Center City District SIPS<\/p>\n
Center City\u2019s 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\u00ae 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\u2019s a place for everyone at Center City District Sips.<\/p>\n
When:<\/strong> Wednesdays through Aug. 26 from 5-7 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> various locations including Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.<\/p>\n ACHIEVEability annual Backpack Drive<\/p>\n For the first time, West Philadelphia nonprofit ACHIEVEability will distribute a record-breaking 2,000+ backpacks to local students, helping ensure they head into the upcoming school year equipped with the supplies they need to succeed. As families across Philadelphia face the rising costs of preparing for a new school year, URBN is supporting the effort by donating more than 600 backpacks, which will be distributed during ACHIEVEability\u2019s annual Backpack Drive. Each backpack will be filled with essential school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, folders, and more, helping ease the back-to-school financial burden for families while ensuring students begin the year with the tools they need to thrive in the classroom.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Wednesday, Aug. 19 4-6 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> ACHIEVEability, 5901 Market St.<\/p>\n National Treasure Hunt\u2019s HEIST NIGHT<\/p>\n Team up with friends to crack clues, solve ciphers, and hack history while racing against foes to find the missing piece in a nearly 20-year-old treasure hunt! At National Treasure Hunt\u2019s HEIST NIGHT, presented by Independence Historical Trust, test skills in history, science, logic, trivia, and more, working together to solve a series of written and escape room-style puzzles in a character-driven quest. Learn surprising new skills in an exciting night out with Heist Masters Aubrey Paris and Emily Black, creators of the National Treasure Hunt podcast, book, and tour. Secrets will be revealed during this one-of-a-kind adventure. National Treasure Hunt provides an interdisciplinary investigation of the National Treasure films from the analytical perspective of Aubrey Paris and Emily Black, nationally recognized franchise experts. Their educational yet entertaining events and activities are inspired by their podcast content and are powered by a belief that pop culture can facilitate meaningful conversations while building community.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Thursday, Aug. 20 6-9 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 22 from 5-8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Carpenters\u2019 Hall, 320 Chestnut St.<\/p>\n Rickey Smiley comes to Philly<\/p>\n Legendary comedian, actor, television host, and nationally syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley brings his acclaimed stand-up comedy to Rivers Casino Philadelphia this summer. Smiley will take the stage for one night only at The Event Center on Thursday. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Smiley has become one of the most recognizable voices in comedy and entertainment. Smiley, known for his unforgettable characters, quick wit, and high-energy performances, continues to headline theaters nationwide\u2014currently making special appearances on the Martin Lawrence-hosted \u201cLIT AF Tour.\u201d<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Thursday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.<\/p>\n Isaiah Rashad comes to Philly<\/p>\n On Thursday, acclaimed rapper, songwriter, and Top Dawg Entertainment artist Isaiah Rashad brings the Lil Sunny\u2019s Awful Road Trip, a highly anticipated 29-date North American headline tour supporting his critically acclaimed third studio album, \u201cIt\u2019s Been Awful,\u201d to the Fillmore. Special guest and fellow TDE artist Alemeda will join Rashad on all tour dates. Known for his introspective lyricism, genre-blending sound, and electric live performances, Rashad\u2019s return to the road follows the success of his sold-out Cilvia Demo 10 Year Anniversary Tour in 2024, which celebrated the landmark project that introduced him as one of hip-hop\u2019s most distinctive voices. Now, with \u201cIt\u2019s Been Awful,\u201d Rashad embarks on his biggest headline run in years, bringing a new chapter of music to fans across North America.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Thursday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.<\/p>\n Fetty Wap comes to Philly<\/p>\n Double Diamond-selling Grammy nominated multi-talented musician, songwriter, and superstar Fetty Wap brings the Nostalgia Tour \u2013 a 2026 live run bringing him to fans across the country this summer and fall, to Philly. Known for redefining melodic hip-hop with era-defining hits including \u201cTrap Queen,\u201d \u201c679,\u201d and \u201cMy Way,\u201d Fetty Wap remains one of the most influential voices of his generation. Fetty captivated the world this January with the \u201c2016- 2026\u201d viral trend that had everyone immersed in nostalgia- bringing back some of his classic hits and recharging his 2016 hit \u201cTrap Queen\u201d classic back to the top of the Billboard charts. The upcoming tour marks a celebration of the music that shaped a generation of rap fans while bringing his signature sound back to stages nationwide.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Thursday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Stateside Live!, 1100 Pattison Ave.<\/p>\n Movies on the Mall: \u201cNational Treasure\u201d<\/p>\n Join Independence Historical Trust, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and Independence National Historical Park for Movies on the Mall, an outdoor movie series in Philadelphia\u2019s national park. Our National Treasure Weekend screening of \u201cNational Treasure\u201d feature a special introduction from director Jon Turteltaub and free popcorn. Before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like 18th-century games, arts and crafts, Park Ranger programs, and more.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Friday, August 21 from 5:30-11 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Independence Mall, 599 Market St.<\/p>\n Black Author<\/p>\n Join us for the Montgomery County Black Author & Business Expo! This event celebrates Black authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and thought leaders while fostering networking, collaboration, literacy, and economic empowerment throughout Montgomery County. Attendees can explore Black-owned businesses and connect with local entrepreneurs, discover Black authors across a variety of genres, meet authors and hear their stories, and attend workshops on entrepreneurship, financial wellness, literacy, and leadership. Free to attend, registration is required.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA 19456<\/p>\n Uplift Philly Fest 2026<\/p>\n The 10th annual Uplift Philly Fest 2026, a free and powerful, grassroots community and arts festival is proud to serve the heart of North Philadelphia for 10 incredible years. Over nearly a decade, Uplift Philly Fest (formerly Taking the Gospel 2 da Streets) has become a beacon of hope and unity, distributing hundreds of free book bags and school supplies, providing live inspiration and entertainment, and creating tangible opportunities for our youth and underemployed through our Career Corner initiative. This year, the festival will welcome Councilwoman Cindy Bass, who will be joining alongside other local elected officials to show their support for this vital community effort. Attendees can expect free food, bookbags and school supplies; Chops and Rucie Basketball League All Star Game; a powerful Word from Bishop T.K. Grant III, PhD; and live entertainment.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, Aug. 22 from 12-6 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Jerome Brown Playground, 1714-16 Venango St.<\/p>\n Summer Flower Arranging Class<\/p>\n Join the Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum for a Summer Flower Arranging Workshop led by horticulturist Jackson Barnette. In this class, you will learn the basics of floral design, create a colorful late-season floral arrangement with flowers grown at Andalusia, and get tips on how to create a cut-flower garden of your very own! Admission to the gardens, as well as all materials needed for the class, are included in the ticket price. Participants will go home with their very own floral arrangement, complete with a pot.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, Aug. 22 from 2-3:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum, 1237 State Rd., Andalusia, PA 19020<\/p>\n Movies on the Mall: \u201cNational Treasure 2: Book of Secrets\u201d<\/p>\n Join Independence Historical Trust, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation, and Independence National Historical Park for Movies on the Mall, an outdoor movie series in Philadelphia\u2019s national park. Our National Treasure Weekend screening of \u201cNational Treasure 2: Book of Secrets\u201d feature a special introduction from director Jon Turteltaub and free popcorn. Before the movie begins, enjoy family-friendly activities like 18th-century games, arts and crafts, Park Ranger programs, and more.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, Aug. 22 from 5:30-11 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Independence Mall, 599 Market St.<\/p>\n Summer Ale Festival<\/p>\n Lions, tigers, beers, oh my! Philadelphia\u2019s largest and wildest summer beer festival is back \u2014 and with a new date, it is now the single largest end-of-summer festival in the region. Thousands of people are expected to make this year one for the record books. Summer Ale Festival serves as a fundraiser and supports Philadelphia Zoo in its mission to create joyful discovery and inspire action for animals and habitats. For one night only, the Zoo is reserved for grown-ups 21 and up. Guests can enjoy unlimited samples of more than 100 award-winning seasonal craft beers, seltzers and ciders, indulge in the region\u2019s top food trucks while grooving to live music and visiting amazing animals. This is the only beer event in the region set among big cats, great apes and other incredible animals.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, Aug. 22 from 6-10 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.<\/p>\n Chance the Rapper comes to Philly<\/p>\n Independent GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Chance The Rapper brings The Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour, a North American run celebrating the 10th anniversary of his groundbreaking mixtape Coloring Book, to Philadelphia. Released in May 2016, \u201cColoring Book\u201d marked a defining moment in Chance the Rapper\u2019s career and a breakthrough for independent music at large. With Coloring Book, Chance The Rapper was the first independent artist to win a GRAMMY\u00ae Award, the critically acclaimed mixtape reshaped perceptions around streaming, artist independence and the evolving music landscape. Blending gospel, hip-hop and soulful live instrumentation, \u201cColoring Book\u201d delivered an uplifting, community-driven sound that resonated across audiences and featured standout collaborations with Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Kirk Franklin, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T-Pain and Saba.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, Aug. 22 at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> The Fillmore Philadelphia, 29 E. Allen St.<\/p>\n Ready-Set-School<\/p>\n Please Touch Museum wraps up its summer Ready-Set-School series, presented by Independence Blue Cross, with a free admission day focused on playful learning, wellness resources and back-to-school fun. Families can enjoy live music with Miss Margaret, storytime with local author Cousin John, hands-on art and science activities, wellness resources, and a backpack giveaway for children, while supplies last. Admission is FREE with advance registration<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Sunday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic<\/p>\n Happy Birthday, Marsha! Community Cookout<\/p>\n Sisters Affirming Sisterhood (SAS) Project is inviting the community to celebrate the life, legacy and enduring impact of LGBTQ+ icon and activist Marsha P. Johnson during the Happy Birthday, Marsha! Cookout, a free community celebration. Co-created with Philadelphia artist Precious, the annual event transforms Marsha P. Johnson\u2019s birthday into a day rooted in queer joy, mutual aid and collective care. Designed as more than a celebration, the cookout serves as a one-stop community experience where attendees can access essential resources, build meaningful connections and celebrate Black queer culture in an affirming environment. Guests will enjoy free meals, live music and performances by Black and Brown queer artists, wellness and housing resources, a gender-affirming clothing swap, giveaways and opportunities to connect with organizations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ communities.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Sunday, Aug. 23 from 3-9 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> The Lawn at uCity Square, 3701 Filbert St.<\/p>\n Ennoble Care Philly Open<\/p>\n Professional women\u2019s tennis is making its long-awaited return to Philadelphia as the inaugural Ennoble Care Philly Open takes over the University of Pennsylvania\u2019s Hamlin Tennis Center. As the only U.S. stop on the Women\u2019s Tennis Association calendar ahead of the U.S. Open, the tournament is set to bring world-class competition back to the city. As one of only four WTA 125 tournaments in the United States, and the only one in the Mid-Atlantic, the Ennoble Care Philly Open will attract top 100 women\u2019s tennis players from around the world seeking match readiness ahead of one of the sport\u2019s biggest stages. Tickets for the tournament start at $20, with a range of seating and hospitality options designed to give fans multiple ways to experience premier women\u2019s tennis. Ticket opportunities include casual single-day attendance to premium weeklong courtside experiences with exclusive hospitality amenities throughout tournament week.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> UPenn Hamlin Tennis Center, 3701 Walnut St.<\/p>\n Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026 \u2014 extended!<\/p>\n In celebration of the Year of the Horse \u2014 symbolizing energy, passion, freedom and transformation \u2014 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.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> through Sunday, Aug. 30<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th St.<\/p>\n The Plaza at Reading Terminal Market<\/p>\n 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\u2019s. The eight-week activation arrives as Philadelphia prepares to welcome visitors for a summer filled with major events, including FIFA World Cup activities, America\u2019s 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\u2019s public market, the Reading Terminal Market Corporation.<\/p>\n