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City Cast Philly

Find the best that Philadelphia has to offer.

Siani Colón

After hyping it up all year long, the country’s semiquincentennial celebration is here. Independence Day is the buzziest topic in July, and we encourage you to participate in the remaining 

 festivities. But after the Fourth, what else is there to do for the rest of the month?

The World Cup wraps up this month, with Philly’s last game on July 4. If you’re looking for another sport to root for, Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby and All-Star Game return to Philly July 13 and 14. But that’s not all. MLB is taking over for several days, including the 

 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center July 11 through 14.

The American Revolution isn’t the only revolt being celebrated this month. Bastille Day is July 14, celebrating the French Revolution. As the 

 on July 12 to raise funds for Alliance Française de Philadelphie, which supports the study of the French language and Francophone cultures. Also on July 12, local French organizations are 

celebrating 250 years of French-American friendship

 at Rittenhouse Square’s French Quarter. Speaking of that friendship, the Museum of the American Revolution is zooming in on France’s role in the American Revolution with 

“Red White & Bleu: Revolutionary Alliances.”

 runs from July 2 through 12, offering patrons discounts on dishes from African, African American, and Caribbean cultures. The series will also include a music and food festival at Love Park on July 11. Want to learn more about the cultures across the African continent? Visit 

The Philly Youth Music Fest returns for its third year, showcasing young performers participating in the city’s music programming.

 This year’s event is at Spruce Street Harbor Park

 on July 19. Attendees can listen to over 25 live performances, participate in workshops, and win prizes.

One of Philly’s prestigious art institutions is celebrating summer with its annual 

 event on July 12. The Barnes Foundation will have live DJs, art workshops, and a craft market. If you’re a Philly resident, take advantage of free admission not just that day, 

It’s market season, so stock up on goods from Philly’s small businesses. The 

takes over the Sheet Metal Workers Union on July 17 through 19. The 

 will shut down the 900 and 1000 blocks of South Street on July 31.

Honor and learn about Philly’s Mantua neighborhood at 

, an outdoor dance festival. The daylong movement event at Miles Mack Playground is on July 11. Over in Manayunk, go beyond your typical post-work happy hour experience with 

. The seasonal event features pop-up vendors, movie nights, and art demos every Thursday evening throughout July.

If you have a weird sense of humor, this alternative comedy festival is for you. 

 returns to the Louis Bluver Theatre at The Drake from July 9 through 13. The event features a mix of improv workshops, game shows, live readings, and screenings. After that, head to Helium Comedy Club on July 18 for the 

 featuring touring headliners and local acts.

Summer’s just getting started in Philly, and there’s plenty to keep you occupied after America’s birthday.

Your Guide to Philadelphia in July 2026

How to Spend July 2026 in Philly

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

Abby Fritz

Philadelphians are lucky to be surrounded by 

 whether they’re right in the city at Wissahickon Valley Park and Pennypack Park, or in the surrounding counties. With 

, you can cover new ground by finding people to share these adventures with.

The robust local trail system has fostered a community of hiking groups that bring together enthusiasts and newbies alike. Joining a trail club can introduce you to new hikes, help you feel safer on trails, and get you outside.

“BATONA” is an acronym for the phrase "back to nature," and 

 gave its moniker to a 53-mile trail in South Jersey back in 1961. This club goes back all the way to the 1920s and organizes meetups every weekend for both long and short hikes in and around Philly.

Body Liberation Hiking Club: Greater Philly Area

 gathers on the trails to celebrate the outdoors and all body types by making space for folks with marginalized bodies. 

 does more than just hike meetups; the group also organizes regional hikes paired with camping and swimming, and other day trips such as tubing and festival hangouts.

Focusing on wellness by prioritizing hiking and mental health, 

 is for Black women who want to share outdoor adventures. For over three years the group has organized hikes, trail runs, and meetups, sometimes partnering with other local organizations such as 

 centering health offers hikes, fitness challenges, social activities, travel experiences, and philanthropic opportunities. In the summer, the organization focuses on its 

 designed with the Upper Darby Township Recreation Department to introduce girls ages five to 12 to the outdoors.

, the nonprofit has been around since 1931. For $10 a year, you can become a member and join in on hikes most Saturdays and Sundays and bigger excursions like a yearly outing which has taken participants to Croatia, Italy, and the Czech Republic. The group also offers 

. Every event listing specifies the distance, location, time, and difficulty.

. While the focus is on the free seasonal hikes, you can also rock climb and bird watch with the group.

 has a membership-based program that aims to connect people through the outdoors. For $350 annually, you can participate in hiking, walking, classes, a book club, and other activities. With partners like REI, Free People Movement, and HOKA, this club has expanded significantly since its inception. It does host some free community hikes and other ticketed offerings if membership isn't your jam.

Hike with friends, or make new ones, by joining these Philly-area clubs.

Hiking in Philly and Beyond With These Groups

Philly’s Hiking Clubs

Philly parks want you to go outside this summer, whether it’s to 

have some drinks at a rotating pop-up beer garden

. The good times don’t have to end once the sun goes down. But your neighborhood park is the destination to catch some flicks, whether it’s a family-friendly film or a romance perfect for a date night. So bring a blanket or lawn chair, some snacks, and relax at these upcoming screenings.

’s Under the Stars Festival brings together moviegoers in West Philly’s Clark Park on Friday nights, showcasing independent films. The remaining two screenings in this series are 

 on June 13, plus “TCB - The Toni Cade Bambera School of Organizing” and 

 on June 19. Outside of this series, cinéSPEAK has other pop-up screenings at The Lawn at UCity Square and at Freedom Greens & Garden later this summer.

If you missed the Under the Stars Festival, that isn’t your last chance to see movies at this beloved park. The 

University City District will screen movies

 on Fridays in August. With 2026 being the semiquincentennial, this year’s theme is “freedom.” Come and watch “A League of Their Own” and “The Matrix.”

Get a bird’s eye view of the city while watching your favorite movie. Located at Cira Green Rooftop, Sunset Social hosts 

 on Saturdays. Upcoming evening films include “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Jaws,” and “Iron Man,” and daytime screenings include “Encanto” and “Ponyo.”

At Independence Mall, you can retrace the steps of the country’s Founding Fathers, see where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and watch a movie about a group stealing said document. The 

 takes over Independence National Historical Park from June 19 through Oct. 19. On the lineup are “Harriet,” the “National Treasure” franchise, and “Hamilton.” Sign up in advance and come early for a pre-show.

. Screenings will take place either at the Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade or in a grassy area by Walnut Street. The film lineup features “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Dirty Dancing.” And before the movie take a stroll by the water or rent a kayak for a tour.

The city’s network of over 100 park friends groups is committed to keeping your parks clean and making them true gathering spaces

. More than 20 of those groups are hosting movie nights

 in neighborhood parks like Mifflin Square Park, Benson Park, and Harrowgate Park.

From now through September, residents can watch everything from cult classics to samurai 

. The series runs primarily on Saturdays. Attendees can come at 7 p.m. to hear music from D.J.s and shop at local vendors before the movie starts.

Grab some popcorn and your coziest blanket to watch movies with your neighbors at your local park. 

Your Guide to Outdoor Movies in Summer 2026 in Philly

Where To Watch Free Movies Outdoors This Summer

It’s time to finally use your PTO and get outside! June kicks off a jam-packed summer season throughout Philadelphia with outdoor festivals, the world’s biggest sporting event, and seasonal pop-ups. Here’s how to make the most of the official start of summer.

 is back, now pedestrianizing streets in Midtown Village. This iteration is switching things up with evening hours every Tuesday in June. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live music, double dutch, and pop-up mini-golf.

Eat seasonally by stocking up on summer fruits and veggies! Take a day trip outside of the city to nearby farms like 

 to pick your own strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. Be sure to visit Shadybrook on June 6 and 7 for 

As the semiquincentennial approaches, from now until July 2 artists across the city are responding to the question 

 as we ponder what’s next for the United States. Explore more than 30 performances and installations from Art Philly on topics ranging from the climate crisis to the contributions of Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

It’s Pride Month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s 

 will be June 7 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway instead of the typical Gayborhood location. There's a $10 admission. If you can’t make it, 

 on June 7. For sapphics looking for love in a sober setting, 

Celebrate and Learn About the End of Slavery

June 19 commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The annual 

 will depart from the Highmark Mann Center at 12:30 p.m. and conclude at Malcolm X Park, where a marketplace will already be in full swing and a music festival begins at 5 p.m. At Bartram’s Garden, there’s a 

 on June 14 with free workshops and storytelling. And over in Germantown, the 

Johnson House is celebrating its 20th Juneteenth Festival

 on June 20. Continue learning about the 

history of slavery and abolition in Philadelphia with these tours

Although we’ve been feeling summer temperatures for weeks now, we don’t officially transition seasons until June 21, when you can soak up the sun on the longest day of the year. 

 is hosting a celebration ahead of the solstice on June 18 with food, music, and free archery. On June 20, 

 is throwing a block party with an opportunity to view the sun through the museum’s telescope. In Torresdale, 

 is leading an eco-craft event on the actual solstice, making art with sun printing and natural dyes.

Wander Philly’s museums, pick fresh fruit, and celebrate the solstice throughout the month.

Your Guide to Philadelphia in June 2026

How to Spend June 2026 in Philly

May is National Bike Month, when we’re reminded of cycling’s multiple benefits, from exercise to transportation. While biking can be a solitary activity, Philadelphia has a strong community of cyclists who host meetups throughout the city for riders to safely cycle together. If you’re looking for a group near you to explore with, here are a few local clubs.

Have you ever heard of a walking school bus, where a group of students walks to school with chaperones? Similar to that concept, bike trains consist of cyclists commuting together to jobs, school, or other destinations. 

 has six main routes around the city, with riders meeting up weekly.

Riding your bike at night can be intimidating due to lower visibility and other dangers. But just because it’s dark out doesn’t mean you can’t go out. 

 organizes biweekly social bike rides throughout the city. Interested cyclists can learn about an upcoming ride and the designated route on the organization’s website and social media channels. The miles vary with each ride, and routes will note their difficulty levels.

this group hosts evening social bike rides

 but focuses on Northwest Philadelphia. Riders meet up every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. Upcoming dates and routes are posted on Instagram and 

Sometimes, to get people out of the house, you need to come up with a good theme. 

 leans into its name by organizing monthly themed bike rides. Past themes have centered on Earth Day, the spring equinox, and Valentine’s Day. Riders meet at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps at 8 p.m. and head out at 8:30 p.m.

 promotes gender inclusivity and racial equity in biking and the great outdoors. The Philadelphia chapter has organized bike campouts, picnic rides, and “carb crawls” to local bakeries. The group also runs a gear library, sharing bike bags and camping equipment.

Want to join these groups but don’t know how to ride a bike? Adults and kids alike can practice biking in Hunting Park’s 

. And the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition hosts two-hour adult learn-to-ride class every month at Lloyd Hall along Boathouse Row – 

Why bike solo when you can join a community that also loves exploring the city on two wheels?


Where To Ride a Bike With Others in Philly

Ride a Bike and Make a Friend at These Philly Biking Clubs

It’s warming up in Philly! Rising temps may have you eager to grab a swimsuit and head down to the Jersey Shore, but there are plenty of opportunities to splash around this spring and summer in the city itself. As we wait for the city to reopen our pools and spraygrounds (help them open quicker by 

 offers free community boating on Saturdays now through Oct. 17. Rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are available for 30-minute rides. Instruction is provided, so beginners are welcome! No signup required. The organization also hosts free family fishing every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Fairmount Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Independence Seaport Museum, hosts community paddle boating at FDR Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

 are on May 16, June 6, July 18, and Aug. 15.

Over in Torresdale, you can boat along the Delaware River and Poquessing Creek. Rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are 

 on a first-come, first-served basis on select days through September.

Just outside of Philadelphia and a short walk from the Regional Rail’s Cheltenham Station, you can learn to fish. The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, which covers both Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, 

 on Tuesday evenings from now through Sept. 15. Rods, tackle, bait, and instruction are provided.

 two weeks before your preferred event date to register.

 leads several kayak excursions along the Delaware River. This includes an introductory lesson ($25), a 2-3 mile excursion ($65), and a 6-mile excursion ($75). The museum also offers special events such as an ecotour, teaching about the river’s ecosystem and how to better the environment, and a morning paddle paired with coffee.

You can also head to Penn’s Landing Marina and 

 during the day or night, taking in the views of the harbor.

Riverfront North Partnership, in partnership with MidAtlantic Youth Anglers & Outdoor Partners, will 

teach you how to fish along the Delaware River

, right by the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Lessons every other Thursday until June 18  are capped at 35 participants.

You can learn how to fish every other Thursday until June 25. 

. There’s also a public boat launch at this site.

Located in Philly’s Kingsessing neighborhood, 

 is not just home to the oldest surviving botanical garden in the U.S. Here, visitors can enjoy the water. Free boating is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., equipment and instruction provided. If you have your own boat, you can launch a non-motorized boat from Bartram’s dock. Free fishing occurs on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with weekly catch-and-release fishing on Wednesdays. Rods and tackle are available for free.

locations along the banks perfect for fishing

 near Center City, Grays Ferry, and Southwest Philly. Fishers must abide by state law and have a current, signed fishing license.

You can take a professional guided tour with 

 along the Schuylkill River. Basic kayak tours are $40 per person, and sunset/moonlight tours are $45 per person. You can also catch a movie after you finish kayaking right along the riverbank.

 for upcoming fishing lessons, tours, and other activities.

Row merrily down Philly’s rivers or learn how to catch a fish at these seasonal programs. 


Where To Boat and Fish in Philly

Free and Low-Cost Aquatic Activities in Philly

Philly is a sports town, and that includes golf. Its history runs deep, producing top athletes like 

, the first American-born golfer to win the U.S. Open, and 

, the first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event. Philly’s also home to the 

 in U.S. courses since 2020, a 21% increase, the sport’s popularity isn’t slowing down. In the Philadelphia area, amateur and professional golfers alike can choose from several local ranges and courses to play a round. Here’s where to golf in Philly, whether it’s your first or 100th time picking up a club.

’s range features 63 stalls to show off that swing. Need lessons before you start the game? 

 from local teaching professionals on-site. If you need something easier for the kiddos, the center is also home to an 18-hole mini golf course. The center is open daily. Clubs are available for rent.

 to allow men and women of all ethnicities to play. The site reopened in 2025 as a new and improved hub for golf and STEM education. Golfers can play on a 68-bay driving range and 

. Additional courses are expected to reopen in 2027 and 2028.

. Open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., reservations are only required on weekends and holidays.

 is located right in East Fairmount Park. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., prices start as low as $5 for a bucket of 25 golf balls. Golf clubs are complimentary to use on-site if you don’t own a pair. Lessons are also available.

. The club also has simulators, a practice facility, and a pro shop to stock up on golfing necessities. Players are required to bring their own set of clubs (rentals are available) and wear proper golfing attire. Want to become a regular? Walnut Lane offers different membership tiers.

 on today’s episode of City Cast Philly.

Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, test out your skills at these local golf ranges and courses. 

Where To Golf in Philly

Goodbye April showers (and randomly hot-cold days) and hello May flowers! We’re at the peak of the spring season, which means it’s the perfect time to hit the trails, dance in the streets, and bask in the sunshine.

Learn Why We’re Still Obsessed With Rocky

The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s new exhibit, 

“Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,”

 is officially open through Aug. 2. Though the fictional boxer is a central figure in the concept, the program explores how boxing has been interwoven in art and culture (with sculptures dating as far back as 475 BCE) and how real-life underdogs and legends inspired the Rocky story. Learn more about how the exhibit came to be in 

 is back starting May 1 and is expected to run until September. The seasonal hangout takes over the courtyard next to the historic Hamilton and Furness Halls, the former University of the Arts buildings recently redeveloped as the Village of Industry & Art. Sip on cocktails, listen to live DJs, and attend creative workshops. Frankie’s is open every Wednesday through Sunday.

Shop for Mom (or Yourself) at These Markets

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift for Mother’s Day or want to reward yourself with a shiny new item, the best gifts are local! Support small businesses at the 

 on May 9 and May 10 at Cherry Street Pier. Or buy something like-new at the 

Resource Exchange’s reFlea Vendor Market

 on May 16. If you visit Cherry Street Pier on May 9, don’t forget to say hi to City Cast Philly! We’ll be tabling.

. The nine-day celebration invites Philadelphians to take co-ownership of our local parks by participating in cleanups, plantings, and other beautification efforts. The week isn’t just for hard work – parks across the city will also host craft days, movie nights, tree walks, and boating.

Festival season is officially in full swing. Venice Island’s 

 is three days (May 1-May 3) filled with punk rock and acoustic sounds and “working class wit.” Come back near the area the following Saturday (May 9) for Roxborough’s 

 and check out the classic cars lining the avenue. If you’re on the other side of the city, Northern Liberties’ inaugural 

 is that same day with live bands, a hot dog-eating contest, and an opera performance.

. Speaking of pole, you can climb up a greased one to win cheese, meat, and bragging rights at the 

 on May 16 and May 17. Over in Brewerytown, Girard Avenue will be blocked off for the 

. And on May 30, your porch becomes the stage at 

, where hundreds of musicians perform throughout the neighborhood.

 at the oldest rose garden (in its original form) in the United States. The day includes walking tours of the home and garden, botanical coloring, and a vendor market. Head up to Germantown on May 23 for the floral festivities.

Get out of the house and head outside! Philly’s packed with activities including music festivals, outdoor social clubs, and tours of one of the best rose gardens in the country. 


Philly's Best

How to Spend July 2026 in Philly

Philly’s Hiking Clubs

Where To Watch Free Movies Outdoors This Summer

Latest articles

How to Spend June 2026 in Philly

Ride a Bike and Make a Friend at These Philly Biking Clubs

Free and Low-Cost Aquatic Activities in Philly

Where To Golf in Philly

How to Spend May 2026 in Philly

Get Your Steps In With These Philly Walking Groups

Shop and Swap at These Spring Plant Pop-Ups