Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on. Whether it’s affordable dining deals, a celebration of crabs, a summer festival or blueberry month, 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 19 to 21, in Philly and New Jersey. Just be sure to drink lots of water with hot temps in the forecast.
What: Delaware State Fair
10 Days of family-friendly fun are underway as the Delaware State Fair celebrates 100 years with concerts (Reba McEntire performs Saturday night), LEGO building, a petting zoo, fireworks, music and plenty of food this weekend.
Where: 18500 S. DuPont Hwy, Harrington, DE
When: Gates open at 8 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Cost: Adult admission starts at $9, kids 6-12 are $4 and children under 5 are free. Concerts, rides and food cost extra.
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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 July 28
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: Thursday through July 28
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: Opens Friday through Aug. 18
Cost: Free
What: Ducktown Summer Fest
Comedian and Actor Kate Flannery will perform at this art, music and food festival.
Where: Dante Hall Theater, 14 N. Mississippi Ave., Atlantic City, NJ
When: Friday at 8 p.m.
Cost: From $30
What: Crabulous Crab Day
Learn about crabs with crab races, games, teaching tanks and more.
Where: The Wetlands Institute, 1075 Stone Harbor Blvd., Stone Harbor, NJ
When: Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: $10
What: Xfinity Live! Summer Fest Live!
This indoor/outdoor beer festival will feature more than 175 craft beers. Live music and food trucks will also be featured.
Where: Xfinity Live!, 1100 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia
When: Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m.
Cost: From $35
What: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra
Watch the Harry Potter movie outside as the orchestra plays the soundtrack live.
Where: The Mann Center, 5201 Parkside Ave., Philadelphia
When: Saturday at 8 p.m.
Cost: From $25
What: Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival
Live music, crafts, food and more will be featured at this festival.
Where: Saunders Park Green, 3827 Powelton Avenue
When: Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. rain or shine
Cost: Free to attend
What: Bluegrass and Blueberries Festival
Celebrate National Blueberry Month with a weekend filled with food, music and tons of blueberries.
Where: Peddlers Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend
What: Pirate Boat Tour
Enjoy a boat ride along the Great Egg River while listening to stories about pirates.
Where: Duke O’Fluke, 198 Higbee Ave., Somers Point NJ
When: Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25
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
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
