Spring has sprung! It’s time to start planning all the fun. From can’t-miss events for America's 250th Anniversary to seasonal must-haves, our Spring Guide has you covered.
250th anniversary specialty events
52 Weeks of Firsts' Firstival at the Science History Institute (March 21)
2 Weeks of Firsts honors 250 years of Philly pioneering by celebrating the city’s many historic achievements every Saturday, all throughout 2026. This Saturday, don’t miss the celebration of the first match folder in America (1892) at the Science History Institute from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.!
ArtPhilly: What Now: 2026 (May 27 - July 4)
ArtPhilly: What Now: 2026 is a major five-week, city-wide multidisciplinary arts festival, celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. It features over 30 original projects, performances, and installations across Philadelphia, centering local artists to explore American history and the future through the guiding question, "What Now?"
Philly 250 at the Free Library of Philadelphia (through June 30)
In celebration of the semi quincentennial, the Free Library of Philadelphia has created a six-month series called Hyperlocal Heritage to help you learn how to preserve your history. Check out their events across the Free Library’s 54 neighborhood libraries!
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute (through September 7)
Take a behind-the-scenes look how theme parks are made and world-building that goes into each Universal amusement park. The experience showcases world-famous rides, attractions and live shows, and more.
A Time for Liberty at Eastern State Penitentiary (through December 31)
A Time for Liberty features five family-friendly festivals, nine panel discussions and two new exhibitions. The programs reflect on the history of the justice system, while also looking into the future.
Philadelphia Zoo's 250,000 Actions For Animals (through December 31)
Throughout the year, the Zoo will be hosting activities on its campus that will help reach the goal of 250,000 Actions for Animals! Some of the Actions for Animals will include creating enrichment toys for the Zoo’s animals, creating a take-home bird feeder, participating in an on-campus bio blitz, plus more!
seasonal spring events
Peeps in the Village (March 9 - April 12)
Peddler’s Village presents the 7th annual PEEPS® in the Village event from March 9 through April 12 (except on Easter Sunday). Admission is free. Don't miss this sweet, seasonal event!
Now + Then Marketplace at Craft Hall (March 21)
This free to attend and pay-as-you-go shopping event returns to Craft Hall on Saturday, March 21 from 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.! Stop by to check out local vendors and small businesses.
NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena (March 20 & 22)
Xfinity Mobile Arena is hosting a slate of first and second-round March madness games during the NCAA Men's basketball tournament! This year marks the 29th time Philadelphia has played host to men's tourney games since the 1930's.
Spring! A Spring Block Party at Evil Genius Beer Company (March 21)
Evil Genius Beer Company is hosting its very first free block party of the year! Stop by for food trucks, local vendors, pay-as-you-go food, plus more. All are welcome!
Furry Friends Weekend at Sesame Place (March 21-22)
Experience a weekend of family fun on Sesame Street with a special St. Patrick's Day Dance Party, Big Bird's Pajama Party Dance, plus more!
Hayrides to Bunnyland At Linvilla Orchards (March 21 - April 4)
Hop over to Linvilla Orchards to experience a magical journey in Bunnyland! Experience a hayride adventure to the home of the Easter Bunny, meet barnyard animals, plus more.
Spring Celebration & Concert at Cherry Street Pier (March 22)
Experience a decade of movement, connection, and more for Walk Around Philadelphia's 10th Anniversary at Cherry Street Pier. The event is taking place from 2PM - 5 PM.
Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day (March 26)
Play ball! The Phillies are back at Citizens Bank Park for Opening Day against the Texas Rangers on March 26th. Mark your calendars, and get ready to #RingTheBell
Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens (March 27 - May 3)
Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens all season long! Experience 10,000 varieties in Pierre du Pont’s tranquil botanic oasis, plus more at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.
2026 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival (March 28 - 29)
Experience the beauty of Japanese culture at this family-friendly festival! Enjoy music, dancing, cultural activities, workshops, food vendors, and of course, the blooming cherry blossoms at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center.
The Sound of Music at the Academy of Music (March 31 - April 5)
The Sound of Music is coming to the Academy of Music March 31-April 5. For tickets and more information visit ensembleartsphilly.org.
Port of Philadelphia Welcomes Norwegian Cruise Line (April 16)
For the first time in over 15 years, the Port of Philadelphia will reopen to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line ships for a new route! Stay tuned for your next adventure.
Monster Jam at Lincoln Financial Field (April 18)
Monster Jam returns to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 18, 2026, featuring 12,000-pound trucks in high-flying, action-packed competitions. The event showcases racing, freestyle tricks, and the Stadium Championship Series East, starting at 1:00 PM, with a pre-show Pit Party from 9:30 AM–11:30 AM. Get tickets now!
Panda Fest at Dilworth Park (April 18-19)
One of the nation's biggest outdoor Asian food festival returns to Dilworth Park this April. Experience activities, tasting, market fairs, and live performances.
Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival (April 19)
Grab everything from savory BBQ to sweet desserts as Philadelphia’s best food trucks and gourmet food vendors take on historic Main Street Manayunk. You’ll be able to taste test the best and enjoy festival shopping from a variety of local vendors and Manayunk merchants. The day will also bring live musical performances from six acts at two different stages. Come to StrEAT, and bon appétit! Tap HERE for more info!
Flavors on the Avenue in East Passyunk (April 26)
The top restaurants of East Passyunk come together for the free-to-attend, pay-as-you-go Flavors on the Avenue event! Check out kid-friendly activities, live music, and of course, great eats from 12 P.M. - 5 P.M.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival (May 2)
This free-to-attend, annual spring time tradition returns to Philadelphia on May 2! Enjoy local fashion, food, drinks, and live entertainment from 12-5PM throughout the Rittenhouse area in Center City.
13th Annual Maifest Spring Festival at Brauhaus Schmitz (May 2)
Dance around the maypole and enjoy plenty of German beer at the Maifest Spring Festival on South Street! Food and drink are pay as you go, but VIP packages are available!
Strawberry Fest at Peddler's Village (May 2-3)
Enjoy fresh, locally grown strawberries at the Strawberry Festival at Peddler's Villages! Plus, check out strawberry-themed food and drink specials at the village's restaurants and eateries all May long.
Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run (May 3)
It's that time of year again where thousands of athletes run 10-miles from Broad Street between Fisher and Somerville Avenue to The Navy Yard. The race starts at 7 A.M.!
LUZIA by Cirque de Soleil at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (May 7 - June 7)
Take a journey into culture, color, and acrobatics at LUZIA by Cirque de Soleil. LUZIA takes you to an imaginary Mexico, like a waking dream, where light quenches the spirit and rain soothes the soul. Guided by light (luz) and rain (lluvia), LUZIA follows a parachuted traveler as they encounter the culture, nature, and mythology of a dreamlike land inhabited by a mystifying menagerie of characters. Tickets on sale now!
Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens (May 8 - September 27)
Starting late spring, Longwood Gardens transforms during the attraction's annual Festival of Fountains. Check out the daily Main Fountain Garden show, displays of the spectacular Illuminated Fountain Performances, and more.
2026 PGA Championship at Aronomink Golf Club (May 11 - 17)
This marks the first time a Philadelphia-area club has hosted the Championship to celebrate its 108th year. Over 150 professional golfers hit the links for four days of play. Tickets for the 2026 PGA Championship are now available.
South 9th Street Italian Market Festival (May 16 - 17)
The South 9th Street Festival, is one of Philadelphia’s most popular events and attracts visitors from all over the city! For seven city blocks, the Festival will be a celebration of culture, art and music, featuring over 100 area vendors showcasing a range of cuisine and beverages. Find out more!
Devon Horse Show and Country Fair (May 20-31)
The oldest and largest outdoor horse competition returns to Chester County's Devon Show Grounds this May! Don't miss it.
Fan Expo Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (May 29 - 31)
Experience three days of fun-filled, fan culture. If you're into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, come share our playground. You'll feel out of this world – and right at home. Get tickets now!
Philly Pride Week and the Philly Pride March & Festival (May 29 - June 7)
"Pride Is Power" is the theme of this year's annual Pride Month kickoff in Philly! Check out a celebration of marching, music, art, and community at the annual Pride March & Festival on Sunday, June 7.
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square (June 4 -August 2)
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back at Franklin Square, and so is the glow we’ve all been waiting for! Get your tickets today.
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show (June 5 - 7)
Founded by artists in 1928, and run by a committee of artists today, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is the oldest outdoor art show in the country. Steeped in rich history and tradition, there is absolutely no other show like it. Save the dates for this year's show!
FIFA World Cup 26 and FIFA FanFestival (June 14 - July 4)
South Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field will be temporarily renamed Philadelphia Stadium as 1 one of 11 U.S. stadiums to hold matches during the FIFA World Cup 26 soccer tournament. Philly is also hosting a FIFA FanFestival at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park featuring giant game-watch screens, food, music, parties and more!
Let us know how you're celebrating the season! Tag us on socials @B101Philly
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