Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hotels and City Guide

Philadelphia - Entertainment

Arts and Events in Philadelphia

Throughout the year, this is a busy city. With much to see and do in almost any given month, there isn’t a month that goes by without a number of arts and event happenings across the city. A harbinger of spring is the beginning of the “duck tours,” which are always popular. In March, see the Manayunk in Bloom; the Philadelphia Flower Show; the St. Patrick’s Day Parade; the Book and the Cook Festival; Victorian Boutique Craft & Home Decor Show; the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival; and The Red Ball. April brings the Philadelphia Antiques Show; Champions on Ice; and the Spring Splash on South Street. Major league baseball season also begins. In May, there is the ever-popular Dad Vail Regatta on the Schuylkill River; Broad Street Run; Annual Canal Day; and the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival. Over the Memorial Day weekend, the place to be is the Jam on the River at Penn’s Landing.

Summer is a fairly popular time as well. Philadelphia has a wonderful tradition whereby costumed characters sit on “Once upon America” benches and tell visitors stories about the history of the city. The Philadelphia Orchestra often performs at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. This is an outdoor venue and is ideal for listening to the wonderful music under the bright stars on a clear night.fOther events in June include the First Union U.S. Prop Cycling Championship, the First Union Liberty Classic, Manayunk Arts Festival, Sunoco Welcome America, the Zhang San Feng Festival, and Plain & Fancy: A Taste. In July, besides the celebration of the 4th are the Dragon Boat Races and the Asian Karaoke Idol Invitational. August brings the Eagles Football Opener and the Laughtastic Sketchopalooza.

Fall weather brings vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow to the leaves that offer an extraordinary look at what fall should be. Philadelphia presents a Harvest Festival in October with hayrides and a pumpkin patch. Face-painting and numerous other activities are available for the younger crowds. Also during October, Halloween Flashlight Tours are available at Laurel Hill Cemetery. If you’re looking for a really scary adventure, the Eastern State Penitentiary, which is one of the most haunted sites in the world, can put you in “lock down.” September events include Labor Day celebrations, a Garden Party at the Rodin Art Museum, the Puerto Rican Week Festival Parade, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Popnoise Festival, and the Annual Sippin’ by the River. Other events in October include the Bridesmaid’s Ball, the Global Gala, the Philadelphia College Festival, the Columbus Day Parade, and the Manayunk Annual Antiques & Collectibles Festival. In November, there is a huge Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Philadelphia Marathon, along with college basketball events.

Winter offers a myriad of activities that can be enjoyed. The Class of 1923 skating rink holds great opportunities for skaters. Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square offers visitors a spectacular view of 420,000 lights. The Lord and Taylor Department Store, located in what used to be the Wannamaker Department Store, prepares a gorgeous winter display every year. In December, the beautiful Holiday Light Show is something to look forward to, as well as the 12th Night Celebration Dinner, the Matzo Ball, and the New Year’s Eve parties. January continues with New Year’s Day celebrations. The Chinese New Year is also observed in Philadelphia, and there is a celebration in Wilmington, too. In February, visitors can look forward to seeing the Philadelphia International Auto Show; the South Street Mardi Gras on Fat Tuesday; and the celebrations of African American History Month.

Best Annual Events in Philadelphia

Mummer’s Parade

January 1
Broad Street
215/683-3622

Philadelphia International Auto Show

February
Philadelphia Convention Center
1101 Arch Street

Philadelphia Flower Show

March
Philadelphia Convention Center
1101 Arch Street

Spring Splash Parade on South Street

April
215/965-7676
South Street

Annual Canal Day

May
St. Michael’s Park

Zhang San Feng Festival

June
East Stroudsburg University
973/ 670-6582

Dragon Boat Races

July
Kelly Drive South
610/642-2333

Laughtastic Sketchopalooza

August
World Café Live
Walnut Street
215/222-1400

Philadelphia Fringe Festival

September
919 N 5th St.
215/413-9006

The Global Gala

October
International House
3701 Chestnut Street
215/895-6536

Thanksgiving Day Parade

November
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
215/965-7676

Matzo Ball

December
939 North Delaware Ave
267/671-0840

Hotels in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania