Philadelphia is a city full of happenings—including in the New Year. 2025 is full of spirited activations, amazing shows and much more, and we’ve got the scoop on it all.
Center City District Restaurant Week
Philadelphia is known as a city full of food and sought-after dining destinations, and the best way to check out some of what Philly has to offer on the culinary front is through Center City District Restaurant Week.
The food-filled promotion kicks off this month on Jan. 19, and will run until Feb 1. What this annual culinary celebration offers is the chance for Philadelphians to indulge in prix-fixe three-course dinners for $45 ($60 at some), plus $20 lunches (depending on the spot) at over 90 Center City restaurants. A full list of participating spots can be found online.
Mary J. Blige at Wells Fargo
American singer-songwriter and rapper Mary J. Blige will perform in Philadelphia this spring, bringing with her three decades of hit songs and new tunes.
Often referred to as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” and “Queen of R&B”, Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Awards, 12 NAACP Image Awards, and 12 “Billboard” Music Awards, including the “Billboard” Icon Award. She also has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards, including one for her supporting role in the film ‘Mudbound’ (2017) and another for its original song ‘Mighty River’.
The show at Wells Fargo will take place on April 17, and tickets are currently on sale online.
The Tasties
Philly’s food and culture scene sets the stage for this new festival. This one-of-a-kind event was created by Chef Eli Kulp and the Delicious City Philly Podcast (aka radio producer Marisa Magnatta and food influencer Dave Wez, @FeedingTimeTV), in partnership with OpenTable. The inaugural iteration is set for Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at Live! Casino and tickets are currently on sale for the event.
The goal of The Tasties, according to a release, is to honor the culinary talent and hospitality that’s put Philly directly in the epicenter of the nation’s restaurant scene. The city’s “best and brightest” culinary stars and industry professionals will walk the red carpet beginning at 4 p.m., and the awards ceremony will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a celebratory party for everyone in attendance.
2025 is chock full of festivals
It’s a jam-packed year full of old favorites and new additions to the festival scene in the City of Brotherly Love. Firstly, the year will see a bevy of Lunar New Year celebrations and festivals, and once the weather gets a bit warmer, activations like the Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, Philadelphia Latino Arts and Film Festival, ODUNDE Festival and more will be in full swing.
A little later in the year, some returning favorites include the Manayunk Arts Festival, Philadelphia Film Festival, Kennett Square Mushroom Festival, Doylestown Arts Festival and more.
My Chemical Romance at Citizens Bank Park
Pop-punk is back, and My Chemical Romance is here to prove it this summer. The band’s current lineup consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way. The group is considered one of the most influential rock groups of the 2000s, and Philadelphians can watch their decades-long talent on stage at Citizens Bank Park on Aug. 15.
Tickets are currently on sale online.
Homecoming 250 Navy Marine Corps
This fall, the Navy and Marine Corps’ will celebrate their 250th anniversaries with ‘Homecoming 250’. According to a release, the event will serve as the grand opening of semi quincentennial commemorations honoring the Navy and Marine Corps, and will be the largest celebration in the nation’s birthplace leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The release also notes that the celebration will occur in Philadelphia, Camden, and along the Delaware River in October and November 2025. Festivities for the 250th anniversaries begin Oct. 9 and run through Oct. 16, with free signature 250th events hosted along both banks of the historic Delaware River. This event is expected to draw veterans, tourists, educators, and history enthusiasts alike to the tri-state area.
Stage shows take over Philly in 2025
Philly is no stranger to the art of the stage, but in 2025, it seems like theater is truly taking over the city in every season. Highlighted shows to keep an eye out for include ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ at the Walnut Street Theater, Opera Philadelphia’s ‘The Anonymous Lover’ at the Academy of Music, ‘Some Like it Hot’ at the Academy of Music, ‘Tommy and Me’ at People’s Light, ‘Fires in the Mirror’ at Bristol Riverside Theater and much more.
Philadelphians can check a bevy of talent out during Philly Theatre Week as well, which plans to return this spring.
