By Dylan Shulman By Dylan Shulman | May 22, 2023 | Culture Feature Art Entertainment
Philadelphia is in the festive spirit—spend your summer rejoicing in live music, local bites and more.
Made in America Festival
6/2 - 6/4
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 Uzi Vert, Ari Lennox, City Girls and Busta Rhymes, this festival is a must-attend for hip-hop and R&B fans. Taking place at the Mann at 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, complimentary museum access and more fill the 16-day event—2022 featured performances from Jason Derulo, Ava Max and Tori Kelly, so there’s no knowing which star musicians will take the stage this year. july4thphilly.com
6/24 - 6/25
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., manayunk.com
7/15
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 31st 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
9/2-9/3
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
9/7-9/24
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 like North Carolina’s Asheville Contemporary Dance, Charming Disasters in a Musical Tarot Show and Skysail Theatre’s opera performers. Multiple locations, fringearts.com
9/23-9/28
Philly Fashion Week
Watch the Fashion District come alive this September with captivating couture runway shows from independent local designers and mainstream labels. Helmed by The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc., last year’s exhibition showcased a stellar list of designers, including Melanie Gray, Christobal, Triiuz, Zippora and many more—we can’t wait to see what 2023 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 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, the event is 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, oldcitydistrict.org
Photography by: A. Ricketts for VISIT PHILADELPHIA