The Biggest Concerts and Music Fests in Philadelphia in Summer 2022
Big musical acts, festivals and more make up Philly's summer concert scene this year...
Summer concert season is always a blast in Greater Philadelphia, but after two years of tour postponements, 2022 is extra special with the most delightful deluge of live music experiences on the books.
Local festivals are back in full force with Nuevofest at The Oval XP, the Jay-Z curated Made In America and Camden’s XPoNential Music Festival all bringing tons of A-list talent to the area.
Other one-night-only stands include The Weeknd , Kendrick Lamar and The Chicks at venues both inside and out.
Sorry in advance to fans of Phish, My Chemical Romance and Blondie : These shows are, unfortunately, sold out.
Here’s where to catch some of the best hip-hop, country, R&B, rock and country concerts in Greater Philadelphia for summer 2022.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Boy band fever never really went away, but it’s definitely having a resurgence at the moment. One of the OGs from the ’80s, New Kids on the Block bring Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley and En Vogue for a nostalgia-fueled evening in South Philly.
- Where to stay: Alexander Inn
- Don’t miss: Views of the Center City skyline
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The exciting end to Philadelphia's celebration of America's birthday...
This is it: the big one. Every year, major acts put on a massive free concert on the evening of Independence Day in Philadelphia. Check out the 2022 headliners, superstars Jason Derulo, Ava Max and Tori Kelly. Following the concert, a fantastic fireworks show lights up the sky above the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
A venerable voice of R&B and soul, Gladys Knight brings her hits like Midnight Train to Georgia and Heard It Through The Grapevine and multiple Grammy-winning voice to The Dell.
- Where to stay: Courtyard Philadelphia City Avenue
- Don’t miss: A dip in the pool
For their first tour since 2017 — and first since dropping “Dixie” from their name — The Chicks unveil material from their raw 2020 album Gaslighter , their first new music in 14 years.
- Where to stay: Philadelphia Marriott Old City
- Don’t miss: The fitness center for a pre-concert sweat
Get ready to mosh. This Is Hardcore Fest boasts headliners Hatebreed and Thursday, plus dozens of other hardcore bands like Madball, Fury of Five, Terror, Comeback Kid and more. Two-day passes for July 9 and 10, 2022, as well as single-day tickets, are available.
- Where to stay: Four Points By Sheraton City Center
- Don’t miss: A meal or two at the options-filled Reading Terminal Market
Launched in 2013, this free music festival celebrates the new sounds of Latino American culture with diverse performances from indie acts and established musicians alike. This year’s festival — the first in-person version since 2019 — takes place on the Community Stage at The Oval XP . The lineup includes New York City-based Colombian quartet Combo Chimbita, Chilean musician Natisú, Peruvian singer Daniel Bazán, Jr., Philadelphia’s own pop-trap sensation REGOthereshego and more.
- Where to stay: The Logan Philadelphia
- Don’t miss: A quick drink and the amazing view from Assembly Rooftop Lounge
The supergroup , featuring Grateful Dead members Bob Weir, Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, as well as John Mayer, Oteil Burbridge (of The Allman Brothers Band, among others) and Jeff Chimenti (who’s toured extensively with members of The Dead), breathe new life into The Dead’s repertoire.
- Where to stay: DoubleTree By Hilton Philadelphia Center City
- Don’t miss: Hanging on the atrium sundeck
This double-header pairs the inventive and timeless songwriting of Chicago and Brian Wilson , presenting Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is and Saturday In The Park from the former, and California Girls and Wouldn’t It Be Nice by the latter.
- Where to stay: Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
- Don’t miss: A quick trip to the outdoor oasis that is Spruce Street Harbor Park
Graduating from mysterious internet musician to bonafide super stardom (and Super Bowl stardom ), The Weeknd ’s striking vocals and incredibly ear-wormy pop/R&B are fit for a football stadium.
- Where to stay: W Philadelphia
- Don’t miss: Any service at the AWAY Spa
You heard her voice everywhere on Zedd’s 2018 smash The Middle . Now Grammy Award-winner Maren Morris tours behind her pandemic-era opus Humble Quest , out this year.
- Where to stay: Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue
- Don’t miss: The indoor pool
Say farewell to the Yellow Brick Road: Elton John is closing the chapter on live touring. The goodbye jaunt began in Allentown way back in 2018 and loops back to Philly for a third time for another round of musical goodbyes interspersed with renditions of Tiny Dancer, Philadelphia Freedom (duh), Crocodile Rock, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and many more. Don’t sleep on getting your tickets — not many are left.
- Where to stay: The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia
- Don’t miss: The ultra-luxurious day spa
It’s a summer tradition! Famous for their multi-night summer performances in Camden featuring an always-changing setlist, live covers and expanded full-band jams, Dave Matthews Band return to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion for another two – night stint.
- Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco
- Don’t miss: Happy hour at Stratus Rooftop Lounge
July 15 – September 10, 2022 (select dates)
Bucks County ’s Summer Music Fest plots a handful of alfresco community concerts with big-name headliners. The series kicks off with The Commodores (July 15, 2022) and continues with Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics with Eddie Holman (July 16, 2022), Indigo Girls (August 25, 2022), 70’s Flashback (August 26, 2022) and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (September 9-10, 2022).
- Where to stay: The Lily Inn
- Don’t miss: The early 1700s charm
Where: 2501 Bath Road, Bristol
Come show some hometown love. Grammy Award-nominee and Philly artist (as well as bestselling author) Japanese Breakfast swings by The Dell Music Center as a part of the ongoing tour for her, well, jubilant, 2021 album Jubilee .
- Where to stay: Homewood Suites By Hilton Philadelphia — City Avenue
- Don’t miss: Free breakfast in the morning
With hits spanning eight decades — think: Shout, It’s Your Thing, Contagious — The Isley Brothers infuse many musical styles and genres into their tunes, from gospel to funk.
- Where to stay: Cornerstone Bed and Breakfast
- Don’t miss: Gourmet breakfast in the morning
Mr. Worldwide comes to the … 856. Get down with party tunes like Don’t Stop The Party and Timber .
- Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn’s Landing
- Don’t miss: A quick trip to the outdoor oasis that is Spruce Street Harbor Park
The Pink Floyd co-founder’s This Is Not A Drill tour comes to the Wells Fargo Center for two nights of in-the-round, theatrical rock ‘n’ roll. Originally slated for 2020 (we all know how that turned out), the legendary musician is back at it.
- Where to stay: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
- Don’t miss: All the food options like Prime Rib and Luk Fu
Adult Swim Festival at The Fillmore Philadelphia, Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia and Punch Line Philly
Late-night cartoon programmer Adult Swim hosts this three-day block party for the first time ever on the East Coast. Spread over three Fishtown venues and consisting of music, comedy, live panels and outdoor screenings, the fest is a multidisciplinary delight. As for the musical headliners, don’t miss Run The Jewels (August 5, 2022), Dethklok (August 7, 2022) and Philadelphia-native Tierra Whack (August 6, 2022) — all at The Fillmore. Deal alert : VisitPhilly.com readers can score big savings on tickets to the event. Enter code “VisitPhilly” at checkout to get $99 day passes on Saturday and Sunday (regular price $165), or comedy show tickets for $25 (regularly $35).
- Where to stay: Lokal Hotel
- Don’t miss: The magazine-level decor in every room
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 W. Laurel Street
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Pulitzer Prize-winner Kendrick Lamar is a vital force in the music industry. The influential star tours behind his latest album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers , his first new collection in five years.
- Where to stay: Loews Philadelphia Hotel
- Don’t miss: The panoramic views from the 33rd floor
Branching out beyond the throwback ’60s sound of his debut Coming Home , Leon Bridges stretches his buttery vocals over a bevy of musical stylings: soul, pop, rock, funk, R&B.
- Where to stay: The Study at University City
- Don’t miss: A casual hang in the “Living Room” common area
It’s an easy-listening Sunday at the Sports Complex when hitmaker Barry Manilow comes to town fully armed with tunes like I Write the Songs , Can’t Smile Without You and Copacabana .
- Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel
- Don’t miss: Drinks and the stunning view at JG SkyHigh
Spotlighting folk artists representing many generations of music lovers — like Michael Franti, Hiss Golden Messenger and Aoife O’Donovan — the Philadelphia Folk Festival , organized by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, continues to transform a Schwenksville farm into a music destination.
- Where to stay: The Washington House Hotel & Restaurant
- Don’t miss: More live music and comedy at the historic Sellersville Theater next door
This all-day late-summer outdoor block party/fest offers two stages — one in the courtyard of Suburban Square and one across from The Ardmore Music Hall — featuring Mo Lowda & the Humble, Cabinet, Hoots and Hellmouth, and more. At the same time, the Main Line Bike Race turns Ardmore into a race course. The best part: 100% of the proceeds benefit Narberth Ambulance Emergency Services.
- Where to stay: Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue
- Don’t miss: The indoor pool
WDAS radio host Patty Jackson returns to The Dell for another edition of her late-summer concert extravaganza, Party in the Park. This year’s smooth-singing lineup includes Tony Toni Tone, Stephanie Mills and Freddie Jackson.
- Where to stay: The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
- Don’t miss: A bite to eat at Louie Louie
While The Strokes and Thundercat are easily headliners on their own, they set the stage for Red Hot Chili Peppers , touring behind their 2022 album Unlimited Love , the first since the return of guitarist John Frusciante. Get your tickets quick — not many are available.
- Where to stay: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
- Don’t miss: All the food options like Prime Rib and Luk Fu
Made In America once again makes its mark on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Labor Day weekend. With headliners Bad Bunny and Tyler, the Creator, the hip-hop heavy lineup is sure to bring thousands of party-goers to the city, making the festival one of Philly’s landmark annual events.
- Where to stay: Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown
- Don’t miss: The spacious fitness center
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
With a whopping 43 albums to his name, including this year’s What’s It Gonna Take , the versatile Irish singer-songwriter brings his extensive repertoire to Philly, including hits Brown-Eyed Girl, Moondance, Wild Night and Gloria. Act fast if you want tickets, as only lawn seats are up for grabs.
- Where to stay: Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue
- Don’t miss: The indoor pool
Few artists boast as much influence on music, specifically New York-based music, as Wu-Tang Clan and Nas . It’s only natural the two pair up for the aptly named NY State of Mind tour.
- Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia Penn’s Landing
- Don’t miss: A quick trip to the outdoor oasis that is Spruce Street Harbor Park
Celebrating five decades of music- and taste-making, Roxy Music — the band that spawned Brian Eno and Bryan Ferry — come to Philly with a lineup that includes Ferry, Andy Mackay, Phil Manzanera and Paul Thompson.
- Where to stay: Warwick Hotel
- Don’t miss: Coffee at Bluestone Lane Cafe
French indie rockers Phoenix launch their Alpha Zulu tour, named after the dancey track of the same name, supporting what is presumably their follow up to 2017’s Ti Amo .
- Where to stay: Hotel at Wm. Mulherin’s Sons
- Don’t miss: Brunch at the restaurant downstairs
For over 25 years, non-commercial radio station WXPN has been throwing its own music festival , bringing its adult contemporary rotation to life. This year, the three-day extravaganza is marked by two nights of shows at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. The War on Drugs and Patti Smith play Friday, September 16, 2022, while Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats and The Revivalists take the stage Saturday, September 17, 2022. Nearby Wiggins Park is where you can catch outdoor sets from Jenny Lewis, Bartees Strange, Kathleen Edwards and more.
- Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco
- Don’t miss: Happy hour at Stratus Rooftop Lounge
The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
