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.
African American Museum in Philadelphia: 2025 Juneteenth Block Party
June 19 | 12-7 p.m. | Join the museum as they commemorate the 160th legacy of Juneteenth and celebrate their 49th anniversary. In partnership with Wawa and Welcome America, AAMP will host an all-day, family-friendly outdoor festival led by our mistress of ceremonies, Philadelphia’s own Patty Jackson from iHeart Radio and WDAS-FM. There will be live entertainment, activations, games, and education for everyone to enjoy. The museum is free for guests, courtesy of Wawa.
701 Arch St.
Avenue of the Arts Block Party
June 21 | 12 p.m. | Ensemble Arts is partnering with Wawa Welcome America and the Avenue of the Arts to present this free annual block party. On stage at Broad and Spruce Streets performances will feature selections from the upcoming 2025-26 Broadway season shows as well as top-tier local artists. Inside the Kimmel Center will welcome guests with family-friendly lawn games, behind-the-scenes tours and more.
South Broad St.
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.
Chris’ Jazz Café: Jake Kaplan Hosts The Philly Jazz Series
June 12, 19, 26 | 10:30 p.m. | Enjoy jazz performances every Thursday night starting at 10:30pm. Tickets include discounted drinks and half-price bar snacks.
1421 Sansom St.
City Winery: Napolean Dynamite Live! w/Jon Heder, Jon Gries & Efren Ramirez
June 5 | 7 p.m. | This unique evening includes a full screening of "Napoleon Dynamite" followed by a lively, freewheeling, discussion with fan-favorite cast members; Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) and Efren Ramirez (Pedro). The live show is a blend of Q&A, comedy improv, game show, and party, with plenty of audience participation.
990 Filbert St., 267.479.7373
Free Library of Philadelphia: Juneteenth | Legacy In Ink Community Book Fair and Exhibition Opening
June 21 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | In partnership with Black Docents Collective and Literacy Nation, the library welcomes all to attend a daylong Juneteenth celebration with workshops, discussions, and presentations. Authors, illustrators, editors, publishers and book enthusiasts will have opportunities to network, see new works and share skills and projects. Free registration is encouraged but not required via Eventbrite. This event includes the opening of our special exhibit honoring Philly's long tradition of Black Authorship and Self Publishing.
Parkway Central Branch, 1901 Vine Street
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
June 12 - 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
Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Gallery Talk with Faye Anderson
June 25 | 6 p.m. | Join the curators of Voices of the Community: Local Black Preservation for an in-depth look at some of the compelling stories from the archives.
1300 Locust Street, 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
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:
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
This world-class museum houses a collection of art, sculpture, decorative arts and more, including pieces from the ancient world, medieval times, the Renaissance, the Impressionist movement and modern day. See some event highlights below.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.763.8100
Philadelphia Theatre Company: Small Ball
June 6-29 | Step into the surreal, magical world of Small Ball, where journeyman basketball player Michael Jordan has recently started playing in the international league with the Lilliput ( Gulliver’s Travels) Existers. With teammates who are only six inches tall, the team’s fortunes rest on Michael’s shoulders.
480 South Broad St.
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
Wilma: A Summer Day
June 10-29 | Experience A Summer Day, a production that delves into the depths of human connection, memory, and existential longing. Audiences will be transported into an epic and intimate world where past and present intertwine, inviting reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the eternal search for meaning.
265 South Broad St.
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.
Explore Center CityCCD, with support from the Midtown Village Merchant's Association, will transform one of Philadelphia’s most popular shopping and dining destinations on four Sundays this June, by temporarily closing streets to vehicular traffic. Stroll nearly six blocks of car-free space while enjoying shopping, dining and activities for all ages.