What the District Council 33 Strike Means for the City
Philadelphia is bracing for significant disruptions to essential services as thousands of its municipal workers, represented by AFSCME District Council 33, have gone on strike. The work stoppage, which began on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, follows the expiration of the union's contract and the failure of negotiations with the city administration to produce a new agreement. For residents, this means an immediate impact on daily life, most notably a halt in trash and recycling collection across the city.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – For the third consecutive year, Philadelphia has been crowned the Most Walkable City to Visit in the U.S. in the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The announcement, made today, solidifies the city's reputation as an exceptionally accessible and easy-to-navigate destination for travelers and event attendees.
Enjoy Philadelphia This Summer Without Breaking the Bank
PHILADELPHIA - Summer in Philadelphia is packed with free fun—concerts in city parks, outdoor movies on rooftops, and “pay-what-you-wish” hours at top museums. You can wander historic streets, relax by the Delaware River, and join lively neighborhood festivals without spending much. This mix of history, music, and open-air events makes the city a great choice for travelers on a tight budget.
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PHILADELPHIA, PA—Summer is officially heating up in Philadelphia, and the city is bursting with an incredible lineup of can't-miss events. From major concerts at iconic venues and citywide festivals to vibrant neighborhood block parties and standout museum exhibitions, there is something happening on nearly every corner for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, get ready to dive into a packed season of entertainment, culture, and fun. Here is a comprehensive, chronological guide to the biggest events happening in the Philadelphia area for Summer 2025 and beyond.
Ongoing Summer-Long Events
Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square
When: June 20 - August 31, 2025
What to Expect: Franklin Square transforms into a magical realm, glowing with dozens of massive, handcrafted lanterns, including a spectacular 200-foot-long dragon. The festival also features live cultural performances, globally inspired dining, and shopping, all while the park's signature attractions like the carousel and mini-golf remain open.
Where: 200 N. 6th Street, Franklin Square
From Paris to Provence at the Barnes Foundation
When: June 29 - August 31, 2025
What to Expect: This new exhibition highlights the Barnes Foundation's own incredible collection, examining how the landscapes and culture of France influenced Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters like Monet, Renoir, van Gogh, and Cézanne.
Where: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
June 2025 Highlights
Concilio’s Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park
When: Saturday, June 28, 2025 | Noon - 9:00 p.m.
What to Expect: Hosted by Wawa Welcome America and the city's oldest Latino nonprofit, this massive festival celebrates Latino dance, crafts, cuisine, and culture. Moving to LOVE Park for 2025, the event features live music, salsa dancing, cultural exhibits, and food vendors for over 15,000 revelers.
Where: 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard
July 2025 Highlights
Red, White, & Blue To-Do
When: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
What to Expect: Reclaiming the original date of America's independence declaration, this event features extended hours at historic attractions, a parade, a block party with food trucks, and culminates in Wawa Welcome America’s big "Salute to Service" concert.
Where: Various locations in Philadelphia’s Historic District
Keyshia Cole
When: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Tyler, the Creator
When: July 5-6, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Blobfest at The Colonial Theatre
When: July 11-13, 2025
What to Expect: A wacky three-day festival in Phoenixville celebrating the campy 1950s horror flick The Blob, featuring film screenings, live shows, a street fair, and the famous recreation of the "run out of the theatre" scene.
Where: 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA
Cirque du Soleil: OVO
When: July 11-13, 2025
What to Expect: The world-famous alt-circus returns with its cherished, family-friendly production "OVO," a high-energy acrobatic spectacle immersing audiences in the world of insects.
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Creed
When: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Where: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Rod Stewart
When: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Where: The Mann Center
Life of Pi
When: July 15-27, 2025
What to Expect: The Tony and Olivier Award-winning play, based on the best-selling novel, comes to Philly, bringing its larger-than-life puppetry and enchanting tale of survival to the stage.
Where: Academy of Music
Wu-Tang Clan
When: Friday, July 18, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025 | Noon - 7:00 p.m.
What to Expect: This free West Powelton festival draws thousands to celebrate jazz music in all its forms, featuring performances by top Philly musicians, community vendors, and food trucks.
Where: Saunders Park Greene, South 39th Street and Powelton Avenue
What to Expect: An adults-only party at America's first zoo, featuring over 100 craft beers, seltzers, and ciders, plus food trucks, live music, and animal exhibits. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Where: 3400 W. Girard Avenue
Pixies
When: July 22 & 23, 2025
Where: The Fillmore
Nas
When: Friday, July 25, 2025
Where: The Mann Center
Dave Matthews Band
When: July 25-26, 2025
Where: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Savannah Bananas
When: July 26 & 27, 2025
What to Expect: This isn't your grandfather's baseball. The TikTok-famous team brings their "Banana Ball" show to South Philly for nine innings of trick pitches, choreographed dances, and epic entertainment.
Where: Citizens Bank Park
The Offspring
When: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Where: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Beetlejuice
When: July 29 - August 3, 2025
What to Expect: "The ghost with the most" comes to the stage in this darkly humorous musical based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film.
Where: Academy of Music
The Weeknd
When: July 30-31, 2025
Where: Lincoln Financial Field
BlackStar Film Festival
When: July 31 - August 3, 2025
What to Expect: A festival showcasing genre-defying films by Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists from around the world, featuring screenings, panels, and parties.
Where: Various locations including 300 S. Broad Street
August 2025 Highlights
Lord Huron
When: Friday, August 1, 2025
Where: The Mann Center
Peach Festival at Peddler’s Village
When: August 2-3, 2025
What to Expect: Kick off National Peach Month at this free-to-attend festival in Lahaska, featuring peach treats, live entertainment, and scenic summer strolls.
Where: 100 Peddlers Village, Lahaska, PA
The Fray
When: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Where: The Fillmore
2nd Street Festival
When: Sunday, August 3, 2025
What to Expect: Northern Liberties' massive annual block party brings thousands to the neighborhood for live music, merchants, cocktails, and the best food the area has to offer.
Where: 2nd Street between Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street
ACANA African Festival (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: Sunday, August 3, 2025
Where: Cherry Street Pier
Goo Goo Dolls
When: Sunday, August 3, 2025
Where: The Mann Center
Nate Bargatze
When: Friday, August 8, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Katy Perry
When: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
My Chemical Romance
When: Friday, August 15, 2025
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Philadelphia Folk Festival
When: August 15-17, 2025
What to Expect: The 62nd annual event features a fresh lineup of contemporary and legendary folk artists, plus camping, crafts, food, and family activities.
Where: Old Pool Farm, 1212 Barnbridge Drive, Collegeville, PA
LINKIN PARK
When: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Festival of India (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Where: Cherry Street Pier
Caribbean Festival (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: Sunday, August 17, 2025
Where: Cherry Street Pier
Disney Descendants/Zombies
When: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Nine Inch Nails
When: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Celebrate Asia (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Where: Cherry Street Pier
September & October Highlights
Tate McRae
When: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Where: Wells Fargo Center
Haverford Music Festival
When: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Where: Haverford, PA
Brazilian Festival (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park
Outlaw Music Festival
When: Friday, September 12, 2025
Where: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Breakaway Music Festival 2025
When: September 12-13, 2025
Where: Subaru Park
Mexican Independence Day Festival (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: Sunday, September 14, 2025
Where: TBD
Irish Festival (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: September 2025
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park
We Are the Seeds (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: September 20-21, 2025
Where: Cherry Street Pier
Taste of the Philippines (PECO Multicultural Series)
When: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Where: Cherry Street Pier
This is just a snapshot of the incredible events taking place across the Philadelphia region this summer and into the fall. With something happening nearly every weekend, there's no better time to get out and explore the city's unparalleled music, culture, and community spirit. Be sure to check the official websites for each event for the most up-to-date information on schedules, tickets, and performers.
Philadelphia is bracing for significant disruptions to essential services as thousands of its municipal workers, represented by AFSCME District Council 33, have gone on strike. The work stoppage, which began on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, follows the expiration of the union's contract and the failure of negotiations with the city administration to produce a new agreement. For residents, this means an immediate impact on daily life, most notably a halt in trash and recycling collection across the city.
