This weekend promises an exceptional blend of culture, music, and community events throughout Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Starting with a Broadway revival, “The Wiz” will take center stage at the Academy of Music, running until June 15. The show transforms the iconic tale into a vibrant celebration, showcasing Philadelphia’s rich theatrical scene.
For Shakespeare enthusiasts, Delaware is hosting “ShakesBeer in the Park” this Friday at Fort DuPont Pavilion, where attendees can enjoy comedic performances inspired by the Bard, paired with local brewery offerings.
Music aficionados will also find much to enjoy as the Philadelphia Orchestra concludes its season with a grand finale concert featuring acclaimed cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason on Friday and Saturday at the Kimmel Center.
In South Jersey, the talented Halsey brings her “For My Last Trick” tour to Camden’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion on Saturday, with special guests Alvvays and Hope Tala enriching the experience.
Local music festivals like the Wayne Music Festival and the Northern Liberties Music Fest will showcase an array of artists, celebrating both local and national talents.
Philadelphia Sketchfest runs concurrently until June 14, bringing laughter to multiple venues across the city.
As a capstone to the weekend, Sunday will mark the 50th anniversary of the Odunde Festival, a significant celebration of African and African American culture held on South Street.
**Delaware Events**
One of the highlights in Delaware is the “ShakesBeer In The Park” happening on Friday, June 6. The event starts at 7 p.m. at Fort DuPont Pavilion, providing an engaging experience blending Shakespearean performances with craft beer tastings. Participants can indulge in a flight of local brews while enjoying light food options available for purchase.
**New Jersey Events**
Saturday, June 7, will see artists like Halsey appear at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden during her latest tour, supporting her fifth studio album, “The Great Impersonator.” This performance, filled with theatrical elements inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” promises to deliver a unique experience complete with surprise songs from her extensive catalog.
**Special Events**
Kicking off the weekend, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is set for Thursday, June 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The street fest offers attendees the chance to enjoy discounted items from over 50 local vendors in University City. With a range of activities tailored for families, this event has grown significantly since its inception in 2010, so arriving early is recommended.
On Friday, residents will gather for the annual “Toll the Bell” ceremony, which serves to honor victims of gun violence through bell ringing and musical performances by local artists. This poignant event, which begins at 1 p.m., is organized by PennLive Arts in partnership with several community groups.
On Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m., the seventh annual Havertown Irish Festival will unfold, showcasing Ireland’s vibrant culture with music, dance, and a variety of artisan booths. Children will have a dedicated fun zone, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all ages.
Additionally, the long-awaited Spring Family Fest at the Philadelphia Navy Yard takes place on Saturday, featuring live performances, food trucks, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Another not-to-miss event is the Bacon, Beer, Bourbon & Country Music Festival at Philadelphia Zoo on Saturday, where attendees can indulge in flavors from the country’s culinary staples while enjoying live music performances.
The Elfreth’s Alley Day 2025, also on Saturday, will give participants a rare opportunity to tour historically significant homes along America’s oldest residential street, complete with reenactors and live entertainment.
Don’t miss the Disability Pride Philly Party, a neighborhood celebration on Saturday honoring the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event features a parade followed by a festival filled with engaging activities, local vendors, and food trucks.
**Odunde Festival**
On Sunday, June 8, the Odunde Festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This longstanding festival, now one of the largest of its kind in the country, showcases the African diaspora through food, music, and art, gathering over 100 vendors on South Street.
**Arts & Culture**
Art lovers can immerse themselves in several exhibitions this weekend. Notably, “On My Deen” runs from June 6 to June 28 at the Proscenium Theatre at the Drake. The play addresses themes of faith, friendship, and societal change with a unique narrative set in 1962 West Philadelphia.
Another engaging production, “Small Ball,” unfolds at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, utilizing whimsy to explore themes of ambition and identity through an imaginative basketball journey.
The sci-fi drama “Franklin’s Key” presented by Pig Iron Theatre Company is also running from June 5 to June 29, providing a unique fusion of Philadelphia’s history with innovative storytelling.
Meanwhile, the classic musical “The Wiz” will continue its run at the Academy of Music, celebrating R&B and the narrative of the beloved Wizard of Oz.
Rittenhouse Square will host the Fine Art Show from June 6 to June 8, transforming the park into an outdoor gallery featuring over 140 artists.
**Comedy and Music**
This weekend is rife with comedic talent as the Philly Sketchfest continues through June 14. This annual festival presents over 35 sketch comedy troupes from North America performing across several venues in the city.
Fans of cult films can interact with the stars of “Napoleon Dynamite,” who will be present at City Winery for a live event featuring a screening and Q&A.
For music lovers, the Philadelphia Orchestra will perform its Grand Finale at the Kimmel Center, featuring Sheku Kanneh-Mason as a highlight during the final concerts of the season.
The Wayne Music Festival on June 7 promises local and national acts, emphasizing community while providing free entertainment to attendees.
On Saturday, participants can enjoy live performances at the Northern Liberties Music Fest, supporting local talents in a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.
As the month continues, consider participating in community events like Open Streets on Sundays in June, where parts of Center City will be closed to cars, encouraging festive gatherings and practical city exploration.
In summary, this weekend offers a broad array of activities across Philadelphia and surrounding areas, from theatrical performances to cultural festivals and musical celebrations, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
image source from：https://whyy.org/articles/things-to-do-june-2025-second-weekend/
