Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival will return to Franklin Square this weekend, and it’ll once again be loaded with steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant lit-up artistic sculptures that brighten up the historic area of the city.
What Philadelphians can expect this year is the popular 200-foot-long dragon along with completely new lantern displays and immersive experiences, live cultural stage performances, Asian-themed bites, American comfort food, a cocktail garden, and a front-row seat to the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate.
For the first time ever, locals can opt to purchase the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Pass for unlimited entry throughout the duration of the occasion. Adult passes (with ID) run for $80 and children (ages 3-13) for $45. Typical Monday through Thursday tickets will be priced at $26 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, 2 and under are free), $24 for seniors (65+) and active military (with I.D.). Friday through Sunday tickets on the other hand (timed tickets required) run for $29 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, 2 and under are free) and $27 for seniors and active military.
200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Fête de la Musique
This Saturday, Fête de la Musique will be in full swing at the Sofitel Hotel in Rittenhouse Square to celebrate the French tradition of World Music Day. Hosted in the venue’s Liberté Lounge (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.), Philadelphians can find French tunes on vinyl, pay-as-you-go bites from Executive Chef Sylva Senat, limited-time craft cocktails, and more.
Plates span mini croque monsieurs, shrimp cocktail, pork belly bao buns, and themed sips including a Voulez Vous, inspired by Patti Labelle (featuring mezcal, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, absinthe, and a touch of gold) and the LoveQuest, inspired by Questlove of The Roots (Empress Gin, rooibos, vanilla, and passion fruit, topped with Pommery Champagne.) Locals can enjoy it all with the background of DJ Romain spinning a mix of obscure and fan-favorite French sounds.
120 S. 17th St., sofitel-philadelphia.com
Fishtown Beer Festival
The first-ever Fishtown Beer Festival has set its sights for this Saturday, June 21, from noon to 4 p.m. The event will feature 15 local and regional breweries taking over Front Street with everything from IPAs, lagers, pilsners, and more. Brands like Yards Brewing Company, Cartesian Brewing Company, Dock Street Brewing Company, Two Locals Brewing Company and Tired Hands Brewing Company will be in attendance.
The afternoon block party will also include DJ sets, lawn games, outdoor street food and other surprises. Tickets are $45 and come with a souvenir commemorative glass and access to all beers. Designated driver tickets run for $10 each at this strictly 21 and over event. The Taproom and Beer Garden at Evil Genius will also be open for full business during the occasion, with specials, features and summer seasonals.
1700 block of Front Street, evilgeniusbeer.com
South Street’s Summer Solstice
South Street’s Summer Solstice celebration will be in full swing this Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. Taking over S. 4th Street from Gaskill to Catherine Street, visitors can find artist pop-ups, street shopping, live music, bites, and more. Event highlights span live music hosted by MilkBoy South Street, a celebration of Crash Bang Boom’s 20th anniversary, acoustic performances hosted by Urban Princess & B-Bop Vintage, a photo booth, henna from Anna’s Spa, an outdoor lounge, face painting and a “Bainbridge Food Bridge” featuring food trucks and local restaurants.
The Public Universal Friend Walking Tour
This outdoor walking tour will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 21. In honor of Pride Month, the material will cover the self-proclaimed Public Universal Friend, a nonbinary leader of a new religion in the 1770s. Led by a museum educator, the 60-minute tour will make stops at Elfreth’s Alley, Carpenters’ Hall, and the site of diarist Elizabeth Drinker’s home. The tour comes out to be $26 for the walking tour only (non-members), or $37 for the walking tour and Museum admission (non-members). Otherwise, the experience is $16 for members. Children under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
