By Dylan Shulman By Dylan Shulman | April 26, 2024 | Feature, Entertainment, Guides,
Philadelphia is in the festive spirit—spend your summer rejoicing in live music, local bites and more.
Made in America Festival
6/1-6/2
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 Lil Wayne, Nas, Victoria Monét and Gunna, this festival is a must-attend for hip-hop and R&B fans. Taking place at the Mann in Fairmount Park, Roots Picnic is the ideal event to take in tunes while enjoying local bites on the lawn. 5201 Parkside Ave., rootspicnic.com
6/19 - 7/4
Wawa Welcome America
Celebrate Juneteenth and America’s birthday at the largest Fourth of July festival in the country. Concerts, fireworks and 50 more events fill the 16-day event—2023 featured performances from Demi Lovato, Ludacris and Adam Blackstone, so there’s no knowing which star musicians will take the stage this year. july4thphilly.com
6/22 - 6/23
Manayunk Arts Festival
There’s no better time for a summer stroll down Manayunk’s picturesque Main Street than during this festival, where over 300 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. Plenty of food and alfresco festivities round out this Philly staple. 4312 Main St., manayunk.com
7/17
Beech “Jazz on the Ave” Music Fest
Cecil B. Moore Avenue, nicknamed the Golden Strip, was a jazz destination from the 1940s to the 1960s. Celebrate this rich history for the 15th 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 musician, singer and songwriter P.J. Morton, so a litany of exceptional jazz artists is sure to show off their sonic sensibilities this year. Broad & Cecil B. Moore Ave., beechcompanies.com
9/5-9/29
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 talents through dance, art installations and daring circus arts, the festival welcomes attendees to nominate independent artists for the Festival Audience Choice Awards, dubbed the Fringies. Previous years featured artists John Jarboe of the Bearded Ladies and Tony-winning set designer Mimi Lien. Multiple locations, fringearts.com
TBD
Philly Fashion Week
Every year, local fashionistas watch the city’s Fashion District come alive with captivating couture runway shows from independent local designers and mainstream labels. Helmed by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc., this year’s exhibition showcased a stellar list of designers, including Zippora, David Ferron, Chimowild and many more—we can’t wait to see what 2025 brings. Multiple locations, phillyfashionweek.org
TBD
Old City Fest
Take to the streets of America’s most historic mile in Old City for fashion, food and more. 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 a dozen food vendors, the event is a feast for your eyes—and mouth. Last year’s Old City retail participants brought the hottest trends, like Benjamin Lovell Shoes, Casa Vida, SuitShop and more. 3rd and Arch Streets, oldcitydistrict.org
Photography by: A. Ricketts for VISIT PHILADELPHIA