Summer is here, and Philly is a whole different city when the weather starts warming up. The waterfronts are full of loungers and picnickers, rooftop bars and patios are open for outdoor dining, and Bryce Harper is hitting home runs again.

From music festivals to art shows and everything in between, you’ll want to get an early start to hit all of these bucket list activities while the sun’s still shining on summer 2023. Grab your sunscreen, put on your shades and get ready to make the most of summertime in Philadelphia.

 

The Best Things to Do in Philadelphia this Summer

Attend Summerfest at the Delaware River Waterfront

No summer in Philly is complete without a day at Summerfest. A Philadelphia waterfront tradition, Summerfest is one of the best places to spend a fun day by the water. Enjoy everything from roller skating to mini-golf (plus a great selection of food and drinks) with the iconic Ben Franklin Bridge as your backdrop.

Where: 101 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
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Jam Out at Sad Summer Fest

Outdoor concerts are a staple in the summer, and this year, you can throw it back to your emo days at Sad Summer Fest. Headlined by Taking Back Sunday, this summer’s lineup features daily sets from some of the tour’s returning veterans as well as marks the debut of other artists to the tour.

Where: Skyline Stage at the Mann, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
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Chill at Spruce Street Harbor Park

Spend a lazy summer day swinging riverside in a hammock. This spot along the Delaware Riverfront is the perfect place to hang out, people-watch, enjoy the weather, and take in scenic views by the water. Grab a craft beer, explore the floating gardens, and enjoy a bite to eat under the twinkling string lights.

Where: 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
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Catch Free Outdoor Movies at Sunset Social

Sunset Social is already a blast with good food, drinks, and yard games, but they take things to the next level on Wednesdays by showing some of your favorite movies on their massive 60-foot screen. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?

Where: 129 S 30th St, Philadelphia, PA
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Celebrate Pride

Celebrate Pride in Philadelphia with the Pride March, kicking off on June 4 at 10:30 am at the north end of Independence Mall in front of the Constitution Center at 5th and Arch Streets. Then, head to the festival at 12 pm, where you'll find food trucks, vendors, DJs, and live performances throughout the day!

Where: Various locations. Visit the website for specific event info.
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Go to One of the PHS Pop-Up Gardens

Find your own secret garden in the heart of Philly. Formerly empty city spaces have been turned into adorable cafes surrounded by lush greenery as part of the PHS Pop-Up Gardens, and you won’t want to miss the magic.

Where: 1438 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 and 106 Jamestown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
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Catch a Phillies Game

It's not summer without a good dose of the Phanatic and his antics. Spend an afternoon at the ballpark cheering on the Phillies with a cold brew and hot dog in hand, and don't miss special programming like Pride Night on June 23 and I Heart Phillies Night on June 19. Ring the bell!

Where: Citizens Bank Park: 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 
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Go to an Immersive Alice in Wonderland Tea Party

For a limited time this summer, you can come along on a 90-minute topsy-turvy journey into the magical realm of Wonderland! This theatrical, alternate reality experience will take you down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass, where you'll create two bespoke cocktails, solve riddles and challenges, indulge in treats, and more.

Where: Thanal Indian Tavern: 1939 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA
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Have Dinner on the Water

All aboard the ship o’ good vibes! Round up your crew for an evening of waterfront dining on The Deck at Moshulu. From fresh seafood to popsicle cocktails, there’s no place finer for the summertime.

Where: Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
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Snag Happy Hour Deals with CCD SIPS

Philadelphia’s favorite happy hour tradition is back this summer! Every Wednesday from June 7 through August 30, you can enjoy $7 cocktails, $6 wine, $5 beer, and half-priced appetizers from 5 pm to 7 pm at over 60 of Philly's best bars and restaurants. After 7 pm, select locations will provide 15% off of dinner. From outdoor beer gardens to cocktail lounges, there's an option for everyone.

Where: Various locations.
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Have a Picnic at Race Street Pier

Situated south of the Ben Franklin Bridge and just north of Cherry Street Pier, Race Street Pier has an upper level with a grand sky promenade and a lower level for lounging, relaxing, and taking in views of the Delaware River. With lawns, planting beds, and sunshine, it's a perfect spot for a summer picnic.

P.S. It's also one of the best spots to catch the fireworks on July 4th!

Where: N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
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Attend the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show

The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is the oldest outdoor art show in the country and only happens twice a year, so you don't want to miss it. Taking place from June 2 through June 4 this year, the fair will showcase 145 fine artists representing a diversity of styles. Get outside, peruse the booths, and come home with something new for your walls.

Where: Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA
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Spend a Day at Frankford Hall Biergarten

Prost! Teleport to Berlin at this beer garden in Fishtown. Pull up a seat at the hall’s open-air picnic tables, and enjoy bites like German-style sausages, burgers, and, of course, Bavarian pretzels. Soak it all up with brews from America and abroad.

Where: 1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA
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Take a Day Trip to the Shore

Get away from the hustle and bustle of Philly and enjoy a relaxing day along the Atlantic coast. Check out Margate, Avalon, Sea Isle, and Strathmere to visit beaches, sip a beer at a tavern, and try some of the best seafood the east coast has to offer.

Where: Various locations.

 

Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

It's officially rooftop season in Philly, and few things are better than sipping a refreshing cocktail on a warm summer evening while overlooking the city skyline (or the water or Logan Square). There are so many great spots to choose from, we couldn't pick just one. From date night spots to lively happy hours, there's a rooftop for you. Check out our ultimate guide to Philly's best rooftops to see the list.

Where: Various locations.
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Get Drinks and Play Games at The Post

The Post is all about F-U-N with their basketball hoops, games, and cornhole league, but they’re also the best place to score major happy hour deals daily from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Where: 129 S 30th St, Philadelphia, PA
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EXPLORE MORE:
The Ultimate Guide to Philly's Best Rooftops
Philadelphia's Best Hidden Speakeasies
The Most Delicious Brunch Spots in Philly