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. Below you will find a diverse list of things to do in Center City.
Barnes Foundation
The Barnes is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution that houses an unparalleled art collection and organizes special exhibits and public programming. See below for some event highlights.
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., 215.278.7000
Beat The Bomb
Ongoing | Choose from 1-hour Bomb Missions, where teams of 4 to 6 suit up in hazmat gear, dodge lasers and crack codes.
1218 Chestnut St.
Photo credit: Anders Sune Berg, Galleri Nicolai Wallner
Ensemble Arts Philly Presents Step Afrika!: The Evolution Tour
February 7 | 7 p.m. | Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience.
Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St., 215.893.1999
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.
1214 Arch St., 215.561.8888
Lantern Theater Company: Blues for an Alabama Sky
February 12 – March 15
923 Ludlow St., 215.829.0395
Lucky Strike: Night Strike Unlimited Bowling
Sunday - Wednesday | Enjoy our $21.99 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 St., 215.545.2471
Mural Arts: Center City Tours
Weave through the diverse neighborhoods of Philadelphia, getting great views of the city by foot, by vehicle, by train, or virtually! Take in the iconic imagery that makes us the Mural Capital of the World and learn about Philly’s beautiful visual history from professional tour guides.
Various locations, 215.685.0750
Photo by E. Frizzelle for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.763.8100
Vinyl: Live Band Karaoke
Thursdays | 8 p.m. | Philly’s Original Live Band Karaoke Band has been selling out locally every weekend for over a decade—and now we’re bringing the party to Vinyl every Thursday.
215 S 15th St., 215.914.8116
Walnut Street Theatre: Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance
Begins February 24 | On an otherwise uneventful night, long-time friends arrive at the front door unannounced and terrified and ask if they can stay. An unexplained fear has gripped them, and they have turned to old friends as their first and last resort. What will they do?
825 Walnut St., 215.574.3550