Fun things to do for Memorial Day Weekend in Philadelphia

Looking for some fun and unique things to do for Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia? We’ve got you covered. 

Museum of the American Revolution 

In honor of the holiday, vets, active military and Blue Star Families will be able to explore the Museum of the American Revolution for free all weekend long (May 27 to 30), courtesy of Comcast and NBCUniversal. However, anyone who heads to the Old City venue can also convey their gratitude to service members with a personalized postcard, or by creating a commemorative ribbon craft to take home. The MoAR will also give patrons a chance to listen to pop-up talks about the Revolutionary Generation, while coming face-to-face with photographs of those who lived into the age of photography throughout Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia.

While there this weekend, Philadelphians can also check out the Museum’s latest exhibit, ‘Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War’, plus other activations such as first-person theatrical performances of Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin (daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.), the Revolution Place Discovery Center, 10-minute pop-up talks and much more.

101 S. 3rd St., amrevmuseum.org

Salute Series 

To officially kick of their 2022 Salute Series, the Philly POPS will once again hit the stage with their annual Memorial Day performance. The Memorial Salute will officially take place May 27 at 7 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.) at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Free tickets are available now to the public, and registration for military, veterans, police, firefighters, first responders, and frontline worker communities and their families will be available soon through affiliated bases and organizations.

In this particular performance, the POPS will be led by guest conductor Byron Stripling and accompanied by vocalist Sydney McSweeney and violinist Jennifer Orchard, while performing patriotic anthems, Great American Songbook classics and show tunes.

5201 Parkside Ave., phillypops.org

Memorial Day Weekend Flea Market

Art in the Age will be hosting their first ever Flea Market this Memorial Day Weekend in Philadelphia. On Saturday, May 28 from noon to 4 p.m., Philadelphians can head to the bar and supply shop to check out various vendors, including Terra Luna, MVP Studio and Felt Up By Amelia. While there, shoppers can peruse through home decor, unique ceramics, handmade felt flowers and more. 

116 N 3rd St., artintheage.com

MANNA’s Guac Off 

In partnership with Morgan’s Pier, Philadelphians will be able to sample fresh guacamole crafted by some of the city’s best restaurants, all with the backdrop of the Delaware River Waterfront. Judges include Jose Garces, Jen Carroll and more, and with your votes, MANNA will crown 2022’s “Guac Master,” while patrons also enjoy drink specials at the water-side destination.

Participating restaurants will include Buena Onda, Cantina Feliz, Cafe Ynez, Distrito, Juno Mexican Grill, Morgan’s Pier, Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar, Rosy’s Taco Bar, Sor Ynez, Revolution Taco, Taqueria Amor, Jose Pistola’s, Sancho Pistola’s, and Pistolas Del Sur.

The Guac Off will take place this Saturday May 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at mannapa.org/guacoff. 

221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., mannapa.org

Rothman Roller Rink

The colorful and retro-inspired activation opened in front of City Hall at Dilworth Park late last month, and will be posting up there until July. Throughout its run—on top of offering skating, food and drinks—the Rink will also be home to some unique events.

While there this Memorial Day weekend in Philadelphia, patrons can check out nostalgic backyard games, while adults 21 and over can enjoy various food and beverage options at the Air Grille Garden, including Jim Beam Orange cocktails and Goose Island Neon Beer Hug. Admission will be $8 for children 10 and younger and $10 for adults. Skate rental is $5 for patrons who do not bring their own pair, and everyone is encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time.

1 S. 15th St., rothmanrink.ticketsocket.com.