J. Cole comes to Philly
GRAMMY-award winning rapper and record producer J. Cole kicks off the week with The Fall-Off Tour. The Fall-Off Tour is J. Cole’s first solo headline tour in five years, following 2021’s The Off-Season Tour, and his first full global run in nearly a decade since the 2017 4 Your Eyez Only World Tour. The global run supports J. Cole’s seventh studio album, “The Fall Off,” which was released February 6, 2026 via Cole World, Inc., under exclusive license to Interscope Records.
When: Monday, July 20 & 21 at 8 p.m.
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad St.
Center City District SIPS
Center City’s premier after-work experience returns on Wednesday evenings this summer at dozens of locations. Participating locations will serve $8 cocktails, including specials made with Hornitos® Tequila, $7 wine, including selections from Kim Crawford, $6 beer, and appetizers under $10. For the first time, mocktails will be offered for just $6 at all locations. Some restaurants will offer 15% off dinner after 7 p.m. From vibrant beer gardens and lounges to popular restaurants, there’s a place for everyone at Center City District Sips.
When: Wednesdays through Aug. 26 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: various locations including Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
“The Notebook”
Based on the book that has sold millions of copies worldwide and a film that is one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all-time, the musical adaptation of The Notebook tells the story of Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. “Full of butterfly-inducing highs and beautiful songs” (Entertainment Weekly), The Notebook is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love.
When: Tuesday, July 21-Aug. 2
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
“The Price is Right” casting call
Fans of television’s No. 1-rated daytime series, “The Price Is Right,” will have the chance to audition for an appearance on the iconic television game show during a special casting call at Rivers Philadelphia. In collaboration with CBS Philadelphia, Rivers in Fishtown will host an open casting call in The Event Center. Potential contestants will meet with producers and have approximately one minute to show off their personality, enthusiasm and excitement. Following the auditions, producers from “The Price Is Right” will select two lucky semifinalists from the Philadelphia event to win travel to and accommodations in Los Angeles, where one of them will have a guaranteed chance to be a contestant on the show.
When: Wednesday, July 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Opera Philadelphia hosts free outdoor concert
Opera Philadelphia returns to Center City District’s Arts on Center Stage series for a free outdoor concert in the shadow of City Hall. Soprano Sophia Santiago, tenor Gabriel Anthony-Muhammad, and baritone Michael Miller will perform a selection of American and opera classics, accompanied by Michael Lewis on piano. Bring-your-own blanket or chair is encouraged. Seating in the Greenfield Lawn is limited.
When: Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m.
Where: City Hall, 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
DL Hughley comes to Philly
Comedy heavyweight DL Hughley will take the stage at Rivers Casino for a one-night-only performance. Known for being astute and politically savvy in his comedy, DL Hughley is one of the most popular and highly recognized stand-up comedians on the road today. DL has also made quite an impression in television, film, and radio, and is the author of five books including two New York Times bestsellers. He can currently be heard as host of his own afternoon radio show “The DL Hughley Show” which is nationally syndicated in 80 plus markets and counting across the country. Provocative and entertaining, the radio show dives headfirst into hot topics of the day and dishes on the latest news, entertainment, pop culture and what’s trending in social media.
When: Thursday, July 23 at 8 p.m.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Chester Children’s Chorus to perform free concerts
This July, the Chester Children’s Chorus (CCC) will take the stage for three unforgettable summer concerts that showcase the remarkable talent, discipline, and spirit of its young singers. Audiences will enjoy a mix of classical and choral works, followed by a high-energy second half—a 1980s Party—featuring hit songs from Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Kool and the Gang, Journey, and others. These concerts mark the culmination of the CCC’s five-week Summer Learning Program, an intensive academic and artistic experience held on the campus of Swarthmore College. The program combines daily vocal and choral training with advanced math instruction—the two subjects CCC focuses on throughout the school year. In addition, students dive into reading, science, art, photography, swimming, and cooking, making this a rare and rigorous opportunity for growth in and beyond the classroom. Admission is free to all performances. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m.
Where: Our Mother of Good Counsel, 31 Pennswood Rd., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
When: Saturday, July 25 & 26 at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Lang Music Building, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, PA 19081
Twilight in the Gardens
Grab your friends and pack a picnic for an enchanting evening during the Magic Gardens Museum’s summer series, Twilight in the Gardens! Experience live music performed by Tre. Charles, who makes music rooted in soul yet unbound by genre. His work drifts through atmospheric textures, raw emotional crooning, and intimate songwriting that lingers long after the music fades. Magic Gardens staff will also arrange art tables where guests can join fine artist Eustace Mamba for an evening of tactile experimentation, pushing the boundaries of traditional collages into the realm of three-dimensional art. This hands-on workshop invites guests to experiment with innovative assemblage techniques. By combining mixed media, found objects, and the unexpected element of machine sewing, Eustace demonstrates how to build texture, depth, and narrative layers into an original artwork.
When: Friday, July 24 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
Math Festival
Join us for a family-friendly Math Festival open to the public during the ICM 2026, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This interactive celebration of mathematics will feature hands-on activities, engaging talks, games and art designed to inspire curiosity and showcase the beauty and creativity of math for all ages. Discover how mathematics connects to everyday life, science, and culture while experiencing the excitement of one of the world’s largest gatherings of mathematicians. Free to attend.
When: Friday, July 24-25 from 2-6 p.m.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St.
Royal Rummage Sidewalk Sale
The cherished tradition of the Royal Rummage Sidewalk Sale returns to Chestnut Hill, offering bargain hunters and savvy shoppers a prime opportunity to snag some unbeatable deals. Over the span of three days, storekeepers will line the sidewalks with tables full of their best merchandise at unbeatable discounted prices. For over 60 years, the sidewalk sale has drawn shoppers to Chestnut Hill, where they can stroll along the beautiful cobblestone streets of Germantown Avenue, visit their favorite stores, and enjoy some of the lowest prices of the year.
Where: 8000-8600 Germantown Avenue
Jill Scott comes to Philly
In her Philadelphia residency, three-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and cultural force Jill Scott brings the highly anticipated To Whom This May Concern World Tour to her hometown. Rooted in live musicianship, intentional storytelling, and the unmistakable warmth of Scott’s voice, the To Whom This May Concern Tour will center on a series of residency-style performances, placing live band instrumentation at the heart of the experience. Each city will host uniquely curated shows designed to create deep, immersive connections between artist and audience. Renowned for live performances that blend power, intimacy, and authenticity, Scott returns to the stage backed by a masterful live band and delivers vocals that often surpass her recordings, reminding audiences why she remains one of the most revered voices in music. Known affectionately as “Jilly from Philly,” she brings warmth, honesty, and grown-and-sexy energy to the stage, leaving the “Beautiful People” uplifted, inspired, and reminded of the power of music to heal, celebrate, and bring us together.
When: Friday, July 24, 25, 27 & 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad St.
2026 Wine & Culture Fest
The Hue Society presents the 2026 return of the Wine & Culture Fest, the premier global wine festival dedicated to consumer education, brand awareness, and cultural experiences through the Black lens. This year’s festival, themed Summer School, will transform Philadelphia’s historic Bok Building into a living classroom designed for those who seek context over spectacle. Founded by Tahiirah Habibi, the Wine & Culture Fest was born from a need for economic inclusion and a safe space where Black, brown, and Indigenous communities can explore the world of wine without the pressure to assimilate. Now in its eighth year, the festival continues to break barriers by uniting industry mavens, wine enthusiasts, and cultural icons for a day of immersive learning and celebration. Attendees can expect wine tastings, seminars, and storytelling; live art, high-energy DJ sets, and deep-dive panels; and a global culinary experience reimagining traditional rice dishes from across the diaspora, paired with exceptional wines.
Where: Bok Building, 1901 S. 9th St.
Franklin Square 20th Birthday Celebration
Celebrate the 20th Birthday of this glorious public space with lots of free fun! Historic Philadelphia, Inc., the non-profit that funds, manages, and operates Franklin Square, celebrates the 20th Birthday of this important and beloved place with free family fun. The Franklin Square 20th Birthday Celebration will be filled with birthday crafts, temporary tattoos, music, and a Chinese Lantern Festival scavenger hunt. It’s also National Carousel Day, so all rides on the Parx Liberty Carousel will be Buy One Get One Free until 5 pm! In addition, there will also be fitness, fun, and play for children with YoYo, a special “Happy Birthday” song with Benjamin Franklin with free treats. The celebration concludes with the Franklin Square Fountain Show in the Rendell Family Fountain at noon.
When: Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
“Sleeping Beauty”
Storybook Musical Theatre, the Abington-based professional children’s theatre company, will present the final show of its 32nd season with the original musical “Sleeping Beauty.” Adapted from the original Charles Perrault story by Storybook’s Resident playwright, Patricia Goldberg, with original music by Kevin Arruda and directed by Dorian Belle, this delightful tale puts the fate of a sleeping beauty, and her entire kingdom, in the hands of a brave, young prince. “Sleeping Beauty” opens with a woodsman, in an enchanted forest, telling the prince about a hundred-years’ curse that was cast upon the kingdom by an evil fairy after the young princess, Briar Rose, pricked her finger on a spinning wheel’s thimble. Only the brave prince, Bryon, is courageous enough and romantic enough to break the spell but he faces many thorny obstacles that stand in his way.
When: ends Saturday, July 25
Where: Storybook Musical Theatre, 7605 Old York Rd., Melrose Park, PA 19027
”America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print” at the Print Center
“America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print” brings the works of more than 30 artists from across the country together to explore core principles of democracy, including civil rights, social justice, racial equality, and political engagement. With Philadelphia at the center of America’s founding, the exhibition bridges past and present, inviting audiences to reflect on how democratic ideals continue to evolve at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Featuring widely recognized artists whose work has been exhibited in major museums around the world, “America Today” offers a compelling opportunity to engage with contemporary perspectives on urgent national issues.
When: ends Saturday, July 25
Where: The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St.
Ready-Set-School
Get ready for the school year with Ready, Set, School, a free community day at Please Touch Museum presented by Independence Blue Cross. Families can enjoy music, movement, storytimes, creative workshops, STEM demos, book giveaways, double dutch with Philly Girls Jump, and more activities designed to help children build confidence, curiosity, and excitement for the year ahead. Admission is free with advance registration.
Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic
5th Annual Morton Summer Jam
HOUR T.Y.M.E Entertainment L.L.C. and The Culture Rock Griot are thrilled to present: The Fifth Annual Morton Summer Jam Music Community Festival. This is a FREE all-day outdoor event for the community of Morton and Delaware County, PA. There will be music, food vendors, shopping vendors, and fun activities for all ages. There will be performing artists from local areas of Delaware County, Philadelphia Pa. and surrounding areas. Special guest appearances by world renowned Philadelphia Legendary Hip-Hop Emcee Supreem Da Rezarekta & Judah Priest (Wu-Tang Clan Affiliated Emcee Artist) from Philadelphia Pa, and Brooklyn, New York whom will both be headlining at this year’s Morton Summer Jam.
When: Sunday July 26 from 12-7 p.m.
Where: The Morton Borough Hall/Mike Scioscia Field, 500 Highland Ave., Morton, PA 19070
14th Annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway
To help ease back-to-school costs for local families, Verizon Wireless retail locations across Philadelphia will be giving away hundreds of free backpacks. Additionally, this year dozens of lucky students will be “Golden Ruler” recipients, winning additional funds for back-to-school essentials. Highlighting the golden rule of treating others with kindness, 47 randomly selected stores across the country will have one backpack that contains a golden ruler keychain. Those who receive this backpack will also be given a $250 Visa gift card that can be used for other school necessities such as new shoes, lunchboxes, or writing supplies.
When: Sunday, July 26 at 1 p.m.
Where: Verizon Wireless stores across the Greater Philadelphia area
”Muliebrity” by Viola Bordon
Philadelphia-based interdisciplinary textile artist and educator Viola Bordon blends sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and fibers to explore the interplay between materiality and environmental fluctuation. Her textile-focused practice draws upon pre-industrial craft techniques like weaving and quilting, intertwining them with inquiries into contemporary issues in our society. For Radical Americana, Bordon conducted research at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to create her exhibition, Muliebrity, where she examines the invention and evolving meanings of American liberty in the national identity.
When: through Sunday, July 26
Where: Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd St.
The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market will extend its footprint outdoors this summer with The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson, a new pedestrian-friendly destination transforming 15,000 square feet of the 1100 block of Filbert Street into an outdoor gathering space in the heart of Center City. The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market presented by Jefferson will feature expanded outdoor seating, live entertainment, local vendors, sponsor activations, and a bar operated by Molly Malloy’s. The eight-week activation arrives as Philadelphia prepares to welcome visitors for a summer filled with major events, including FIFA World Cup activities, America’s 250th anniversary celebration, and MLB All-Star Week. Market Day Stalls on the Plaza will feature more than 15 rotating local entrepreneurs offering handmade goods, artwork, apparel, candles, cosmetics, and other specialty products. Reading Terminal Market will also operate a Market Merch cart featuring limited-edition soccer and market-themed apparel, with proceeds benefitting the nonprofit steward of Philadelphia’s public market, the Reading Terminal Market Corporation.
When: through Sunday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 1100 block of Filbert Street
”Freedom Dreams” at the Barnes
As Philadelphia and the nation prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, Freedom Dreams brings together powerful works by artists in film, video, and installation that invite viewers to immerse themselves in the memories, dreams, and histories of Black Americans. The exhibition features works by Arthur Jafa, David Hartt, Garrett Bradley, Ja’Tovia Gary, and Tourmaline, all exploring history, archives, and cultural memory. Freedom Dreams highlights the fluid boundary between past, present, and future and encourages viewers to reflect on how Americans of color have shaped identities and created spaces of resistance, joy, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression. The exhibition is co-curated by Maori Karmael Holmes, Chief Executive and Artistic Officer of BlackStar Projects, and James Claiborne, Fleischner Family Vice President for Engagement at the Barnes.
When: through Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026
In celebration of the Year of the Horse — symbolizing energy, passion, freedom and transformation — the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will glow with breathtaking light, art, culture, and global spirit. The Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage and master craftsmanship behind this timeless art form. Visitors will wander through glowing landscapes filled with magnificent, illuminated sculptures, each piece crafted from steel frames and vibrant silk. All of the lanterns will be brand new, including one-of-a-kind lanterns celebrating the international events coming to Philadelphia this summer. The lanterns blend the magic of Chinese tradition with the spirit of global connection and friendly competition, along with themes of animals and flowers. In addition to the stunning lantern displays, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, a choreographed fountain light show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain, as well as food and drink offerings such as Asian cuisine, American comfort food, and signature cocktails in the Cocktail Garden.
When: through Sunday, Aug. 16
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.
Planet Fitness’ Free High School Summer Pass
As summer kicks off, Planet Fitness is opening its doors to local teens. Now in its sixth year, the initiative encourages high school teens ages 14 to 19 to prioritize fitness this summer by working out for free at any of Planet Fitness’ 2,900 participating locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Teens can register today at PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass to gain club access beginning Monday.
When: through Monday, Aug. 31
Where: Planet Fitness near you
”Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence” at Parkway Central Library
What would the Declaration of Independence say if ordinary people from all walks of life came together to write it today? This spring, Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Free Library of Philadelphia present Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence, an exhibition of hundreds of posters created by Philadelphians who were asked to share their visions of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This special exhibition is part of Printmaking by the People, the largest 2026 public art and engagement project in Philadelphia inspired by the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. The vibrant, colorful, and compelling artworks in the exhibition were created by hand in 35 artist-led workshops, held in 13 neighborhoods across the city. Over a thousand people attended these workshops, utilizing various printmaking techniques to bring their ideas to life—including some of the very same techniques used to communicate during the time of the American Revolution. The result is hundreds of unique posters and prints, representing a rich and diverse assemblage of aspirations for our nation, our city, and ourselves, as we move into the next chapter of our country’s historic journey.
When: through August 2026
Where: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
“Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at AAMP
The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) presents a cultural milestone exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” The acclaimed exhibition, celebrating the power of art, identity, and imagination, marks its Philadelphia debut with nearly 80 original costumes from films that have shaped global culture — including “Black Panther,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Amistad,” “Dolomite is My Name,” “Coming 2 America,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and, for the first time ever, “Sinners.” As the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards, Ruth E. Carter has transformed costume design into a form of cultural storytelling, honoring the past while envisioning what’s possible for the future. Her journey from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Hollywood’s most celebrated stages resonates deeply with Philadelphians.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
”Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” at Franklin Institute
Step inside the creative and innovative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions, including “Jaws,” “Illumination’s Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Sing,” SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “Jurassic World,” DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal Monsters, and more. Play your way through eight themed galleries, where 100 original artifacts bring each experience to life. From authentic costumes and iconic props to early concept models, experience the creativity, artistry, and innovation behind Universal’s most epic attractions. Snap a photo, storyboard a ride, design and animate horror masks, cue a live show, and experiment with animation and projection mapping — all while hearing directly from the creators, animators, and show writers who make it happen. “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” is a timed-entry exhibit, which allows the museum to manage the number of guests in the exhibit, providing the best possible experience for everyone. Advanced tickets are recommended.
When: through Monday, Sept. 7
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
Twilight Tours
Enjoy a free after-hours walking tour around the national park hosted by Independence Historical Trust. Knowledgeable Twilight Guides lead visitors through iconic landmarks and hidden corners, sharing stories that bring Philadelphia’s history to life. Meeting Point at the Liberty Bell Center viewing window.
When: through Monday, Sept. 7 at 5:15 p.m.
Where: Liberty Bell Center, 101 S. Independence Mall W.
”Paths to Independence, 1765-1787” at HSP
In 1763, most American colonists proudly saw themselves as members of the British Empire. Yet by 1776, many were ready to break from Britain and condemn King George III as a ‘Royal Brute.’ Paths to Independence explores how this remarkable shift happened in just over a decade. The exhibit showcases rare documents from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania—including letters, pamphlets, broadsides, prints, and early drafts of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Tracing the complex path to American independence, these documents reveal the ideas of well‑known leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Wilson, as well as the everyday Philadelphians whose experiences shaped the struggle for independence.
When: through Friday, Sept. 18
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
”Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly”
Just in time to mark America’s 250th, Morris Arboretum & Gardens brings America’s past and present vividly to life through three interconnected exhibitions. Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly invites visitors of all ages to take a miniature journey through eighteenth-century Philadelphia. Bustling model trains wind along more than a third of a mile of track, passing handcrafted replicas of iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, and scenes modeled after events like the Battle of Germantown. Running in conjunction with the Garden Railway, the self-guided exhibition Plants from the Colonial Era highlights the trees, herbs, and flowers that fed, healed, sheltered, and inspired colonial Philadelphians.
When: through Wednesday, Sept. 30
Where: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation welcomes the return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest for its 2026 Season. While Summerfest returns for the season with its signature roller skating in partnership with Independence Blue Cross, DRWC is expanding its wellness programming across its Waterfront parks, offering more opportunities for visitors to stay active through accessible outdoor experiences, including Wellness on the Waterfront: Yoga at Race Street Pier presented by Independence Blue Cross, Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 in partnership with Riverways. The Independence Blue Cross RiverRink has long shaped the Philadelphia Delaware River Waterfront as the go-to destination for seasonal traditions and outdoor recreation. This Summer 2026, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink will transform into Summerfest – offering Philadelphia’s ONLY outdoor roller-skating rink – to create the ultimate family-friendly summer hangout. Against the backdrop of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Summerfest will continue to prioritize accessibility with free entry and flexible, pay-as-you-go options that invite visitors to create their own experience
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
”Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga” at Penn Museum
Spotlighting century-old watercolor paintings by Egyptian artist Ahmed Yousef, Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga will go on view at the Penn Museum. Last exhibited in Cairo during the 1920s, the watercolor paintings have been carefully preserved in the Penn Museum’s Archives for more than 100 years. They have never been on display in the United States. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors reveals the often underappreciated, but critical function of art in archaeology. The 1,500 sq. ft. exhibition highlights elaborately decorated tomb chapels during the New Kingdom (approximately 1550 BCE-1070 BCE), a “golden age” that marked the height of Egypt’s power and wealth. Many affluent officials built their tombs at Dra Abu el-Naga — a key part of the larger Theban Necropolis. Their tomb paintings show scenes from everyday life and imagery depicting the journey to the netherworld — illuminating how much the ancient Egyptians valued family bonds, honoring their ancestors, and continuing one’s identity into the next life. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors will close in November—just ahead of the grand opening for the Penn Museum’s Egypt Galleries: Life and Afterlife on Dec. 12.
When: through November 2026
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
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