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
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.

  • 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

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. 

2024 09 composition 44 two arrows a0

Jon Poblador Composition No. 44 (Two Arrows), 2024

Bridgette Mayer Gallery: Chapel of Color, a solo exhibition by Jon Poblador
Through August 2 | This exhibition is comprised of 20 paintings and drawings that celebrate the transformative qualities of repetition, building surface, and structure as pathways to stillness. Through a meticulous process of building thin layers of paint in rectangular forms, Poblador creates slow and deliberate work with subtle shifts and irregularities in each composition.   
709 Walnut St., 215.413.8893   

F1 Arcade Grand Prix Watch Parties

  • Moet & Chandon Belgian Grand Prix | July 26 | 8 – 11 a.m.

1330 Chestnut St., 267.957.3131

fabric workshop

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.

  • Hands-On Screenprinting and Studio Tour | Saturdays | Explore the facilities and learn about the printing process, browse artist designs from archives, and make your own print to take home. 
  • Soft/Cover Exhibition | Through August 17 | Soft/Cover surveys the many surprising ways artists have used fabric and screenprinting to create objects that relate to the body. Focusing on the relationship of textiles to fashion and architecture, the exhibition includes new and rarely-shown works from The Fabric Workshop and Museum’s collection—each created by Artists-in-Residence in collaboration with FWM’s Studio team.     

1214 Arch Street, 215.561.8888

Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Voices of the Community: Local Black Preservation 
Through September 26 | Join exhibit curators for an in-depth look at some of the compelling stories from the archives, which explore the history, migration, and preservation of African American communities in the region. This exhibit uses archival documents such as personal papers, photographs, musical scores, and ephemera to highlight strategies Black individuals and communities utilize to preserve their heritage. The historical formation of organizations, creation of music, and building of communities have resulted in a cultural preservation movement based on principles of self-determination and collective action. The exhibit is a call to action to rethink what preservation is and why it matters. Opening reception for this exhibit is June 12 at 6 p.m. 
1300 Locust St., 215.732.6200  

Independence LibrarySummer Craft Party
 July 14 | 2 p.m. | Ice cream, beaches, and the sun! Celebrate the summer season with some fun crafts, stickers, and coloring. There will be activities for kids of all ages. 
18 S. 7th St., 215.685.1633 

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 

Milkboy Philadelphia: Live Concerts

1100 Chestnut St., 215.925.6455

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 

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts:

  • Outside/Inside Tour: Uncover the Art and Architecture | Now – August 31 | Explore the museum on this exclusive "outside/inside" tour which takes you behind the scenes to explore the incredible architecture, rich history, and one of a kind art studio shops. 
  • William Villalongo: Myths and Migrations | Now – August 31 | This exhibition features two decades of work exploring Black presence and invisibility, through time and cultures. It showcases a compelling mid-career survey of work by New York-based artist William Villalongo.  
     

Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad St.

Philadelphia Film Society: Access by Art-Reach $2 Tickets 
Ongoing | Moviegoers can use their ACCESS Cards for admission to our programs at the Film Society Center.. ACCESS Cardholders can attend all curated programming at the Film Society Center Theater for $2 per ticket. 
1412 Chestnut St., 267.239.2941

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: All You Can Putt Sunday 
Sundays | Stay for as many rounds as you want, every Sunday. 
1625 Chestnut St., 215.907.7888 

Strangeloves: Painting with a Twist  
Availale daily | Experience painting while you enjoy your favorite food and beverages.  
216 S 11th St., 215.873.0404 

Topside Tavern: Comedy Open Mic 
Thursdays | 8:30 p.m. | Sign-ups begin at 8:30 and the show starts at 9 p.m. 
10 S. 20th St.,445.223.1155 

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 

 

 

2025/26 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 Packages 
| Flexible packages with 3 or more shows now avaiable. Tailor your package by choosing the shows you want from a great selection, including performances of & Juliet, Riverdance, Some Like It Hot, The Wiz, and Life of Pi. On average suscribers save 15% on single ticket prices. For additional Ensemble Arts Philly series and subscriptions, visit ensembleartsphilly.org

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, 2 Play Series | Join PTC as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. This year they are offering plays of, by, and for the people of Philadelphia, including Night Side Songs and Small Ball. Pick your own subscription packages are starting as low as $55.