\u201cFINALLY FREEDOM: A Commemoration of Juneteenth\u201d<\/p>\n
Join Black Magic Woman Productions in a commemoration of Juneteenth. A quarter of a million black people were still enslaved in the state of Texas after \u201cthe peculiar institution\u201d was abolished by the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. We invite you to discover why Texas wassuch a hotbed of slavery after its legal end, dive into the importance of General Orders, No. 3, and delve into the real cultural significance of an African American tradition that spans generations. Black Magic Woman Productions grew out of a need to create opportunities for theatre artists of color. This programming is supported by the LEDC’s Art Committee, a volunteer group of The Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation.<\/p>\n
When:<\/strong> Monday, June 15 at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> 2020 House, 20 Lansdowne Ct., Lansdowne, PA 19050<\/p>\n Night Market<\/p>\n East Market\u2019s vibrant, weekly Night Market transforms Chestnut Walk into a glowing open-air marketplace every Tuesday evening this spring. Weather permitting, visitors can explore a curated mix of local vendors offering fresh food, handcrafted goods, seasonal produce, plants, and much more, all set against the backdrop of live music and a lively happy hour atmosphere. Happy hour specials from the East Market Bar Cart and seasonal samples from restaurants Mi Vida and The Wayward add to the fun. Guests are encouraged to stroll beneath string lights, discover unique offerings at each vendor\u2019s booth and unwind with friends as the sun sets over East Market.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong>\u00a0ends Tuesday, June 16 from 3\u20137 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Chestnut Walk, 34 S. 11th St.<\/p>\n Center City District SIPS returns<\/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 “Conceived in Crisis: Pennsylvania in 1776” at HSP<\/p>\n The Pennsylvania Provincial Conference was held June 18\u201325, 1776, at Carpenters’ Hall in Philadelphia. The Conference had a profound impact on American public opinion and facilitated the passing of the Declaration of Independence only a few days later. The 1776 Pennsylvania Constitution was radically innovative for its time, including a Declaration of Rights that predated the Bill of Rights and a provision that voters did not need to own property. Christopher Pearl, scholar and author of “Conceived in Crisis: The Revolutionary Creation of an American State,” will lead a discussion on the radical birth of the Keystone State. A number of original manuscripts from the Provincial Conference will be on view in a pop-up display just for the evening. Also, program attendees will have the opportunity to view the exhibition “Paths To Independence, 1765-1787,” which includes significant founding documents such as the only known printer\u2019s proof of the Declaration of Independence. This event is free and open to the public.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Thursday, June 18 from 6:30-8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.<\/p>\n Phillies Pride Night<\/p>\n The Phillies invite you to celebrate Philadelphia’s rich LGBTQIA+ culture at our annual Pride Night presented by The GIANT Company at Citizens Bank Park on at 6:40 p.m. when the Phillies host the New York Mets. All members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as family, friends and organizations are invited to come out and show their pride at this event. Tickets are required.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Thursday, June 18 at 6:40 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Wy.<\/p>\n Eddie Griffin comes Rivers Casino<\/p>\n Popular comedian-turned-actor Eddie Griffin is bringing his high-energy stand-up performance to Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Over his decades-long career, Griffin has become known for his sharp social commentary and animated storytelling. He blends personal experiences with cultural observations and shifts seamlessly from biting satire to playful crowd work, making him a consistent draw for live audiences nationwide. Griffin first rose to prominence in the 1990s and quickly became one of stand-up\u2019s most recognizable voices. In addition to numerous comedy specials, he has appeared in films, including “Undercover Brother” and “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo,” expanding his reach beyond the stage. Despite his success in television and film, live stand-up remains his creative home base, where his improvisational skills and unfiltered delivery shine brightest. Audiences attending the performance can expect an evening driven by Griffin\u2019s trademark candor and comedic timing. Whether tackling current events, relationships or everyday absurdities, he brings a veteran\u2019s confidence and willingness to push boundaries, ensuring a memorable night centered on his distinctive voice and comedic perspective.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Thursday, June 18 at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.<\/p>\n AAMP celebrates 50th anniversary at annual Juneteenth Block Party<\/p>\n The African American Museum in Philadelphia presents the museum\u2019s Juneteenth Block Party. This year\u2019s theme \u201cJuneteenth Jubilee: Celebrating 50 Years of the African American Museum in Philadelphia,\u201d honors AAMP\u2019s 50th anniversary year. The museum will celebrate the occasion with performances from the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug E Fresh, Slick Rick, and Leah Jenea along with local artists and performances, a vendor village, food trucks, and interactive activities. Presented with Wawa Welcome America and VISIT PHILADELPHIA\u00ae, the free, family-friendly celebration kicks off the 15-day Wawa Welcome America festival. The Juneteenth Block Party will be hosted by Philadelphia\u2019s own Patty Jackson from iHeart Radio and WDAS-FM. Courtesy of Wawa, guests will have free admission to the museum. The block party will also include family-friendly activities and games that will be available to guests throughout the Block Party and will include a game zone with oversized chess, Connect 4, face painting, balloon art, and Secure the Bag: A real-world budget simulation TM, a life-sized, interactive financial literacy game by Teana Sykes, Financial Coach and creator of Tea Talk. The Juneteenth Block Party is a rain or shine event, free and open to the public.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Friday, June 19 from 12-5 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.<\/p>\n Juneteenth Walking Tour<\/p>\n Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Gardens sits on a storied block. It is anchored on one end by an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, whose roots stretch back to 1793, when black preachers responded to segregation in Philadelphia churches by forming their own. On the other end of the block sits a historic firehouse, which once employed Philadelphia\u2019s first black firefighters, better known as the Defenders of the Seventh Ward. For generations, the Seventh Ward was the indisputable heart of Black Philadelphia, boasting the largest black population of any northern city. Its rich, complex history is an inextricable part of PMG\u2019s history. Find out why during this short talk, which will include an examination of one of Isaiah Zagar\u2019s most iconic murals: Rose and the Firefighters. This short talk is free of charge and open to everyone. Reservations are not required. Tickets to Philadelphia\u2019s Magic Gardens are not required.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Friday, June 19 at 2 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Alder Street alley off South Street between south 10th and south 11th streets<\/p>\n Juneteenth Celebration<\/p>\n Families are invited to celebrate Juneteenth through storytelling, music, movement, and hands-on workshops honoring Black culture, creativity, and joy. Highlights include oral storytelling with Aunti Oni, sewing workshops with Seven Seventeen Sewing Studio, STEM activities with Science Education Academy, cupcake decorating with Chef Ken exploring the significance of red foods in Juneteenth celebrations, performing arts workshops with Dream Big Dream Black, and an end-of-day celebration led by the West Powelton Steppers and Band.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic<\/p>\n 2026 Movies on the Mall \u2014 “Harriet”<\/p>\n The beloved family-friendly series \u201cMovies on the Mall\u201d will return to Philadelphia’s Historic District for a special expanded 2026 season in honor of the nation\u2019s semiquincentennial. The series is presented by the Philadelphia Visitor Center (\u201cVisitor Center\u201d), Independence Historical Trust (\u201cthe Trust\u201d), the National Park Service, and Liberty Garden, which is supported by the Historic District Partners. This free outdoor movie series invites families, friends, and history lovers alike to experience films under the stars on Philadelphia\u2019s iconic Independence Mall. This weeks’ showing is “Harriet.” Festivities begin at 5 p.m., showtime at 8:30 p.m.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Independence National Historical Park<\/p>\n Yoga at Independence<\/p>\n Take a breath and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces at Independence National Historical Park with Yoga at Independence. This free program is open to all ages and experience levels, from beginners to advanced yogis. Sessions are led by Monarch Yoga instructors and offer a welcoming, relaxed environment to start your day. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat or towel.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, June 20 from 9-10 a.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Independence Historical Trust, 420 Chestnut St.<\/p>\n Fabric Row\u2019s Summer Solstice Festival<\/p>\n The South Street Headhouse District will celebrate the longest day of the year with its 3rd Annual Summer Solstice Festival in the heart of the historic Fabric Row corridor. Known for its rich history as a destination for fashion, textiles, creativity, and independent businesses, Fabric Row will transform into a vibrant outdoor festival celebrating Philly’s\u00a0 thriving arts and culture scene. The free event will feature local shopping, live music, art experiences, food and drink vendors, interactive activities, workshops, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. The free event offers plenty of visual opportunities, highlights one of Philadelphia\u2019s most historic commercial corridors, and supports the small businesses and creative entrepreneurs defining the neighborhood today.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, June 20 from 12-7 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> South 4th Street between Lombard and Catharine streets<\/p>\n Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival 2026<\/p>\n The Juneteenth Wellness & Arts Festival 2026 (#JWAF) is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration honoring the legacy of Juneteenth through cultural arts, wellness, and community engagement. Formerly known as the Juneteenth Wine & Arts Festival, the reimagined event now centers on holistic wellness, accessibility, and a zero-proof experience, featuring signature mocktails instead of alcohol. The festival includes live performances, including Barbara Sheree and Lady Stout; free health screenings and wellness resources;\u00a0fitness and movement experiences; interactive art and community engagement; and local vendors across food, fashion, beauty, and home goods. Free and open to the public.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, June 20 from 1\u20136 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd.<\/p>\n \u201dThe Great Privation (How to Flip Ten Cents into a Dollar)\u201d \u2014 extended!<\/p>\n Experience \u201cThe Great Privation (How to flip ten cents into a dollar)\u201d at Theatre Exile, a powerful and darkly comic production that explores a troubling chapter of Philadelphia history through themes of family, resilience, and survival. Set in both 1832 and the present day, the play examines the morally fraught world of grave robbing, the human cost behind America\u2019s early medical discoveries, and the lasting impact these histories continue to have across generations. Written by Nia Akilah Robinson and directed by Ontaria Kim Wilson, the production balances unsettling history with humor, heart, and hope.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> ends Saturday, June 20<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Theatre Exile, 1340 S. 13th St.<\/p>\n Celebrates Father’s Day at Sesame Place Philadelphia<\/p>\n Sesame Summer Splash, Sesame Place Philadelphia\u2019s annual celebration of summer, will kick off with Father\u2019s Day Weekend Fan Fest. Guests can play games, rock out to sports jams, and kick soccer balls with Phang, the mascot of the Philadelphia Union soccer team, to get ready to celebrate the world\u2019s soccer tournament! Plus, meet mascots and icons from regional teams, including Rocky Bluewinkle from the Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball team. Guests can enjoy whirling rides, splashy water slides, exciting characters stage shows, and the award-winning Sesame Street Party Parade.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, June 20-21<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Sesame Place Philadelphia, 100 Sesame Rd., Langhorne, PA 19047<\/p>\n “Bluey’s Big Play”<\/p>\n Audiences of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Mum (Chilli), and Dad (Bandit) as they\u2019ve never seen them before, as Bluey and her family embark on this unique live show adventure. When Dad feels like a little bit of afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. With an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and music by “Bluey” composer, Joff Bush, this is “Bluey,” for real life.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Saturday, June 20 and 21<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St.<\/p>\n Father\u2019s Day Cruises with City Cruises Philadelphia<\/p>\n Join City Cruises for their Father\u2019s Day Signature Brunch Cruise and Father\u2019s Day Signature Dinner Cruise. During both cruises, fathers receive a complimentary mocktail or beer upon boarding before guests can enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, a fully stocked cash bar, a live DJ, dancing, and games. During the brunch cruise, families can enjoy bottomless mimosas and games on the open-air decks, with memory-making fun for families of all ages.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> Sunday, June 21\u00a0from 12-2 p.m. for brunch, and 5-7:30 p.m. for dinner<\/p>\n Where:\u00a0<\/strong>depart from Penn\u2019s Landing, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.<\/p>\n Stamp Rally<\/p>\n April marks the return of Historic Germantown\u2019s highly-anticipated spring Stamp Rally. The theme for the popular program is \u201cTrees of Germantown.\u201d The free program allows participants to pick up a passport book and collect stamps at various sites, providing residents and visitors with a fun, interactive way to explore Germantown. Participants have the opportunity to discover the neighborhood through an entertaining scavenger hunt, with prizes awarded to those who complete the challenge.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> ends Sunday, June 21<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> various locations throughout Germantown<\/p>\n \u201dFranklin\u2019s Key\u201d<\/p>\n Step into the world of \u201cFranklin\u2019s Key\u201d from Pig Iron Theatre Company, a thrilling sci-fi adventure that transforms Philadelphia\u2019s history of invention, revolution, and curiosity into an immersive live experience. Set across iconic Philadelphia landmarks, the Barrymore Award-winning production follows two teenage prodigies as they uncover a hidden mystery tied to Benjamin Franklin\u2019s long-lost technology, leading them through secret tunnels, historic sites, and a race against powerful forces. Blending history, science, imagination, and spectacle, \u201cFranklin\u2019s Key\u201d offers an unforgettable Philadelphia story perfect for families, students, and visitors exploring the city during the semiquincentennial.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong>\u00a0through Sunday, June 28<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Pig Iron Theatre Company, 1714 Delancey St.<\/p>\n \u201dDear Evan Hansen\u201d<\/p>\n Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Dear Evan Hansen follows Evan, a high school senior who becomes entangled in a misunderstanding that grows into a fabricated story he cannot control. As the lie deepens, Evan must navigate the exciting new connections he\u2019s created and the truth he\u2019s avoiding. Featuring iconic songs like \u201cWaving Through a Window\u201d and \u201cYou Will Be Found,\u201d this all-new production explores how young people navigate connection and mental health against today\u2019s all-consuming social media landscape. This production is co-conceived with Jorge Cousineau, a longtime collaborator of the Arden whose past scenic and projection work includes Sunday in the Park with George, Next to Normal, and The Lehman Trilogy. In this production, projections and screens create a world where digital and real life intersect, reflecting how quickly a single moment can spiral in the age of social media.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> through Monday, June 29<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.<\/p>\n \u201dThis Is (Not) a Celebration: Queer Resistance 1976\/2026\u201d<\/p>\n On Thursday, the William Way LGBT Community Center will debut \u201cThis Is (Not) a Celebration: Queer Resistance 1976\/2026,\u201d a powerful new exhibition reframing the Bicentennial. The exhibition features newly commissioned works by Philadelphia artists Scarlett DeLorme, Justin Jain, and Amy Cousins. Through wet-plate photography, ceramics, printmaking, and fiber-based installations, the artists explore themes of resistance, identity, and belonging while highlighting a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history. The exhibition is presented alongside materials from the John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives, home to Philadelphia\u2019s largest collection documenting LGBTQ+ history. Featured archival materials include the 1976 Lesbian Feminist Declaration by Dyketactics!, documentation from counter-Bicentennial demonstrations, and early coverage from publications including The Philadelphia Gay News, offering visitors a deeper understanding of how LGBTQ+ activists responded to the national celebration.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> through Friday, July 3<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Huddle, 338 Brown St.<\/p>\n \u201dCLUE: A Walking Mystery\u201d<\/p>\n An all-new immersive experience that invites audiences to step into the world of the iconic CLUE board game as the descendants of its beloved characters \u2014 Mayor Green, Colonel Mustard, Solicitor Peacock, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlett, and Chef White. Players will explore Philadelphia and travel to different locations as newly minted detectives to solve the mystery of who murdered the elusive Mr. Boddy. The experience begins and ends at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, with clues hidden across multiple locations and landmarks throughout the city. Designed as a family-friendly experience, \u201cCLUE: A Walking Mystery\u201d is perfect for families, large groups, friends, and even unique date nights.<\/p>\n When:\u00a0<\/strong>through Sunday, July 5<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Starts and Ends at the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.<\/p>\n \u201dAmerica Today: Voices in Contemporary Print\u201d at the Print Center<\/p>\n \u201cAmerica Today: Voices in Contemporary Print\u201d 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\u2019s 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\u2019s history. Featuring widely recognized artists whose work has been exhibited in major museums around the world, \u201cAmerica Today\u201d offers a compelling opportunity to engage with contemporary perspectives on urgent national issues.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> through Saturday, July 25<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St.<\/p>\n \u201dMuliebrity\u201d by Viola Bordon<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> through Sunday, July 26<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd 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 When:<\/strong> through Sunday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> 1100 block of Filbert Street<\/p>\n \u201dFreedom Dreams\u201d at the Barnes<\/p>\n 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\u2019Tovia 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.<\/p>\n When:<\/strong> through Sunday, Aug. 9<\/p>\n Where:<\/strong> The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.<\/p>\n Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival 2026<\/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