Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on. Whether it’s Shakespeare in the Park, a music festival, restaurant week or car show, 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 26 to 28, in Philly and New Jersey.
What: East Passyunk Car Show and Street Festival
This annual car show features classic cars, vintage autos and modern sports cars.
Where: East Passyunk Avenue from Broad to Dickinson, Philadelphia
When: Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
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What: Shakespeare in Clark Park: King Lear
Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy Shakespeare’s King Lear in the park.
Where: Clark Park, 4300 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia
When: Wednesday through Sunday at 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference
Workshops, networking, panels and speakers surround this educational conference on the transgender community.
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia
When: Through Saturday
Cost: Free
What: ComedySportz World Championship
Improv teams will battle it out in improv matches, similar to Whose Line is It Anyway.
Where: The Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia
When: Through Saturday
Cost: Varies
What: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra
Watch the movie outside as the orchestra plays the soundtrack live.
Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia
When: Friday at 8 p.m.
Cost: From $25
What: XPoNential Music Festival
This year’s music lineup includes Hozier, Blondie, Elvis Costello and the Imposters, Guster and more.
Where: BB&T Pavilion, 1 Harbor Blvd., Camden, NJ and various locations
When: Friday through Sunday
Cost: Tickets start at $20 for each day, prices vary
What: Ardmore Restaurant Week
Get a taste of cuisines from around the world without having to leave the Main Line at Ardmore Restaurant Week. More than 20 restaurants are offering lunch and dinner special.
Where: Various restaurants in Ardmore, Pennsylvania
When: Through Sunday
Cost: Lunch at $10 or $15; Dinner at $15, $25 or $35
What: University City Dining Days
More than 30 restaurants will offer deals on three-course lunches and dinners.
Where: Participating University City restaurants
When: Through Sunday
Cost: $15-$35
What: The Oval+
This pop-up urban park features live music, movie nights, games, fitness classes and festivals throughout the summer.
Where: The Oval, 2451 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
When: Through Aug. 18
Cost: Free
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
What: Dinosaurs Around the World
Visit with dozens of animatronic dinosaurs as you discover and learn about things like volcano activity and fossils.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences
When: through Jan. 20
Cost: From $7 in addition to general admission
