”Where I’m From” at the Barnes
This summer, the Barnes Foundation and Mural Arts Philadelphia present “Where I’m From,” an exhibition of original work created by artists from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew, a 24-week job readiness and life skills program for justice-impacted young adults, and artists at State Correctional Institution Phoenix (SCI Phoenix), southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men. Free with general admission to the Barnes, “Where I’m From” will be on view in the second-floor classroom of the Collection Gallery.
When: ends Monday, Aug. 25
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Free Attire for Veterans at Open Wardrobe
The Wardrobe is excited to share that the annual free attire event for veterans. With a mission to eliminate clothing insecurity for all, The Wardrobe is opening its doors this month to support veterans with free attire, undergarments, and toiletries. Unemployment among veterans of all ages is rising this year, reflecting broader negative trends in the overall job market. The Wardrobe is proud to serve nearly 1000 veterans every year, providing free clothing and supportive services. And, as part of The Wardrobe’s monthly “Open Wardrobe” event, which focuses on serving specific communities, this month’s spotlight will be on veterans. All veterans are invited to receive high-quality clothing and essential items, along with access to additional community resources. RSVP required.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Available at five locations, 62 W. Marshall Rd. Upper Darby, PA; 413 N 4th St. Philadelphia, PA; Kennett Square, 345 Scarlett Road; at the Exton Square Mall (2nd floor near Boscov’s); and Norristown, 536 George St.
Center City District SIPS returns
The pay-as-you-go Center City District SIPS series is back for its 21st season with lots of happy hour revelry. Enjoy CCD SIPS happy hour al fresco at Cret Park and Dilworth Park. The weekly Wednesday night program offers substantial discounts at nearly 100 (and counting) bars, restaurants and beer gardens throughout Center City. The CCD SIPS promotion is simple: $5 beer, $6 wine, $7 cocktails and half-priced appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. at favorites like Franky Bradley’s, Taste Cheesesteak Bar, Harp & Crown, Independence Beer Garden, Pizzeria Vetri, Square 1682, Bud & Marilyn’s, Cavanaugh’s, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Continental Midtown and more. After happy hour, enjoy 15% off dinner at select locations.
When: ends Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
East Passyunk’s Italian Passeggiata returns
East Passyunk Avenue, South Philadelphia’s historic commercial corridor known for its 160+ independently-owned restaurants and shops, will become the ultimate local hangout on Thursday evenings this summer. This year’s event is sponsored by Top Dog Cocktails with featured products available at bars up and down the Avenue. Participating bars and restaurants will offer special happy hour pricing, which includes $6 beers, $7 wines, and $8 cocktails, complemented by $8 small bites. Retailers and service businesses will activate the sidewalk in front of their businesses with pop-up shopping, bins of books and vinyl, flower bars, and more, encouraging visitors to leisurely stroll along the Avenue like an Italian promenade. This event echoes the Italian tradition of the passeggiata — a “leisurely walk or stroll, especially one taken in the evening.”
When: ends Thursday, Aug. 28 at 5-7 p.m.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue
OIC Philadelphia Alumni & Community Block Party Celebration
OIC Philadelphia is bringing the energy, the music, and the heart of the community together for an unforgettable afternoon in North Philly. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the legacy and impact of OIC in the Philadelphia community, with something for everyone. Festivities include live performance by the UGO Band; live weather segment by FOX 29’s Drew Anderson; live radio broadcast with Solomon Jones of WURD Radio; networking opportunities for alumni, job seekers, and community partners; recognition of the inspiring Sullivan Champions; and activities for kids, free food from OIC culinary students, and resource tables for wellness, careers, and more. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, or just coming out for the great food and music, you don’t want to miss this. Registration is required.
When: Friday, Aug. 29 from 3-7 p.m.
Where: OIC Philadelphia, 1231 N. Broad St.
New Public Food Tours
Africatown invites guests to explore the vibrant flavors and cultural richness of Southwest Philadelphia’s Woodland Avenue! Developed by the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) and supported by Visit Philadelphia, this new culinary experience offers a guided walking tour through Philadelphia’s Africatown in Southwest Philadelphia. Participants will enjoy four curated tastings representing West African, Jamaican, Southern American, and Italian cuisines, while meeting local chefs, visiting neighborhood shops, and learning about the deep-rooted history and future of this thriving corridor. Tours are led by WeVenture and are now available to the public every Saturday 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30 at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Where: Woodland Avenue, Southwest Philadelphia
Second Macedonia Baptist Church hosts End of Summer Extravaganza
Second Macedonia Baptist Church invites the community to celebrate the end of summer with a fun-filled afternoon for all ages. The End of Summer Extravaganza will feature free food, games, music, community resources, and activities designed to bring neighbors together. The End of Summer Extravaganza is a way to unite the neighborhood, connect residents with helpful resources, and create lasting memories before the school year begins. This is a great visual opportunity with children playing games, community leaders engaging with neighbors, and resource tables offering helpful information.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 12-4 p.m.
Where: Second Macedonia Baptist Church, 1301 W. Ruscomb St.
Healing Verse Germantown Series: The Weapon of Choice is Words
Poetify has comprised an evening of words and music in response to the deep mental and emotional pain caused by gun violence and the loss of family and friends. Come and let the power of poetry, spoken word, and melodies guide you on a journey of healing. The program features a variety of local poets and The Unfinished Business Band. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission is free, but space is limited — please register to reserve your seat.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Jacob’s Restaurant & Catering, 7152 Ogontz Ave.
Southwest Philly Night Market
Empowered Community Development Corporation, Inc. (Empowered CDC) and state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware will host the Southwest Philly Night Market. This free event will feature local vendors, live entertainment, and an evening of family fun in the heart of Southwest Philadelphia.Southwest Philadelphia has historically faced a unique set of challenges including a high poverty rate, nearly one in five residents not obtaining a high school degree, and being designated as a food desert. This night market aims to connect the community to critical resources that address these issues and provide residents with an evening of food, music, entertainment, shopping, and community vibes. Residents are encouraged to bring their friends, family, and neighbors to experience the flavors, culture, and creativity that make Southwest Philly one of the most vibrant communities in the City of Philadelphia. Throughout the event, attendees will be able to support local vendors while participating in family friendly activities, community resources, and giveaways.
When: Saturday, Aug. 30 from 5-11 p.m.
Where: Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School, 2601 S. 58th St.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
For 2025’s Year of the Snake, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will showcase magnificent giant lighted sculptures crafted from steel frames and wrapped in vibrant silk, blending light and culture. The popular 200-foot-long dragon returns along with never-before-seen giant lantern displays, with more lights, more lanterns, and more wattage than ever before. Exploring more than 1,100 individual sculptures placed in nearly 40 groupings, visitors will embark on a magical journey through enchanting forest-themed displays and a radiant underwater realm, where lanterns and interactive delights showcase the splendor of China’s culture alongside diverse wildlife and vibrant marine wonders. In addition to the gorgeous light installations, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, see the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain, taste food and drink options including Asian cuisine and American comfort food, drink a toast at the Cocktail Garden, and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts.
When: ends Sunday, Aug. 31 from 6-11 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
Dino-Mite Summer
Connect with the wonders of the natural world through hands-on discovery, dinosaur exploration, and real science in action this July and August at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Unearth fossils like a paleontologist at The Big Dig, meet live turtles and insects, and chat with Academy scientists. From stormwater science and sustainability to fashion, dinosaur tours and a weekend-long celebration of insects, every visit brings new opportunities to investigate biodiversity, ecology, evolution and more.
When: ends Sunday, Aug. 31
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Summer Resident Artists Exhibition
The Clay Studio, Philadelphia’s preeminent ceramic arts and resident artist center, premieres three new exhibitions highlighting and celebrating the work of its Resident Artists. The Clay Studio’s Jill Bonovitz Gallery features “Where Do We Go When We Open the Heart?” by Hawaiian multi-disciplinary artist Akiko Jackson, Parallax by South Korean sculpture artist Minah Kim, and New Work by Philadelphian ceramic artist Kevin Snipes.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 7
Where: The Clay Studio, 1425 N. American St.
”Word Powered: Exploring Free Speech Through Art” at NLM
“Word Powered: Exploring Free Speech Through Art” is a juried exhibition that examines the dynamic relationship between censorship, freedom of expression, and diverse perspectives. Bringing together a range of artistic voices, mediums, and subject matter, the exhibition challenges visitors to reflect on their role in safeguarding the right to free speech and better understand how language can be manipulated, suppressed, or celebrated. The works on display invite audiences across the political and cultural divide to engage with the potency of words, demonstrating how art can spark vital conversations and illuminate our collective voice.
When: through Monday, Sept. 8
Where: National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St.
“The Pearl Bailey Showcase” at AAMP
Pearl Bailey was an award-winning actor, singer, songwriter, and author. Whether she was performing on Broadway, opening for Duke Ellington, captivating audiences in Philadelphia nightclubs, or starring in her own daytime television show, Pearl Bailey’s passion and talent made her a beloved entertainer worldwide. Objects from the Bailey-Bellson Collection, including scrapbooks, archival photographs, and letters from friends and admirers worldwide, will be on display.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 13
Where: Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
”Voices of the Community: Local Black Preservation” at HSP
The Historical Society of Pennsylvania (HSP) proudly announces the opening of its summer exhibit, “Voices of the Community: Local Black Preservation.” Support for this exhibit comes from The Haverford Trust Company and the Pennsylvania Abolition Society Endowment Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation. The exhibit explores the history, migration, and preservation of African American communities in Philadelphia, and Lawnside, New Jersey. Through personal archives, flyers, photographs, and ephemera, the exhibit highlights how Black individuals and communities have preserved their own stories across generations through the built environment, music, memory, and collective action.
When: through Friday, Sept. 26
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
”A Plank in a Shipwreck” at Museum for Art in Wood
Museum for Art in Wood presents the opening of “A Plank in a Shipwreck,” the exhibition created by the fellows of the 2025 Windgate Arts Residency Program in Wood (WARP Wood). The exhibition represents the culmination of the highly renowned international residency, which supports artistic exploration, collaboration, and collegial exchange among artists and thinkers in wood. A Plank in a Shipwreck brings sculpture, marquetry, woodworking, and research created during the WARP Wood program to the Museum’s main gallery. “A Plank in a Shipwreck” is a direct translation of the Latin phrase “tabula in naufragio,” which has been used in legal contexts to describe a final hope, a last lifeline. The phrase offers an apt visceral metaphor for the bold leap each of the 2025 WARP Wood Fellows has made, crossing oceans and borders, letting go of safety, and trusting in a collaborative, uncertain process. Each WARP Wood exhibition reflects the fellows’ creative journey, featuring individual and collaborative works, including pieces made before and during their residency.
When: through Sunday, Oct. 19
Where: Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd St.
Storytime in the Square
Join Ms. Chen from Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia every other Wednesday for free storytime and crafts in the Pavilion or on the Great Lawn. Stories, rhymes, and dancing explore different themes throughout the season ending with bubbles and fun crafts. All kids and their caregivers are welcome.
When: through October 22 from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
”Receipts: We Have Them” at the Painted Bride
Curated by Andrea Walls of the Museum of Black Joy, a group photography exhibition and visual archive offering a powerful meditation on the creative labor, joy, and resistance that shape Black cultural life in Philadelphia. “Receipts” features work by Ursula McCarthy, Ken McFarlane, Terrell Halsey, Tash Billington, Jorden Di’lean, and Koren Martin. Framing the generational wisdom of Black Philadelphia, the exhibition reveals culture not as ornament, but as architecture, foundational, instructive, and enduring. Mirroring the Bride’s “Proof of Life” season theme, the show presents textured images as testimony, evidence of brilliance embedded in everyday Black life. Rather than documenting crisis, “Receipts” honors the beauty, memory, and meaning alive in daily rituals of care, creativity, and survival. The show reaffirms the Painted Bride’s commitment to grounded, expansive, and people-powered visual storytelling.
When: through Sunday, Oct. 25
Where: Painted Bride Art Center, 4029 Cambridge St.
Lansdowne Farmers Market
The 18th season of the Lansdowne Farmers Market features the borough’s first-ever fully themed summer lineup. The new program is designed not only to nourish our bodies but also to strengthen community connections and promote mental well-being. Following a successful winter pilot and the buzz-worthy Egg-nostic Egg Hunt, the market will now feature a unique theme every Saturday including Pride, Juneteenth, Classic Cars, Food Truck Day, International Blues Day, and more. Each week, visitors will find live music, fresh local food, artisan vendors, and interactive nonprofit and community partners offering a welcoming space to connect, decompress, and celebrate together. Themed programming is part of a broader effort by the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation to create consistent, joyful experiences that support emotional wellness and reduce social isolation—an urgent public health need.
When: Saturdays through Oct. 25 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Veterans Landing, 30 N. Lansdowne Ave.
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