Philly has so many events and activities to offer in the summer, and makes fantastic use of its green and open spaces. We’ve compiled a guide to help you find all of the movies and musical performances (most of them free and open to the public) taking over local parks, waterfronts, cemeteries, and more.

Outdoor Movies

Watching movies indoors is great when it’s blisteringly hot or wet and rainy, but on a beautiful summer evening there’s nothing like a movie under the stars. Philadelphia offers plenty of opportunities for families to grab some blankets and head to a screening at a park, riverbank, rooftop, or even right outside Independence Hall. All movies listed are free unless otherwise noted.

Schuylkill Banks

At the Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade (east side of the Schuylkill River near Wharton St and Schuylkill Ave) or the grassy area just north of the Walnut Street Bridge, Philadelphia

June 12, 19, 26; July 10, 17, 24, 31; August 7, 14, 21, 2025, sunset

Enjoy river and sunset views before turning your attention to the big screen. On Thursday nights from June 12th to August 21st, the Schuylkill River Development Corporation will be showing a variety of movies on Schuylkill Banks, from kid-friendly fare like “Paddington in Peru” to date-night picks such as “Before Sunrise”.

Clark Park

43rd and Chester, Philadelphia

August 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2025, sunset

Fridays in August are for movies in the Clark Park Bowl. To celebrate 10 years of Movies in Clark Park, University City District is presenting a series of special anniversary screenings: “The Goonies” (1985), Clueless (1995), “Madagascar” (2005), and “Creed” (2015).

Movies on the Block

Various locations, Philadelphia

June 21 & 28; July 18; August 1, 8, & 15, 2025, 6:30 pm (pre-movie activities) & sunset (screening)

The Philadelphia Film Society is bringing movies to neighborhoods across Philly with Movies on the Block. This screening program will include classics like “Kung Fu Hustle” and “Lilo & Stitch” as well as newer movies like “Encanto” and “Inside Out 2”. Showings will include pre-movie activities, and some will involve snacks, so you won’t even need to BYOP(opcorn).

Movies on the Block events are free, but registration is strongly encouraged.

Laurel Hill East

3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia

June 13 & July 1, 2025, 7:00 pm (market), 8:00 pm (trivia), 8:30 pm (screening)

What could be more atmospheric than movies among the tombs? That’s right: the Friends of Laurel Hill are back with their Cinema in the Cemetery screenings, showing “Eraserhead” and “Death Becomes Her”. Enjoy pre-movie fun themed around the films, including pop-up art markets, food, drinks, and trivia hosted by the Philadelphia Film Society.

$20 general admission, $18 elders & students, $15 members, $10 youth (6-12).

Cira Green Rooftop Park

129 S. 30th St, Philadelphia

Movie Matinees: May 24 & 31; June 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2025, 12 pm. Movie Nights: May 28; June 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2025, 7:00 pm. More dates to be announced.

Sunset Social is not wasting a minute of summer — they are offering both Movie Matinees and Movie Nights up at the iconic Cira Green Rooftop Park. Enjoy city and river views before settling back to watch afternoon flicks like “Elemental” and “Flow” or nighttime screenings of “Wicked” and “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour”. You can even bring your dog!

Independence Mall

599 Market St, Philadelphia

June 20, July 1, August 22, September 19, 2025, 5:30 pm (pre-show activities) & dusk (movie screenings)

Celebrate the themes and history of Independence National Historical Park with Movies on the Mall. Each of the four screenings will be preceded by activities such as 18th century games and Park Ranger programs. Then at dusk, get ready to hear Nic Cage’s “I’m gonna steal the Declaration of Independence” or Will Smith’s “Now, that’s what I call a close encounter.”

Outdoor Concerts

You don’t have to head to a huge stadium or sacrifice a beautiful summer evening to enjoy live music in Philadelphia. Chances are, there’s actually a concert right nearby. Here are some great outdoor music events to get your fingers snapping and toes tapping. All performances listed are free unless otherwise noted.

Penn Museum

3260 South St, Philadelphia

July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2025, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Grab some food truck bites and garden bar sips and groove to world music at Penn Museum’s Garden Jams. This live music happy hour in Stoner Courtyard is a great way to beat the mid-work-week blues.

$15 general admission. Galleries stay open until 8:00 pm, and admission is included with your Garden Jams ticket. Blankets and picnic essentials permitted, no outside alcohol.

Canstatter

9130 Academy Rd, Philadelphia

June 4, 11, 18 & 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30; August 6, 13 & 20, 2025, from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

If you like classic rock tribute bands, you’ll love the Pennypack Music Festival. Spend a memorable Wednesday evening (or multiple) honoring an icon like Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, Heart, or Black Sabbath.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase. No pets, outside food, drink or coolers (except water in coolers) permitted.

Christ Church Burial Ground

340 N. 5th St, Philadelphia

June 7, July 5, August 2, & September 5, 2025, 6:00 pm – 6:20 pm (guided tour) & 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (concert)

Picnic among the stones while listening to jazz and storytelling. The Christ Church Preservation Trust’s Sonic Sunsets Concert and Tour Series combines live music and living history for a unique experience.

Tour and Concert Combo: $15 (plus fees) for adults, $8 (plus fees) for youth (5-12). Concert Only: $10 (plus fees) for adults, $5 (plus fees) for youth.

Pastorius Park

3500 Reservoir Dr, Philadelphia

June 20, 2025, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

The Chestnut Hill Community Association’s Pastorius Park Concert Series is the longest-running free outdoor concert series in Philadelphia. Join the tradition and experience a variety of musical genres, from celtic folk to blues to chamber music. Kids may particularly enjoy Johnny Shortcake on June 18th, with his “seriously silly soul music”.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics.

Smith Memorial Playground

8177 Roanoke St, Philadelphia

June 18 & 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2025, 7:30 pm

Calling all kids: it’s time for Kidchella Music Festival 2025. Interact with bands like Ants on a Log and Jams for Junior Jawns, enjoy treats, giveaways, and wellness activities, and be wowed by a musical fireworks display.

Free registration encouraged, donations welcome.

Dilworth Park

1 S. 15th St, Philadelphia

May 29; June 5, 12 & 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Arts on Center Stage is a series of free shows in the heart of the city presented by various Philadelphia arts and cultural organizations. Performances include orchestral music, jazz, opera, and dance.

Seating on the Greenfield Lawn is limited and guests are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

1 S. 15th St, Philadelphia

May 29; June 5, 12 & 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31; August 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2025, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Come to the Waterfront and support emerging and established bands from Philly and beyond. The Summer Sounds Concert Series is a great way to enjoy free tunes right on the Delaware.

Food and drink options available for purchase.

Enjoying Outdoor Entertainment in Philadelphia

Whether you’re capping off a big day of activities in Philly (water fun, anyone?), adventures around the Main Line, or a pretty Bucks County hike, you can’t go wrong with golden-hour tunes or a nostalgic blockbuster under the stars. Find even more arts & culture and outdoor events on our Philadelphia Family Community Calendar.

Lead image courtesy of the  Chestnut Hill Community Association.