While Philadelphia may not be known for glistening beaches or cool summer breezes, the city comes alive in the summer thanks to its numerous festivals, concerts and celebrations. Such events make for great opportunities for cultural exchange to occur as visitors from around the region interact and engage with diverse communities. Check out these seven events to have a good time in the summer sun!
The Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival runs through July 7 and showcases the work of Latino filmmakers. The festival aims to highlight the diverse experiences and cultures of Latin America while providing a space for dialogue between creatives. Over 180 films from more than 25 countries are represented in the festival. In-person screenings are held at theaters around the city along with virtual programming.
The Rittenhouse Square Fine Arts Show, the oldest outdoor art show in the country, runs from June 6 to June 8. Over 140 artists will line the perimeter of Rittenhouse Square with exhibitions from local students located in the center of the square. The show will host a diverse array of talent featuring eight styles of fine art.
Wawa Welcome America, the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation, kicks off with a Juneteenth Block Party at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, featuring a set from Grammy-award winning producer DJ Drama. The event will also include games and educational opportunities, all at no charge. The museum will be the first of over 40 to offer free admission during the celebration, with other Philadelphia institutions including the Penn Museum, the Constitution Center and the National Academy of Science at Drexel University participating. The celebration will also host a variety of concerts around the city, including Gospel on Independence on June 27 and a performance from the U.S. Army Band on the Delaware River Waterfront on June 28. Wawa Welcome America concludes with a concert on July 4 on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Rapper LL Cool J will perform, followed by Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter and Philadelphia native Jazmine Sullivan. The night will culminate with a fireworks show above the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The annual Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square begins on June 20 and runs until Aug. 31. The festival consists of breathtaking lantern displays, nightly live performances and refreshments from local vendors. The mini golf course, carousel and water fountain in Franklin Square will be lit up for the occasion. Franklin Square will be open to the public during the day, but a ticket is required to enter the festival after 6 p.m.
Blackstar Film Festival, an annual celebration of Black, Brown and Indigenous filmmaking, returns July 31 to Aug. 3. Blackstar seeks to amplify voices who are overlooked or marginalized in the film industry by highlighting a diverse range of works, including experimental narrative films and documentaries. Screenings take place at theatres near Avenue of the Arts with virtual programming available.
The 2nd Street Festival in Northern Liberties returns Aug. 3 on 2nd Street from Girard Ave to Spring Garden Street. It features pop-up shops from over 100 local vendors and artists and live performances on two stages.
The Philadelphia Folk Festival returns Aug. 15-17 at Old Pool Farm in Montgomery County. This year’s lineup celebrates the festival’s traditional roots while welcoming diverse acts, including artists local to the Philadelphia area. Folk artist John Gorka and Philly’s own Küf Knots & Christine Elise are among the over 30 artists to perform at the festival. Weekend or day passes are available, and camping overnight at the festival is encouraged.