The best things to do in Philadelphia this week

Explore all of the best things to do in and around Philadelphia: from upcoming events and art installations to the most picturesque date spots, we share all you need to know to make the most out of your week in Philly.

You can always find our favorite activities of the week at inquirer.com/things-to-do. Have an event you’d like to feature in the Inquirer? Submit an event to our calendar.

(Community) It’s time to get Steph’isticated with dance instructor Stephany Lynn. Get ready to move your body and boost your confidence with this dynamic dance class. Bring your heels, water, and a whatever all black outfit makes you feel best. Knee pads are also recommended but not required.

⌚️ Apr. 30, 6:30-8p.m., 📍1406 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $22

(Community) Ready to get outside and explore your artsy side? No matter what level your drawing skills are at, head to the Great Lawn at Park Towne Place for drinks, snacks and sketching. Local artist Tyler Klein will guide you through the foundations of Plein Air sketching.

⌚️Apr. 29, 6p.m., 📍2200 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $5

(Community) Actor, comedian and author Ed Helms is heading to the Center City Barnes and Noble to discuss his new book, Snafu. He’ll be joined in conversation by author Adam Grant. Your ticket includes admission to the event, a copy of Snafu and access to the signing line to leave with a signed copy.

⌚️Apr. 30, 6:30p.m., 📍1708 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 eventbrite.com, 💵 $32.40

(Community) Add some arts into your spring weekend and enjoy the full-length world premiere of Jennifer Archibald’s Maslow Peak, inspired by Lord of the Flies. Pack your favorite foods and snacks and enjoy local artists, live music and more family fun before the show begins.

⌚️May 2-3, 📍5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia, Pa, 19131, 🌐 balletx.org, 💵 $25

(Community) This three day, outdoor festival celebrates the talent and spirit of Philadelphia. You’ll hear from incredible live musicians and enjoy delicious food and beverage options from local vendors. The music lineup includes The Bouncing Souls, Ocean Avenue Stompers, Dave Hause & The Mermaid and so many more. Kids 12 and under can attend for free.

⌚️May 2-4, 📍15 Cotton St, Philadelphia, Pa, 19127, 🌐 singushomefestival.com/, 💵 $59-149

(Community) Rittenhouse’s annual Spring celebration is back and highlighting more fashion, local vendors and artists. Come check out all of the incredible musicians and businesses who make Rittenhouse Square so vibrant.

⌚️May 3, 12-5p.m., 📍Walnut St. from 15th to 19th St., and 18th St. from Locust St. to Sansom St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19103, 🌐 rittenhouserow.org, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) South Street is turning it up this weekend with live music, immersive art, local makers and vendors and so much more. It’s everything you’ve always loved about South Street, and then some. Don’t miss this great street festival.

⌚️May 3, 12-8p.m., 📍South St. from Front St. to 8th St., Philadelphia, Pa, 19147, 🌐 southstreetlive.info, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Community) Great brews are making their way to Washington Crossing Historic Park. Sample a variety of great beers and brewed malt beverages including hard ciders, spiked teas, kombuchas and more. Your ticket includes a souvenir sampling cup and two-ounce pours from sampling breweries.

⌚️May 3, 12:30-4:30p.m., 📍1638 River Rd., New Hope, Pa, 18938, 🌐 washingtoncrossingbrewfest.com, 💵 $60

(Sports / free to watch) Philadelphia’s iconic 10-mile race brings tens of thousands of runners — and just as many spectators — to Broad Street, starting at the Central High School Athletic Field and ending near the Navy Yard. Spectators are encouraged to line the course and cheer runners on. Pro tip: The best places to watch are near Temple University, City Hall, and South Philly’s lively sections of Broad. All ages.

⌚May 4, race starts at 7:30 a.m., 📍Race runs along Broad St. from Fisher Ave. to Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA, 🌐 broadstreetrun.com, 💵 Free to watch

(Art) A new exhibit is heading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Christina Ramberg: A Retrospective is an anthology of the Chicago artist’s work, highlighting the full spectrum of her career.

⌚️Feb. 8-June 1, 📍2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa, 19130, 🌐 press.philamuseum.org, 💵 $14-30

Indoor-outdoor fun abounds this week as we (hopefully) swap April showers for May flowers. From belated Earth Day celebrations to Japanese cultural festivals, strawberry feasts, and family-friendly art workshops, there’s no shortage of ways to kick off May with color and creativity.

(Nature / pay-what-you-wish) At Riverbend Environmental Education Center, peek into puddles and ponds to spot tadpoles growing up fast. Educators will be on hand rain or shine to share insights about these tiny springtime wonders. Ages 3 and up.

⌚May 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 📍1950 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne, PA 19035, 🌐 riverbendeec.org, 💵 Free; $10 donation suggested

(Nature / free) At Honey Hollow Environmental Center, celebrate the planet with a petting zoo, nature walks, scavenger hunts, bug hunts, animal talks, and local vendors selling eco-friendly goods. All ages.

⌚May 3, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m., 📍2877 Creamery Rd., Solebury, PA 18963, 🌐 bcas.org, 💵 Free

(Culture) At Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, mark Japan’s national Children’s Day with traditional decorations, fish-shaped streamers, origami workshops, and kamishibai storytelling—all free with admission. Ages 3 and up.

⌚May 3, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍Lansdowne Dr. & Horticultural Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19131, 🌐 japanphilly.org, 💵 $9–$15; $2 ACCESS cardholder; free under 4

(Art / free) At the Fabric Workshop and Museum, Art Mamas hosts a morning of art exploration for the youngest artists (ages 0–4) and their families, including paper doll prints, mission patches, and card-making. Ages 0–12.

⌚May 3, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., 📍1214 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 fabricworkshopandmuseum.org, 💵 Free

(Seasonal / free entry) At Peddler’s Village, celebrate all things strawberry with pie-eating contests, bounce houses, face-painting, crafts, live music, and a dress-like-a-strawberry contest on Sunday. Treats are pay-as-you-go. Ages 2 and up.

⌚May 3–4, 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m., 📍Rtes. 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA 18931, 🌐 peddlersvillage.com, 💵 Pay-as-you-go

(Art / free) At the Barnes Foundation, experience a day of Filipino movement and poetry with Philadelphia Youth Poet Laureate Malaya Ulan and her dancer-artist mom Ani Gavino, set among masterpieces of fine art. Registration opens May 1 at 10 a.m. Ages 2–12.

⌚May 4, 10 a.m.–4:45 p.m., 📍2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 barnesfoundation.org, 💵 Free

(Performance / multi-day) At the Annenberg Center, this 40-year tradition brings top-notch children’s performances, including Australia’s Terrapin Puppet Theatre with The Paper Escaper, extreme sports artists 360 ALLSTARs, and The Late Homecomer, about a Hmong refugee’s journey. Outside on Sunday: an artsy carnival with crafts, balloon animals, book giveaways, and a concert by the Dirty Sock Funtime Band. Ages 4 and up.

⌚May 4–6, times vary, 📍3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, 🌐 pennlivearts.org, 💵 Free–$79

(Musical / multi-day) At Walnut Street Theatre, kids take the stage in this energetic musical adaptation featuring Jasmine, Aladdin, and a whole new world of songs, sparkle, and flying carpets. Daytime performances only. Ages 4–11.

⌚April 26–May 11, times vary, 📍825 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 🌐 walnutstreettheatre.org, 💵 $17–$20

(History / multi-day) At the Museum of the American Revolution, view nearly half of the 30 surviving Revolutionary War flags in this rare and carefully curated exhibit. Kids will love seeing the early “colors” that came before today’s stars and stripes — some made by Philadelphia icons Betsy Ross and Rebecca Flower Young. Ages 5 and up.

⌚April 19–August 10, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., 📍101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 amrevmuseum.org, 💵 $13–$25; $2 ACCESS cardholders; free for ages 5 and under

(Theater / multi-day) At Arden Theatre, Greg Banks’ fast-paced adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit brings Bilbo Baggins out of his comfort zone and into an unforgettable adventure filled with creatures, challenges, and lessons on courage. Ages 7 and up.

⌚April 2–May 25, times vary, 📍40 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 ardentheatre.org, 💵 $25–$46

(Science / multiday) Animatronic dinos from chillier climes, like the fearsome, feathered Troodon raptors, represent Late Cretaceous creatures who inhabited the Arctic. Hands-on exhibits show off ice-proof teeth and eggs at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Ages 2 and up.

⌚September 28-May 4, 📍1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, 🌐 ansp.org, 💵 $16-$22, $2 ACCESS cardholder, free under age 2