Looking for some fun and unique things to do in Philly this weekend? We’ve got you covered.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back at Franklin Square with a line-up of new colorful offerings inspired by the Year of the Horse. All of the lanterns featured in this year’s festival are newly designed, and in total, the venue will feature more than 1,100 individual creations across almost 40 immersive displays. This year’s festival also celebrates the city’s global audience this summer, with unique lanterns honoring historic landmarks and major events, including Independence Hall, Philly Summer Soccer, and the Tunnel of Champions.
On top of the lanterns, the Franklin Square Fountain Show at the historic Rendell Family Fountain is also back, featuring choreographed water, lights, and music. Festival admission also includes three nightly 30-minute performances by artists from China, showcasing traditional acrobatic arts and cultural showcases. Festival-goers can enjoy a wide variety of food and beverages, from exclusive cocktails, wine, beer, mocktails, and family-friendly drinks to Chinese, Asian fusion, international, and American fare. Tickets (price depends on date) are available online.
200 N 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
The Odunde celebration will close out with a bang on Sunday, June 14, when South Street will once again transform into a global street festival honoring African American joy, art and culture. Founded in 1975 by the late Lois Fernandez with just a $100 grant and strong grassroots community support, ODUNDE has grown from a neighborhood celebration into an internationally recognized cultural event that draws as many as 500,000 attendees each year.
The festival’s origins are rooted in the Yoruba traditions of Nigeria, which mark the beginning of a new year for people of African descent across the globe.
This year’s ODUNDE Festival will also feature a headline performance from R&B group Bell Biv DeVoe, who are set to take the stage on Sunday, June 14. The 2026 festival also marks the return of the ODUNDE Sports Zone, an interactive, multi-zone experience focused on athletics, community engagement and live media coverage tied to FIFA 2026.
23rd and South Street, odundefestival.org
‘LUMINISCENCE’ is set to premiere this weekend and will bring with it “a fusion of light, music, and storytelling.” Created by LOTCHI, the production regularly transforms historic sacred spaces around the world into multimedia environments through digital artistry and original musical compositions. During this milestone America 250 celebration, 'LUMINISCENCE' plans to “create a living dialogue between past and present.” Through light and music, audiences will be taken on a journey through the story of a community shaped by immigration, devotion, resilience, and hope.
The Philadelphia event opens to the public on Thursday, June 11, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Performances will run on select weekdays and weekends, offering options like Luminiscence Live Plus (featuring a live choir and orchestra), Luminiscence Live (with a live choir only), or Luminiscence (featuring recorded music and a voiceover). Ticket prices (starting at $35) vary depending on the type of experience, and discounts are available.
1723 Race St, luminiscence.com/philadelphia
It’s the final weekend for Flag Fest at the Betsey Ross House. Friday, June 12, will feature a special highlight—the House will unveil a new donation from Betsy Ross’s descendants at 11 a.m. The day’s Curator’s Corner program will also provide an exclusive opportunity to view objects from storage connected to Ross and her legacy, offering visitors a glimpse into pieces not typically on public display.
The festival continues on Saturday, June 13, with colonial chocolate-making demonstrations presented by American Heritage Chocolate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The day will then conclude with a performance by the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale at 3 p.m.
It all culminates on Sunday, June 14, with a full schedule of Flag Day celebrations. Following the morning flag raising, the Philadelphia Flag Day Association will hold its annual ceremony at 10:15 a.m. Visitors can participate in a flag-making craft throughout the event, plus, there will be a special unveiling of the newly donated artifact from 11 to 11:30 a.m. The festivities will then conclude with Betsy’s Flag History Program from 1 to 3 p.m.
239 Arch St., historicphiladelphia.org
The Rodin Museum Garden Bar has returned for its summer season, transforming the venue’s sculpture garden into a seasonal pop-up destination. Running Fridays through Aug. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., the weekly Garden Bar features beer, wine, craft cocktails, and small plates curated by Constellation Culinary Group, but beyond that, visitors can step inside the museum or wander around the outdoor space to explore its galleries.
Admission to the Garden Bar is free; admission to the Rodin Museum is pay-what-you-wish, and leashed four-legged friends are welcome in the garden. The Garden Bar season also includes select programming. Schedules and more information can be found online.
2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, philamuseum.org/rodin-museum
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