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

  • 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. 

The Franklin Residences: Women's Health + Wellness Event 
May 7 | 6-8 p.m. | Join us at The Franklin Residences for an event dedicated to women’s health and wellness! Learn from some of the experts in the area and enjoy light bites, drinks and giveaways! Participants Include: Body+Beauty Lab, Ripped PHL, Solidcore Counselor Dina Previti, YogaSix Rittenhouse and more! 
834 Chestnut St., 833.358.6265 

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: Free, As One Black Worldmaking in the Pennsylvania Abolition Society Papers | Through May 23 | highlights themes of Black self-determination and leadership from the 1770s onward in the abolition movement of the Mid-Atlantic region. 
1300 Locust St., 215.732.6200 
 

Lucky Strike: Night Strike Unlimited Bowling 
Sunday - Wednesday | Enjoy our $23.99 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 

Morton Contemporary: Forensic Beauty Art Exhibit by Nick Veasy X-Ray Fine Art Photographer | Through May 30th | ‘Forensic Beauty’ is an ode to Veasey’s 30-year career as a fine art x-ray photographer. Nick's process is completely unique. Working almost exclusively with X-ray technology, Veasey masterfully manipulates lethal radiation to create a dazzling balance of extremes.   
115 S. 13th St., 215.735.2800 

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 

Opera Philadelphia: Pick Your Price $11 Tickets 
All seats for the 2024–2025 Season are available for $11, or a higher price of your choosing, as part of a new ticket program called Pick Your Price. 
Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., 215.732.8400

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

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 exterior photo

Walnut Street Theatre:$35 Under 40 
Ongoing | As a member of the $30 Under 40 program, you’ll get a full evening of entertainment for only $30! You can buy $30 tickets for you and a friend to every Walnut Street Theatre show. Plus, you’ll be invited to exclusive post-show parties on select nights where you’ll enjoy meeting the artists while mingling with other  members. And the best part... It's free and easy to join!
825 Walnut Street, 215.574.3550

 

 

Mother's Day in Center City

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.