The Biggest Events, Festivals & Exhibitions in Philadelphia in Spring 2023

Through Thursday, April 6, 2023 (select dates)

The streaking Sixers — looking to make a deep run in the NBA postseason — jockey for playoff positioning this spring in front of raucous crowds at the Wells Fargo Center. A few of the big-time matchups on the schedule include games against:

• Chicago Bulls (March 20, 2023)
• Dallas Mavericks (March 29, 2023)
• Toronto Raptors (March 31, 2023)
• Boston Celtics (April 4, 2023)
• Miami Heat (April 6, 2023)

Through Tuesday, April 11, 2023

The Fly Guys wind down the season with a string of spring home games . Remaining home matchups include tilts against:

• Florida Panthers (March 21, 2023)
• Minnesota Wild (March 23, 2023)
• Detroit Red Wings (March 25, 2023)
• Montreal Canadiens (March 28, 2023)
• Buffalo Sabres (April 1, 2023)
• Boston Bruins (April 9, 2023)
• Columbus Blue Jackets (April 11, 2023)

Through Sunday, August 27, 2023

The House of Mouse celebrates a century of dazzling audiences with a brand-new exhibition, making its world premiere in Philadelphia. Disney100: The Exhibition opens the vaults for behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company’s most popular characters, films, shows and attractions, offering 10 themed galleries with interactive installations covering everything from Snow White to Star Wars. Pro tip: Score complimentary tix to the exhibition (plus free hotel parking!) when you book the Visit Philly Overnight Package for stays between February 18 and August 20, 2023.

Through Saturday, October 7, 2023

Doop! Following an unforgettable (and ultimately heartbreaking) run to the 2022 MLS Cup, a refocused Union squad embarks on another quest for glory in front of their raucous supporters at Subaru Park. Some spring matchups to keep an eye on include home matches against:

• Orlando City (March 25, 2023)
• Sporting KC (April 1, 2023)
• Toronto FC (April 22, 2023)
• D.C. United (May 17, 2023)
• New England Revolution (May 20, 2023)
• FC Charlotte (May 31, 2023)
• CF Montreal (June 3, 2023)

Through Sunday, November 26, 2023

This brand-new exhibition charts the life of James Forten, a free man of African descent who fought in the war for American independence in 1781, then returned to Philadelphia to become a successful businessman, philanthropist and stalwart abolitionist. Chronicle Forten’s life and follow his family’s 100-year story from the American Revolution through the lead up to the Civil War and women’s suffrage movement.

March 2023

Philadelphia shows some sisterly affection during Women’s History Month with celebratory events taking place around the region, including:

• Women’s History Month at the National Constitution Center : Uncover the history of women’s suffrage in America by exploring the National Constitution Center’s exhibit, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote. In addition, keep an eye out for daily pop-up talks in the suffragist story corner and an interactive Women Leading the Way show, tracing the suffragist movement from the colonial era to today. Women’s History Month programming is included in regular museum admission. A special Wawa Community Day (March 25, 2023) includes free admission, a kids’ town hall with famous suffragettes, and a make-and-take craft table (March 2023).
• Women’s Way Wednesdays at Stratus Rooftop Lounge: This weekly pop up by Stratus and the Sisterly Love Collective celebrates Women’s History Month with music by women musicians, as well as food and drink from woman-owned or -operated restaurants, breweries, distilleries and wine companies — with new chefs featured each week. Women’s Way Wednesdays kick off March 1, 2023 with a cocktail party that includes champagne, wine and beer tastings, oysters, endless hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and more. Get your tickets in advance , and note that 100% of ticket sales — and a portion of the drink proceeds — go toward supporting Women’s Way , a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of women and girls and to gender and racial equity March 1-29, 2023 (Wednesdays only).
• Women’s History Month at the Betsy Ross House: What would Women’s History Month be without one of Philly’s most notable women? Learn more about Betsy Ross and other trailblazing Philadelphia women during the free Saturday and Sunday programs at the Betsy Ross House . On Saturdays (March 11, 18 and 25, 2023), glimpse into the past and learn about Philadelphia days of old from historic local female figures. And on Sundays (March 12, 19 and 26, 2023), performers from the award-winning Once Upon A Nation storytelling program share short, interactive tales about women that the history books left out.

This new exhibition spotlights Japanese printmaking in the post-war period and celebrates the continued local interest in, and contributions to, contemporary Japanese and Japanese-American print-making and illustration.

The work of South Africa’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, Sue Williamson and Lebohang Kganye, who came of age during and post-apartheid, is on display during this much-anticipated exhibition . Utilizing films, photographs, installations and textiles, the artists address legacies of racial violence and social injustice, as well as history, memory and the power of self-narration.

Eat good. Feel good. King of Prussia’s annual restaurant week offers an opportunity to dine out for a great cause, as a portion of proceeds from participating restaurants is donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Lunch menus offer $15, $20 or $25 fixed options with dinner menus set at $30, $40 or $50.

In Asserting Presence , artist Nitza Tufiño’s prints and paintings of family, friends and familiar places explore the competing concepts of seeing and being seen. A free opening reception takes place March 17, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Henry the VIII’s former wives — all six of ’em — step out of his shadow and onto the stage in this electric Broadway production that channels 500 years of heartbreak into 21st-century empowerment. Before the show, be sure to pop into the on-site Volvér for the Queen’s Sting , a special, brandy-based cocktail created just for the show.

This 10-day regional theatrical festival features live performances, readings and interactive theater events. The best part? All of the performances are either free or cost just $15-$30. Bravo! Stay tuned for more info about what’s on stage in 2023.

“Is the sun rising or setting on the experiment of American democracy?” Nearly two dozen artists interpret that question into new artworks in this collaborative exhibition at both the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and The African American Museum in Philadelphia.

The colors and aromas of spring greet you like an old friend during Longwood Gardens ’ annual Spring Blooms event, offering opportunities to take in the world-renowned attraction’s fragrant fields of tulips, wisteria and more. Plus, beginning April 22, many of the botanical gardens’ famed fountains spring to life for the season, adding a refreshing and peaceful soundtrack to your visit. (Just picturing it feels good, doesn’t it?)

Organized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the twice-a-year Dine Latino Restaurant Week aims to boost business at the region’s Latino-owned restaurants. Organizers hope to extend beyond the city limits for the 2023 campaign, with restaurants participating throughout the five-county area. Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for a list of participating restaurants.

April 7 – September 28, 2023 (select dates)

’Tis the season for bedlam at the Bank as the Fightin’ Phils return to the field after an unbelievable 2022 season that resulted in a Red October to remember. The 2023 home opener sees the Cincinnati Reds come to town on April 7 — the first of 81 home games at Citizens Bank Park. With the addition of speedy slugger Trea Turner to an already stacked lineup, the Phils are sure to be a hot ticket this spring and summer as they look to make another deep run in the postseason.

In spring, this beloved long-running Easter strut celebrates its well-dressed 90th anniversary. Kids and grown-ups alike come dressed in their Sunday best for a promenade down South Street, complete with live music, treats and a visit from the Easter Bunny, who judges the best-dressed contests.

There are few things quite as hardcore as heavy metal and beer — and Decibel Magazine’s annual festival promises plenty of both. Over the course of two days, attendees take in sets from Suicidal Tendencies, The Black Dahlia Murder, Gorguts, Incantation and more while knocking back brews and other adult beverages from 3 Floyds, Broken Goblet Brewing , Brimming Horn Meadery and many others.

When the cherry blossoms bloom in Fairmount Park , spring has arrived. To mark the glorious moment, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia hosts a two-day celebration complete with musical performances, cultural activities, workshops, dancing and more. A return to pre-pandemic form, the expanded festival features a beer garden, food court, marketplace and Japanese cultural activity center. New for this year: As part of the 2023 festival, catch seven film screenings of classic movies starring acclaimed Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune at the Lightbox Film Center on select dates from April 7 to 29, 2023. Each screening is presented on 35 mm film in Japanese with English subtitles.

Lace up! This spring, the Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park paints the town rainbow with colorful springtime skate sessions. Vibrant overhead art and the checkerboard rink floor bring good times and retro vibes. For more fun, chow down at the Dilworth Park Café, fuel up at the Air Grille pop-up beer garden or hop your way through the Dilworth Park dancing fountain . Advance reservations for hour-long skating are strongly recommended and discounted Matinee Skate sessions are offered Mondays and Tuesdays

It’s a weekend of springtime family fun at Peddler’s Village , with sidewalk sales, live entertainment, and plenty of food and drink. At 11 a.m. each day, costumed characters lead a half-mile kazoo walk through the village — a noisy and leisurely stroll featuring a number of selfie stops and culminating in a free carousel ride at Giggleberry Fair. Note: Registration is required for each walk. It’s also the final weekend of the ultra-cute PEEPS in the Village display, a celebration of the Pennsylvania-made marshmallow treats that features more than 90 wall art creations, dioramas and sculptures made by local residents and organizations.

More than 50 food trucks and neighborhood restaurants line Manayunk’s Main Street during this foodie event , doling out dishes highlighting a classic spring ingredient: strawberries. Also on site: a farm stand, vendors and live music.

Eat good. Feel good. Every year, Dining Out for Life returns to cities across the globe, including Philadelphia, to help raise funds for local HIV/AIDS services. This year’s Philly event features dozens of the most popular eateries in the city, including a.kitchen + bar, Fork, LMNO, Parc, The Love and more. Participating restaurants donate a portion of the day’s proceeds to the cause.

At the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate track meet, high school, college and professional runners compete at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field . The three-day event features morning, afternoon and evening race sessions.

Visitors come from afar for this four-day event that emphasizes the strength and resilience of Philly’s community of LGBTQ people of color. A host of citywide events — including various nightlife activities — aims to focus on community building. Stay tuned for more info.

One of the nation’s leading art and design fairs returns to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the second time in its 60-plus years. Staged on the museum’s East Terrace, the show features over 40 U.S. exhibitors specializing in fine art, collectible design and antiques.

Broad Street transforms into a runner’s paradise for the Blue Cross Broad Street Run . During the 40-plus-year-old 10-mile race, participants run from the Logan neighborhood in North Philly all the way down to The Navy Yard in South Philly — with spectators hooting, hollering and hoisting fun signs all along the way.

Showcasing the culinary offerings of East Passyunk Avenue, Flavors on the Avenue is a food-lover’s delight. Neighborhood restaurants — ranging from barbecue to dim sum — dole out special dishes, while boutiques bring their goods to the curb for sidewalk sales. Stay tuned for more info.

May 3 – September 27, 2023 (Wednesdays only)

Alfresco dining is in style all summer long in Media as two dozen restaurants participate in the town’s annual Dining Under the Stars event. Every Wednesday, State Street closes to car traffic from Jackson Street to Orange Street so that pedestrians can enjoy peaceful evenings of outdoor dining, drinking and shopping. This year, keep an eye out for local favorites such as Fellini Café Trattoria, Rye BYOB and Azie Asian Fusion.

Philly’s own Dave Hause (The Loved Ones, The Flacon) assembles the rock and roll homecoming weekend he’s always wanted — and you’re invited. On the grounds of Manayunk ’s Venice Island Performing Arts Center, the Sing Us Home outdoor music festival offers a robust music lineup including Kathleen Edwards, Drive-By Truckers, Lydia Loveless, and, of course, Dave’s own band The Mermaid. Parking is very limited, but the venue is along several bus routes and close to the Manayunk-Norristown Regional Rail station. ( Maybe even grab yourself a brew along the way .)

Featuring both virtual and IRL events, Philly Tech Week celebrates all-things technology and innovation within the Greater Philadelphia region. On the docket: networking events, coding and gaming sessions, and, of course, parties.

Back in action after a mini-festival last year, the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival highlights the neighborhood’s reputation as a food and culture hotspot. Dozens of booths line Walnut Street (closed to vehicular traffic!), offering art, beauty, fashion, family fun, food, culinary demonstrations, and beer and cocktail samplings.

South Street’s grandest block party ushers in the height of springtime when revelers take part in alfresco family fun, food and music, spanning Headhouse Square and along South Street. The event typically includes a giant Maypole, a few dozen musical performances, eating contests, a kids’ zone, vendors and Maifest, Brauhaus Schmitz’s German-beer-and-dancing extravaganza. Stay tuned to the South Street Headhouse District’s site for more info on this year’s event.

Move over raspberries and blueberries — it’s all about the strawbs this May at Peddler’s Village . Strawberry Month kicks off Saturday and Sunday with a free-to-attend celebration offering strawberry treats galore, live entertainment and family activities from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. And each day in May, village restaurants join in the festivities with strawberry-themed food and drink specials.

There’s no better place for a home and garden event than Philly’s Garden District. Home design, garden décor, and hand-crafted furniture and accessory vendors — 150 in all — line Germantown Avenue for this annual daylong festival , creating an outdoor marketplace full of vintage goods, terrariums, garden art and much more. In between shopping, enjoy the live music or plant yourself at one of Chestnut Hill’s many eateries.

The old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Because she’s at Lincoln Financial Field this May . Described by Taylor as “a journey through all of my musical eras of my career,” the Taylor Swift Eras Tour marks the iconic musician’s first tour in nearly five years.

People fill the streets of Kensington and Fishtown to enjoy not only racing sculpture and art, but also live music and great food. The derby portion of the day celebrates human-powered transit as fanciful mobile sculptures parade along a three-mile urban obstacle course.

Located across the street from Ardmore Music Hall, the 2023 Ardmore Outdoor Beer Fest returns with a day of drinks, live music and local food vendors. Come thirsty because, with over 50 craft brews available to try, you’ve got your work cut out for you. Snag a limited VIP package and top off your experience with early event access, exclusive specialty brews, complimentary Liquid Death, a food voucher and more.

The first-ever HBCU Festival celebrates the rich culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while offering a full day jam-packed with free events. Marching bands, special guest speakers, food trucks, family activities, music classes, panel discussions, a drumline battle and an HBCU college fair are just some of the many festivities on deck. Note that entry is first-come, first-served so have your ticket ready in advance .

Drawing more 15,000 people annually, the New Hope Celebrates PrideFest event welcomes visitors from New Hope and neighboring Lambertville (and beyond) for an LGBTQ tradition. The festival features a 700-participant-strong parade — beginning in Lambertville, crossing over the bridge and culminating in New Hope — a Pride fair, a cocktail contest and plenty of other parties.

Dust off your fanciest hat for Malvern’s 92nd annual Radnor Hunt Races . Each year, crowds gather for a day of community tailgating, elegant antique carriages and exciting thoroughbred horse racing. Funds benefit the Brandywine Conservatory’s open space and clean water programs.

Tucked in between 2nd and 3rd Streets, this popular beer and music street festival returns to North American Street in Kensington for its 17th year with mini-golf, live music, pay-as-you-go vendors, and some of the city’s tastiest local beer, cider, cocktails and wine. Tickets also get you a limited-edition tasting glass, access to the Vendor Marketplace and unlimited (yes, unlimited) drink samples. See you there.

Famous for its delectable cuisine, the South 9th Street Italian Market puts on a boisterous weekend of food and culture , including the very-Philly greased-pole-climbing contest. The real spotlight here though is on the food: homemade sausages, delicious cannoli, imported meats and cheeses, cappuccino, beef and poultry, and fresh pasta.

Dozens of food and shopping vendors populate the bustling NoLibs corridor of North 2nd Street (closed to vehicular traffic) for an evening of eating, shopping, performances and all-around revelry.

The country’s oldest and largest event of its kind features equestrian disciplines, exhibitions and an old-fashioned country fair at the Devon Show Grounds.

Summer Twilight takes the historic tours, exhibits and art installations that the Eastern State Penitentiary is known for , and mixes in hands-on activities, monthly themes, and new events. Cool off with drinks at the Fair Chance Beer Garden on the penitentiary’s baseball diamond, offering craft brews from Triple Bottom Brewing Co.

Film fans can find works by established and emerging Latinx and Latino filmmakers at the annual Philadelphia Latino Film Festival . The lineup includes feature films, shorts, animations, web series and documentaries, along with workshops and discussions. Stay tuned to the festival website for scheduling details.

This popular twice-a-year event — the oldest outdoor fine arts show in the country (95 years strong in 2023) — returns to the perimeter of Rittenhouse Square park and features works by more than 140 professional artists specializing in media ranging from sculpture to pastels.

The annual music festival curated by and named for Philly hip-hop band The Roots always has the most exciting lineup, highlighting both groundbreaking up-and-comers and legendary acts alike — plus a podcast stage. For the 2023 festival, attendees can look forward to performances from the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill, the one-and-only Diddy (performing with The Roots!) and Philly’s own Lil Uzi Vert. Did we mention Busta Rhymes, Eve, Roy Ayers and The Isley Brothers? Whew.

Formerly known as Wizard World, Fan Expo is the meeting of all things genre, from anime to cosplay. Exhibitors include comics creators, independent artists and game purveyors. Plus: celebrity Q&As, fan club presentations, hands-on workshops and screening rooms.

One of the nation’s oldest residential streets hosts a traditional 1930s-style celebration during its annual Fete Day . Visitors get the rare chance to wander Elfreth’s Alley, exploring the history and flair of 18th- and 19th-century Philadelphia homes. The fun continues outdoors with local food, refreshments and entertainment.

The largest African American street festival in the country, now in its 48th year, begins with a week of events and culminates on Sunday, June 11 with a festival featuring more than 100 vendors and two stages of live entertainment.

Throw wheels and get your hands dirty sculpting your own clay creations! The Clay Studio breaks the mold this year with its Annual Clay Fest . The day celebrates the studio’s new home in South Kensington and offers a community event full of art demos, interactive workshops and family-friendly activities.

If you’re an art appreciator, but short on funds, this annual art sale , organized by local art nonprofit InLiquid, features work priced under $200 — with all proceeds from sales directly benefiting the artists.

Delaware County keeps the party going with Delco Pride 2023 . The festival offers food vendors, a live DJ, music and dancing, face and nail painting, kid-friendly activities, and much more. And this year, expect to see Pride programming throughout the county, including their very first Delco Pride Parade. This event is free to attend, but tickets are required .

Philadelphia marks the anniversary of African Americans’ emancipation from enslavement with a parade and festival featuring vendors, food, music and a children’s village.

This Fourth of July festival in the nation’s birthplace includes several weeks of multicultural, family-friendly programming. The event, expanded in recent years to incorporate Juneteenth celebrations, typically culminates with a stunning fireworks display over the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Stay tuned for more info about this year’s festivities.