Summer may be winding down, but there is still time to soak up the sunny season. From food and drink specials to pop-ups, here are the best spots to catch the final wave of warm-weather events before fall rolls in.
Center City District SIPS
There’s one more SIPS Wednesday evening set for 2025, and dozens of bars and restaurants will take part in the tradition by offering exclusive discounts found only in Center City. Venues will serve $7 cocktails, including specials made with Hornitos Tequila, $6 wine, $5 beer and half-price appetizers. After 7 p.m., select locations will provide 15% off dinner as well.
SIPS participants for 2025 span Attico Rooftop, Barra Rossa, Butcher Bar, Con Murphy’s, Darling Jack’s Tavern, DBG, Double Knot, High Street, Ladder 15, Pearl & Mary, PJ Clarke’s, The Black Sheep, Via Locusta, Walnut Garden and more—a full list of CCD spots is available online.
Crab Fest at Walnut Street Cafe
All items are available on both the lunch and dinner menu at this all-day cafe (with the exception of the Crab Cake Benny, which is available for weekend brunch only.) Reservations can be booked via Resy.
2929 Walnut St., walnutstreetcafe.com
Chinese Lantern Festival
Locals have until Aug. 31 to check out everything this seasonal activity has to offer. What Philadelphians can expect 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 while here.
Typical Monday through Thursday tickets will be priced at $26 for adults, $16 for children (ages 3-13, 2 and under are free) and $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, kids 2 and under are free) and $27 for seniors and active military.
200 N. 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Cocina de Humo del Chef Dionicio at Cantina la Martina
BBQ lovers are in luck—every weekend from now through Labor Day, Cantina la Martina will be firing up their outdoor grill and “turning their backyard into Mexico” with Cocina de Humo del Chef Dionicio. What diners get through this experience is any 3 items from the grill and a dessert for $50 per person.
The menu will rotate, but will typically feature steak, seafood, chicken, and/or vegetable options. This experience is vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free friendly, and pescatarian-friendly. Cocina de Humo del Chef Dionicio is weather permitting, and reservations are strongly suggested through Resy (select “patio” and then select the Cocina de Humo experience) but not required. This particular offering will be available from 5 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
2800 D St., cantinalamartinapa.com
Sonic Sounds at Christ Church Burial Ground
There’s one more chance to catch this creative event at Christ Church Burial Ground. The show features a new ensemble of jazz creatives and an optional pre-show tour of the grounds. With the latter (included in ticket price), visitors will get a glimpse into Philly’s musical past, plus, hear the “haunting story of Ben Franklin’s glass armonica.”
The last show date is set for Sept. 6. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., the tour starts at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets ($15) are available via Eventbrite and are recommended to purchase ahead of time.
340 N 5th St., christchurchphila.org
The Ground / BOTLD Pop-Up
The Ground, a Parisian-inspired, plant-adorned coffee shop opened its first location in the city in 2024. Now with two stops (in Rittenhouse and Norris Square), the concept is setting up shop in BOTLD’s flagship location (at 117 South 13th St.) to bring out some seasonal treats—which will only be available through Labor Day.
Each morning offers a menu of unique beverages and classic French pastries for dine-in and take-out. Think all iced drinks, matcha and espresso lattes (featuring homemade syrups like rose pistachio and cinnamon toast crunch), cold brew topped with foams (including orange creamsicle, strawberry, and chocolate) and bites like almond croissants, vanilla beignets, and coffee cake.
Plus, both venues have co-created a series of limited-edition cocktails using BOTLD’s craft spirits. Guests can sip and hang while seated at BOTLD Midtown’s cozy booths, bar or café tables while also exploring a retail lineup of nearly 100 rare and independent craft spirits from around the world.
117 South 13th St., thegroundcpg.com
Bailar en FDR
These Salsa dance classes take place at the historic FDR Park Boathouse during the summer season, and there’s one session left in 2025. The all-levels dance lesson happens from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., and is followed by a social dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. hosted by DJ Val Flores and Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa. The final iteration of this free event is set for Friday, Aug. 22.
FDR Park, myphillypark.org
