engaged and entertained all throughout. The site transforms into a place where you can take part in fun activities like ice skating and holiday light shows. You can even shop for unique gifts here. It’s a must-see event if you are visiting Philly during the winter season.
Winter at Dilworth Park
Address: Winter at Dilworth Park 1 S. 15th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107
Website: Winter at Dilworth Park
Takes place: November to February
Have the best festival experience in Philly
This city has a lot to offer, with its rich culture, diverse people, and traditions. There are so many things to see and experience, so there is no dull moment in Philly. By attending one of these top festivals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, you will get to experience the best of the city’s culture and have a memorable time.
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