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The heart of summer is a great time to enjoy all that Philadelphia has to offer. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun in a waterfront park, you want to live it up on Independence Day, or you want to beat the heat at a special museum exhibit, there is a lot to do in Philadelphia in July.
Note: The early July heat wave means some changes to special events and the operating hours of outdoor attractions. Check for updates before you head out.
Visit the Chinese Lantern Festival
Colorful lanterns, great food, and cultural performances make visiting the Chinese Lantern Festival a must-do on our list every year. Each summer, about 40 fanciful, hand-painted displays light up throughout Franklin Square.
The food is excellent (check out Sang Kee), and we love the cultural performances, especially the Face Changer. This year’s lanterns celebrate the Year of the Horse and the many events taking place around Philly this summer like the World Cup and the America 250 celebrations. Advanced tickets (timed Friday through Sunday) are required. The festival is on now and runs through August 16, 2026.
Check out a museum for free
One of my favorite things about the weeks before July 4th are the free museum days. As part of Wawa Welcome America, over 30 museums and cultural institutions offer complementary admission on select days.
Free places to visit in July include:
- July 1 – See the newest additions to The National Constitution Center
- July 2 – Step back in history at Stenton
- July 3 – See the antique fire engines at Fireman’s Hall Museum
- July 4 – Explore the unique Cliveden House
Step inside the First Bank
We’ve been curious about the First Bank of the United States–the grand collonnaded building on 3rd Street–since we moved here over 20 years ago, and now we can finally step inside! After decades being closed and a massive renovation, the National Historic Landmark reopened to the public on July 1 and is available to visit Thursdays through Sundays.
Celebrate the Fourth of July
The city that brought you the Declaration of Independence always goes big on July 4th but there’s never been a year bigger than this one as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US. There are three main experiences on the big day that are not to be missed.
- Salute to Independence Parade: Beginning at 11am on July 3 in Old City, thousands of dancers, musicians, and float riders begin their procession along the parade route from 5th and Chestnut to 6th and Chestnut then down Market toward City Hall, ending at Chestnut and Broad. Expect to see plenty of colonial re-enactors who have been training for this day.
- July 4th Concert: Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, The Roots, and more take the stage at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a free concert that’s much larger than previous years. Line up along the Parkway for music, food trucks, and games in a family-friendly environment. Gates open at 3pm and the show starts at 5pm.
- Fireworks: The day culminates with fireworks above the art museum. They begin right after the concert ends (about 11:30pm) and can be seen from the Parkway, Belmont Plateau, and around Fairmount Park.
Experience Independence After Hours
If you’re a history buff like us, don’t miss the chance to see Independence Hall after the crowds have left. Independence After Hours takes visitors inside the debates leading up to signing the Declaration of Independence, and you get to hear the story straight from Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin themselves. The exclusive tour ends with a drink at the new Garden at City Tavern. The tours take place Saturdays at 5pm through August 29, 2026.
Have fun at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
In July, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest feels like a riverside carnival with lots of soccer. Rides and boardwalk games are big draws, and there is a huge arcade and plenty of food options. I mean, who doesn’t love a good funnel cake?
Play mini-golf, enjoy the roller skating rink, check out the new city “cabanas,” and watch more than a few FIFA World Cup matches in the Family Fan Zone. General admission is free, and the attractions, roller skating, and concessions are pay-as-you-go. Summerfest is open daily through September 7, 2026.
Experience Blobfest
Lovers of the campy and quirky, rejoice! Phoenixville’s annual Blobfest festival is back from July 10 to 12. The 3-day event commemorates the 1950s sci-fi/horror movie The Blob starring Steve McQueen, which was filmed in and around the area.
Blobfest’s main event is a recreation of the movie scene in which people run screaming out the doors of The Colonial Theatre. This year, there are run-outs on Friday and Saturday. Saturday’s Street Fair includes lots of music, food, and unique vendors plus a parade, a costume contest, and a kids’ talent show. Sunday brings a 5K, 10K, and half marathon plus the Diner en Blob, inspired by Diner en Blanc. See the full schedule of events.
Have fun at Barnes on the Block
On July 12, Ben Franklin Parkway by the Barnes Foundation transforms into a giant block party. Expect crafts, an artisan market, drumming and dancing performances, and lots more. Free access to the Barnes is available by advance registration and opens July 9, 2026.
See a movie at Sunset Social
Catch a movie 12 stories up at Sunset Social. The bar and restaurant at Cira Green hosts movie nights every Wednesday throughout the summer. Grab a burger and enjoy a show on the 60-foot screen at the city’s unique rooftop park. Many showings are accompanied by a costume contest. Dogs and kids are welcome.
July showings include:
- July 1 – Happy Gilmore
- July 8 – Zootopia 2
- July 15 – Creed
- July 22 – Jaws
- July 29 – Iron Man
Enjoy Shakespeare in Clark Park
One of West Philly’s most anticipated traditions returns for its 21st year. From July 29-August 2, Shakespeare in Clark Park presents Hamlet with four actors playing the title role and shifting into other roles as the play progresses. The ensemble will be joined by a community chorus, reinterpreting the Shakespeare classic in characteristic Shakespeare in Clark Park style. If you like great music and top-tier entertainment under the stars, head to the park’s bowl for this must-see show.