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.
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
Bridgette Mayer Gallery: Flight, Solo Exhibition by Allen Bentley | Through October 25 | Flight features all new paintings and drawings that celebrate Bentley's appreciation for ballet and contemporary dance. Using bold, gestural mark-making inspired by live dance performances, Bentley captures the passion, vulnerability, and strength imbued in artform.
215.413.8893, 709 Walnut St.
Chris’ Jazz Cafe: The Tribute Legacy Band featuring Don Braden Celebrating the Music of Grover Washington, Jr.
September 6 | 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
1421 Sansom St., 215.568.3131
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 Presents Good Things: An Evening with Samin Nosrat
September 17 | 7 p.m. | Spend an uplifting evening with Samin Nosrat as she discusses her new book, Good Things, on stage with her longtime friend and author Tamar Adler. Samin will share stories around the inspiration for the cookbook, her development and selection of the recipes, and the culinary rituals she shares with close friends.
Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St.
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 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
James Oliver Gallery: Alice Whittelsey Exhibition Opening Reception
September 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Whittelsey studied Painting at Philadelphia College of Art (BFA,1970) and Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia (MFA, 1972). In 2004, inspired by a mosaics class, she began exploring collage as a medium. The selected collages are modest in scale, yet each one asserts its own presence.
723 Chestnut St., 267.918.7432
Love Park: Salsa & Bachata Dance Party with Siempre Salsa Philly
Saturdays, Through September 26 | 7-10 p.m. |
Love Park, 1501 John F Kennedy Blvd.
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
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts:
Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad St.
1412 Chestnut St., 267.239.2941
Philadelphia Film Society x PhotoLounge: Stills at Play
Through August | This show spotlights the work of five Philadelphia filmmakers through a curated selection of still images drawn from one of their films.
130 S. 17th St.
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
Rescue Spa: 10% off for CCD Readers
Now through August 31 | Rescue Spa is Danuta Mieloch’s 9,700-square-foot urban oasis featuring 15 treatment rooms for body, facial and massage; a nail lounge; hair salon; brow room and expanded beauty and make-up boutique. Enjoy your visit to Rescue Spa among bespoke furniture, art, and luxurious materials that create an environment that invites you to unwind. Offer available for one service per customer.
1811 Walnut St., 866.772.2766
Strangeloves: Painting with a Twist
Available 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
There are countless ways to have a blast with your kids in Center City. See below for a list of events, fun restaurants and outdoor spaces where you can spend quality time as a family.
Ensemble Arts Philly: Family Discovery Series | Offering a wide variety of live shows that will surely capture the attention of kids of all ages, the 2025-2026 lineup includes Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert, Halloween Spectacular and more.
Open Streets: West Walnut | Returning on September 7 and running every Sunday through October 12, Open-Streets: West Walnut invites people of all ages to stroll one of the city’s most popular shopping corridors, car-free, with ambient entertainment and kid-friendly fun.
Puttshack | Vibrant indoor mini golf restaurant and bar with a modern tech-infused flare. | 1625 Chestnut St.
Round1 Bowling & Arcade | Entertainment facility offering food, bowling, arcade games and more. | 1001 Market St.
Sister Cities Park | Green space in the center of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with a Children’s Discovery Garden, splash fountain, pond and seasonal programming. | 210 N. 18th St.
Photo courtesy of Ensemble Arts Philly
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.