Philadelphia and its surrounding counties always have something going on. Whether it’s Musikfest, Bug Fest, a celebration of peaches or a celebration of Jamaica, this area is full of fun every weekend in the summer. We’ve found the top (and affordable) choices for what to do this weekend, Aug. 9 to 11, in Philly and New Jersey.
What: Musikfest
This outdoor concert and festival runs several days and hosts a variety of top performers. This weekend’s headliners include Phillip Phillips, Godsmack and Brad Paisley. Families can also find crafts, numerous food vendors, kids activities and much, much more.
Where: 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, Pa.
When: through Sunday
Cost: Varies
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What: Professional Fighters League MMA Action
Watch these MMA athletes fight in the ring for the championship. MMA legend Randy Couture is even involved in the league.
Where: Ocean Casino Resort, 500 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ
When: Thursday at 8 p.m. (this one is a bonus event)
Cost: Tickets start at $20
What: Cornhole Championships
These competitors will compete for the championship in cornhole.
Where: Valley Forge Casino, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia
When: through Sunday
Cost: Varies
What: Second Friday at the Arts Garage
Enjoy art, live music and wine tastings at this gallery event.
Where: Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City, NJ
When: Friday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Bug Fest
Learn all about bugs from the experts, see some specimens and a bug show and even enjoy some edible bug snacks.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia
When: Saturday and Sunday
Cost: Museum admission tickets are $16 for children 2 to 12 and $20 for 13 and up.
What: Peach Festival
This fruit festival is filled with peach pie, peach preserves, peach ice cream and more.
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: Atlantic City Triathlon
Watch as these athletes swim, bike and run. A kids Duathlon is also available.
Where: Bader Field, 601 N. Albany Ave., Atlantic City, NJ
When: Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free to watch
What: Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic
Biking racing and family-friendly activities will fill the streets of West Chester.
Where: West Chester, Pa
When: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., rain or shine
Cost: Free to watch
What: SatARTdays: Sensory Bottles
This children’s program will have kids creating an art project with bottles.
Where: Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Ave., Atlantic City, NJ
When: Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
What: Jamaica’s 57th Independence Day Celebrations
Celebrate Jamaica with giveaways, food, live music and more.
Where: Various locations
When: Sunday
Cost: Varies
What: Main Line Bike Race
What the racers bike through Ardmore and enjoy the Family Fun Zone where there will be live music, face painting, a giant slide, games and more
Where: Schauffle Plaza, 99 Cricket Terrace, Ardmore
When: Family Fun Zone open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free
What: Down on the Farm
Tour this living history museum and explore the barn, visit with the farm animals and play the kid-friendly games.
Where: Historic Cold Spring Village, 720 Rt. 9 S, Cape May, NJ
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $14
What: Chestnut Hill Restaurant Week
Dine at participating Chestnut Hill restaurants for a pre-fixed or a la carte menu at discounted rates.
Where: Various Chestnut Hill restaurants
When: Sunday through Aug. 16
Cost: $15 to $45 per person
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