As summer is right around the corner and classes are coming to an end, there’s so much to look forward to for this year’s summer break. This includes a variety of events and experiences in Philly to check out as the spring semester wraps up.
From markets to movie nights, spend some time at these events that run from spring ‘til throughout the summer months. Whether solo or with friends and family, I recommend attending these to help make the most of your time off this year.
The Southeast Asian Market runs from April 4 through Oct. 31. This is a cultural weekend food market in FDR Park that features 70+ vendors selling native cuisine dishes, produce, plants, clothing, and jewelry from places all over Southeast Asia. Some of my favorite foods I’ve tried from the market were the beef banh mi, tornado potato, grilled corn, beef and chicken skewers, and pandan waffles. Other popular foods from the market are the lort cha (stir fry) and chive cakes from Stir Fry Lady, papaya salad, mango sticky rice, and stuffed chicken wings. Some refreshing drinks I recommend trying are sugar cane juice, watermelon and honey dew milk tea, and lemonade from any of the stands.
If you want to plan your next visit or just check out some of the other delicious dishes and items you can buy there, here’s the 2026 Vendor List. There will also be pop-up vendors rotating out weekly, so keep an eye out for those if you get the chance to stop by. Thankfully, all the vendors there are pretty affordable— but make sure to bring cash with you since many only accept that or Venmo.
What is Sofar Sounds? Sofar Sounds is a global community connecting artists and audiences that offers “unique and intimate” live music performances, concerts, and music events in 400 cities around the world. These take place in unexpected and memorable venues, ranging from iconic landmarks to backyards. Some notable artists they’ve hosted for performances were Tones and I, Yebba, Lianne La Havas, Hozier, Lauv, Olivia Dean, and FINNEAS. They focus on music discovery and one-of-a-kind experiences for both music artists and fans.
They will be having a mix of live music and spoken word events across Philadelphia this summer from May 8 to Aug. 28. The first will be “The Sonic Gallery” featuring three R&B, hip-hop, and jazz-inspired artists from Philly and NYC. The evening’s events will include an art gallery, DJ set, indoor concert, and a chance to experience the venue’s after hours. Their other summer events that stood out to me were one at a cafe in Ardmore, which is a music show to connect like-minded fans advertised as “for the ice cream lovers,” and an outdoor experience on a rooftop in University City.
Every summer, Schuylkill Banks hosts a series of movie nights at the Greys Ferry Crescent Esplanade or the grassy area north of the Walnut Street Bridge. The movie series schedule for 2026 is not out yet, but feel free to send in your movie suggestions for this summer’s series. While at the Schuylkill Banks, you’ll have the opportunity to find the perfect movie viewing spot, watch the sunset, or even jump aboard a kayak tour.
I recommend bringing a blanket, some water, and something to eat for these outdoor screenings. The movies usually begin at sunset, around 8-8:30 pm depending on the month. Be sure to check out their website for where the location will be since it does switch.
On the first Friday of every month, Old City celebrates the arts as galleries open new exhibits, design showrooms display their new lines, and businesses host special programs and stay open late. These run from May 1 through Dec. 4, so there’s plenty of time to check out the district’s art & design exhibitions and home decor shops.
Every First Friday there’s also numerous events that are held in Old City. In May, there will be some immersive events centered around the spring season. Firstly, there will be a flower-themed workshop where participants can design some handmade fashion accessories using recycled textiles, beading, and deconstructed jewelry. There will also be an educational May Flowers event at the Science History Institute where visitors can learn about and gain a deeper appreciation for the chemistry of plants. Whether you decide to go to explore an art exhibit, try out a workshop, or admire new designs at a showroom, there’s an event for everyone at each of Old City’s First Fridays.
Cherry Street Pier is a space on the Philadelphia Delaware waterfront that has studios for Philadelphia artists, curated markets, a stage for art exhibits and performances, a relaxing garden, and many food and drink options. During the summer, it’s always filled with lively events bringing together the Philly community. Here is their upcoming events calendar, so you can stay in the know with what’s happening at the pier. Some of these events include festivals, art classes and art markets, interactive exhibitions, craft fairs, and so much more.
Most of these events are free to enter and open to the public as well. If you’re looking for something to do on one of these summer days, they’re open daily. A festival at the pier I’d like to highlight is the Philadelphia Carribean Festival, organized by the Caribbean Festival and Cultural Organization of Pennsylvania, Inc. This annual festival will be on Aug. 16 and will feature island sounds and performances, along with a marketplace for Caribbean fashion, jewelry, and some tasty cuisine. Enjoy this event while listening to reggae, roots, international beat, soca, cool jazz, and steel band music right on the pier.
As the summer months draw closer, consider adding these events to your summer to-do. Among all of these, I’m sure you’ll be able to try something new and take in the wonderful arts and culture scenes that Philly has to offer!