Find Something to Explore

Center City is the epicenter of arts and culture entertainment in Philadelphia. Along the Avenue of the Arts, decades-old theaters host an impressive lineup of performances, including shows from resident artists and traveling companies. Vibrant greenspaces, like Rittenhouse Square, offer a reprieve from the bustle of city excitement, and at Dilworth Park, visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy free events, seasonal amenities and a stunning view of historic City Hall. One-of-a-kind museums, nightlife and luxury hotels are just some of the many other highlights to explore.

Happenings & Events

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: Conversations With Birds
Now through May 21 | This new exhibition celebrates the remarkable diversity of birds, their important role in ecosystems, and people’s relationships with our avian friends. 
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215.299.1000

birds academy natural sciences

The African American Museum in Philadelphia &
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts:
Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America

March 23-October 8 | A groundbreaking exhibition featuring new art installations spread across multiple galleries at both institutions. Twenty artists have been invited to join in a bold collaboration and create new works that respond to the critical question: Is the sun rising or setting on the experiment of American democracy? 
The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, 215.574.0380
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts 118-128 North Broad Street, 215.972.7600

CCD Parks: Spring Events
Beginning this March through the end of May, CCD is ushering in spring with continuous outdoor entertainment in Dilworth Park and Sister Cities Park. Activities for families, fitness classes and a roller rink help to kick-start the parks’ seasonal transformation.
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St, 215.440.5500
Sister Cities Park, 18th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215.440.5500

ccd bootcamp 041

City Winery: Spring Performances
City Winery’s state-of-the-art concert venue is designed to offer an intimate setting with unobstructed views close to your favorite performers. Their year-round programming and events include well known musicians and comedians as well as food and wine events. Check their website for upcoming shows and events.
990 Filbert Street, 267.479.7373

The Fabric Workshop and Museum: Sunday Behind-the-Scenes Collections Tour
Sundays | 1:30p.m.| Join this guided behind-the-scenes tour of FWM’s 7th floor archive where you will explore a variety of stored collection pieces and process materials and get a first-hand look at how the work is preserved. Tours are approximately 30–45 minutes with a limit of 10 participants. Reservations are highly encouraged.
1214 Arch Street, 215.561.8888

Free Library of Philadelphia: Author Events
This author series features some of today’s most celebrated voices in the humanities and sciences. Programming is held throughout the year. Many of the programs are free and books will be for sale on-site. Check the library’s website for program details.
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street, 215.567.4341

rittrow rittenhouse row festival 2015 112

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
May 6 | noon-5 p.m. | Philadelphia’s “most upscale street festival” returns with street cafes, local artist showcases, a fashion show, live music and more. This event is rain or shine.
Walnut Street, from the Avenue of the Arts to Rittenhouse Square.

Kimmel Cultural Campus: Various Productions
The Kimmel Cultural Campus produces and presents a broad range of relevant and meaningful events year-round. Below is a list of some of their spring offerings, offered at a discount rate during the Dinner and a Show. 

  • CATS | March 14-19 | Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street
  • Into the Woods | April 4-9 | Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street
  • Paw Patrol Live | April 15-16 | Academy of Music, 240 South Broad Street
  • Step Afrika! | April 28 | Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street

 

kimmel center day g widman for visit philadelphia

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: Making American Artists
Now through April 2 | This exhibit features over a hundred of the most iconic pieces in American art, from 1776–1976, which takes you on a journey across time, medium, and identity.
118-128 North Broad Street, 215.972.7600

Pennsylvania Convention Center: African American History and Culture Showcase
April 8-9 | This annual event will commemorate the important role African Americans have played throughout American history. Highlights include private exhibits, documentaries, historical reenactments, lectures, poetry readings and more. 1101 Arch Street, 215.418.4700

convention center

Philadelphia Museum of Art: Friday Nights
Fridays | 5-8:45 p.m. | Enjoy evening access to the museum’s galleries every Friday night. Stop by the Friday Lounge to get a glass of wine or a cocktail and enjoy the live music. Admission is pay what you wish, with discounted parking at the museum’s parking garage after 5 p.m.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215.763.8100

Philly Celebrates Jazz

  • March 28 | 12 p.m. | Join the Philly Celebrates Jazz kickoff event at Love Park for a world-record setting photo of 500 people doing jazz hands at once. 

  • April 1-30 | Philly Celebrates Jazz is the City of Philadelphia’s annual celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month each April that infuses Philadelphia’s neighborhoods with live jazz music, jazz-inspired block parties, jazz poetry events, jazz walking tours, and more.

Various locations, 215.686.8446

Red Rum Theater: Golden Girls Murder Mystery
Now through April 29 | Thank you for being a friend! Especially a Golden Girl friend! Your favorite ladies from the ’80s are throwing a party, and you’re invited! Sophia, Blanch, Rose, and Dorothy have worked long and hard to throw the perfect celebration, but will they still be celebrating when they discover that one of their party guests has murderous intentions? Who could the killer be? Cast your vote! Perhaps YOU can solve this Golden Girls Mystery?
601 Walnut Street, 267.994.1056

Theatre Philadelphia: Philly Theatre Week

  • Kick Off Party | March 20 | 6-8 p.m. | Join the fun on the rooftop garden at the Kimmel Center to see preview scenes, songs and interactive performances from participating companies.
  • Philly Theatre Week | March 23 - April 2 | Enjoy a 10-day celebration showcasing over 50 unique events and hundreds of performances throughout the city. 
     

Various locations

Walnut Street Theatre: Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville!
March 28-April 30 | The Walnut Street Theatre finishes its 214th season by transforming into a tropical paradise with Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville. This heartwarming musical comedy features Jimmy Buffett’s unmistakable music and is sure to delight fans old and new!