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.
Ensemble Arts Philly: Hip-Hop Orchestra in Philly
March 28 | 7 p.m.
300 S. Broad St., 215.893.1999
Photo credit: Anders Sune Berg, Galleri Nicolai Wallner
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
Helium Comedy Club: Open Mic Night
March 24 | 7:30 p.m.
2031 Sansom St., 215.496.9001
Independence Library: Arts and Chats Casual Craft Social
March 31 | 5 p.m. | Join us for a drop-in, casual craft social on the last Tuesday of each month, 5-6:30pm. Draw, crochet, collage, knit, needlepoint, anything! Bring your own project to work on in an inviting space with fellow crafters! Intended for adults.
18 S. 7th St., 215.685.1633
James Oliver Gallery: Slumber Party Art Exhibition
Through March 28 | The three-person exhibition features works by Chloe Luisa Piñero, Karen McCool, and Kirsten Valentine. Slumber Party spotlights the body and intimacy, each artist taking a unique approach to figurative work.
723 Chestnut St. 2nd Fl., 267.918.7432
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®
PAFA: Family Art Day
April 19 | 1-3 p.m. | In partnership with the Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) to celebrate Threaded Currents, now on view in PAFA’s Hamilton Building, families who pre-register will enjoy free museum admission, including access to the exhibition featuring fabric works printed by FWM artist interns—among them PAFA’s former Youth Council members.
128 N. Broad St., 215.972.7600
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.763.8100
Tapster: Cherry Blossom Reflections Sip N’ Paint
March 21 | 1-3p.m.
1601 Sansom St.
Walnut Street Theatre: Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance
Through March 29 | 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