This summer season in Philly boasts plenty of ways to explore different art, music, dance and other unique activations outdoors—all you need to do is mark your calendars and pack your sunscreen.
‘Bees, Butterflies, & Blooms: A Pollinator Paradise’
The world of pollinators will be explored daily at Morris Arboretum & Gardens with their newest exhibition, ‘Bees, Butterflies, & Blooms: A Pollinator Paradise.’ Running May 23 through Sept. 30, the activation will feature different events, with one focal point being the addition of ‘Garden Railway: World Pollinators.’ Through this specific activation, guests will see a display of pollinators from around the world made from natural materials such as bark, leaves, twigs, mosses and acorns, set amongst Morris’ charming, natural train set.
The grounds will also house a Hummingbird Hut (which offers a close-up look at the birds), different Pollinator Friday activations (June 6, July 11 and Aug. 1), plus, the Morris Pop-Up Meadows (where giant pollinator-inspired art is showcased to highlight the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem) will open on June 28.
July will additionally kick off the venue’s annual display, ‘Exuberant Blooms’, featuring a variety of tropical plants, with heights ranging from a foot tall to over 10 feet. A full schedule of events this summer at Morris can be found online.
100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
Garden Jams at Penn Museum
The Penn Museum is bringing back its popular weekly outdoor concert series this summer, with its kickoff performance scheduled for July 9 featuring a performance from the West Philadelphia Orchestra. Performances will then follow every Wednesday in July, with the line-up including Vertical Current (July 16), Philly Bomba Plena (July 23) and Malidelphia (July 30).
All shows run from 5 to 8 p.m. in Penn’s historic Stoner Courtyard, and include after-hours access to the Museum’s galleries and exhibitions, including ‘Preserving Assyria’ and ‘Into the Blue: The Pursuit of a Color.’ The series runs for $15 per ticket ($5 for PennCard holders and free for Museum Members). There’s also the option to opt for private tables and add-on experiences (such as pre-paid drinks) with advance purchase.
3260 South St., penn.museum
Chinese Lantern Festival
The Chinese Lantern Festival will return to Franklin Square this summer, 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.
The festivities will officially open to the public on June 20, but for the second year in a row, the Evening in Franklin Square fundraiser has been moved to Tuesday, June 17, allowing attendees a private preview of the festival three days before opening.
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 and 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 there.
200 N 6th St., phillychineselanternfestival.com
Sonic Sunsets at Christ Church Burial Ground
A new live outdoor jazz series is debuting this month at Christ Church Burial Ground. Set for the first Saturday of every month (May through September) each show will feature 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.”
Show dates are set for June 7, July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., tours start at 6 p.m., and shows start 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
Rittenhouse Fine Arts Festival
On June 6, 7 and 8, Rittenhouse Square will be adorned with 145 artists from the US and Canada showcasing their own creations. The event, now in its 98th year, is known as the oldest outdoor fine art show in the country. It was founded by a handful of local students exhibiting art on clotheslines strung between the trees in Rittenhouse Square Park, and its grown to become an annual fan favorite for art enthusiasts from all over.
This year, the Fine Art Show will also feature the Art Therapy Department of Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation in the center of the Square. As a release notes, the creative therapy uses the process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It will be available all three days of the occasion.
1800 Walnut St., rittenhousesquarefineart.com
Philadelphia Folk Festival
Later this summer, the Philadelphia Folk Festival will be in full swing at Old Pool Farm to offer a tailored lineup of live music, enticing food, activities for all ages and more. The historic and family-friendly occasion got its start in 1961 and was known as the longest continuously running outdoor music festival of its kind in North America before taking a hiatus in 2023.
The PFF is also the primary fundraising event for the Philadelphia Folksong Society (established in 1957), which offers different programs of presentation, participation and education throughout the Philadelphia area and the country. Early artists announced for this camping festival include John Gorka, Solas, Max Davey, Cloudbelly and more to come.
2025’s Folk Festival will be in full swing from Aug. 15 to 17, with a special Thursday night concert just for campers on Aug. 14. More information on ticket packages are available online. Additionally, the Philadelphia Folksong Society and Rising Sun Presents are also hosting a preview of the 62nd Philadelphia Folk Festival on Aug. 1 at the Bryn Mawr Twilight Concert Series (9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.) featuring performances from Larry Ahearn, Lili Añel, Cloudbelly, and Max Davey. Details can be found online.
1323 Salford Station Road, Schwenksville, folkfest.org
