Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Night Out on 9th: Night Market
This weekend holds a special event on South Street. The Night Out on 9th: Night Market is set for Friday, July 31, from 5 to 9 p.m., and this free, family-friendly celebration brings together neighbors, local businesses, community organizations, and city agencies as part of the National Night Out initiative. While there, visitors can browse local artisan vendors, check out live music, purchase food and drinks from neighborhood spots, and take part in interactive activities throughout the evening.
Highlights included meeting Bailey, the Philadelphia Police Department’s new crisis response canine; celebrating the opening of the Magic Gardens’ newest exhibition with a live Son Jarocho performance; putting soccer skills to the test at the Philadelphia Union’s IBX Kicking Challenge; and connecting with local community organizations.
900 and 1000 Blocks of South Street, southstreet.com
Yo Adrienne! Improv Festival
Set to run July 31 through Aug. 2, what this very-silly and very-Philly festival will bring is three days of unscripted comedy, nationally recognized performers, and community-driven programming to the Adrienne Theater in Rittenhouse Square. As the largest improv festival in the region, the event will feature two stages and a line-up of spontaneous performances where comedians create characters, stories, and entire worlds in real time using audience suggestions.
The festival will also offer educational opportunities for improvisers at every experience level. Workshops will explore topics like making bold creative choices, elevating the craft of improvisation, and developing organic scene work. The fest will also feature Open Improv Jams throughout the weekend.
Performances begin at 6 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Festival and day passes (starting at $20) are available, with discounted pricing for students and performers. The venue is BYOB and ADA accessible.
2030 Sansom St., yoadrienneimprovfestival.com
Queen Village Restaurant Week
For those with an interested appetite, Queen Village Restaurant Week is back this summer with a packed list of restaurants ready to serve. Set for now through Aug. 9 (excluding Saturdays), the neighborhood-wide dining event is now in its third year and will offer specially curated prix fixe menus, including lunch and light bite options under $25 and dinner menus ranging from $40 to $60.
The occasion showcases a wide range of dining experiences, from Southern comfort food and Mediterranean classics to Italian specialties, Hawaiian favorites, plant-based cuisine, and classic deli fare. Participating restaurants are offering standout dishes like braised short rib, buttermilk fried chicken, handmade pasta, burgers, lobster rolls, tofu dishes, eggplant entrées, smoked salmon, and traditional Jewish comfort food. Many locations are also offering signature cocktails, whiskey selections, or live music. A full list of participating spots and menus can be found online.
Manayunk’s Stroll After Hours
It’s the final weekend for Manayunk’s Stroll After Hours series. This Thursday, July 30, from 6 to 10 p.m., Main Street will feature live music, local artists, food trucks, outdoor movies, interactive activities, and special experiences from local shops, restaurants, and businesses. For this final session, Nervous Nikki and the Chill Pills will perform and there will also be a screening of ‘Toy Story.’
Beyond music and movies, attendees can take part in interactive art projects, children’s activities, face painting, balloon twisting, caricatures, soccer activations, axe throwing, and other rotating experiences throughout the district. Food trucks will also be on site with a selection of Philly favorites and diverse cuisines.
Shakespeare in Clark Park
Shakespeare in Clark Park has set its sights on this weekend for its 21st season, and its 2026 run will feature a new production of ‘Hamlet‘, created in collaboration with Revolution Shakespeare. Set to run through Aug. 2 in the Bowl of Clark Park, this new adaptation reimagines Shakespeare’s classic tragedy through an ensemble-driven approach, with a local cast of actors sharing the title role in an “interpretation that emphasizes collaboration and community.”
Adapted by Tai Verley (Revolution Shakespeare’s Artistic Director) and Cassandra Alexander, the production has its actors shift fluidly between multiple roles alongside a community chorus who paint a picture of Hamlet’s inner thoughts through song. All performances are free and open to the public.
1101 S 45th St., shakespeareinclarkpark.org
MORE: Why you should take a free tour of Philadelphia’s Italian Market this weekend
Keywords
Fun things to do in Philly this weekend,
South Street Night Market,
Shakespeare in Clark Park,
Queen Village Restaurant Week,
Philadelphia events,
Manayunk,
Yo Adrienne! Improv Festival