Before summer slips away, there’s still time to squeeze in a few more memorable Philly outings. These seasonal events and experiences are worth adding to your calendar before they wrap up.
Open through Aug. 30, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back at Franklin Square with a line-up of new colorful offerings inspired by the Year of the Horse. All of the lanterns featured in this year’s festival are newly designed, and in total, the venue will feature more than 1,100 individual creations across almost 40 immersive displays.
On top of the lanterns, the Franklin Square Fountain Show is also back, and admission also includes three nightly 30-minute performances by artists from China. Festival-goers can also enjoy a wide variety of food and beverages, including cocktails, soft drinks and Asian fusion, international, and American fare. Tickets (price depends on date) are available online.
200 N 6th St., historicphiladelphia.org
Running Fridays through Aug. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., the Rodin Garden Bar series pairs an outdoor aperitif setting with access to the museum’s renowned collection of works by Auguste Rodin, offering guests a blend of art, atmosphere, and food and drink in one cohesive space. The weekly Garden Bar features beer, wine, craft cocktails, and small plates curated by Constellation Culinary Group.
Admission to the Garden Bar is free; admission to the Rodin Museum is pay-what-you-wish, and leashed four-legged friends are welcome in the garden.
2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, philamuseum.org/rodin-museum
Held every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. through Sept. 29, this weekly program features more than 20 bars, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and local hangouts offering $5 beers, $6 wines, $7 cocktails, discounted appetizers, and specially priced mocktails and zero-proof beverages at Fishtown venues. A full list of participating spots can be found online.
This seasonal outdoor pop-up has transformed the garden behind the historic City Tavern in Old City into an open-air experience inspired by 18th-century food, drink, and social traditions. Operating Thursday through Sunday throughout the summer, daytime “History Maker” experiences here include Colonial games, interactive activities, and historic interpreters portraying real figures from the past. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. has also brought back its popular Independence After Hours on Saturdays.
The Garden’s menu is also inspired by the original City Tavern, and guests can enjoy a selection of specially crafted ready-to-drink canned cocktails created exclusively for the experience.
138 S. 2nd St., historicphiladelphia.org
In full swing every Wednesday through Aug. 26., on SIPS nights from 5 to 7 p.m., dozens of bars and restaurants throughout Center City offer discounted cocktails, beer, wine, mocktails, and appetizers. A complete list of participating locations and weekly specials can be found online, including spots offering 15% off dinner after 7 p.m.
centercityphila.org/explore/sips
Created by LOTCHI, this traveling production regularly transforms historic sacred spaces around the world into multimedia environments through digital artistry and original musical compositions. During this milestone America 250 celebration, 'LUMINISCENCE' created “a living dialogue between past and present” in Philly.
Set to run through the end of this month at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, performance options include Luminiscence Live Plus (featuring a live choir and orchestra), Luminiscence Live (with a live choir only), or Luminiscence (featuring recorded music and a voiceover). Ticket prices (starting at $35) vary depending on the type of experience, and discounts are available.
1723 Race St, luminiscence.com/philadelphia
Shark & Ray Summer ends this weekend at the CAA, with experiences running through Aug. 16. Throughout the Aquarium during the activation, guests can meet Gill the Shark, participate in shark- and ray-themed games, and check out a puppet show at The Boardwalk. 2026 also brings fresh themed photo installations and educational programming exploring the venue’s newly introduced spotted eagle rays.
Philadelphians can additionally check out the new Shark & Ray Lab, an interactive space where visitors can experience what it's like to work as a marine biologist, and the Aquarium's Shark Feed Tours.
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, adventureaquarium.com
This summer, visitors can experience Longwood Gardens at its peak during the Festival of Fountains season, running through Sept. 27. The activation features vibrant indoor and outdoor displays, fountain performances, three immersive treehouse experiences, giant water platters, and scenic trails through the Meadow Garden, lined with wildflowers and tall grasses.
Guests can also explore the 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory, the relocated Cascade Garden, and the expanded Idea Garden. Additional programming this summer includes Family Nature Strolls at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. (capacity limited) and daily fountain shows at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15, 3:15, and 5:15 p.m.
1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, longwoodgardens.org
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