Summer in Philly is anything but boring. This is a city that is always vibrant and buzzing with incredible energy and that is even more true during the hottest season of the year. Regardless of whether you are a local or just a visitor, you will appreciate Philadelphia’s summertime:
- Delicious food
- Refreshing drinks
- Numerous sights
- Busy festival program
If your summer bucket list is still empty, we will help you add a few good entries to it!
Eat your heart out
If you have failed to get your beach body on in time for the summer, know that you are not alone. But don’t let those few extra inches around your waste bring you down and instead of starving yourself do the opposite. Philly is home to some of the best restaurants in the country and it is one of the best foodie destinations in the US. So, if you happen to spend most of your summer here, you might as well try out the local specialties. A really great way to cool off on a hot day is if you have some water ice. There are various places where you can get this flavored and refreshing miracle (Tranzilli Real Italian Water Ice, John’s Water Ice etc.) and it will not cost you a fortune to enjoy. Another Italian-style food you can have in Philly is the Hoagie. Although it is a type of a sandwich, it contains a lot of healthy ingredients such as tomatoes, oregano, lettuce, raw onion and pepper which make the taste of the salami and capicola in the Hoagie even more irresistible. If your favorite summertime drink is beer, head over to South Philly. There you can find some of the best crabfries in the world which pair well with craft beer.
Fishtown’s Mad Rex restaurant will make your dining experience in Philadelphia unique. Aside from enjoying amazing food masterpieces served on black lava rock or a Himalayan salt block, here you can also sip on cocktails that have names such as Flame Thrower, Wasted Apple and Road Warrior. Spice things up even more by reserving the Virtual Reality Chamber at the Mad Rex, where you and your friends can escape the real world by exploring the wonders of virtual reality.
Pictured: Mad Rex Restaurant and Virtual Reality Lounge in Fishtown
One, two, three, drink
Aside from being notorious for its food, Philly is well-known for the quality of the drinks served in local bars and restaurants. Going out for a drink with friends is a must here and this summer this experience will be cheaper than ever. Between June 6 and August 29, the city will hold a massive Happy Hour which will feature over 90 restaurants and bars in Center City. The discounts will be in available between 5 – 7 pm every Wednesday and they will cover a wide range of drinks including beer, wine, cocktails and even selected appetizers.
Join the festival season
Festivals are a big part of the cultural calendar of Philadelphia. But this summer, the lineup of such events is bigger and better than ever. No matter whether you love music, movies or theater, you will find a festival that matches your interests. One of the most anticipated events is Made in America. It has been held in Philly since 2012 and every year it attracts tens of thousands of people from all over the US. But that is just one of the many such events which are scheduled to take place this summer in Philly.
Philly’s summer festival calendar
| Festival | When | Where | Why go |
| BlackStar Film Festival | 2 - 5 August | Various venues: Institute of Contemporary Art, Lightbox Film Centre, Pearlstein Gallery and more. | The event is often called the Sundance for the people of color as it features quality independent film productions that celebrate African storytelling traditions. |
| Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival | 2 – 5 August | Music Theater Philly | The 2018 edition of the festival will be dedicated to motherhood and parenting in general in the world of arts. |
| Deco on the Delaware | 4 August | Glen Foerd on the Delaware | One of the most elegant events in Philly this summer. Inspired by the Jazz Age, this party will help you travel back in time and experience the sophistication of the 1920s. |
| Philadelphia Obon Festival | 18 August | Shofuso, Horticultural and Lansdowne Drives | A festival dedicated to the Japanese celebrations of the spirits of one’s ancestors. It includes food, music and dance. |
| Made in America Festival | 1 - 2 September | Benjamin Franklin Parkway | The lineup for this year’s edition of this music festival features names such as Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Diplo, Zedd, Meek Mill and Miguel. |
| BMW Championship | 4-9 September |
Aronimink Golf Club |
Formally known as Western Open, this professional golf tournament has not been held in Pennsylvania since 1959 but this year it is finally making a comeback in the Keystone State. |
| Fringe Festival | 6 – 23 September | Various locations in Northern Liberties, Kensington, South and West Philly, etc. | A real treat for theater lovers and those who appreciate avant-garde art. |
Pictured: Philadelphia’s Swann Fountain
Explore Philadelphia’s most iconic attractions
Philly has many amazing landmarks and sights that are worth seeing. Even if you live in the City of Brotherly Love, you are not likely to get bored of the all the things that this place has to offer. In fact, Philadelphia is one of the best spots for a staycation. If you are into museums, you can go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the National Constitution Center. Do you have kids? Take them to the Philadelphia Zoo or to see the city’s skyline from One Liberty Observation Deck. Do not worry if you are short of cash this summer. Climbing the Rocky Steps, hanging out at Franklin Square or taking a selfie next to the Love Statue are things you can do for free.
Pictured: Philly’s iconic Love Statue
With so many amazing things going on in Philly this summer, who needs to go elsewhere to enjoy a vacation. Summer is happening now and it is happening in Philadelphia. If you are in the city now, you will get a front-row seat to an unforgettable summer filled with quality food, art, music and many fun memories.