The Best Things You Can Possibly Do in Philly This Week

This week in Philly: the Cycling Classic, women's tennis, an adult crafternoon, your last chance for the Chinese Lantern Festival, and much more.

By Laura Swartz·

Photograph courtesy of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic

This week in Philly: the Cycling Classic, women’s tennis, an adult crafternoon, your last chance for the Chinese Lantern Festival, and more. Here’s the best of the best happening this week.

Philadelphia Cycling Classic

After a decade-long hiatus, the beloved Philly bike race is back, bringing elite cycling, neighborhood crowds, and the infamous Manayunk Wall to Philly streets. From the Art Museum to Main Street Manayunk, here’s when to go, where to watch, and who to root for. August 30th, starts at the Art Museum at 8:30 a.m. (women’s) and noon (men’s).

Philadelphia Tennis Classic

Pro women’s tennis is back in Philly for the first time since 2005, with the inaugural Ennoble Care Philly Open bringing a WTA 125 tournament to Penn’s Hamlin Tennis Center all week. August 23rd-29th at UPenn’s Hamlin Tennis Center, 3701 Walnut Street.

FESTIVALS

History on the Street: Back to School Edition

Kick off the school year with a block party for history nerds of all ages. The Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s Locust Street festival will feature food trucks, vendors, DJ music, and hands-on activities from Philly museums and cultural organizations. Inside, check out National History Day student projects and a pop-up exhibit on local Black history. August 29th, noon–4 p.m. at 13th and Locust streets.

Celebrate Asia

Spend the afternoon celebrating Asian cultures at Cherry Street Pier with food, performances, and family-friendly activities. Hosted by Kampoeng Indonesia as part of the PECO Multicultural Series. August 29th, 1–5 p.m. at Cherry Street Pier.

Philadelphia Zoo Art Festival

Head to the zoo for live music and more than 30 local artists and makers. Amongst those artists? The zoo’s own residents: The Greater Philadelphia Chapter of AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers) will be selling art made by the animals that call the Philadelphia Zoo home.. August 29th, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Philadelphia Zoo.

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival / Photograph by Laura Swartz

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

Franklin Square will once again light up with giant, colorful sculptures of steel and silk. From the fan-favorite dragon to dozens of all-new illuminated installations, plus performances and other special features, there’s so much to see and do (and photograph) at this family-friendly festival. Check out our preview for everything you need to know about the festival. Through August 30th in Franklin Square.

Illumination 250 Festival

Delco! Fireworks! What could go wrong? Leave it up to the region’s fun uncle to schedule a massive combustion carnival not on July 4th, not on Labor Day weekend, but instead on just a random August night. The carnival starts at noon and goes all day, with the grand finale planned for 9 p.m. August 29th, noon-9 p.m. at Haverford High School Football Stadium, 200 Mill Road, Havertown.

ON STAGE

Rent at Bucks County Playhouse / Photograph by Joan Marcus

Rent

Head to Bucks County Playhouse for Jonathan Larson’s iconic rock musical about a group of artists and friends navigating love, loss, creativity, and community in 1990s New York City. Through September 13th at Bucks County Playhouse.

Patty Jackson’s Party in the Park

Philly radio legend Patty Jackson’s annual summer concert brings a celebration of R&B, soul, and classic Philly sounds to the outdoor stage. Saturday, August 29th, 7 p.m. at Dell Music Center.

EXHIBITS

“Colors of Creation” at the Weitzman / Photograph by Shoot From Within

“Colors of Creation”

The Weitzman’s new family gallery features a 30-minute immersive, multi-sensory experience that combines projection mapping, music, colorful lighting, and hands-on activities inspired by the story of creation. Timed tickets are available online. Now open at the Weitzman.

“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition”

The Franklin Institute’s interactive, 18,000-square-foot exhibit will take you through how theme parks are built — the physics of thrill rides, the robotics behind animatronics, the digital media design that creates immersive environments, the technology that makes the spectacle believable. Yes, the blockbuster franchises are part of this much-hyped exhibit — you’ll see props, costumes, design models, and familiar characters. And there are some immersive moments and selfie spots for good measure. But it’s much more about process than (intellectual) property. Through September 7th at the Franklin Institute.

“A Nation of Artists”

A groundbreaking two-venue exhibit showcasing more than 1,000 pieces of American art, part of the Semiquincentennial. Through July 5, 2027 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and PAFA.

“The Declaration’s Journey”

At the Museum of the American Revolution, visitors can learn how the Declaration of Independence went from a single document to one of modern history’s most important political texts, influencing the fight for freedom around the world. Through January 3rd at the Museum of the American Revolution.

MISCELLANY

dog friendly restaurants bars philadelphia

Urban Farmer executive chef Sonny Ingui feeding their Puppy Menu to a furry patron. / Photograph courtesy of Urban Farmer

Yappy Hours

Did you know that Wednesday, August 26th, is National Dog Day, and August is National Dog Month? If you’re looking to celebrate your four-legged friend (or just be around lots of cuteness), here are some events this week to have on your radar. On the evening of Wednesday, August 26th, head to the Logan Hotel courtyard for dog portraits, giveaways, fun and games, and of course, Urban Farmer’s Puppy Menu! Plus, a portion of proceeds from cocktail sales will be donated to Morris Animal Refuge. Then on Friday, August 28th, Fringe Bar hosts its Dog Days of Summer Back to School party with yearbook-style photo shoots, hot dog specials, and more fun on the patio.

Cooper DeJean Lookalike Contest

If you look like the dreamy Eagles cornerback, it’s your time to shine! (Though, if you do look like that, every day is your time to shine, let’s be honest.) Strut your stuff for celebrity judges, with prizes for first, second, and third place. Pro tip: This is also a great place to meet someone who looks like Cooper DeJean, if that’s your thing. Tickets are $5 to attend, with all proceeds going to the Eagles Autism Foundation. August 27th, 6-9 p.m. at Libertee Grounds, 1600 West Girard Avenue.

Let Freedom Ring: Family Day

Mark the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 March on Washington with a day of hands-on activities, music, and history at the National Constitution Center. Kids and families can make their own letterpress prints with Mural Arts, explore artifacts from the March on Washington, catch performances by Play On Philly and the Marian Anderson Historical Society Scholar Singers, and learn how generations of Americans have used the country’s founding ideals to push for greater freedom and equality. The event itself is free; museum admission costs extra. August 29th, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the National Constitution Center.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest on the Delaware River Waterfront / Photograph by Matt Stanley

Adult Summer Camp Arts & Crafts Day

Craft Nation is sending off summer with a nostalgic camp-style crafternoon. (Think lanyards, sand art, fuse beads, and shrinky-dinks.) Plus, a pizza party! BYOB; tickets available online. August 30th, noon-4 p.m. at Craft Nation, 2923-25 East Thompson Street.

The Oxtail Collective Presents the Chef Hercules Posey Celebration

For its third year, Oxtail Collective honors the legacy of Hercules Posey, the enslaved chief cook to George Washington, with an afternoon that brings together 15 chefs (including Honeysuckle’s Omar Tate and Cybille St. Aude-Tate and Friday, Saturday, Sunday’s Chad Williams) for panel discussions, music, a marketplace, and tastings. August 30th, 1-5 p.m. at Forman Arts Initiative, 2200 North American Street.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire

Stunts! Fire! A car-crushing robot dinosaur! It’s dazzling sensory overload for your car-loving kids. August 29th and 30th at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

If you’re looking for some uptempo, family-friendly activities by the riverside, try Summerfest: They’ve got roller skating, of course, plus carnival games, mini-golf, rides, food, drinks, and a nice view of the Delaware River. Through September at Penn’s Landing.