Summer in Philadelphia isn’t just the heat on Broad Street. It’s a 100-day marathon of concerts, lights, and fireworks that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors here every year. In 2025, the “must-see” list is especially packed: 57 free events of the Wawa Welcome America festival stretch across 16 days and end with a grand fireworks show over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 4.
Starting June 20, the 200-meter dragon made of more than 1,100 glowing figures lit up the darkness of Franklin Square at the Chinese Lantern Festival, which will shine through August 31.
August continues with the legendary Philadelphia Folk Festival: three days of live music, workshops, and camping under the stars at Old Pool Farm. The season will close with the return of Made in America, headlined by Bad Bunny, Tyler, the Creator, and Lil Uzi Vert. For slower-paced evenings, Spruce Street Harbor Park has already spread its hammock nets along the Delaware waterfront and will remain open through September 28.
Just imagine — and even that’s not all. Ready to build your calendar and not miss a single vibrant day? Below is a detailed guide to the top things to do in Philadelphia this summer, including events, tickets, and tips to help you make the most of this unforgettable season.
If all roads lead to the ocean in the summer, take a look at Philadelphia: here, historic streets turn into the main festival stage of the East Coast. From June to early September, the city hosts over 100 events — from food fairs to all-day open-air concerts — attracting more than three million visitors each year. The 16-day Wawa Welcome America alone draws around 1.1 million spectators, while the glowing Chinese Lantern Festival lights up Franklin Square for another 600,000. Add the 300,000-strong Manayunk Arts Festival, the sold-out Made in America, and endless street concerts — and you get a nonstop cultural marathon that brings people here from New York, Baltimore, and even farther.
Philadelphia’s status as the summer festival capital is no accident: a compact center that's easy to navigate, generous city subsidies that keep many events free, and the convenient location near three neighboring states all help. In summer, the city is always buzzing with guests, and even free festivals come with expenses: food, transportation, tickets, and spontaneous meetups. Sometimes plans come up unexpectedly, and not always at the most convenient time for your budget. In those cases, financial help till payday for summer in Philly can come in handy: a simple temporary solution to avoid missing out. Summer in the city is already in full swing, and every week offers something worth experiencing.
There’s still time to catch one of the nation’s biggest Independence Day celebrations. The Wawa Welcome America Festival runs through July 4, filling Philadelphia with free concerts, historical reenactments, museum access, and a spectacular fireworks finale over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
What makes this festival stand out is its accessibility, with dozens of free events designed for all ages. Whether you’re exploring solo or coming with the whole family, there’s something for everyone.
This year, LL Cool J to headline, adding star power to a lineup that in past years included big names like Jason Derulo and Jennifer Hudson. Don’t miss your chance to experience it live.
The Oval XP will once again turn the area in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art into a large outdoor playground featuring art, food trucks, beer gardens, and pop-up performances throughout July. Visitors can take part in yoga sessions, enjoy movie screenings, and dance to live music — all with the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway as the backdrop.
The event captures the energy of summer in Philly. Best of all, it’s open on weekends and offers a fun, affordable way to spend your day.
Returning to Franklin Square in Old City, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is one of the most visually captivating events in Philly. From mid-June through August, the park comes alive at night with larger-than-life lantern displays handcrafted by Chinese artisans.
Look out for glowing dragons, illuminated lotus flowers, and nightly acrobatic performances. There’s also a food court with a wide range of options, from dim sum to local favorites. It’s a can't-miss experience for anyone looking for something magical and peaceful after dark.
Curated by none other than Jay-Z, the Made in America Festival has long been one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated summer music events, known for bringing a powerhouse lineup of hip-hop, pop, and R&B artists to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway over Labor Day weekend.
After dominating the city’s end-of-summer calendar for more than a decade, the festival was canceled in both 2023 and 2024. Fans were hopeful when organizers promised a comeback, but as of now, its return to Philly in 2025 remains uncertain.
Still, the spirit of Made in America lives on. The festival was more than just music — it brought together food trucks, art installations, nonprofit booths, and interactive zones in one high-energy outdoor celebration. Many are keeping their fingers crossed that it will be back soon.
If it does return, tickets may be on the pricey side — so planning, setting aside a short-term budget, or looking into financial help till payday for summer in Philly could make it easier to join the crowd when the lights come back on.
The BlackStar Film Festival takes place every year in early August. It focuses on films by Black, Brown, and Indigenous directors from around the world. The festival began in 2012 and has become one of Philadelphia’s most important cultural events.
Screenings are held at several locations across the city, including the Kimmel Center, Lightbox Film Center, and the University of the Arts. The festival lasts one week and features a diverse lineup of films, including feature films, documentaries, short films, and animation. Visitors can also attend panel talks, workshops, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
BlackStar is known for powerful stories about race, identity, history, and social change. It brings together artists, writers, scholars, and film lovers from across the country. If you’re looking for meaningful films and engaging conversations, this is one of the best summer events in Philadelphia.
If you're looking for something calm and cozy, check out Parks on Tap — Philadelphia’s traveling beer garden that pops up in a different park each week. You’ll find craft beer, wine, snacks, hammocks, lounge chairs, and live music — everything you need to relax outdoors.
This year, Parks on Tap is back with an even longer route through the city, kicking off as early as April 9. It’s a great way to discover hidden parks, hang out with friends, and enjoy the day. And it’s nice to know that each stop helps support Philly’s parks and green spaces.
In West Philadelphia’s beautiful Clark Park, this grassroots festival showcases local talent in music, dance, and visual arts. It’s a free community celebration and a great way to connect with local creatives.
Expect vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to vintage records, along with performances by up-and-coming Philly musicians. It’s low-key, outdoorsy, and authentic — everything you want in a summer weekend escape.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival is one of the oldest and most beloved music events in the country — and a signature festival in Philly. Though technically held in Montgomery County, its deep roots in the local folk scene make it closely tied to the city’s cultural life.
For over 60 years, it has brought together three days of live performances, camping, workshops, and family activities. You’ll hear everything from bluegrass and indie to world music and Americana. Many return each year to reconnect with friends and enjoy the welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere.
For something different, check out the Summer Ale Festival or the Evening Safari events hosted by the Philadelphia Zoo. Adults can enjoy craft beers, wine tastings, animal exhibits after hours, and a range of dining & refreshments, making it a unique night out under the stars.
It’s one of the more unusual — yet fun — Philly events designed specifically for adults looking for a memorable evening beyond the typical bar-and-dinner routine.
Philadelphia’s summer scene is as rich and diverse as the city itself. Whether you're into blockbuster concerts, neighborhood festivals, quiet nights by the water, or free weekend events in the park, there’s always something happening.
To make the most of it:
There are huge music stages and peaceful riverside spots, making Philly one of the most exciting places to visit in the summer on the East Coast. Make sure to mark the date, invite your friends, and enjoy a fun activity packed with excitement.
Enjoy a summer full of unforgettable events in Philly, as the city is always lively when the sun shines.
