Find Something to Explore

Center City is the epicenter of arts and culture entertainment in Philadelphia. Along the Avenue of the Arts, decades-old theaters host an impressive lineup of performances, including shows from resident artists and traveling companies. Vibrant greenspaces, like Rittenhouse Square, offer a reprieve from the bustle of city excitement, and at Dilworth Park, visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy free events, seasonal amenities and a stunning view of historic City Hall. One-of-a-kind museums, nightlife and luxury hotels are just some of the many other highlights to explore.

Happenings & Events

arts and culture

Barnes Foundation

  • PECO Free First Sunday Family Day | First Sunday of every month | 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
    This event offers no-cost admission to the collection galleries as well as an array of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, musical performances, and interactive workshops.
  • First Friday Supper at The Garden Restaurant | First Friday of every month | 6-9 p.m.
    Enjoy an evening of art, live music, cocktails, and access to the collection at our monthly First Friday mixer. New for 2024, the Garden Restaurant at the Barnes Foundation will be partnering with award-winning Philadelphia Chefs for inspired, one-night-only pop-up dinners. 

2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.278.7000

Chris’s Jazz Café Live Music with Dinner 

  • Trombonist, Michael Kaplan’s Superband | May 8 | 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. 

  • Saxophonist, Darryl Yokley & his Quartet | May 11 | 7:30 p.m. and  9:30 p.m. 

  • Oliver Mayman & Jam Session | May 17 | 11 p.m.  

General Admission, Dinner & Show and VIP front stage tickets are available.  
1421 Sansom Street, 215.568.3131 

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Ensemble Arts Philly 

  • Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles | May 9-11 | 7:30 p.m | An electrifying concert experience celebrating the timeless music of the legendary fab four.  

  • Herb Alpert & Lani Hall | May 18 | 7:00 p.m. | Don't miss your chance to see two legendary performers live. Iconic trumpeter Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, Grammy-winning vocalist and former lead singer of Brazil 66 with Sergio Mendes, are world-renowned for their classic recordings, "Mas Que Nada," "Fool On The Hill," "Going Out Of My Head," and "Daytripper."   

  • Suave Gonzalez: Never Give Up Tour | May 30 | Suave Gonzalez is the first formerly incarcerated person in the United States to ever win a Pulitzer Prize Award and International Documentary Award for his podcast "Suave."   

Various locations, 215.893.1900 

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The Fabric Workshop and Museum
The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum devoted both to the creation and presentation of innovative works of art. Below are some of their offerings.

  • Saturday Studio and Hands-On Screenprinting Tour | Saturdays | Explore the facilities and learn about the printing process, browse artist designs from archives, and make your own print to take home.
  • Sunday Behind-the-Scenes Collections Tour | Sundays | 1:30p.m.| Join this guided behind-the-scenes tour of the museums 7th floor archive where you will explore a variety of stored collection pieces and get a first-hand look at how the work is preserved. 

1214 Arch Street, 215.561.8888

Fashion District Philadelphia: Wonderspaces
Ongoing | Wonderspaces presents an evolving lineup of 16 extraordinary art installations and signature cocktails to experience with friends and family. This year-round, ever changing immersive art installation is located inside Fashion District Philadelphia.
901 Market Street, 267.534.7705

Howl at the Moon: Music & Margs 
May 3 | 6 p.m. - 2 a.m. | We are kicking off margarita season! When life gets salty, add some tequila. Come celebrate at Howl at the Moon because there is no better way to enjoy a holiday than with a bucket of booze, singing along to a live band on stage and dancing the night away! 
258 S 15th Street 267.519.2189 

Kimpton Palomar Philadelphia: Take a MOMent 
Now through May 31 | Spend Mother’s Day weekend in the heart of Philadelphia, where the top priority is allowing moms to relax and rejuvenate. Whether you need some time away from the kids, you’re a loving dog mom who wants a weekend with your furry friend, or simply a maternal figure in someone’s life, the Take a MOMent package is for all who embody the essence of “moms” – caring, nurturing, compassionate, and so much more. Book now until May 31. 
117 S 17th Street, 215.563.5006

Lantern Theater Company: Flex Subscription Packages
Pay one low price and get your choice of two or three FlexPasses to use in any combination of shows during the 2023/24 season, including Faith HealerThe Comedy of Errors and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
923 Ludlow Street, 215.829.0395

Philadelphia Museum of Art

  • Friday Lounge Series | Fridays | 5 p.m.–8:45 p.m.| Enjoy evening access to the museum’s galleries every Friday night. Stop by the Friday Lounge to get a glass of wine or a cocktail and enjoy the live music. Admission is pay what you wish, with discounted parking at the museum’s parking garage after 5 p.m.
  • Pay What You Wish Admission | First Sunday of each month | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Pay whatever amount you’d like for general admission to the museum. This does not include ticketed exhibitions and special programs. 

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.763.8100

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The Philadelphia Orchestra 

  • Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 | May 4 | 8 p.m. | Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 draws the listener into a labyrinth of interconnected themes, growing ever more mysterious, complex, and beautiful.  

  • Evgeny Kissin | May 15 | 8 p.m. | Kissin made his Western debut in 1987 and has been a favorite of audiences around the world ever since. 

Verizon Hall, 300 S Broad St, 215.893.1900 

Philly Baby Jam presented by Ninth Planet 
May 8 and 16 | Join theatre company Ninth Planet for a special 1-hour interactive performance for babies and toddlers ages 0-18 months and their caregivers! Infants, crawlers, cruisers and early toddlers will enjoy live music, dance and play in a soft environment made just for them, supporting their physical, social and emotional development. 
Independence Library, 18 S 7th Street 

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215 S 15th Street, 215.914.8116

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Walnut Street Theatre

  • $30 Under 40 |Ongoing | As a member of the $30 Under 40 program, you’ll get a full evening of entertainment for only $30! You can buy tickets for $30 tickets for you and a friend to every Walnut Street Theatre show. Plus, you’ll be invited to exclusive post-show parties on select nights where you’ll enjoy meeting the artists while mingling with other  members. And the best part... It's free and easy to join!

825 Walnut Street, 215.574.3550

2024/2025 Theater and Classical Music Subscriptions

The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia  | Becoming a subscriber gives you exclusive benefits and flexibility with subscriptions starting as low as $87. This season features music from some of your favorites like Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach.

Curtis Institute of Music | Step into the heart of their centennial celebration as Curtis Institute of Music unveils a season brimming with passion, energy, and greatness. Subscriptions start as low as $36. Choose your own shows or treat yourself and enjoy the benefits of a full season pass.

Ensemble Arts Philly, Broadway Series | Flexible 7-show packages are available now and include performances of Hamilton, A Beautiful Noise, MJ the Musical, & Juliet, Some Like It Hot, The Wiz, and Life of Pi starting as low as $37.00 per show

Lantern Theater Company | Save more than 20% off regular ticket prices. See shows like William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and Anna Ziegler's The Wanderers.

Opera Philadelphia | This season, Opera Philadelphia continues to bring beloved classics to the Academy of Music. Build your custom package and save 20% on two or more performances, or join for the entire season with the Academy Series subscription. 

Walnut Street Theatre | With titles like Jersey Boys, DreamGirls and ELF The Broadway Musical, the historic Walnut Street Theatre has a show for everyone. Their 5 show subscription starts as low as $26 per ticket.

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A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical - Photo by Julieta Cervantes