Inquirer.com – Zurich DR

Category: Things To Do

  • ⚾ All-Star Week comes to Philly | Things to do

    ⚾ All-Star Week comes to Philly | Things to do

    The wait is finally over.

    More than seven years after MLB announced the All-Star Game would come to Philadelphia for the nation’s 250th birthday, baseball’s midsummer classic is nearly here.

    All-Star Week kicks off Friday at Citizens Bank Park and continues through Tuesday, with the HBCU Swingman Classic, MLB draft, All-Star Village, Futures Game, Home Run Derby, red carpet, and the All-Star Game itself.

    I’m Sam Ruland, filling in or Earl this week. Let’s dive in.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    — Sam Ruland (Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Your MLB All-Star Week playbook

    The Schmitter sandwich displayed at the All Star Games Media Preview to showcase All-Star Week Events, New Food, and Commemorative Bell at the Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pa., on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    Citizens Bank Park is about to become the center of the baseball world.

    Matt Breen has everything you need to know about All-Star Week, from Friday’s HBCU Swingman Classic to Tuesday’s All-Star Game. There’s also All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Futures Game, MLBx All-Star 3-on-3, and Monday’s Home Run Derby.

    And because this is Philadelphia, food matters, too. Michael Klein reports that McNally’s Tavern’s signature Schmitter is returning to Citizens Bank Park for All-Star festivities after a decade away, joining exclusive ballpark food, local chef collaborations, and limited-edition merch.

    Read our complete MLB All-Star Week guide and food preview here.

    The best things to do this week

    🍿 Get weird in Phoenixville: Blobfest returns this weekend with movie scene recreations, stage shows, competitions, costumes, and plenty of love for the 1958 cult classic The Blob. Tickets are required, so plan ahead.

    🫐 Berry good summer fun: Blueberry season is in full swing at Linvilla Orchards, where Saturday’s festival includes berry picking, magic shows, a pie-eating contest, treats, and more.

    🎨 Graffiti goes underground: A new exhibit in Suburban Station brings together 250 graffiti artists responding to the semiquincentennial.

    💃 Celebrate Mantua: Miles Mack Playground comes alive Saturday with dance performances, lessons, drill teams, PHILADANCO, food trucks, vendors, and giveaways.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Blobfest, getting my hands on a Schmitter, and strolling the Ben Franklin Bridge. Here’s our full list of calendar picks for the week.

    A birthday party for the Ben Franklin Bridge

    As seen from Camden’s Pyne Poynt Park, fireworks light up the skies, behind the Ben Franklin Bridge, on Saturday, June 27, 2026.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    Fourth of July may be over, but there’s still one big celebration left. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge turns 100 this month, and Saturday’s free celebration will close the span to vehicle traffic while opening the roadway to pedestrians.

    Expect food trucks, live entertainment, family activities, historical displays, and a rare chance to walk across one of the region’s most iconic landmarks.

    Before you go, read our guide to road closures, parking, and transit options. And if you need another reason to appreciate the bridge, Stephanie Farr makes the case that the Ben Franklin is more than just a way to get from Point A to Point B — it’s one of the region’s most underrated destinations.

    Read our complete bridge guide and Stephanie’s column here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    🏮 Lanterns light up Franklin Square: The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back with dozens of handcrafted displays, including soccer-themed lanterns honoring the World Cup.

    🍹 Sip the summeriest Philly cocktail: The water ice martini has gone from South Philly secret to full-blown summer drink trend. Here’s where to find boozy water ice around town.

    🌊 Eat down the shore: Craig LaBan’s latest Shore dining guide runs from LBI to Margate, with sub shops, upscale cocktails, pizza, soul food, and sweet BYOBs.

    🎢 Plan a shore field trip: Ocean City and Somers Point make an ideal summer pairing: boardwalk nostalgia, Castaway Cove rides, homemade ice cream, bayside bars, speedboat rides, and some of the best pizza in New Jersey.

    🪩 Hit the waterfront: Spruce Street Harbor Park and Summerfest are both open for the season with hammocks, games, roller skating, mini golf, carnival rides, and plenty of ways to cool off by the river.

    Staffer picks

    Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week from our music critic Dan DeLuca.

    🎤 Thursday: Patti LaBelle brings the America 250 celebration to the Dell Music Center with Avery Sunshine, Jeff Bradshaw, and Pieces of a Dream.

    🎸 Friday: Dave Matthews Band returns to Camden for its annual two-night summer stand. Reminder: The Ben Franklin Bridge closure is Saturday, so check your route if you’re heading to night two.

    🎶 Friday: Philly bands Hurry and Sad13 celebrate new releases at Johnny Brenda’s.

    🤠 Saturday: Megan Moroney brings her country-pop hits to Xfinity Mobile Arena.

    🎻 Saturday: Rick Ross marks the 20th anniversary of Port of Miami with the Renaissance Orchestra at the Met Philly.

    🎸 Tuesday: Bob Dylan comes to TD Pavilion at the Mann with Jimmie Vaughan & the Tilt-a-Whirl Band and Brittney Spencer.

    ❓Pop quiz

    The Schmitter is returning to Citizens Bank Park for MLB All-Star Week. What Chestnut Hill tavern created the signature Philly sandwich?

    a) McNally’s Tavern

    b) McGillin’s Olde Ale House

    c) Triangle Tavern

    d) Dirty Frank’s

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: What year did the first Independence Day celebration take place in Philadelphia? Answer: 1777

    Ask Earl anything (when he returns)

    Earl’s starting something new for the newsletter, and he wants your participation.

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    He has you covered. Have a question? Email him for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    All right, folks! That’s all for this week’s edition of Things to Do. Whether you’re headed to the ballpark, the bridge, the Shore, or just somewhere with cold water ice, enjoy the weekend.

    — Sam Ruland

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

    beachGIPHY
  • A summer weekend in Bethlehem | Field Trip

    A summer weekend in Bethlehem | Field Trip

    O little town of Bethlehem, how we see thee as just a place to visit during the holidays.

    It’s true that the former steel city, tucked between Allentown and Easton along the Lehigh River, leans into — and has built a whole tourism industry around — its Christmas-themed name and roots, but there’s much more to Bethlehem than carols and holly.

    The forest and river beckon in summer, and the city’s position along the Delaware and Lehigh Trail, which parallels the Lehigh Canal, puts visitors within easy access of both.

    There’s an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, a grand historic hotel, a blueberry festival, even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you really, really need a dose of holiday spirit, Christmas in July is right around the corner.

    Start the car.

    Stay: Hotel Bethlehem

    Bethlehem’s main street (literally, Main Street) twists up from the Lehigh River and stretches like taffy into a long straightaway lined with shops and cafes. At the foot of this drag is Hotel Bethlehem, built atop the 1741 foundation of the First House of Bethlehem and later the 1823 Golden Eagle Hotel. It has operated as Hotel Bethlehem — through periods of both glamour and neglect — for more than a century. Today, its crimson neon sign glows above the brick facade, while its rooms blend industrial touches with classic historic design. Across the street, a collection of modern suites houses the hotel’s spa. The property has been named the nation’s best historic hotel by USA Today, for five years running.

    📍 437 Main St., Bethlehem, Pa. 18018

    Eat: Cafe the Lodge

    Cross the river to the South Side Historic District for breakfast — think vanilla-cinnamon French toast or loaded home fries bowls — or lunch, with options like a Cuban sandwich or cheddar-jalapeño burger. Cafe the Lodge is more than a charming cafe with a courtyard garden and art gallery. Since opening in 2012, it has provided transitional employment and housing opportunities for adults living with mental health diagnoses.

    📍 427 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem, Pa. 18015

    See: Moravian Church Settlements

    Long before the Protestant Reformation, the Moravians were establishing a religious movement in Central Europe. Fast-forward a few centuries, and the Moravian church established an American foothold in Bethlehem whose well-preserved 18th-century buildings, cemetery, and museum now form part of the only transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site in the U.S. (sister settlements in Ireland, Denmark, and Germany comprise the collective). The Moravian Church Settlements tour explores this fascinating history, whether you’re interested in religion or simply great storytelling.

    📍 66 W. Church St., Bethlehem, Pa. 18018

    Celebrate: Bethlehem Blueberry Festival

    You gotta love a small-town summer fruit festival, and Bethlehem goes all in on blueberries every July. The 39th annual Bethlehem Blueberry Festival returns to Burnside Plantation the weekend of July 18 with blueberry pie, ice cream, coffee cake, lemonade, doughnuts, strudel, and just about every other indigo-colored treat imaginable. There are also live musicians, blacksmithing demonstrations, baby-goat snuggling and, naturally, a pie-eating contest. Resist the urge to yell, “Violet, you’re turning violet, Violet.”

    📍 1461 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem, Pa. 18018

    Move: Historic Bethlehem River Tours

    There’s no need to decide between a paddle down the Lehigh River or bike along the Delaware and Lehigh Trail with Historic Bethlehem River Tours. Their Glendon Dam Discovery package, which launches from the Nagy’s Landing trailhead just east of downtown, pairs a peaceful two-mile downstream paddle with a six-mile bike ride to the dam’s overlook. It’s beginner-friendly and unguided, meaning you can go at your own pace, with HBRT providing all the equipment (and a shuttle back if you’re feeling lazy).

    📍 Wilson Avenue trailhead, Bethlehem, Pa. 18020

    Dine: Bolete

    Named after a wild mushroom, Bolete isn’t just one of Bethlehem’s best restaurants. It’s one of Pennsylvania’s best restaurants. Chef-owner Lee Chizmar serves an exactingly prepared, terroir-driven menu in a stone-walled former country inn dressed with maximalist wallpaper and antique lighting. Depending on the season, you might find smoked pork chop with cherries and shiitakes, or foie gras paired with funnel cake, blueberries, and Valley Milkhouse fromage blanc.

    📍 1740 Seidersville Rd., Bethlehem, Pa. 18015

    Indulge: The Bethlehem Dairy Store

    If a town has a historic ice cream stand, and it’s summer, you should proceed immediately there for dessert. Bethlehem’s is the Bethlehem Dairy Store, a low-slung diner with neon sundaes and hot dogs in the windows that’s giving Nifty Fiftys. But “The Cup,” as locals call it, far predates Nifty, opening way back in 1927. Hand-dipped ice cream, soft serve, frozen yogurt, and sherbet comprise the roster of frosty treats, coming in flavors like dulce de leche, lemon cookie crunch, chocolate raspberry truffle, and mint Oreo.

    📍 1430 Linden St., Bethlehem, Pa. 18018

  • 🎆 Celebrate the nation’s birthday | Things to do

    🎆 Celebrate the nation’s birthday | Things to do

    You’ve been hearing about America’s semiquincentennial all year, and now the celebration is finally here.

    Flags will fly, marching bands will play, and fireworks will light up the sky this Independence Day weekend.

    Whether you’re looking for patriotic pageantry, concerts, or family fun, it’s shaping up to be a Fourth of July weekend unlike any other.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    Your Independence Day playbook

    Fireworks rise, shortly after midnight, from behind the Art Museum during the New Year’s Eve concert and fireworks display, at the Oval on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The event, featuring LL COOL J, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Adam Blackstone, hard rockers Dorothy, and Technician The DJ was a first for the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Philadelphia and the surrounding region are packed with celebrations, concerts, and fireworks displays.

    Arts intern Morgan Ritter rounded up the best places to watch fireworks across Philadelphia, the suburbs, South Jersey, and the Shore, while I have everything you need to know before heading to the city’s free July 4 concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

    This year’s One Philly: Unity Concert for America features Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Will Smith, Meek Mill, The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Seal, and more before the city’s official fireworks spectacular.

    Read our complete guides to Fourth of July fireworks and the Parkway concert.

    The best things to do this week

    The interior of the First Bank of the United States is pictured on Monday, June 29, 2026 in Philadelphia. The bank reopens this week following a $27 million restoration project.Erin Blewett / For The Inquirer

    🍿 Grab your popcorn: Free movie days at Philadelphia Film Society continues through Saturday. The lineup includes showings of Mean Girls and Independence Day — oh, so fitting.

    💸 Cha-ching!: Before the New York Stock Exchange was established, Philadelphia was the financial capital of the nation. This week, you can explore that history with the reopening of the First Bank of the United States. It’s open to the public for the first time in 50 years.

    🖼️ A revolutionary time: Stop by the Museum of the American Revolution for guided gallery tours, reenactment performances, printmaking demos, and other fun activities through Sunday.

    🎸 The sounds of freedom: Imagine Benjamin Franklin fronting a rock revolution. That’s the premise of The Sound of America, an electrifying musical that features 23 original songs, a walking tour, and a special remote cameo by Sir Roger Daltrey.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: Philly LOVES Stories at Fashion District, Open Streets: Midtown Village, BLACKTRONIKA: Now and Then at Silk City.

    Check out our full list of calendar picks here.

    The biggest America 250 events from now through Independence Day

    Members of the The Mattatuck Drum Band participate in the Salute to America Independence Day Parade, at Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, on the 4th of July, 2019. JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff PhotographerJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer

    The city has already been buzzing with activity this summer, and it’s about to get even busier for America’s 250th birthday.

    From soccer to ballet, art to history, features reporter Dugan Arnett rounded up the can’t-miss events happening across Philadelphia and the region through Independence Day. His guide includes the Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Fan Festival, the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade, Pops on Independence, and dozens more celebrations.

    Read his full America 250 guide here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    Mr. Edison, the new restaurant at the Bellevue from Jeffrey Chodorow, in Philadelphia, June 23, 2026.Jessica Griffin / Staff Photographer

    📽️ Latino film on display: A celebration of Latino filmmakers and creatives continues through Sunday, as part of the annual Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival. The event, now in its 15th year, includes a lineup of feature films, documentaries, shorts, online series, and more visual projects.

    🎭 Dear, theater lovers: Sunday is your last chance to catch the six-time Tony Award winner, Dear Evan Hansen, at Arden Theater. Grab tickets while they last, or miss out on this emotional story about an anxious high schooler forced to confront a harrowing lie.

    🍸 New restaurant opening at the Bellevue: Thomas Edison designed the original lighting inside the Bellevue, so it’s only fitting that the hotel’s newest culinary offering honors the inventor. The newly opened supper club-inspired restaurant, Mr. Edison, is worth exploring.

    🥊 Philly’s true heavyweight champion: While fictional boxer Rocky Balboa has three statues in his honor, Philadelphia’s true undisputed heavyweight champion is finally getting his just due. A 12-foot bronze statue of boxing legend Joe Frazier was unveiled at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

    Staffer picks

    Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week.

    Christina Aguilera performs “Cuando Me De la Gana” at the 23rd annual Latin Grammy Awards at the Mandalay Bay Michelob Ultra Arena on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)Chris Pizzello / Chris Pizzello/

    🎸 Thursday: Just before the July 4 weekend festivities kick into full gear, Old City will host the Red, White & Blue Music Series that includes 28 local bands and groups spread across 11 museums.

    🎷 Friday: Saxophonist Ikechi Onyenaka will lead the Friday Night Jazz Series at Spruce Street Harbor Park.

    🎤 Saturday: The One Philly: United Concert for America will be a star-studded affair, featuring performances from Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, Will Smith, Meek Mill and other notable stars.

    🎸 Sunday: Paul Simon is bringing his “A Quiet Celebration” tour to the TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann to close out the celebratory weekend.

    ❓Pop quiz

    What year did the first Independence Day celebration take place in Philadelphia?

    a) July 4, 1776?

    b) July 4, 1777?

    c) July 4, 1780?

    d) July 4, 1781?

    Here’s the answer to last week’s question: When did the Lit Brothers building first open? Answer: 1871

    Ask Earl anything

    I’m starting something new for the newsletter, and I want your participation.

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    Alright, folks! That’s all for this week’s edition of Things to Do. And if you couldn’t tell, it’s a celebratory moment — not only for the city, but for the nation. Enjoy this historical moment to the fullest.

    — Earl Hopkins

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of Giphy.com
  • Summer of sports continues

    Summer of sports continues

    After he and Phillies star Bryce Harper unveiled the 2026 All-Star Game logo last July, the team’s managing partner and CEO John Middleton gushed about how “very, very real” hosting the Midsummer Classic felt a year out from first pitch.

    “It was real in Atlanta,” Middleton said, three days after the 2025 All-Star Game was played at Truist Park, home of the Braves. “And became a lot more real this afternoon, with the celebration, and the kickoff and everything else. It’s so much bigger than it was in ’96.”

    Baseball’s All-Star Game was last staged in the City of Brotherly Love three decades ago, at the since-demolished Veterans Stadium, when there was only a home run derby and the game itself to enjoy. The 2026 edition is expected to be a “Rocky”-sized draw, especially with the festivities coinciding with the country’s 250th birthday.

    “It’s great for baseball to be able to, kind of, piggyback right on top of the July Fourth celebration,” Middleton said. “There’s gonna be millions of people in town.”

    The sports fan masses will continue to flood Philly into late summer when two marquee sports events close out August: the University of Pennsylvania hosts the “Tennis Classic” Aug. 23-29, a showcase featuring some of the top women’s professional players; and after a 10-year hiatus, the Cycling Classic returns to Philadelphia on Aug. 30, when top male and female riders cycle through the city and its outskirts — including the famed Manayunk Wall — en route to a dramatic finish on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

    Best of all? The Cycling Classic is free.

    While the FIFA World Cup leaves Philly after this weekend’s July 4 match, there will be lots of places in town showing the Final on July 19 from East Rutherford, N.J. And, lest we forget the Birds. The NFL preseason kicks off Aug. 13.

    The logo for the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Philadelphia.MLB

    MLB All-Star Week: July 10-14

    The five-day All-Star extravaganza starts with the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10. In its fourth year, the Swingman Classic features 50 Division-I players from historically Black colleges and universities, selected by a committee that includes Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.

    The opening rounds of the Major League Baseball draft follows on July 11 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, while the All-Star Futures Game is played July 12 at Citizens Bank Park.

    The Home Run Derby and All-Star Game round out the festivities on July 13 and 14, respectively, with both events also at the Bank. Diehard Phillies fans can see some of the team’s legends at the Capital One All-Star Village, including scheduled appearances by Hall of Famer Steve Carlton and 2008 World Series champions Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, and Jimmy Rollins.

    MLB announces full All-Star week schedule for Philadelphia

    “I’m old enough that I was here [in Philadelphia] as an adult in ’76 [the bicentennial],” Middleton had said. “It’s gonna be a spectacular year for Philadelphia.”

    Philadelphia Tennis Classic: Aug. 23-29

    Tennis fans can see some of the top-ranked women’s players compete at the University of Pennsylvania’s Hamlin Tennis Center. The WTA 125 tournament features rising stars and established players in a somewhat compact venue, meaning up-close views of the action from most seats.

    Philadelphia Cycling Classic: Aug. 30

    During his pro cycling career, Freddie Rodriguez rode to great success in this city, winning in 2001 (then called the Philadelphia International Championship).

    “I made a career out of this race. It’s the closest thing we have to the Tour de France,” Rodriguez, 52, said. After a 10-year pause, the premier U.S. cycling event returns to Philly, and Rodriguez will be on the other side this time, as a TV commentator.

    Philly native Eric Robbins, one of the race organizers, said that from the outset, the mission was to not only bring back the event, but eschew public funding (the race is presented by AmeriGas).

    “It was really important to give back to the city,” Robbins, a co-owner of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic said. “All these other wonderful sporting events, there’s a price tag that comes with them. This is an absolutely free event. We’re bringing the stadium to the streets.”

    The Cycling Classic is back, and with it, a reminder of what Philly is all about

    Fans can line the Philly streets and see elite international men’s and women’s riders tackle the 14.4-mile loop that includes the grueling Manayunk Wall. The women’s race is 62 miles total, and the men’s is 120 miles. The race dates to 1985 — then known as the CoreStates — won by Olympic speed-skating gold medalist Eric Heiden. Other iconic riders who have competed in Philly include Tour de France legend Greg LeMond.

    Pro cyclist Robin Carpenter, a member of the Modern Adventure team competing this year, grew up steps from the Manayunk Wall summit and competed in the last edition in 2016, when riders finished on the Wall. Carpenter, 33, said he’s thrilled the race is back, and that the course organizers have restored the Benjamin Franklin Parkway finish.

    “The Wall changed the dynamic of the race a fair bit,” Carpenter said. “Going up the wall every time was always bananas. It is a tunnel of noise. Super loud. The Parkway finish makes the race more open from a competitive standpoint.”

    Rodriguez added that the Parkway finish is comparable to the dramatic last stage of the Tour de France, along the Champs-Élysées.

    “It feels like that,” Rodriguez said. “When it comes to U.S. racing, this is probably our best classic race. It’s right up there with the quality of riders and the quality of the event.”

  • How to stay cool without air conditioning in Philly

    How to stay cool without air conditioning in Philly

    Summer in Philly is always hot.

    There are lots of air conditioned spaces you can go to for relief. Organizations like the Pennsylvania Department of Health have always recommended going to air-conditioned spaces — like a mall or library — to protect yourself from heat-related problems.

    “With extreme heat, it is always important to remain cool, possibly in air-conditioned atmospheres,” state health department of health press secretary Maggi Mumma said in 2020.

    There are, however, some things you can do at home to keep a little cooler if you are AC-less this summer. Here is what you need to know:

    How to cool your body down

    Let’s start with the basics: One key way to fight heat-related discomfort is to drink lots of cool water, which can both keep you hydrated and help cool you down. Sugary or alcoholic beverages can cause you to lose more body fluids. Dr. Joseph Teel, an associate professor of family medicine and community health at Penn Medicine, says you should drink water frequently.

    Why elderly people react differently to heat

    How much? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. How much you need to drink can vary if you have health conditions such as congestive heart failure, Teel says, or be exacerbated by your environment, level of exercise, and overall health. One tip: Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink, the state health department says.

    When someone suffers heat exhaustion on a sports field, Teel says an ice bath can help bring down their temperature. You can take the same approach. A cold bath or shower, he says, can help but is not a permanent solution because “you can’t stay in the shower all summer.”

    You can use cool compresses, Mumma says, to help cool down. Making one is simple: Just wet a washcloth or towel in cold water, and put it on your body. Where should you put it? Some of the most effective areas, Teel says, are around your neck and on your groin, and if you’re at home, you can try using them with minimal clothing on to hit a few areas at once.

    You can step up that technique by using fans to make it an “evaporative process,” Teel says. “If we have water on our skin and it evaporates, it takes with it some heat,” he says. Put on your cold compress and use a fan to blow air across your skin, which Teel says can “cool you down a little faster than just a cold cloth itself.”

    Beating the heat in Love Park fountain, during a hot summer day in Philadelphia.JOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer

    How to cool down your house

    Use fans wisely. Fans can be one of the best ways to keep cool — but there are right and wrong ways to use them. The city, for example, says you should never use a fan with your windows closed, which can create an “oven effect” by circulating hot air inside your home.

    Fans can be more effective when the heat of the day is over, and you can open your windows to allow the cool night air in, Teel says. One of the best ways to create airflow is to put a box fan in an open window at one end of your space blowing air in, and another fan in a window blowing air out at the other end.

    And if your home has ceiling fans, make sure the blades are rotating counterclockwise during hot weather. That way, the fan will push air down into your space to create a breeze. (Many ceiling fans have a directional switch on their motor that controls the direction in which they spin.)

    There are more ways to keep your home cool.

    Think about when you use your appliances. The Pennsylvania Utility Commission, for example, says that you should wait to use any appliances that generate heat — such as dryers, dishwashers, and ovens — until after 7 p.m. to avoid heating up your home unnecessarily. Turning off other nonessential appliances and lights is also a good idea.

    Keep your blinds closed during the day. The sun, Teel says, can heat up your home faster, like a greenhouse. The PUC recommends spending time in rooms that are not hit with direct sunlight during the day.

    City pools were closed in 2020, but will reopen for the 2021 summer.TOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer

    If you’re going to buy an AC

    Window air conditioners are much cheaper and more convenient to install than central air, and if you can afford one, it may be a good time. However, there are some things to consider when buying a window unit.

    As Consumer Reports points out, you will want to get an AC that is appropriately sized for the room you are trying to cool. If it’s too small, it will have trouble cooling the room; if it’s too big, it will cool the room quickly but leave too much moisture behind. A good rule of thumb is for the unit to have 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of cooling power for every square foot of space in the room.

    And if you need help with utility costs this summer, funding from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is available for qualified residents, a city spokesperson says.

    Think about when you go out

    The health department recommends staying indoors as much as possible and limiting exercise during the hottest parts of the day, Mumma says. However, if you have to go out, stay in the shade as much as possible and wear sunscreen, a ventilated hat, and sunglasses.

    If you need to go shopping, Teel says, “look ahead in the week, and pick a cooler day. Avoid the time when you will be subjected to midday heat.”

    At home, Teel says, wear as little clothing as possible. When out and about, consider using light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable, light materials like cotton that let air to circulate around you.

  • Waterfalls, wineries, and Ithaca: A Finger Lakes weekend getaway | Field Trip

    Waterfalls, wineries, and Ithaca: A Finger Lakes weekend getaway | Field Trip

    Eleven long, skinny bodies of water comprise New York’s Finger Lakes, a wine region and resort destination for two centuries. Collectively they cover a wide swath of northern New York, with the easternmost and westernmost lakes over 90 miles apart.

    Since it takes more than four hours to get here from Philly, this itinerary focuses on just one finger, Cayuga Lake, at the southern end of which sits the Ivy League town of Ithaca, home to Cornell University. The trip also detours to Seneca Lake next door for some exciting natural wines.

    Expect waterfalls, eagle-spotting, ice cream, and plenty of outdoors. Start the car.

    Stay: Inn at Gothic Eves

    Check into the Inn at Gothic Eves (10 out of 10, no notes on the dramatic name), located 15 minutes from downtown Ithaca on the western shore of Cayuga Lake. Divided between two buildings linked by a two-acre landscaped patio, the resort’s eight suites take their names from the lakes they sit between — Cayuga and Seneca — and various grape varietals and wine regions. There’s a cozy spa with rock-walled treatment rooms and two hot tubs, nightly s’mores by the firepit, and epic breakfasts with house-made jams and locally sourced bacon.

    📍 112 E. Main St., Trumansburg, N.Y. 14886

    Hike: Cascadilla Gorge Trail

    The barrier between downtown Ithaca and nature is barely there. The head of the Cascadilla Gorge Trail begins right off a residential neighborhood, tucked between a church and dentist’s office. This 1.3-mile trail, stewarded by Cornell since 1909, connects downtown with the university’s Botanical Gardens and travels through ancient bedrock ravines and past six waterfalls.

    📍 Cascadilla Gorge Trail, Ithaca, N.Y. 14850

    Snack: Mama Said Hand Pies

    On Press Bay Alley, a pedestrian micro-mall built from a row of former storage units, Mama Said Hand Pies (another 10 out of 10 name) folds fillings like spiced peaches and Oaxaca cheese with mushrooms into flaky half-moon pastries. Drop in for a snack, and, if you’re lucky, some live music. As if you need another reason to like the place, a member of a recent bluegrass quintet can be seen on Mama’s Instagram performing in a Phillies shirt.

    📍 118 W. Green St., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850

    Sip: Osmote

    About 30 minutes west of Ithaca, near the shores of Seneca Lake, a simple wooden pavilion overlooks the water. This is where Osmote hosts picturesque tastings of its low-intervention wines. Four pours cost just $20 and may include bottles like the fizzy Cayuga White pét-nat or Marquette, whose tasting notes include “crunchy blackberry” and “cherry Pop-Tart.” The wines are made with locally sourced grapes while Osmote’s own vineyards, planted in 2024, mature.

    📍 3879 Marcia Ln., Burdett, N.Y. 14818

    Paddle: Paddle-N-More

    On summer Saturday nights, about an hour before sunset, single and tandem kayaks launch from Myers Park, on the east shore of Cayuga Lake. Join the two-hour guided eco-themed trip by Paddle-N-More, a popular outfitter with locations all around the lake. They provide the gear and the expertise, you provide the manpower (not that much) to cruise along the lakeshore, spotting bald eagles and herons.

    📍 1 Lansing Park Rd., Lansing, N.Y. 14882

    Dine: Moosewood Restaurant

    A national pioneer of vegetarian cooking and the local-organic movement, Moosewood Restaurant opened in 1972 and, impressively, continues to this day. While the restaurant is no longer worker-owned — Danica Wilcox, daughter of one of the founding members, took over in 2022 — the ethos that earned Moosewood three James Beard Awards and inspired a shelf full of cookbooks remains intact. Order the New York cheeseboard, oyster mushroom scampi, and, for dessert, the famous fudge brownie that Wilcox’s mother once baked for the restaurant.

    📍 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850

    Indulge: Cayuga Lake Creamery

    Conveniently situated in the same building as Moosewood, Cayuga Lake Creamery is how you should end an Ithaca evening. This location opened in 2020 — the flagship, dating to 2004, is further up the lake in Interlake — and gives Cornell’s famous Dairy Bar a run for its money. Twenty to 30 house-made flavors rotate through the case, including tiramisu, Seneca Salt Caramel, and dark cherry sorbet dosed with Finger Lakes merlot.

    📍 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, N.Y. 14850

  • How to celebrate the 250th in Philly

    How to celebrate the 250th in Philly

    America’s 250th is a big deal for Philadelphia. Our nation was born right here on July 4, 1776, which gives us plenty of reason to celebrate with our Semiquincentennial in Philadelphia, centered around Independence Day and beyond.

    Philly and the region have been busy planning for the nation’s milestone birthday bash for what feels like forever, and now the time is finally here. Whether you’re a local who has been gearing up for this moment or a visitor ready to explore Philly this summer, you’ll find plenty of ways to join in on the festivities.

    Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps.Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center

    Independence Weekend at Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center

    The Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center in Montgomery County kicks off the holiday weekend with its annual event in New Goshenhoppen Park, including a parade. Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps performs July 4 with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by music from the Corps and the Red Hill Band before a fireworks display. Heritage Day closes out the weekend at the Heritage Center with crafts for kids and exhibits the whole family can enjoy.

    July 3-5 at various locations and times; free; schwenkfelder.org/250

    One highlight of the Wawa Welcome America festival, Philadelphia’s multiday Independence Day celebration, is outdoor movies shown on big screens in iconic city spots. Crowds gather on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a free screening of the 1976 classic “Rocky,” starring Sylvester Stallone.C. Smyth

    Wawa Welcome America and One Philly: Unity Concert for America

    A local tradition closes its final weekend on July 3 with the Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Day Parade, the largest of its kind in the nation, featuring 50 marching bands and 13 floats, beginning at noon at 5th and Chestnut Streets. Later in the evening, a live concert featuring patriotic orchestral music takes place from 7-9 p.m. at Independence Mall, with multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter and Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel headlining with the Philly Pops. On July 4, One Philly: Unity Concert for America takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a free all-day concert featuring Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, The Roots, Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff, Seal, and others, hosted by Wanda Sykes.

    July 3-4 at various locations and times; free; july4thphilly.com

    Valley Forge National Historical Park turns 50 this year.G. Widman

    Valley Forge National Historical Park’s 50th Birthday

    Valley Forge National Historical Park turns 50 over the July 4 weekend, celebrating with musket-firing demonstrations at Muhlenberg’s Brigade throughout the day on July 3. Philly’s own Hot Taters will perform live at the National Memorial Arch, and a reenactor portraying Anna Morris Holstein, the woman who helped make Washington’s Headquarters a true local landmark in 1879, will take place on the 4th, followed by a closing ceremony on July 5.

    July 3-5 at Valley Forge National Historical Park; free; nps.gov/articles/000/retreat-to-valley-forge.htm

    America Celebrates 250 in New Hope

    America Celebrates 250 holds a three-day festival in New Hope, Bucks County, featuring fireworks and a drone show over the Delaware River on July 3, accompanied by a pub crawl toward a Revolutionary-themed tavern tent with a cash bar and actors performing as patriots on July 4. The Freedom Parade starting in New Hope and the Dragon Boat race on the river will conclude the weekend events on July 5.

    July 3-5 at various locations and times; free; americacelebrates.org/our-events

    Houses of Declaration in Montgomery County

    Montgomery County presents a series of public readings of the Declaration of Independence throughout the July Fourth weekend at various locations, including the Elmwood Park Zoo. The Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will perform period dances at 859 County Line Road in Horsham, and guests can channel Thomas Jefferson by practicing writing with a quill pen, as he once used to sign the Declaration.

    July 3-5 at Montgomery County locations; free; valleyforge.org/america250-montcopa/

    America’s Time Capsule to be buried at Independence Hall

    On July 4, America’s Time Capsule, a stainless steel cylinder containing a collection of letters and artifacts from each state, will be buried at Independence National Historical Park. Spectators will have the opportunity to be part of this historical moment, as this capsule will remain sealed for the next 250 years, until 2276, when the generations of that time will be able to recover it.

    July 4 at Independence National Historical Park; free; https://america250.org/time-capsule/

    Completed in 1926, the Ben Franklin Bridge connects Camden and Center City (pictured) over the Delaware River. The 1,750-foot-long span, designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret, was once the longest suspension bridge in the world.Photo by Elevated Angles for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

    Ben Franklin Bridge 100th anniversary

    On July 11, the Delaware River Port Authority celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Ben Franklin Bridge with live music, performances, food trucks, and carnival rides. Hosted on the Camden side of the bridge near the toll plaza, a pop-up museum offers attendees a better understanding of this iconic structure’s legacy and features artifacts from the world’s longest suspension bridge.

    July 11 in Camden near the Ben Franklin Bridge toll plaza; free; https://drpa.org/bfb100/index.html

    Philly Phlotilla on the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers

    More than 100 patriotic kayakers dressed in red, white, and blue will paddle the rivers July 11 for the Philly Phlotilla event. Starting at the Walnut Street Dock, the 8-mile paddle, led by experienced guides, will reach the historical site of Fort Mifflin, known as the “Fort that Saved America.” Paddlers and non-paddlers alike can take in the post-Phlotilla festivities for dinner, cannon firing, and tours of the historic fort.

    July 11 at Walnut Street Dock; $50 and up; schuylkillriver.org/america250-paddle/

    America’s 250th in Newtown

    Newtown in Bucks County packs a full day of spirited events throughout the borough on Aug. 8 to celebrate the nation’s historic milestone. The Old Presbyterian Church of Newtown will hold graveyard tours, while the Newtown Fire House Museum presents its display of antique fire trucks, and the Newtown Theatre sets the stage with period music from a Civil War band.

    Aug. 8 at various locations; free; newtown2026.com/

    Illumination 250 Drone Show in Havertown

    The Haverford High School Football Stadium in Havertown hosts a patriotic-themed drone show on Aug. 29 to mark the country’s anniversary. The day begins with live music, crafts, and other family-friendly activities, with food trucks on the premises, all leading up to an evening of a choreographed illuminated drone display paired with themed music.

    Aug. 29 at Haverford High School Football Stadium; free, donations appreciated; discoverhaverford.org/america250-celebration

  • 🏖️ Know before you Shore | Outdoorsy Newsletter

    It’s officially summer, folks. ☀️

    Before we jump into what you can expect from the season, here’s what we’re getting up to today:

    ☂️ Your weekend weather outlook: There’s rain in the forecast, but Sunday should be clear.

    — Paola Pérez (outdoorsy@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    It’s badge season

    Planning a beach trip? I’m sure you considered the cost of fuel and snacks already, but be sure you’re aware of required beach badges, too. These are prepaid entrance fees for visitors.

    Most beaches charge weekday and weekend rates, or offer seasonal tags, but a few of them are free. For instance, no beach tags are required at Atlantic City, Corsons Inlet State Park, North Wildwood, Sandy Hook, Strathmere, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest.

    Here’s a breakdown of the price tags for the rest of the Shore.

    🌊 P.S. Be sure to check out my colleague Amy Rosenberg’s Down the Shore newsletter. From town happenings to debates about playing loud music on the sand, she’s got it all covered. Sign up here.

    News worth knowing

    🌳 Your outdoorsy experience

    Last time, I asked you to tell me where you go for a moment of calm. Bonnie Zetick wrote in with her pick, the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library:

    Winterthur! Calm, something different blooming every time you go, trails or tram to get around.

    When I was working, if I had half a day off, let alone a whole day, I would head to Winterthur on Route 52 near Wilmington, Del. Winterthur now has a self-guided museum of the American Decorative Arts, permanent as well as temporary exhibits so always something to see that I’ve never seen before. Then you have the gardens! Lovingly developed and planned by Henry Francis du Pont, you will see spectacular colors, birds you may never have seen before, seasonal displays of azaleas (think Mother’s Day), mums, the house of 175 rooms (not all accessible to the public) dressed up for Yuletide, trees, some of which are very old — all lovingly cared for by knowledgeable, courteous, and committed staff. Winterthur also plays a leadership role in conservation, the latest techniques for care of these gardens, and research in their stewardship of this beautiful place. I love Winterthur!

    Thanks for sharing, Bonnie. I love that they also publish seasonal playlists on Spotify.

    📧 What are you enjoying out there? This is your spot to shine. Send your special stories and moments in an email — with a picture, if you have one. You may see it featured here.

    Predicting the unpredictable

    🎤 Now we’re passing the microphone to Tony Wood, our resident expert on all things about the atmosphere.

    Never in the history of meteorology have so many been so warned so often about severe weather.

    Yet so many of those cardiac-challenging smartphone alerts and fireball images on laptops and TV screens appear to evaporate without incident.

    In other cases, flooding downpours and damaging winds show up hours later than forecasts had suggested.

    And atmospheric mayhem has been known to occur with little or no notice.

    The short answer is, the science has limits, and so do the humans. — Tony Wood

    It’s all in Wood’s report. Discover the challenges and intricacies of weather forecasting in our area.

    Paola’s picks

    ☀️ A song: “Weather Instrument” by Starcleaner Reunion.

    ❤️ An appreciation post: “The beautiful and mighty Wissahickon.”

    🐦 A good read: Unlikely birds with Tom Pluck.

    🍿 An activity: Watch Hoppers at Thomas Stokley Playground (Friday, free), and stop by City Tavern’s reopened garden.

    🦟 A lifehack: How mosquito experts protect themselves in the summer.

    A sparkling view

    Breathe in … and breathe out. I filmed this by the Schuylkill River along Kelly Drive.Paola Pérez

    👋🏽 This newsletter is taking a break in observance of the Fourth of July. Rest assured, we will be back July 10. Until then, have fun and be safe out there.

    By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

  • ☀️ It’s officially summer | Things to do

    ☀️ It’s officially summer | Things to do

    Summer officially arrived this week, and Philly is wasting no time. World Cup matches return to Lincoln Financial Field, festivals are filling parks across the city, and outdoor concerts are kicking into high gear. If you’ve been waiting for the season to feel like summer, this is the weekend.

    Also in this week’s edition:

    • Fiesta at LOVE Park: Stop by one of the largest Latino arts and culture celebrations in Philadelphia.
    • Hershey’s Soccerland at Dilworth Park: Chocolate, soccer, and family activities at City Hall. What more can you ask for?
    • Noah Kahan at CBP: The folk-pop, singer-songwriter takes over Citizens Bank Park for “The Great Divide” tour.

    — Earl Hopkins (@earlhopkins_, Email me at thingstodo@inquirer.com)

    If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

    FIFA World Cup 26: Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana vs. Croatia

    Jimmy Coilliot of Lille, France cheers after France took a 1-0 lead in the first half of the France vs. Iraq 2026 FIFA World Cup Group 1 soccer match at Philadelphia Stadium on Monday, June 22, 2026.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer

    The Curaçao national team, among the most inspiring underdogs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is taking on Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday at Lincoln Financial Field.

    It will be a hotly contested matchup between the two Group E teams. After a loss to Germany last week, Côte d’Ivoire is looking to bounce back in hopes of landing the No. 1 spot in their group.

    Curaçao, nicknamed The Blue Wave, is looking to secure the team’s first win not only in this year’s tournament, but in World Cup history.

    On Saturday, the fierce competitions continue. Croatia and Ghana will go head to head in what could be an upset matchup.

    More about the matches.

    The best things to do this week

    🕺🏽Shake your tambourine: Philly-born rapper, TV host, author, and actor Eve is coming home for a one-night concert at the at the Dell Music Center. The performance, part of WaWa Welcome America events, is also a celebration of Black Music Month. The event will conclude with a firework display.

    🍫 A sweet time kicking it at City Hall: Hershey’s Soccerland at Dilworth Park is a three-day pop-up where soccer, family, and chocolate collide. Visitors can enjoy fun activities, mini activations, and interactive games. Plus, they can get their hands on a limited edition Christian Pulisic Hershey milk chocolate bar.

    🧙🏽‍♂️ The Wizard is here: The Philadelphia Orchestra will bring the iconic film The Wizard of Oz to life. While the film plays on screen, the orchestra will perform the movie’s score, giving long-time fans of the film a viewing experience unlike anything they’ve had before.

    💃🏽 Kid-friendly cabaret: Kidchella, a free outdoor music event at Smith Memorial Playground, is delivering performances spanning Mexican son jarocho fusion, Brazilian percussion, Afrocentric R&B and dance, and family-style cabaret. The night will be capped off with fireworks.

    📅 My calendar picks this week: North Broad Music & Morsels, Philly Fairy Festival, Culture Fest at Liberty Point, Harrowgate Summerfest, Germantown Art & Sound

    Concilio’s Annual Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park

    FILE: A skateboarder “jumps the LOVE Gap” in LOVE Park November 8, 2015.Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer

    Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta, one of Philly’s largest celebrations of Latino arts, culture, community, and tradition is back at LOVE Park this Saturday.

    The annual festival is headlined by Latin Grammy Award-winning singer Olga Tañón, known for hits like “Es Mentiroso” and “Muchacho Malo.”

    Her performance will cap off a full day of live music, dance performances, food vendors offering authentic Hispanic cuisine, cultural exhibits, and interactive games and family-friendly activities.

    For more information, read here.

    Summer fun this week and beyond

    Noah Kahan performs during the Pre-Grammy Gala on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell

    🎸 The Great Divide at CBP: Noah Kahan is up at bat at Citizens Bank Park. The pop-folk superstar, known for hits like “Stick Season,” is heading to CBP for his “The Great Divide” tour. Openers include Gigi Perez and Annabelle Dinda.

    🎉 Celebrations at the Navy Yard: Who says the Navy Yard is just all industrial boats and cargo? Head to the Navy Yard for an afternoon of live music, delicious food, local art and craft vendors, and other fun activities for visitors of all ages.

    🎡 Go back in time: The Lits Building will be the host of Revisit 1876, a six-month exhibition that showcases the stories, sights, and extravagance of the first World’s Fair in North America. The country’s first typewriter, telephone, popcorn, and seltzer will be among the items displayed at the event, which celebrates the nation’s centennial.

    🎨 Restorative justice at the Barnes: The Barnes Foundation’s new exhibition, Just Us, features original artwork crafted by artists at State Correctional Institution — Phoenix, and members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew — a 24-week job readiness and life skills program for young adults. The exhibition kicks off this Friday and runs through Aug. 24.

    Staffer picks

    Here’s a list of the best concerts happening this week.

    D.C. rapper Wale performs a homecoming show Nov. 15 at the Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland. MUST CREDIT: Shaughn CooperShaughn Cooper

    🎤 Thursday: Buffalo rapper Conway the Machine, fresh off his 2025 album You Can’t Kill God With Bullets, is bringing the heat to the Foundry on Thursday night.

    🎸 Friday: The Strokes, Thundercat, and Hamilton Leithauser join hands for a star-studded performance at the TD Pavilion at the Mann Center.

    🎤 Saturday: Wale, who quietly dropped one of rap’s best and most underappreciated bodies of work, is headlining at The Fillmore Philly with fellow emcee and St. Louis native Smino.

    🎺 Sunday: For a Harlem-themed jazz party at South Restaurant & Jazz Club, Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist and songwriter Allan Harris will be headlining the night on Sunday.

    ❓Pop quiz

    When did the Lit Brothers building first open?

    a) 1871

    b) 1891

    c) 1903

    d) 1769

    Ask Earl anything

    I’m starting something new for the newsletter, and I want your participation.

    Many of you have questions about each week’s listings, and others about Philly’s arts, culture, and entertainment scene.

    I have you covered. Have a question? Email me for a chance to have it answered in an upcoming newsletter.

    That’s it for this week’s edition. At the start of the summer, there’s always plenty to do. But with the FIFA World Cup in full swing, and other events centered on the semiquincentennial celebration, there’s far more to explore than usual. Make sure to work these into your weekend plans.

    – Earl Hopkins

    Courtesy of Giphy.comCourtesy of Giphy.com
  • The biggest America 250 events from now through July 4

    The biggest America 250 events from now through July 4

    There’s a reason the Wall Street Journal (and Travel + Leisure, CNN, the New York Times, National Geographic, the BBC, and others) tapped Philadelphia as a top place to visit in 2026.

    The city has already been a hive of activity this summer — and it’s about to get even busier as the city gears up for America’s 250th birthday.

    There’s a packed calendar of events between now and Independence Day, and countless ways to get in on the celebration.

    From soccer to ballet, art to history, the region’s upcoming events calendar has something for everyone.

    ArtPhilly’s What Now

    This inaugural citywide arts festival has been running strong since late-May, but the coming weeks offer a deep slate of programming ahead of the July 4 weekend.

    Launched to “foreground our city’s artists as interpreters of this complex moment in American history,” the multidisciplinary festival includes puppetry, dance, music, books, film, and more through July 2.

    The lead-up to Independence Day features multiple exhibitions and events, many of them free, making it an affordable way to celebrate the nation’s milestone birthday.

    For a full schedule, check out ArtPhilly.org.

    🕒 Various dates and times, 💵 Prices vary, 📍 Various locations, 🌐 artphilly.org

    A view of the new conservatory (background) in October 2024 at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pa.Alejandro A. Alvarez / Staff Photographer

    ‘Masterworks 3: Made in America‘

    The Brandywine Valley Symphony will perform “Masterworks 3: Made in America” in the open-air venue at Longwood Gardens. Before the concert, organizers for Dare to Declare will attempt the region’s largest public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

    🕒 June 25, 7 p.m., 💵 $20-$65, 📍 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, 🌐 bvsymphony.org

    Independence Week Events at the National Constitution Center

    Play trivia, test your knowledge against a historian, and attend a town hall on the “shared principles at the heart of the American idea.” It’s all free and part of the weeklong lead-up to July 4, when the National Constitution Center celebrates America’s 250th birthday.

    🕒 June 29-July 4, times vary, 💵 Free, 📍 525 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 constitutioncenter.org

    Gospel on Independence

    Headlined by 20-time Grammy winner Kirk Franklin, this two-hour gospel music celebration features a choir of more than 250 voices against the backdrop of Independence Hall. Seating is first-come, first-served.

    🕒 June 28, 7 p.m., 💵 Free, 📍 599 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 july4thphilly.com.

    A worker prepares to raise the head of a fire-breathing dragon lantern in preparation for the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square this year.Jose F. Moreno / Staff Photographer

    Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square

    The festival is back with a special nod to the global events arriving in Philadelphia this summer. Handmade sculptures take over Franklin Square, with nightly performances held on three stages: face-changing, table foot-juggling, and head-balancing.

    🕒 Open daily between now and Aug. 2, 💵 Adults $28-$32, with discounts for children and seniors, 📍 200 N. Sixth St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 phillychineselanternfestival.com

    Cam Gorman, 23, of Gilbertsville, Pa., cheering with Philly Sports Guy at the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, as USA beats Australia on June 19.Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer

    FIFA World Cup ’26 and FIFA Fan Festival

    With the U.S. team still battling for a title, what better way to celebrate the lead-up to 250th birthday than by cheering on the team in the World Cup?

    The tournament, with several matches hosted in Philadelphia, has transformed the city into a summer-long party. Much of the action centers on the Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, where visitors can enjoy music, food, drinks, and watch parties. Admission is free, though preregistration is required.

    Two Round of 16 matches are scheduled for July 4, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., though the participating teams have yet to be determined. The 5 p.m. game will be played at Lincoln Financial Field.

    🕒 Various dates and times, 💵 Free (registration required), 📍 Lemon Hill Park, 1 Lemon Hill Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19130, 🌐 phillyfwc26.com.

    Welcome America, including the Red, White & Blue To-Do

    Philadelphia’s Historic District goes all out with a full day of events welcoming visitors to America’s “most historic square mile.” Highlights include a giant human Liberty Bell, plus a block party and street music festival featuring more than two dozen acts. At 7 p.m., Queen Latifah performs with the Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus on Independence Mall. A 13-minute drone show follows later that evening.

    🕒 July 2, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., 💵 Free, 📍 Philadelphia’s Historic District, 🌐 july4thphilly.com

    Dan St. Mary poses for a portrait with his bubble dispenser during the Salute to Independence Parade on July 4, 2025, in Center City.Kaiden J. Yu / Staff Photographer

    Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade

    This year’s parade features an extended route, along with 50 marching bands, 19 floats, and tributes to all 50 states and U.S. territories. The event begins at 5th and Chestnut Streets and winds through Center City before ending near Broad and Chestnut Streets. Feel like skipping the crowds? Catch it live on NBC 10.

    🕒 July 3, noon to 4 p.m., 💵 Free, 📍 Independence Hall to Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 🌐 july4thphilly.com

    Pops on Independence

    The Philly Pops are joined by Broadway legend Idina Menzel for a two-hour concert on the eve of Independence Day. A pre-show block party featuring food trucks and giveaways begins at 5 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served.

    🕒 July 3, 7 p.m., 💵 Free, 📍 599 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 july4thphilly.com

    Musket firing will be a part of the Independence Day Celebration at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

    Valley Forge National Historical Park’s 50th Birthday

    Valley Forge marks 50 years as a national historical park with three days of commemorative programming, including Revolutionary War reenactors, musket firings, and artillery demonstrations.

    SEPTA Bus 125 will get you to the park, and a park shuttle runs throughout the celebration from July 3-5. Plus, there are bike rentals on-site. All events are free to attend, and you can find a complete schedule of the weekend’s events at the National Park Service website.

    🕒 July 3-5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 💵 Free, 📍 North Outer Line Drive in Valley Forge National Historical Park, 🌐 nps.gov.

    Independence Weekend at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center

    A three-day slate of activities begins July 3 with extended First Friday hours at the Heritage Center and an evening car show at the East Greenville Fire Co. The next day features a parade, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, performances by the Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps and the Red Hill Band, followed by fireworks. On July 5, the Heritage Center hosts a free family-friendly event from noon to 4 p.m. with exhibits and refreshments.

    🕒 July 3-5, times vary, 💵 Free, 📍 Various locations, 🌐 schwenkfelder.org.

    Celebration of Freedom Ceremony

    In addition to musical performances from Yolanda Adams and DJ Diamond Kuts, a collection of speakers — including Philly Mayor Cherelle L. Parker — are slated to reflect on the nation’s history on the morning of its 250th birthday.

    🕒 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., July 4, 💵 Free, 📍 599 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 visitphilly.com

    Betsy Ross House Patriotic Pet Parade

    The courtyard of the Betsy Ross House will be filled with animals on the morning of July 4, during the annual patriotic pet parade and costume contest. Pets will be judged in five categories — Most Patriotic, Best Betsy Ross Influence, Best Duo with Owner, Best Non-Canine, and Best in Show — so make sure they arrive dressed to impress.

    🕒 10:30 a.m., July 4, 💵 Free (pet registration required), 📍 239 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106, 🌐 historicphiladelphia.org

    Christina Aguilera, pictured here in 2016 in Morocco, is one of several musicians performing at this year’s One Philly: Unity Concert for America on July 4. Abdeljalil Bounhar

    One Philly: Unity Concert for America

    This July 4 star-studded concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway features Christina Aguilera, The Roots, Jill Scott, Meek Mill, Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Seal, and others.. Comedian Wanda Sykes serves as host. Doors open at 3 p.m., and performances begin at 5 p.m.

    🕒 5 p.m. to midnight, July 4, 💵 Free, 📍 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 🌐 visitphilly.com.