As warm weather makes its presence felt, Philadelphia gears up for a bustling weekend filled with diverse activities.
This non-holiday holiday weekend promises to be particularly vibrant, with significant events like Flag Day, Father’s Day, and the 250th birthday celebration of the U.S. Army highlighting the city’s calendar.
Additionally, the #NoKings protest is set to attract thousands, making Philadelphia a focal point for rallies, Juneteenth celebrations, and much more.
Amidst the festivities, public pools have officially opened for the season, adding to the array of weekend options for residents and visitors alike.
Whether you live in Philly or are visiting, the following events should cater to a wide range of interests, and here’s a chance to support local businesses and museums too.
**Friday, June 13**
Kick off the weekend from Friday through Sunday as Philadelphia hosts the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration.
While Washington, D.C. may be home to a grand military parade on Saturday, Philadelphia offers a more budget-friendly three-day celebration organized by the Penn & Franklin Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, featuring public ceremonies, exhibits, and performances.
Also on Friday, the art therapy event “de>crescendo: Putting the Pieces Together” will run from 6 to 8 p.m., allowing participants to explore and process their emotions through the medium of art.
This event is free but comes with limited registration.
At 7 p.m., catch the world premiere of “The Sisters,” an opera interweaving the voices of four women poets from differing centuries: Amy Lowell, Sappho, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Emily Dickinson.
This bold performance, reflecting on legacy, identity, and artistic lineage, takes place at Christ Church Neighborhood House and runs through Sunday, with tickets priced between $23 and $50.
**Saturday, June 14**
Start Saturday with the grand opening of Gateway Plaza at FDR Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This free event invites families to enjoy paddle boating, live music, food trucks, and more, as part of the park’s Fair Play campaign launch.
Next on the agenda is “SKETCH 2025: The Brunch,” running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Attendees will get a sneak peek at the upcoming ArtPhilly festival in 2026, showcasing over 30 original commissions in a multidisciplinary arts format.
The event will include live music, drag opera, brunch from Kampar, performances, and panel discussions.
Also taking place is the Plant Dad: A Father’s Day Pop-up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hosted by Plant & People, this event celebrates plants and wellness with fresh juices, local vendors, and a unique “Pop and Pot” station that allows guests to pot their own plants either for personal use or as a gift for a plant-loving dad.
Families can participate in the Flag Day & Father’s Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, featuring activities and talks about Revolutionary-era flags.
Adult admission is $23, seniors $19, and children 5 and up $13.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the 10th annual Men’s Wellness Day will offer health screenings, housing resources, job support, and a Juneteenth celebration at Saunders Park Greene, located at 39th and Powelton.
A Black Farmers Market will also take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., promoting healthy living through plant-based foods, wellness vendors, and organic produce grown by regional Black farmers.
Visit Freedom Greens + Gardens for this unique shopping experience, promoting community and health.
Families seeking a fun-filled day can enjoy Family Fun Saturday at Historic Fair Hill from 12 to 3 p.m., offering storytime, crafting, gardening, games, and scavenger hunts.
Clay enthusiasts will find joy at the 10th annual Clay Fest 2025 from 12 to 5 p.m. at The Clay Studio’s new home in South Kensington.
This event promises a day of clay-related activities that showcase community spirit and positivity through crafts.
At 6:30 p.m., the Juneteenth Reparations Film Screenings will present “Acts of Reparation” at the Friends Center, followed by a discussion with Dr. Breanna Moore.
Meanwhile, the Penn Museum will host a family festival titled “Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This rain-or-shine event includes performances, DJ sets, storytelling, and hands-on activities, along with a community marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses.
For food lovers, Kimchi Tasting will be available at Reading Terminal Market from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Joyce, the Kimchee Girl, and Iovine Produce will guide attendees through the authentic flavors of Korean kimchi.
The Curious Histories Fest: What’s for Lunch? offers a day full of activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This free event includes hands-on experiences, talks, and cooking demonstrations that engage curious minds of all ages.
Philly VegFest 2025 at Bainbridge Green will celebrate vegan lifestyles from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring various vendors and activities—and it’s free!
On the adult side, Pints & Pages, a boozy book fair, will take place from 12 to 5 p.m. at Evil Genius Beer, showcasing books, comics, and more for nostalgic attendees.
Art lovers will adore the 25th annual Art for the Cash Poor event, local artists and artisans will sell their work at affordable prices up to $250, showcasing the robust artistic community at the Crane Arts Building from 12 to 6 p.m.
Those interested in history can join a walking tour at Historic Fairhill, where participants will explore the area’s murals and rich cultural heritage—free with registration.
For live entertainment, West Park Arts Fest from 1 to 6 p.m. promises art, music, games, and crafts at West Fairmount Park.
Another community event, the 16th annual PCDC Chinatown Expo, will offer resources and information on social services and community support from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Crane Community Center.
For a lively evening, the Millennial Matinee Dance Party starts at 5 p.m. at Underground Arts, where participants can relive ‘90s and ‘00s pop hits until the party wraps up by 9 p.m.
**Sunday, June 15**
Sunday kicks off with CAICU Norris Square Walking Tours from 10 to 11:30 a.m., providing a glimpse into the rich history of the Norris Square neighborhood.
Groups are limited to 12, and the tour concludes at La Borinqueña.
For pet lovers, Pawther’s Day Portraits at Sunday Girl offers a chance for a unique photograph with dad and his furry friend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bankers Row Tours will let attendees explore Philadelphia’s financial history starting at 2 p.m.
This tour includes a thorough look at the nation’s first stock exchange and financial institutions, with a ticket price of $18.
The Queens United Wellness Weekend at the Discovery Center promises free health screenings, holistic healing demonstrations, and wellness vendors throughout the day.
In the evening, “The Sisters” will have another performance at 4 p.m. at Christ Church Neighborhood House, continuing the exploration of timeless poetic voices.
Finally, the exhibition “TERRA: Bodies & Territories” will run through weekends until June 22, culminating the weekend with artistic expressions that focus on themes of identity and community.
With a lineup like this, Philadelphia is undeniably the place to be for an exciting and culturally rich weekend.
So gather your friends, family, and fellow art enthusiasts to partake in the local festivities while supporting the community and enjoying all that this vibrant city has to offer.
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