[image]
[title]Now that the stormy weather is behind us, it’s time to get those weekend plans firmed up.
No summer is complete without a visit to the Delaware River Waterfront or Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park. Both are fun to visit for all age groups, and speaking of kids, head to Franklin Square for a lights and performance show at the annual Chinese Lantern Festival. If you’re in the mood for love, Philly Film Society has just the mixer for you, or maybe you’ll make a new connection at an art soirée or book crawl. Also on deck is a new Sunday chef collaboration series at Elma, plus Parks On Tap comes to South Philly.
Below, the best things to do in Philly this weekend.
RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Philadelphia
Best Philly events this weekend, Aug 16–18
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Franklin Square
Fri–Sun at 6pm
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square. The annual event is a family favorite that showcases illuminated displays, authentic Chinese food, cultural performances, a Franklin Square Fountain Show, and an iconic 200-foot-long dragon. Get your timed tickets online.
Philly Film Society Singles Mixer
Film Society Center
Fri at 8:30pm
Meet your future soulmate at this PFS-hosted singles mixer, complete with games, snacks, bar drinks, and free future date night raffle prizes. Plus, you can catch a screening of The Slumber Party Massacre (a horror/comedy flick) or Ghost In The Shell (a cyberpunk classic) starting at 10pm. Anyone 21+ is invited, and the event is free; meet at 1412 Chestnut Street.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink
Sat noon–11pm; Sun noon–10pm
Head to the Delaware Waterfront for outdoor boardwalk amusements like the double-decker carousel and a 60-foot Ferris wheel, an 18-course mini-golf, a kids’ roller coaster, and more. Savor all your favorite boardwalk food and drinks with big views of the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Admission is free; activities are pay-as-you-go.
Oloroso “Fever Dream”
Oloroso
Sun 4–7pm
Oloroso, a Spanish tapas and sherry bar, hosts a build-your-own Spanish gin and tonic with Fever Tree and Nordes Gin ($8 party with $5 tapas, zero-proof espresso tonics and a DJ). If you get there within the first hour, tapas are free. No reservations needed—walk-ins welcome.
Parks On Tap in South Philly
Dickinson Square Park
Fri 4–10pm; Sat, Sun noon–10pm
Philadelphian’s favorite traveling beer garden, Parks On Tap, comes to South Philly's Dickinson Square Park (at Moyamensing Avenue and Tasker Street). Bring friends and family for a picnic complete with pay-as-you-go snacks (smoked brisket cheesesteaks anyone?) and local brews from 2SP, Conshohocken Brewery, and Victory Beer. Free to attend.
Flavors of FDR: Food Market Tasting Tour
FDR Park Boathouse
Sat 9:45–11:30am
Grab a blanket, some cash, and to-go containers as Fairmount Park Conservancy and the Vendors Association of FDR Park guide you through 70 vendors at the open-air Southeast Asian Market at FDR. Sample traditional bites and drinks from Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia like chicken skewers and beef sticks, fresh sugarcane juice, and papaya salad prepared fresh on-site. Tickets are $20.
Art Under The Stars
The Sculpture Courtyard
Sat 5–10pm
Join an art soirée in North Philly for an evening of music, art, food and drink. The lineup starts at 5pm with DJs and live bands playing '90s hip-hop and R&B, plus more than 10 art vendors, ice cream from CloudCups Gelato, and more—all happening at a beautiful outdoor garden. Tickets start at $20.
Elma “Third Sunday” with Meetinghouse Chef Drew DiTomo
Elma
Sun 2–7pm
Chef James Nardone is turning his tiny BYOB tasting menu-only restaurant, Elma, into a home-y Sunday experience where everyone’s invited over for an a la carte feast. Chef Drew DiTomo of Meetinghouse joins him in the kitchen to cook up “anti-fussy Italian American offerings” like arancini, spaghetti al limone, pork milanese, roasted peppers, and tiramisu. Book your seat online.