PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — This weekend in Philly: It’s your last chance to see the 200-foot-long dragon and other lantern displays in the Chinese Lantern Festival, which has been extended in Franklin Square through Sunday. After a three-year hiatus, celebrate the spirit of your ancestors with Shofuso’s Obon Festival on Saturday. Or, head to Dilworth Park and Clark Park for movie nights under the stars. There are plenty of fun things to do this weekend in and around Philly.
Obon Festival
EVENT: Obon Festival
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 3 to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Lansdowne and Horticultural drives, Fairmount Park
DETAILS: Obon is a Japanese celebration of our ancestors. Every August, people return to their hometowns to reunite with loved ones and remember those who have died. The Philadelphia Obon Festival includes bon odori folk dances, drumming performances, a yukata dressing station, arts and crafts, and a vendor market.
PRICE: Free to attend
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
EVENT: Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival — EXTENDED
DATE/TIME: Daily through Sunday, 6 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St., Center City
DETAILS: The 200-foot-long lighted dragon is back for an extended stay in Franklin Square. Don’t miss the chance to see all-new lanterns and hear a new song for the Franklin Square Fountain Show, featuring choreographed lights and fountain jets. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.
PRICE: Adults: $20 Sunday through Thursday; $23 Friday and Saturday
Seniors (65+) and youths (13-17): $18 Sunday through Thursday; $21 Friday and Saturday
Children (3-12): $12
Ages 2 and under are free
Eastern State Penitentiary: The Lives of Officers
EVENT: Eastern State Penitentiary: The Lives of Officers
DATE/TIME: On view through Sunday during daytime tour hours and Night Tours: Summer Twilight
WHERE: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Ave., Fairmount
DETAILS: Check out thousands of artifacts, including uniforms, firearms, badges, historic locks and keys during this special pop-up. Learn about the lives of officers and other staff who worked at the penitentiary.
PRICE: Included with standard admission
Paranormal Cirque
EVENT: Paranormal Cirque
DATE: Daily through Aug. 21
WHERE: Philadelphia Mills, 1455 Franklin Mills Circle, Northeast Philadelphia
DETAILS: Acrobats, illusionists and mysterious creatures will come together in a fusion of circus, theater and cabaret under a black-and-red big top. The event is restricted and no one under 13 is allowed to attend. People under 17 must have a guardian with them who is over 21.
PRICE: Tickets start at $10
Pictures in the Park | “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”
EVENT: Pictures in the Park | “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”
DATE/TIME: Friday, 8:15 to 11 p.m.
WHERE: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St., Center City
DETAILS: Enjoy a free blockbuster film on the big screen complete with movie snacks and drinks. BYO chair and blanket and come watch this supernatural comedy.
PRICE: Free to attend
“Wayne’s World” in Clark Park
EVENT: “Wayne’s World” in Clark Park
DATE/TIME: Friday, 7 to 10 p.m., movie starts at 8:15 p.m.
WHERE: Clark Park, 4300-4398 Baltimore Ave., West Philadelphia
DETAILS: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of cult classic “Wayne’s World” with a screening in Clark Park. Come early with your blanket to secure your spot. Rain date is set for Sept. 9.
PRICE: Free to attend
Murder In The Jazz Age: A Walking Tour Murder Mystery
EVENT: Murder In The Jazz Age: A Walking Tour Murder Mystery
DATE: Friday and Saturday evenings through Sept. 24
WHERE: Tours begin and end at the Liberty Bell Center in Old City
DETAILS: Sleuths are invited to test their skills with a walking murder mystery experience in Old City, set in the roaring ’20s. Participants will gather at the crime scene to meet their guide, then take off to encounter suspects played by professional actors, clues and QR codes to solve the murder mystery. The walk is about an hour long, so wear comfortable shoes.
PRICE: $25 per guest
93rd Annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic
EVENT: 93rd Annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic
DATE/TIME: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Hibernia County Park, 1 Park Road, Coatesville
DETAILS: Musicians and music lovers alike can celebrate music during the 93rd annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic. There will be vendors, including crafts, food and other novelties. You are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
PRICE: Free to attend