The Complete 2023 Guide to Major Events & Festivals in Philadelphia
The city of brotherly love knows how to throw a memorable party. The city hosts lots of fun events for adults, as well as lots of family-friendly events all year long. There is something for everyone, so ApartmentLove has put together a chronological list of best events, festivals and activities happening in Philadelphia in 2023.
Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia at the Museum of the American Revolution
Image Credit: Museum of the American Revolution
This exhibition celebrates James Forten, a free born African-American man who fought for the United States in the war for American freedom in 1781. The showcase runs from February 11 to November 26 2023.
Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
Image Credit: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
From March 4th “to 12th 2023, visitors to the Flower Show can see beautiful flowers, stunning landscapes and everything gardening and horticulture. It will be hosted indoors this year at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. It's the perfect mix of outdoor beauty meets indoor activities in Philadelphia.
Mid-Century to Manga: The Modern Japanese Print in America at the Michener Art Museum
This brand-new exhibit at the Michener Art Museum highlights postwar Japanese printmaking, and connects it to modern Japanese media like Manga. It also celebrates international and local interest in the art form.
Philly Theater Week
Image Credit: Theatre Philadelphia
From March 23rd to April 2nd, all things theater is on show in Philadelphia. For ten days, experience live performances, readings and interactive events. Many of these events are free, but for a few paid events, admission ranges between $15 - $30. Events will be held across the city, and venues will be announced soon, so stay tuned! Philly Theater Week is a great and affordable fun activity for adults, date night, and even the kids.
Opening Weekend: Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park
The Phillies Home Opener at Citizens Bank Park is back! See the season opener April 6th, 8th and 9th, against the Reds. The game scheduled on April 9th will feature the National League Champions ring ceremony. It’s a must-do event for all Philadelphians.
90th Annual South Street Easter Promenade
Philadelphia's long-beloved Easter tradition makes its 90th-anniversary return on Sunday, April 9th. A truly family-friendly event, kids and adults alike arrive in their best Sunday clothes and get sweet treats and live music from the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny also hosts a best-dressed contest. The parade starts at Fifth and South Street, and the best dressed contest begins at 2nd and Lombard Street. It's a great family spring activity!
Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival
Image Credit: Eric Dale Creative
Cherry blossoms are a marker that spring has sprung. The Cherry Blossom Festival is celebrated in multiple locations across Philadelphia, including Fairmount Park and Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. The two-day celebration is on April 15 and 16, 2023 and will be full of musical performances, cultural activities, workshops, dancing, and so much more. Plus, the cherry blossom trees are the perfect backdrop for your next social media post!
Philadelphia Black Beauty Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
This event unites vendors and consumers in the Black beauty industry with products, workshops and even a fashion show! It will be hosted at the Philadelphia Convention Center on April 16th from 10am to 6pm.
Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival
Image Credit: Manayunk Development Corporation
On April 23rd, 50+ food trucks and vendors will dish out delicious food featuring a star seasonal ingredient: strawberries! There will also be live music and farm stands. The event will take place on Main Street from 11am to 5pm.
Penn Relays at Franklin Field
Image Credit: Penn Relays
The Penn Relays are the USA's oldest and largest track events. Taking place from April 27th to the 29th at the historic Franklin Field, there will be morning, noon and evening races for high school, college and professional competitors. It's a great event for the whole family.
Philly Black Pride
The four-day long event runs from April 27th to the 30th and celebrates the resilience and experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color. Events will be hosted all around the city. Locations are soon to be announced, so keep an eye out!
The Philadelphia Show
Image Credit: The Philadelphia Show
The Philadelphia Show is one of the country's leading art & design fairs. For the first time in over 60 years, it will be back at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It will be staged on the East Terrace with 40+ fine art, collectible and antique exhibits. The event takes place from April 28th to 30th.
Blue Cross Broad Street Run
Image Credit: City of Philadelphia, Parks and Recreation
On April 30th, this ten-mile run takes participants all the way from the north to the south end of Philadelphia. The event is over 40 years old and welcomes 40,000 runners! Registrations are now open and you can visit the site for tips to train and other ways to participate.
Philly Tech Week
Philadelphia celebrates its annual tech week from May 5 “ 13. This festival hosts tech related events all over the city, and is a great activity for adults, especially those looking to network. It is also great for anyone interested in tech and its industries, and love to be early adopters. Events include networking socials, talks and gaming sessions.
Rittenhouse Row and South Street Festivals
Image Credit: Rittenhouse Row
Both Rittenhouse Row and South Street Festival happen on May 6, 2023. They are two of Philadelphia's biggest block parties. Rittenhouse Row stretches from Walnut Street to Rittenhouse Square. It's the perfect outing for adults and families alike. There are vendors offering artisanal eats and beers, but there are also family-friendly activities and performances. South Street Festival is Philadelphia's biggest block party, and it's amazing for everyone! There is a dedicated kids zone, adult-only eats and events, plus musical performances.
New Hope Celebrates PrideFest
On May 20th, members of Philadelphia and New Hope's LGBTQ + community come together to celebrate pride and queer culture. Locations and events are soon to be announced.
South 9th Street Italian Market Festival
Image Credit: United Merchants of the S. 9th St. Business Association
This festival is a famous and well-beloved staple of Philadelphia's street food culture and history. On May 20th and 21st, enjoy spicy sauces, cinnamon-topped cappuccinos and amazing antipasto on North 2nd Street.
NoLibs Night Market
Image Credit: Northern Liberties Night Market
From 5 – 10pm on May 25th 2023, the NoLibs neighborhood will be closed to drivers for fun, shopping and food!
Devon Horse Show and Country Fair
Image Credit: The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair
May 25th to June 4th is the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair! This equestrian event is the oldest and largest equestrian event to date. It will feature horse-themed events, horse exhibits and an old-fashioned fair with arcade games and rides. Attend with the whole family at the Devon Show Grounds, all proceeds going to Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Fan Expo
Image Credit: Fan Expo Philadelphia
Fan Expo is the largest gathering of all things comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming! Every niche of fan culture is represented through events, contests, exhibits and Q&As. Fan Expo will be hosted at the Philadelphia Convention Center from June 2 -4. It's a great indoor activity day for kids and adults alike.
ODUNDE Festival
Image Credit: ODUNDE Festival
ODUNDE Festival is the country's largest and most historic African-American street festival. This week of arts, entertainment and culture runs from June 4 – 11th, with over 100 vendors and two live entertainment stages. Individual events will be hosted around the city.
Juneteenth Parade
Philadelphia celebrates emancipation on Sunday June 18 with a parade and festival full of food, vendors, entertainment and even a kid's village full of activities for young children. Locations include Malcom X Park and more.
Wawa Welcome America
Traditionally a fourth of July festival, Wawa has been expanded to include events that represent America's history and evolving multiculturalism in a family-friendly way. The festival runs from June 19th to July 4th, with free events all over the city and the best firework show in Philly!
2nd Street Festival
Image Credit: 2nd Street Festival
Since 2008, the 2nd Street Festival has lit up the NoLibs neighborhood. Partygoers can enjoy food, drinks, live performances, DJs and vendors. The event runs from noon to 9pm on August 6th, 2023.
Fishtown Fall Feastivale
Celebrating Fishtown District's booming culinary and creative arts scene, this street festival is happening on September 23rd. Food, games, craft vendors and even DJs bring fun for everyone.
Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Image Credit: Eastern State Penitentiary
From late September to early November, visitors can be spooked and thrilled by an immersive experience featuring five haunted houses, themed bars and historic tours within the walls of the real and abandoned Eastern State Penitentiary.
OctoberFeast at Peddler's Village
Image Credit: Peddler's Village
October 14th and 15th, Peddler's Village hosts their annual OctoberFeast. Celebrate German culture with beer, music and sausage!
Philadelphia Film Festival
Celebrate the very best of independent and foreign cinema all across Philadelphia from October 19th to 29th. This event is one of Philadelphia's can't miss outings, according to locals.
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is one of the country's premier running events. It's also one of the most prized runs for its scenic views. There are multiple running events, including an 8k race, half-marathon, kids' marathon and activities as well as a health and fitness expo. Everyone can join Philadelphia's best athletes along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on November 18th and 19th.
Philadelphia's 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade
Image Credit: ABC, Inc., WPVI-TV Philadelphia
This Thanksgiving parade has been a national tradition for over 100 years. It's actually the oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country, founded in 1920! The parade brings together lively music, magnificent marching bands, attention-grabbing floats, dancers, celebrities and even Santa and Mrs. Claus! Bring the whole family! It's one of Philadelphia's best activities for kids. It all goes down on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on November 23rd, 2023.
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Published: February 19, 2023