Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on. Whether it’s a "Night in Venice," Blobfest, an Islamic festival or Nuevofest, this area is full of fun every weekend in the summer. We’ve found the top (and affordable) choices of what to do this weekend, July 12 to 14, in Philly and New Jersey.
What: Blobfest in Phoenixville
This weekend-long street and movie festival, celebrates the movie The Blob, which was filmed at the Colonial Theatre in 1958.
Where: The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
When: Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Varies
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What: 40th Street Summer Series
Live music, free snacks and arts and crafts fill this summer concert series.
Where: 40th and Walnut streets, Philadelphiaa
When: Saturday at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Islamic Heritage Festival
This multicultural festival is filled with music, food, crafts and more.
Where: Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia
When: Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
What: Pirate Art Festival
Artists, music and tons of art works fill this beachside festival.
Where: Seawall, 12th and Brigantine Ave., Brigantine, NJ
When: Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Night in Venice
Watch the festively decorated boats float down the bay in this boat parade. Fireworks will follow the parade.
Where: Bayside Center, 520 Bay Ave., Ocean City, NJ
When: Saturday at 5 p.m.
Cost: Free to watch
What: Kazumi Racecar Premiere
Check out the premiere of this animated short film from David McBride.
Where: Perelman Theater, inside the Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
When: Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Varies
What: Nuevofest
This music festival celebrates the sounds of Latin America and includes performances by the Beachers and Kevin Johansen
Where: Word Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
When: Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Cost: From $12
What: Bastille Day Block Party
Celebrate France's Bastille Day in Ardmore with dancing, live music, food, arts and crafts, games and more.
Where: The Bercy, 7 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore
When: Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
What: Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival
Handcrafted lanterns illuminate the square after sun set each night, along with live performances and a beer garden.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street, Philadelphia
When: through Sunday
Cost: $18
What: Blue Cross RiverRink and Summerfest and The Midway
Skate on the outdoor roller rink, eat funnel cake, ride the carnival rides and Ferris wheel and enjoy tons of fun at this summer-long fest.
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia
When: through Sept. 1
Cost: Varies
What: Spruce Street Harbor Park
Enjoy lawn games, hammocks, food, floating gardens are more at this summer park filled with fun.
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia
When: through Sept. 29
Cost: Free
What: Festival of Fountains
This fantastic fountain show features more than 1,000 jets, vibrant colors, music and more.
Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, Pa.
When: through Sept. 29
Cost: Varies
What: Marvel: Universe of Superheroes
Check out this superhero comics and movies exhibit showing off Marvel’s most iconic memorabilia, like props, costumes, sketches and more.
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia
When: through Sept. 2
Cost: Tickets start at $35 for adults and $31 for children
What: Creatures of Habitat: A Gazillion-Piece Animal Adventure
Life-size LEGO brick animals will fill the Philadelphia Zoo during this event in order to tell the story of endangered wildlife. Visitors can learn how human behavior impacts endangered species and be inspired to take action to stem the global change. The Zoo Key, a former local tradition, will also make its return with this exhibit. The Zoo Key will unlock secrets and stories about animals throughout the zoo.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia
When: through Sept. 30
Cost: Zoo admission is $16 for child ages 2 to 11 and $19 for any 12 or older
What: PHS Pop Up Garden
Throughout the summer this garden will host creative events, planet exchanges, arts and crafts for the kids and flower crown Fridays.
Where: 15th and South Street, Philadelphia
When: Open through October, Monday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight and on Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free to enter