Philadelphia is in the festive spirit—spend your summer rejoicing in live music, local bites and more. 
Made in America Festival
6/4 - 6/5
Roots Picnic
Dance the day away as the acclaimed band The Roots returns home to Philadelphia this June alongside an award-winning lineup of curated musicians. With major performers like Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan, Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker and Wizkid, this festival is a must-attend for hip-hop and R&B fans. Taking place at the Mann Center in West Fairmount Parkannual, Roots Picnic is the ideal event to take in tunes while enjoying local bites on the lawn. 5201 Parkside Ave., 215.546.7900, rootspicnic.com
6/19 - 7/4
Wawa Welcome America
Celebrate Juneteeth and America's birthday at the largest Fourth of July festival in the country. Concerts, fireworks, complimentary museum access and more fill the 16-day event—2021 featured performances from Cam Anthony, Bebe Rexha and Flo Rida, so there's no knowing which star musicians will take the stage this year. welcomeamerica.com
6/25 - 6/26
Manayunk Arts Festival
There’s no better time for a summer stroll down Manayunk’s picturesque Main Street than during this festival, where hundreds of artists from around the country set up shop to display their handcrafted goods. With pieces by established and emerging artists, attendees can peruse works of fiber, glass, ceramics, photography, wood, sculpture, painting, drawing, jewelry and mixed—you never know what gems you’ll find. To boot, plenty of food and alfresco festivities round out this Philly staple. 4312 Main St., 215.482.9565, manayunk.com
8/15
Beech “Jazz on the Ave” Music Fest
Cecil B. Moore Avenue, formerly Columbia Avenue and nicknamed the Golden Strip, was a jazz destination from the 1940s to the 1960s. Celebrate this rich history for the 30th year in a row with the joyful, groovy sounds of today on two separate stages at Beech “Jazz on the Ave” Music Fest. Although the lineup has yet to be announced, past festivals have brought talented performers like R&B performer Algebra Blesset and singer/dancer Avery Wilson, so a litany of exceptional jazz artists are sure to show off their sonic sensibilities this year. Broad & Cecil B. Moore Ave., Beechcompanies.com
8/18-8/22
Philadelphia Folk Festival
For 60 years, the Philadelphia Folksong Society has featured the best folk music at Old Pool Farm in Upper Salford Township at this renowned folk festival. Roll up your sleeping bag and don’t forget the tent stakes because this year, the event is back in person and ready for campers. If the great outdoors aren’t your thing, but you're still a folk fan at heart, there are online options to hear the lineup of community performers as well. Last year’s festival invited talents like Andrea Nardello, Avi Wisnia and Barbra Lica to the stage, so keep an eye out for 2022's lineup announcement. 1212 Barnbridge Drive, Collegeville, folkfest.org
9/3-9/4
Made In America Festival
Labor day weekend means it's time to throw your hands in the air as Benjamin Franklin Parkway transforms for one of the premiere outdoor music festivals in the region. The lineup of top artists is curated by none other than Jay-Z, and has previously featured Beyoncé, Coldplay and Kendrick Lamar—you may even have a chance to catch HOV singing along with the crowd. While dancing to tunes by your favorite artists, be sure to hop on a few amusement rides, dine on delectable eats from local food trucks and shop festival vendors. madeinamericafest.com
9/9-10/2
Philadelphia Fringe Festival
Get ready to be on the edge of your seat for a modern mix of live and digital genre-bending acts showcasing local and national talent like dance, art installations and daring circus arts. While most shows take place at the Cannonball and Crossroads Comedy Festival hubs, artists will spread all across Philly to exhibit their skills. As you watch, keep in mind your favorite performers, as attendees can cast votes to nominate independent artists for the Festival Audience Choice Awards, dubbed the Fringies. Previous years featured artists like North Carolina’s Asheville Contemporary Dance, Charming Disasters in a Musical Tarot Show and Skysail Theatre’s opera performers. Multiple locations, 215.413.1318, fringearts.com
9/21-9/25
Philly Fashion Week
Watch the Fashion District come alive this September as captivating runway shows bring together independent local designers and mainstream labels for an extensive presentation of couture. Helmed by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc., last year’s exhibition showcased a stellar list of designers, including Kovid Kappor, Christobal, Caycee Black, Zippora and many more, and we can’t wait to see what 2022 brings—fall fashion never looked so good. Multiple locations, Phillyfashionweek.org
10/9
Old City Fest
Take to the streets of America’s most historic mile in Old City for fashion, food and more this fall. As the city’s premier art and design district fills with over one hundred local artists, artisans and craftsmen, watch as they illustrate the colorful regional culture, joined by over two dozen food vendors who’ll make the event a feast for your eyes—and mouth. Admire the hottest trends during the live fashion show, curated by Barnet Fair hair salon, while exploring galleries, theater, history, architecture and more. 3rd and Arch Streets, 215.592.7929, oldcitydistrict.org
Photography by: A. Ricketts for VISIT PHILADELPHIA
