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Looking for events on the Main Line and suburbs? Look here!

 

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All Week

The Draken Experience

August 31—September 6

Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia

 

The world’s largest operating Viking ship, the Norwegian Draken Harald Hårfagre, will dock at Penn’s Landing for the first time ever! You can buy tickets to take a deck tour where you will be guided through the ship and offered a look at a day-in-the-life of the crew and the historic craftsmanship used to build it. Meanwhile back on shore, the Draken Village, which is free and open to the public, offers a photo and video exhibition, land-side views of the ship, merchandise, and more to celebrate the modern-day Viking spirit alongside Philadelphia’s nautical heritage.

‘Xtreme Bugs’ at Academy of Natural Sciences

Through January 21

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Nearly 20 towering animatronic bugs will come alive in this new creepy crawly exhibit! Get a bug’s-eye view of the world and learn about their intricacies and behaviors. See our preview here.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

11 am — 11 pm Monday — Thursday; 11 am — 1 am Friday and Saturday

301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

This waterfront spot has food, drink, games, and is a great place to relax!

‘Hamilton: The Constitutional Clashes That Shaped a Nation’

Through December 31

National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., Philadelphia

 

Walk in Alexander Hamilton’s shoes and learn more about the Founding Father whose life has fascinated Americans for centuries. This exhibit focuses on the intellectual and political conflicts between Hamilton and his contemporaries, including Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams, and of course, Aaron Burr (that one was a bit more personal). It’s included with museum admission.

Parks on Tap: Pleasant Hill Park

September 5—9

9000 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia

 

Family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap comes to this park along the river for the first time! Its run kicks off with the Summer Sendoff Festival on September 5 with music, kids’ activities, and more!

Monday

Storytime in Franklin Square

September 3, 10—11 am

200 N. Sixth St., Philadelphia

 

Librarian Margaret Bernardi of the Independence Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will read free stories to children in the Franklin Square Pavilion. This is the last storytime of the summer!

Final Day of Art Splash

September 3

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Philadelphia Museum of Art has transformed the Great Stair Hall Balcony into an interactive studio space with projects, hands-on play, and more.  Kids and their grown-ups can experience the “Modern Times” exhibit through tours, art making, and imaginative play, including a LEGO build featuring a model of the Art Museum! While the museum is usually closed on Mondays, it will be open for Labor Day.

‘Hello From Japan!’ Final Day at Please Touch Museum

September 3

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

 

The Please Touch Museum’s special exhibit “Hello from Japan!” teaches about Japanese culture, as well as literacy, math, and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities like construction and pretend play.

Buddy the Dino at Please Touch Museum

September 3, 10—10:30 am, 11:30—noon, 12:30—1 pm

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

 

Buddy from Dinosaur Train will be around for meet-and-greets and photo ops.

Back to School at Museum of the American Revolution

September 3, 9:30 am—5 pm

101 S. Third St., Philadelphia

 

Find out how children in the 1700s learned their ABCs, apprenticed for trades, and grew up to be revolutionaries in Revolution Place, the museum’s family discovery center. Kids 12 and under will receive free admission to the museum all weekend, and also will receive a free back-to-school pack including colored pencils, an eraser, a history-themed coloring book, and a pocket-sized Declaration of Independence.

Final Day of ‘Photo Pop!’

Through September 3

1315 Walnut St., Philadelphia

 

This immersive and interactive pop-up exhibit celebrates local artists and is highly Instagram-worthy, with rooms of impactful murals and installations you won’t find anywhere else.

Final Day of Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

September 3, 11 am—11 pm

101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Skate, ride the Ferris wheel, play mini-golf, and then take a break for some crab fries and Skee-Ball. You can do it all at this fun attraction.

‘Game Masters’ Final Day at the Franklin Institute

September 3

The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia

 

Showcasing the work of over 30 innovative game designers, “Game Masters” takes visitors on an interactive journey inside their favorite video games. The exhibit features over 100 playable games, as well as the opportunity to learn the stories of the designers and see the evolution of favorite games from concept art to what we know today.

Tuesday

Music Monkey Jungle at Reading Terminal Market

September 4, 10 — 10:30 am

51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia

 

Sing, dance, move, and have a rockin’ good time with Music Monkey Jungle. Admission is free and open to the public.

Open House at Sue’s Art Class

September 4, 11 am—1 pm

2119 Spruce St., Philadelphia

 

Explore the studio and learn about fall classes and workshops with free art activities. Online RSVP preferred.

PB & Jammers Music Class (Ages 2-4)

September 4, 11–11:45 am

Philadelphia Folksong Society, 6156 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia

 

Little ones will get a hands-on experience with some basic instruments including shakers, bells and tambourines. They will learn the fundamentals of rhythm and melody as well as a basic introduction to singing and music theory. Drop in or sign up for the whole series.

Make It Grow!

September 4, 4 pm

Fumo Family Library, 2437 South Broad St., Philadelphia

 

Learn about the germination cycle of seeds with a creative craft that allows you to grow your own plant!

Wednesday

AdventureWoods Free Public Hours

September 5, 9 am—3 pm

Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Road, Philadelphia

 

This innovative, sustainable natural playground engages children in creative, imaginative, and active discovery. Kids are free to have fun and learn, experiment and discover, all while exercising and enjoying the outdoors.

Book Nook Storytime at Reading Terminal Market

September 5, 10—10:30 am

51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia

 

This program, in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia, is geared towards children ages 3 to 5.

Free Enchanted Music Together Class

September 5, 11—11:45 am

701 S. Ninth St., Philadelphia

 

Sign up for a free Music Together introduction class for all ages, and see all they have to offer your little ones.

Bartram’s Garden Little Explorers 

September 5, 10—11:30 am

5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Harvest the Garden’s bounty and taste an array of fresh flavors! This monthly program for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 4 includes activities, snacks, and walks through the garden. Pre-registration is required.

First Wednesday at Please Touch Museum

September 5, 4—7 pm

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

 

On the first Wednesday of every month, Please Touch Museum is open until 7 pm for two extra hours of play and offers $2 per person admission after 4 pm. Children and their families have the opportunity to get hands-on with the Vetri Mobile Teaching Kitchen preparing a recipe and get instruction for cooking healthy meals at home together. There will also be fun and creative activities going on throughout the museum.

Summer Sendoff Festival

September 5, 5—9 pm

Pleasant Hill Park, 9000 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia

 

Say goodbye to summer with food and drinks from Parks on Tap, music, kids’ activities, and more.

Thursday

Dance me a Story with Pennsylvania Ballet

September 6, 10:30 am

South Philadelphia Library, 1700 S. Broad St., Philadelphia

 

Listen, move, and learn at this special story time with the Pennsylvania Ballet. Free and no registration required for children ages 3-6 and their caretakers.

Philadelphia Eagles PreK Storytime and Pep Rally

September 6, 11 am

Torresdale Library, 3079 Holme Ave., Philadelphia

 

Kids ages 2-5 and their caregivers will celebrate the return of the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles with stories, songs and games.

Free Enchanted Music Together Class

September 6, 11:45 am

701 S. Ninth St., Philadelphia

 

Sign up for a free Music Together introduction class for all ages, and see all they have to offer your little ones.

2018 NFL Kickoff Experience at Penn’s Landing (featuring Shawn Mendes)

September 6, 10 am—8 pm

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia

 

Before the game, come for a day of music, celebration, and more. Gates open at 10 am. At noon, they will re-play Super Bowl LII on the giant screen! Then starting at 3 pm, there will be a live concert, with Shawn Mendes headlining at 6 pm! Eagles legends will also make appearances throughout the day, and even signing autographs. It’s also your chance to take a photo with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, play interactive games, win Super Bowl tickets, see 52 Super Bowl rings on display, and more. It’s sure to be a party fit for a champion. Note that the Eagles home opener itself will not be shown at Penn’s Landing, so plan to watch somewhere else after the festivities.

Dog Man Book Release Party

September 6, 4—5 pm

Whitman Library, 200 Snyder Ave., Philadelphia

 

Calling all fans of the popular Dog Man series! Create your own comic book, and enter to win a copy of Lord of the Fleas, the new Dog Man book.

Pop-Up Archery at John Heinz at Tinicum

September 6, 4—6 pm

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Take your first shot at archery and learn a quick overview of the skills required to hit a bullseye. Families are welcome with kids age 8 and up. No registration or equipment required.

Manayunk Stroll the Street 

September 6, 5 pm (Eagles game starts at 8:20 pm)

Main Street, Manayunk, Philadelphia

 

Manayunk will host local food trucks, vendors, and live music as visitors and residents walk, shop, and eat. Then at 8:20 pm, they’ll be showing the Eagles home opener on the big screen!

Super Bowl Home Opener Party at Schmidt’s Commons

September 6, 5:30—11 pm

1001 N. Second St., Philadelphia

 

Bring your own chair to The Piazza because they’re showing the Eagles home opener on the giant outdoor screen (game starts at 8:20 pm)! And before that, relive the magic of last season with a Super Bowl LII replay at 5:30 pm!

Friday

‘Talk it Up’ Launch Event

September 7, 10—11:30 am

ShopRite, 2946 Island Ave., Philadelphia

 

Families will enjoy a read-aloud, book giveaway, and scavenger hunt as well as learn more about where they can “Talk It Up” around Philadelphia. This new initiative aims to create high-quality caregiver and child interactions that increase early language and literacy skills in children through the use of environmental design graphics (i.e. signs) in everyday spaces.

Baby Bird Playdate at Philadelphia Museum of Art

September 7, 10:15 am

2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

Play at the museum with your little ones and enjoy music, art making, and gallery walks.​ For toddlers and their grownups.

Storytime at Morris Arboretum 

September 7, 10:30—11:45 am

100 E. Northwestern Ave., Philadelphia

 

Each engaging story session is tailored to the changing seasons and complements the natural setting of the arboretum. In case of bad weather, storytime will be held indoors.

Free Family Fishing at John Heinz

September 7, 11 am—1 pm

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Join the Gaun First Catch Center for a free fishing event and get a start on fishing! Limited rods and bait will be available, or bring your own. No license needed.

Philadelphia Honey Festival Begins

September 7, 5—9 pm

Glen Foerd on the Delaware, Grant Avenue and Milnor Street, Philadelphia

 

The weekend-long festival kicks off with lawn games, vendors, bee demonstrations, honey extractions, and a “bee beard” demonstration with Don Shump of the Philadelphia Bee Company! Then follow it around to three different historic sites all weekend long!

Roxborough Pocket Park First Friday

September 7, 5—8 pm

6170 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia

 

Enjoy live music, food trucks, and family activities at Pocket Park.

Nest Parents’ Night Out

September 7, 6—9 pm

1301 Locust St., Philadelphia

 

Drop your (potty-trained) kids age 18 months-6 years off for a night of fun at Nest while you enjoy an adult night out. Pre-registration is required.

Fringe Festival presents ‘Drawn Out’

September 7, 6 pm

2030 Sansom St., Philadelphia

 

A fast-paced movement-based comedy extravaganza creatively combining non-spoken performance, music, dance, and media. The Back Pack movement troupe employs a unique type of storytelling featuring line drawings on large pads of paper strapped to performers, coupled with movement and dance. Tickets available online, as well as more performance dates.

Awbury Movies on the Block: ‘The Prophet’

September 7, 6:30—10 pm

Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Rd., Philadelphia

 

The featured film is Khalil Gibran’s The Prophet, a family-friendly animated feature. Before the movie, enjoy snacks, giveaways, kids’ activities, face painting, animal visitors from The Philly Goat Project, and more! The movie begins at dusk. Bring a picnic dinner as well as a blankets or chairs for seating during the movie.

First Friday Movies under the Stars and Stripes: ‘Revenge of the Creature’

September 7, 7:30 pm

Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch St., Philadelphia

 

Enjoy $5 admission, a tour of the Betsy Ross House, and a 1950’s campy sci fi movie in the courtyard! Buy tickets here.

Weekend Events

All Weekend

Philadelphia Honey Festival

September 7—9

Wyck historic home (6026 Germantown Avenue) on September 8; and Bartram’s Garden (54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard) on September 9

 

The Philadelphia Honey Festival brings three days of sweet activities to three different historic locations—Glen Foerd on the Delaware, Wyck historic home, and Bartram’s Garden. The festival has fun for all ages, with honey sampling, beekeeping demos and talks, live music, children’s activities and parades, food and adult beverages, vendors, and much more. See our preview here!

Fringe Festival presents ‘Le Super Grand Continental’

September 8, 4 pm and 8 pm; September 9, 4 pm

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

 

The world’s most infectious performance event returns to the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an even larger spectacle of dance. After this performance by a diverse cast of 200 Philadelphians from all ages and dance backgrounds, the crowd is invited to join the dancers as the performance area becomes a huge open-air dance floor!

Fringe Festival presents ‘Drawn Out’

September 8, 2 pm; September 9, 7 pm

2030 Sansom St., Philadelphia

 

A fast-paced movement-based comedy extravaganza creatively combining non-spoken performance, music, dance, and media. The Back Pack movement troupe employs a unique type of storytelling featuring line drawings on large pads of paper strapped to performers, coupled with movement and dance. Tickets available online, as well as more performance dates.

Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Weekend at Morris Arboretum

September 8–9, 10 am—5 pm

100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia

 

This weekend, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends take over the rails of Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway!

Citizen Science Lab

September 8–9, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3:30 pm

Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia

 

The Citizen Science Lab at Independence Seaport Museum hosts hands-on, interactive experiences for the whole family centered around water, with a focus on the Delaware River’s biology, ecology and chemistry, plus language arts, history and basic engineering.

Parks on Tap: Pleasant Hill Park

September 5—9

9000 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia

 

Family-friendly beer garden Parks on Tap comes to this park along the river for the first time! Kick back and spend the afternoon with craft beer, great food, and lots of space to play!

Saturday

Philly Fun Fishing Fest

September 8, 7—11 am

Schuylkill Banks, 24th and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia

 

Enjoy a morning of free catch-and-release fishing and friendly competition on Schuylkill Banks! This is free to the public, and great for all ages and levels of experience. No fishing license is required during the fishing competition, and fishing gear will be available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Prizes awarded in various categories. Register online by September 6.

Back to School Reading Festival at Smith Memorial Playground 

September 8, 10 am—3 pm

3500 Reservoir Dr., Philadelphia

 

Three famous children’s authors, Rosemary Wells, Tad Hills, and Angela Dominguez will give presentations and perform read-alouds for kids. The event will also have face painting, balloon artists, and arts and crafts. In addition, there will be giveaways like back-to-school materials and books.

Schuylkill Saturday: Nature Exploration for Families

September 8, 10:30—11:30 am

Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Philadelphia

 

Grab your hiking boots for a naturalist-led exploration with your little ones. Gather in the Discovery Center for a short introduction and craft before hitting the trails for guided exploration and discovery. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Junior Ranger Bird Walk

September 8, 10 – 11:30 am

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Calling all nature-lovers ages 7 to 12! Join a Refuge Ranger on a nature walk and discover birds in the fall! Beginners welcomed with their favorite adult. Free and no registration necessary.

AdventureWoods Free Public Hours

September 8, 10 am—2 pm

Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Road, Philadelphia

 

This innovative, sustainable natural playground engages children in creative, imaginative, and active discovery. Kids are free to have fun and learn, experiment and discover, all while exercising and enjoying the outdoors.

Macy’s Family Fun Day at AAMP

September 8, 11 am—3 pm

African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., Philadelphia

 

This family fun-filled day at AAMP is perfect for ages 5 and up, and introduces their upcoming exhibit “Cotton” with an exciting lineup of interactive arts workshops, including storytime, artmaking, and more. The first 250 people will receive free entry to the museum for this event.

Saturday Free Boating at Bartram’s Garden

September 8, 11 am—3 pm

Bartram’s Gardens’ Community Boathouse, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia

 

Bartram’s Garden will provide the boats, life jackets and basic instruction. Choose from a kayak (for 30 minutes) or rowboat (for 45 minutes). No experience is necessary. All ages are welcome, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Philadelphia Ceili Group’s 44th Annual Irish Music and Dance Festival

September 8, 11 am

Commodore Barry, 6815 Emlen St., Philadelphia

 

This day of Irish music and dance performance also includes children’s activities and Irish arts and crafts. It culminates with a showcase concert at 6 pm. Tickets available online.

PHIT Family Time

September 8, noon—1 pm

2030 Sansom St., Philadelphia

 

Philly Improv Theater’s family-friendly weekly show features a different variety of comedy, from improv to sketch, stand up to magic, clowning to music, and more! Each show will be high energy, fast paced and totally goofy fun for all ages. And you can bring your own snacks!

Philadelphia Pizza Festival

September 8, 1—7 pm

Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia

 

Enjoy over 100 pizza and food vendors (plus craft beers for the grownups), games for kids and adults, a kids’ zone, and more. Kids age 8 and under get in free.

Fringe Festival presents ‘Garden of Vessels’

September 8, 3pm

Life Do Grow Farm, 2315 N. 11th St., Philadelphia

 

Fringe Festival brings you an interactive pop-up “garden” that fuses art, imagination, and technology. Tickets available online.

Free Philadelphia Orchestra Concert at Penn’s Landing

September 8, 8 pm

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia

 

The Philadelphia Orchestra returns to Penn’s Landing for a free Neighborhood Concert on the Riverstage at the Great Plaza. This event is free and open to the public, but online RSVPs are encouraged to receive the latest information regarding this concert.

Sunday

Greenfest

September 9, 10 am—4 pm

Bainbridge Street, between Third and Fifth Street, Philadelphia

 

Greenfest is the place to learn about living sustainably while having fun! This event has something for everyone: shopping for local green wares, great food, live music, live demonstrations, kid-friendly activities, and more.

PECO Family Jams at Philadelphia Magic Gardens

September 9, noon—4 pm

1020 South St., Philadelphia

 

Create your own mini-mosaic from tiles, mirror, recycled materials, and more. Your festive masterpiece can be worn around your neck or hung as a decoration. Family-friendly tours of the Magic Gardens will take place at 1 pm and 2:30 pm.

PlayArts 2^nd Birthday

September 9, 10 am—noon

 

To celebrate two years of PlayArts, they’re celebrating with a sensory activity, a balloon drop to follow at noon, and a few goodies and giveaways. They’ll also have special membership and class discounts.

B[L]OK PARTY

September 9, noon—4 pm

Bok, 1901 S. Ninth St., Philadelphia

 

This all-ages block party features activities for kids, bouncy castle, food trucks, a produce stand, live mural, photobooth, bicycle decoration station, performances, live ice carving, and so much more! There will also be a visit from the Fire Department, and a doggie meet-and-greet with the PSPCA.

Brazilian Day Festival

September 9, 1—7 pm

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing

 

Part of the PECO Multicultural Series, celebrate Brazilian Independence Day with Samba, Forro, Pagode, Capoeira, Samba-Reggae, and more. Enjoy the wonderful culture and traditions of Brazil with an abundant variety of authentic traditional foods and merchandise, and performers who light up the stage with the contagious rhythms and dances.

PAFA Family Arts Academy

September 9, 2—4 pm

118-128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia

 

Inspired by exhibiting artist, Nestor Armando Gil’s kite-making project, “Papalotes,” construct and design your own patterned kite.

Sundays on Stage: Zydeco A Go Go

September 9, 2 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St., Philadelphia

 

Creole Zydeco and Cajun two-steps combine with funky New Orleans R&B and vintage Louisiana rock n’ roll into a spicy gumbo of irresistible dance music for all ages.

 

Looking for more weekend events? Here’s what’s going on in the suburbs!

Photograph by Laura Swartz.