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

arts and culture

Barnes Foundation

  • PECO Free First Sunday Family Day | First Sunday of every month | 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
    This event offers no-cost admission to the collection galleries as well as an array of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, musical performances, and interactive workshops.
  • First Friday | First Friday of every month | 6-9 p.m.
    Enjoy an evening of art, live music, cocktails, and access to the collection at our monthly First Friday mixer. New for 2024, the Garden Restaurant at the Barnes Foundation will be partnering with award-winning Philadelphia Chefs for inspired, one-night-only pop-up dinners. 

2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.278.7000

Bridgette Mayer Gallery: All The Stars in The Sea, solo Exhibition by Rebecca Rutstein 
Through October 19 
709 Walnut Street, 1st Fl, 215.413.8893

The Cauldron: October Potion Making Tickets Now Live 
Ongoing | We've just released our October tickets and Witch, you're in for a TREAT! Ticket includes: Witch's Hat on arrival,1 Ectoplasm Shot (or alcohol-free alternative), 1 Drink poured by magic wand, 2 x Brew-your-own Drink, one of which is our Halloween Limited Edition Potion Magic wand rental. The 1hr 45min interactive experience. 
1305 Locust Street, 732.538.7630 

Chris' Jazz CaféLive Music with Dinner 
Nightly | Offering nightly programming, Chris’ Jazz Café has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz and is the longest continuously operating jazz club in the history of Philadelphia. General Admission, Dinner & Show and VIP front stage tickets are available.. 

1421 Sansom Street, 215.568.3131 

CityPickle: Pop-Up Pickleball Court
Through October 13 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | Pickleball has popped-up in Dilworth Park this fall. Reservations are required. For details and reservations, visit the City Pickle website.
Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th Street

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Declaration House: "The Descendants of Monticello"
Now-December 1 | Declaration House is a public art and history exhibition by artist Sonya Clark, produced by Monument Lab. This exhibition brings the historic Declaration House to life through a monumental montage featuring the blinking eyes of Robert Hemmings’ descendants and others who are related to the over 400 people enslaved at Monticello. This exhibition can be viewed 24 hours a day.
Declaration House, Independence National Historical Park, 700 Market Street

Ensemble Arts Philly: Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest 
September 21 | 11 a.m. | Experience a vibrant array of live performances and engaging activities, showcasing highlights from our prestigious Resident Companies and regional arts and cultural organizations.   
Commonwealth Plaza, 300 S. Broad St., 215.893.1900

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The Fabric Workshop and Museum
The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum devoted both to the creation and presentation of innovative works of art. Below are some of their offerings.

  • Saturday Studio and Hands-On Screenprinting Tour | Saturdays | Explore the facilities and learn about the printing process, browse artist designs from archives, and make your own print to take home.
  • John Jarboe: The Rose Garden | Daily | Now-September 29 | John Jarboe’s (she/her) latest exhibition allows visitors to “weave their way through a multi-room domestic environment reimagining [her] gender journey.”

1214 Arch Street, 215.561.8888

Fashion District Philadelphia: Wonderspaces
Ongoing | Wonderspaces presents an evolving lineup of 15 extraordinary art installations and signature cocktails to experience with friends and family. This year-round, ever changing immersive art installation is located inside Fashion District Philadelphia. Annual memberships are available. 
901 Market Street, 267.534.7705

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Photo Courtesy The Art of the Brick

The Franklin Institute: The Art of the Brick 
Now through November 17 | This exhibit is the world’s largest display of LEGO® art  and features 100 intriguing works made from millions of lego bricks, inlcuding a Philadelphia exclusive creation and a 9,000 square-foot brick play space.
271 North 21st Street, 215.448.1200

Kimpton Hotel Palomar: Kelly Green Dream Package 
Coming to town to create lasting memories with a few thousand fans? Whether you’re watching in person, at a local sports bar or from the comfort of one of our guest rooms, football enthusiasts are invited to join us at Kimpton Palomar Philadelphia for the next big game. Package includes overnight accommodations, two local beers and assorted candy plus, 1 p.m. early check-in. 
117 S. 17th Street, 215.563.5006 

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Lantern Theater Company: The Wanderers by Anna Ziegler 
Now through October 6 | Two couples – Esther and Schmuli, Abe and Sophie – seem destined for each other, but are torn apart by their conflicting sense of obligation and independence. From the writer of Lantern hits PHOTOGRAPH 51 and THE LAST MATCH comes this moving exploration of estrangement and the great human yearning for connection, told with keen humor and deep empathy. 
St. Stephen's Theater, 923 Ludlow Street

Lucky Strike: Night Strike Unlimited Bowling 
Sunday - Wednesday | Enjoy our $23.99 unlimited bowling Night Strike special. Sunday starting at 6 p.m. and Monday to Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. Shoe rental is included.
1336 Chestnut Street, 215.545.2471 

Opera Philadelphia: Pick Your Price $11 Tickets 
All seats for the 2024–2025 Season are available for $11, or a higher price of your choosing, as part of a new ticket program called Pick Your Price. 
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, 215.732.8400

Philadelphia Film Festival
October 17-27 | The 33rd Philadelphia Film Festival offers something for everyone, including nightmare-fueled Halloween hits, political narratives, and auteur-driven films. This 11-day festival features the most highly anticipated films from the world’s top film festivals.
The Film Center, 1412 Chestnut Street & other locations

Philadelphia Museum of Art

  • Friday Night Lounge | Every Friday | 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Come join Philly’s art world when it shows up and shows out every Friday night.
  • Pay What You Wish Admission | First Sunday of each month | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Pay whatever amount you’d like for general admission to the museum. This does not include ticketed exhibitions and special programs. 

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.763.8100

PuttShack: Maxed Out Mondays 
Every Monday | Get your second game of 9-hole mini golf for FREE every Monday, all summer long, just use the promo code MAXEDOUT at checkout. 
1625 Chestnut Street

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Temple University Center City: 50th Anniversary Finale Free Concert by the Jasper String Quartet  
October 4 | 6 p.m. | This year, Temple Center City Campus is celebrating its 50th year of operation. Since our doors have opened, we have offered undergraduate and graduate courses, degree programs and professional development programs for students and adults in the heart of Philadelphia. In collaboration with Temple University Music Preparatory Division of the Boyer College of Music and Dance, TUCC is pleased to commemorate this anniversary with a night of music and history on our campus, featuring a performance by the Jasper String Quartet. 
1515 Market Street

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Walnut Street Theatre

  • 2024-2025 Tickets are Now Available | Ongoing | Grab your tickets for theater favorites like Jersey Boys, DreamGirls, Driving Miss Daisy and many more.
  • $30 Under 40 | Ongoing | As a member of the $30 Under 40 program, you’ll get a full evening of entertainment for only $30! You can buy $30 tickets for you and a friend to every Walnut Street Theatre show. Plus, you’ll be invited to exclusive post-show parties on select nights where you’ll enjoy meeting the artists while mingling with other  members. And the best part... It's free and easy to join!

825 Walnut Street, 215.574.3550

Wilma Theater: Dog Man Tickets Now on Sale 
Available now | TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. 
265 S. Broad St., 215.546.7824 

2024/25 Theater and Classical Music Subscriptions

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia  | Becoming a subscriber gives you exclusive benefits and flexibility with subscriptions starting as low as $87. This season features music from some of your favorites like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach.

Curtis Institute of Music | Step into the heart of their centennial celebration as Curtis Institute of Music unveils a season brimming with passion, energy, and greatness. Choose your own shows or treat yourself and enjoy the benefits of a full season pass. Subscriptions start as low as $36.

Ensemble Arts Philly, Create Your Own Broadway Package 
| Flexible packages with 4 or more shows now avaiable. Tailor your package by choosing the shows you want from a great selection, including performances of Hamilton, A Beautiful Noise, MJ the Musical, & Juliet, Some Like It Hot, The WizLife of Pi and more. On average suscribers save 15% on single ticket prices. For additional Ensemble Arts Philly series and subscriptions, visit ensembleartsphilly.org

Lantern Theater Company | Pay one low price and get the best seats for the Lantern's 2024/25 season, including The Wanderers, American Moor, Much Ado About Nothing, and The 39 Steps

Opera Philadelphia | This season, Opera Philadelphia continues to bring beloved classics to the Academy of Music. Build your custom package and save 20% on two or more performances, or join for the entire season with the Academy Series subscription. 

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
Philadelphia Chamber Music Society's (PCMS) new season has much to offer, including exciting artistic discoveries, fresh interpretations of masterworks and rarely-heard gems. PCMS offers traditional subscription packages, build your own, and full season passes. Choose a package today to enjoy priority seating, flexible exchanges, and savings of up to 25%. 

Suzanne Roberts Theatre | Join PTC as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This year they are offering plays of, by, and for the people of Philadelphia, including La Egoista, Night Side Songs, and Small Ball. Pick your own subscription packages are starting as low as $51.

 

Suzanne Roberts Theatre | Join PTC as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This year they are offering plays of, by, and for the people of Philadelphia, including La Egoista, Night Side Songs, and Small Ball. Pick your own subscription packages are starting as low as $51.

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A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical - Photo by Julieta Cervantes

Walnut Street Theatre | With titles like Jersey Boys, DreamGirls and ELF The Broadway Musical, the historic Walnut Street Theatre has a show for everyone. Their 5 show subscription starts as low as $26 per ticket.