Once summer hits, the city of Philadelphia turns into something of a playground, with festivals, events, and dining experiences for people of all ages. At Oliver, we love heading outside and enjoying one of the area’s fun happenings. Here are a few to experience this July and August:
University City Dining Days
When: July 14th – 24th
Where: University City
If you consider yourself a foodie, you can’t miss University City’s Dining Days event. For its 12th year, the area will offer prix-fixe, three-course dinners at more than 30 of the most popular restaurants in the neighborhood. Prices range from $15-$35 per person and give you a chance to try out some great food and drinks.
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
When: May 27th – September 5th
Where: 101 S. Columbus Boulevard
If you’ve ever been to Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, then you know its summer fest is just as exciting. With a roller rink, mini-golf, an urban beach, and Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabshack bar and restaurant, there’s plenty to do right on the waterfront.
XPoNential Music Festival
When: July 22nd – 24th
Where: 2 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
Thought not technically in Philly, Camden’s XpoNential Music Festival is right next door and is three days of great music and family fun. The festival features music performances from 30 local and national artists on three different stages and this year’s lineup includes names like Alabama Shakes, Old Crow Medicine Show, Ryan Adams, and more.
BBQ Fest
When: July 30th
Where: Citizens Bank Park
Nothing says summer like a BBQ, and Philly is the perfect place for one. Head to Citizens Bank Park for the city’s first-ever BBQ Fest and enjoy brisket, beef tips, pulled pork, and more from more than 40 BBQ vendors. In addition, you’ll be able to enjoy live music, a craft beer garden, and carnival games.
2nd Street Festival
When: August 7th
Where: North 2nd Street in Northern Liberties
For an evening of craft beer and family fun, head to the 2nd Street Festival this summer. After the street closes down, it will become a seven-block party filled with beer gardens, food vendors, art, live music, merchandise, crafts, workshops, and more for the whole family to enjoy.
Hispanic Fiesta
When: July 9th – 10th
Where: Penn’s Landing
A premier Latino event, the Hispanic Fiesta features music, dancing, entertainment, and a variety of ethnic foods that bring awareness to and celebrate the Latin American culture and community.
Philadelphia Folk Festival
When: August 18th – 21st
Where: Old Poole Farm, Schwenksville
About 30 miles outside of Philly is a huge annual folk festival that attracts music lovers all over the East Coast. Each year, the 40-acre Old Poole Farm is transformed into a musical wonderland for three days of folk artists and bands. This year marks the festival’s 55th year and makes it the longest continuously running outdoor musical festival of its kind in North America.
East Passyunk Car Show & Street Festival
When: July 31st
Where: 1904 E. Passyunk Ave.
If you’re a car lover, don’t miss the 10th annual East Passyunk Car Show & Street Festival, where you’ll find more than 140 antique, classic, show, and custom cars. In addition, the festival will have crafts, live music, food from the area’s restaurants and food trucks, drinks, and kid-friendly activities.
Caribbean Festival
When: August 21st
Where: Penn’s Landing
For a taste of the Caribbean, don’t miss the 30th annual cultural festival that celebrates 14 Caribbean islands with reggae, roots, and gospel music, poetry, dancing, and traditional cuisine like jerk chicken, curried goat, codfish cakes, and more.