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September 16, 2019

Annual Events in Philadelphia and The Countryside in 2020

Philly’s Yearly Lineup of Festivals, Shows, Holidays And More Shine In 2020

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Philadelphia's historic Chintatown celebrates the Year of the Rat during Lunar New Year, beginning January 24, 2020. Photo by M. Edlow
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The 2020 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show takes on a Riviera Holiday theme, February 29 – March 8, 2020. Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia
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El Carnaval de Puebla is a South Philadelphia tradition celebrating Puebla, Mexico on April 27, 2020. Photo by R. Kennedy for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
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New Hope Celebrates Pride Festival is a major LGBTQ event for Bucks County, May 16–17, 2020. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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ODUNDE Festival celebrates its 45th year on South Street on June 14, 2020. Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia
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Wawa Welcome America! is Philadelphia's multi-day birthday party for the United States, June 27 – July 4, 2020. Photo courtesy Wawa Welcome America
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One highlight of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15–October 15, 2020: The Puerto Rican Day Parade. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Philadelphia celebrates National Coming Out Day with OutFest on October 11, 2020.
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The 6abc Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade, the nation's oldest such parade, takes place November 26, 2020. Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
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Year after year, Philadelphia and the Countryside’s annual events provide irresistible reasons for visitors to come to — and to fall in love with — Philadelphia. That a city so rich in history continues to both celebrate and improve on its legacy is a testament to Philly pride and invention. The 2020 calendar starts with the 123rd Mummers Parade and continues with the world’s largest indoor Flower Show, the food-packed South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, the idiosyncratic Kensington Sculpture Derby, the epic Philly Beer Week, a multi-day Fourth of July celebration (Wawa Welcome America) and the nation’s oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade, to name a few.

Here’s a look at what’s going on this (and every) year in the Philadelphia region (dates updated monthly):

January:

The Mummers parade down Broad Street in Philadelphia The Mummers parade down Broad Street in Philadelphia

Mummers Parade, January 1, 2020   — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

  • Mummers Parade – The lineup for the 123rd Mummers Parade includes 10,000 colorfully costumed people of all ages strutting down one of the city’s main streets. The troupes in the String Band division entertain crowds with live music and choreographed dances; the Fancy Brigades stage two elaborate indoor performances at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. January 1, 2020. phillymummers.com
  • Center City Restaurant Week – Select restaurants in the Center City District offer signature three-course dinners for $35 per person and three-course lunches for $20 per guest. January 12–24, 2020. ccdrestaurantweek.com
  • Orchid Extravaganza – Longwood Gardens creates an absolutely transcendent experience for orchid lovers, perching and planting the rarest and most beautiful of flora from conservatories to outdoors. January 18–March 22, 2020. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
  • Lunar New Year Penn Museum and Asian Arts Initiative get the party started early with their annual Lunar New Year Culturefest on January 18, 2020, and Chinatown makes it official with a midnight lion dance on Lunar New Year’s Eve (January 24) kicks off a number of events occurring throughout the city during the Year of the Rat, such as parades, cooking demonstrations and craft activities, including several at the Reading Terminal Market. January 25–February 8, 2020. Museum, (215) 898-4000, museum; market, (215) 922-2317, readingterminalmarket.org

February:

PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, February 29-March 8, 2020   — Photo by C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA

  • African American Children’s Book Fair – This incredibly popular, 28th annual event, held at the Community College of Philadelphia, features bestselling Black authors and illustrators, representatives from the multicultural literary community, enriching children’s books and activities that promote the power and joy of reading. February 1, 2020. theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org
  • Philly Theatre Week – This 10-day regional theatrical festival promises 100 events, including panels, concerts, meet-ups and loads of live theater. February 6–16, 2020. (267) 761-9950, theatrephiladelphia.org
  • Philadelphia Auto Show – Every winter, the Pennsylvania Convention Center transforms into a car lover’s dream with a display of more than 700 pre-production, hot-production, classic and exotic vehicles from just about every maker. February 8–16, 2020. phillyautoshow.com
  • PHS Philadelphia Flower Show With the theme Riviera Holiday, the world’s largest indoor flower show celebrates the Mediterranean at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. February 29–March 8, 2020. (215) 988-8800, theflowershow.com 

March:

Philly Craft Beer Festival, March 7, 2020   — Photo courtesy Philly Craft Beer Festival

  • Philly Craft Beer Festival Forbes Traveler called this one-day event “one of the top 10 beer festivals in America.” Held in tents at The Navy Yard, the hoppin’ affair features 75 national and international breweries, food trucks and a VIP session that presents some very rare brews. March 7, 2020. (631) 940-7290, phillycraftbeerfest.com
  • POSTPONED (NEW DATES TBA): Philly Wine Week – Philadelphia’s ever-expanding celebration of the grape features 200-plus events in 60-some restaurants and bars across the city. phillywineweek.org

April:

  • Spring Blooms – Visitors take in the sights and smells of spring’s arrival at Longwood Gardens with 240,000 tulips, azaleas, dogwoods and more. April 1 (expected reopening date)–May 3, 2020. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
  • Parks on Tap – Philly’s roving beer garden sets up in great outdoor spaces for five-day stretches from April through September. Each time, two popular trucks (one serves food; the other, craft beer and other adult beverages) link up with live music and outdoor games. April 22–September 27, 2020. (215) 422-3011, parksontap.com
  • Philadelphia Black Pride – Now celebrating 21 years, this pioneering multi-day gathering of people of different races, ethnicities, gender identities and sexual orientations features a diverse array of events that bring together thousands of members of the African American and LGBTQ communities. April 24 & 25, 2020. phillyblackpride.org
  • Fairmount Avenue Arts Crawl – Dozens of bars, restaurants and shops in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood turn into galleries, while live music, dancing, kids’ activities and demonstrations round out a festive day in the Art Museum neighborhood. April 26, 2020. (215) 232-4766, fairmountcdc.org
  • El Carnaval de Puebla – South Philadelphia’s vibrant pre-Cinco de Mayo procession showcases folk traditions from the Mexican state, the home of many Philadelphians, through a colorful parade and street fair featuring dancers in ornate costumes and oversized masks representing historic figures and folk April 27, 2020. carnavaldepuebla.com

May:

Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta, May 8-9, 2020   — Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia

  • Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival – With giant, light-up silken sculpture, this beloved festival returns to Franklin Square, as do live nightly performances, Chinese crafts and cuisine and the Dragon Beer Garden. May 1–July 5, 2020. (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
  • Philly Tech Week – More than 25,000 business leaders, tech geeks and the technically challenged participate in more than 100 events, including a variety of programs, interactive activities and workshops that celebrate and highlight emerging trends, advances and innovating uses of technology. May 1–9, 2020. phillytechweek.com
  • Philadelphia Children’s Festival – Musicians, dancers, actors, jugglers and storytellers from around the corner and around the globe delight young audiences at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. May 7–9, 2020. (215) 898-3900, annenbergcenter.org
  • Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta – The largest collegiate regatta in the world takes places on the Schuylkill River, attracting more than 3,000 competitors from 125 colleges across the country and Canada. May 8 & 9, 2020. (610) 246-5902, dadvail.org
  • Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival – People fill the streets of Kensington and Fishtown to enjoy not only racing sculpture and art, but also live music and great food. The derby portion of the day celebrates human-powered transit as fanciful mobile sculptures parade along a three-mile urban obstacle course. May 9, 2020. kensingtonkineticarts.org
  • 119th Annual Student Exhibition – The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, America’s first fine arts school and museum, previews the works by graduating students of the BFA, Certificate and MFA programs in a show that’s the perfect opportunity to acquire works from artists before they make it big. May 15–June 7, 2020. (215) 972-7600, pafa.org
  • Radnor Hunt Races – In its 90th year, this annual horse race in Malvern draws in crowds of 20,000, rain or shine, to watch six races throughout the day; funds benefit the Brandywine Conservatory. May 16, 2020. (610) 644-4439, radnorhunt.org
  • New Hope Celebrates’ Pride Festival – Beginning with an Equality Flag ceremony on May 18 and continuing through a weekend celebration, this LGBTQ tradition spans the hamlet of New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey, and concludes with a Pride Parade that crosses the bridge from Lambertville, New Jersey to New Hope, the site of a fair featuring outdoor performances and events. May 16–17, 2020. newhopecelebrates.com
  • 9th Street Italian Market Festival – Everyone’s Italian when a historic outdoor market hosts live entertainment and activities, serves international foods—homemade sausages, cannoli, imported meats and cheeses and fresh pastas. Two must-see events: the Procession of Saints and the greased pole-climbing May 16–17, 2020. (215) 278-2903, italianmarketfestival.com
  • Strawberry Festival – Strawberry treats galore, live entertainment and pie-eating contests make for a fruity and fun time at Bucks County’s Peddler’s Village. May 16–17, 2020. (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.com
  • Devon Horse Show and Country Fair – At 125, the country’s oldest and largest event of its kind features equestrian disciplines, exhibitions and an old-fashioned country fair at the Devon Show Grounds. May 21–31, 2020. (610) 964-0550, devohorseshow.net
  • Brandywine River Museum of Art Antiques Show Outstanding furniture, glass, metalware, ceramics, folk art, quilts and other fine antiques from across the nation take the spotlight at the bucolic 48th annual sale. May 23–25, 2020. (610) 388-2700, brandywinemuseum.org
  • Garden Railway Morris Arboretum’s display features a quarter-mile track with seven loops and tunnels, 12 different rail lines, two cable cars and nine bridges, including a trestle bridge that visitors can walk under. May 23–September 7, daily; weekends through October 10; November 27–December 31, 2020. (215) 247-5777, morrisarboretum.org
  • Philly Beer Week – The 13th annual celebration of Philadelphia’s vibrant beer culture takes over the city and region for 10 days. Events range from tastings to lectures to beer-pairing dinners. May 29–June 7, 2020. phillylovesbeer.org
  • Festival of Fountains at Longwood Gardens – Longwood Gardens’ fountain turns on for a fourth season, bringing with it an impressive showcase of over 1,000 jets. May 7–September 27, 2020. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org

June:

PrideDay LGBT Parade and Festival, June 14, 2020   — Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

  • Latino Film Festival – The weekend showcases feature films, shorts, youth films, animations and documentaries in English or Spanish with subtitles by established and emerging Latino and Latin American filmmakers. Workshops and discussions round out the offerings. June 4–7, 2020. phlaff.org
  • Fete Day – For nearly a century, residents of historic Elfreth’s Alley have opened their doors for one afternoon in June, offering a rare opportunity for ticketed visitors to step into these private homes and to learn about how generations have protected the structures while adapting them to modern living. June 6, 2020. 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley, elfrethsalley.org
  • ODUNDE Festival – The East Coast’s largest African American street festival, now in its 45th year, begins with a week of events and culminates with a spiritual procession to the Schuylkill River to ring in the Yoruba New Year, followed by music, dance and vendors along South Street. June 14, 2020. (215) 732-8510, odundefestival.org
  • Bloomsday – James Joyce fans celebrate the day on which Ulysses hero Leopold Bloom made his odyssey through Dublin with a daylong reading from the novel outside the historic Rosenbach library, which holds a first edition of the manuscript. A week of related programming — aimed at first-time readers and longtime devotees — surrounds the event. June 13, 2020. (215) 732-1600, rosenbach.org
  • PrideDay LGBT Parade and Festival – Now in its 32nd year, Philly’s pride events take place during International Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and feature live music, merchants, craft vendors, DJs, food, drinks and a parade that runs from the Gayborhood to Penn’s Landing. June 14, 2020. (215) 875-9288, phillygaypride.org
  • Juneteenth – Historic Germantown honors the ratification of the 13th Amendment with special festivities along Germantown Avenue and a day of historical reenactments, tours, children’s activities and food and drink at the Johnson House Historic Site. June 20, 2020. (215) 844-1683, freedomsbackyard.com
  • Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade & Festival – Philadelphia marks African Americans’ emancipation from slavery with two days of reenactments, entertainment, an African children’s village, a cultural marketplace and a parade. June 20, 2020. juneteenthphilly.org
  • Manayunk Arts Festival – More than 300 artists from around the nation set up shop along Manyunk’s Main Street for the region’s largest outdoor juried arts festival. June 27–28, 2020. (215) 482-9565, manayunk.com
  • Wawa Welcome America! – Philly’s multi-day birthday party hosts free events for all ages throughout the city, including outdoor concerts, museum days, a patriotic parade, block parties and fantastic fireworks. June 27 –July 4, 2020. welcomeamerica.com
  • PECO Multicultural Series – The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing celebrates the diverse cultures that make Philly Philly during a free festival series that includes the Hispanic Fiesta, Islamic Heritage Festival, Irish Festival and Brazilian Day Philadelphia, among others. June-September 2020 (TBA). delawareriverwaterfront.com
  • Roots Picnic – Philly’s own The Roots bring together artists from various genres for the 12th annual all-day concert—this year, at The Mann Center. June 2020 (TBA). rootspicnic.com/philly

July:

Visitors running out of Colonial Theatre recreating the scene from The Blob at Blobfest in Phoenixville Visitors running out of Colonial Theatre recreating the scene from The Blob at Blobfest in Phoenixville

Blobfest, July 10-12, 2020   — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

  • Blobfest – Phoenixville, Chester County, where parts of the campy 1950s horror/sci-fi flick The Blob were filmed, hosts a wacky three-day extravaganza of screenings, themed competitions, a street fair and the recreation of a pivotal scene, during which hundreds of frightened townspeople flee the still extant Colonial July 10–12, 2020. (610) 917-1228, thecolonialtheatre.com
  • NuevoFest – A free, outdoor, alt-Latin music festival, a production of AfroTaíno Productions, showcases artists who represent the sounds of Latin America. July 12, 2020. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street, afrotaino.com
  • qFLIX Philadelphia. This annual festival celebrates all genres of film that pertain to or were created by members of the LGBTQ communities, at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. July 12–19, 2020. qflixphilly.com
  • BlackStar Film Festival – Hailed by Ebony magazine as “the Black Sundance,” this five-day film festival screens artistically excellent independent films about the global Black experience and films by people of color and fosters essential dialogues among industry leaders. July 30–August 2, 2020. blackstarfest.org
  • XPoNential Music Festival – WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers — lineup to be announced — along the Camden Waterfront. July 31–August 2, 2020. (215) 898-6677, xpnfest.org
  • Celebration of Black Arts – Nationally acclaimed journalists, writers, singers and performers head to Philadelphia each year for a month-long event consisting of a gallery exhibition, conference, multi-genre performing and literary arts showcases and awards. It’s one of the oldest African American literary events in the nation. July 2020 (TBA). (215) 232-4485, artsanctuary.org

August:

Street view at 2nd Street Festival in Philadelphia Street view at 2nd Street Festival in Philadelphia

2nd Street Festival, August 2020 (TBA)   — Photo courtesy 2nd Street Festival

  • Philadelphia Folk Festival – Now in its 59th year, Philly’s answer to Woodstock attracts musicians, storytellers and craftspeople for a weekend of song and merriment at Old Pool Farm in Schwenksville. August 13–16, 2020. (800) 556-FOLK (3655), pfs.org
  • Citadel Country Spirit USA – Ludwig’s Corner House Show Grounds in Glenmoore, Chester County hosts three days of performances by country’s biggest stars and serious up-and-comers, now a late summer tradition in the Brandywine Valley. August 28–30, 2020. (615) 815-8925, countryspiritsusa.com
  • Philly Naked Bike Ride. Now in its 12th year, this two-wheeled, 10-mile, clothes-free, car-free, citywide ride expects to attract thousands of participants — and more than a few onlookers. August 29, 2020. philadelphianakedbikeride.wordpress.com
  • 2nd Street Festival – Where better to celebrate craft beer than in the neighborhood that helped launch the craze? All afternoon and evening, local vendors close down North 2nd Street for the family-friendly festival complete with beer gardens, food, art, a busker area for street performers and three stages’ worth of bands. August 2020 (TBA). 2ndstreetfestival.org

September:

Kids at the Philadelphia Honey Festival Kids at the Philadelphia Honey Festival

Philadelphia Honey Festival, September 11-13, 2020   — Photo courtesy Philadelphia Honey Festival

  • Fringe Festival – For nearly four weeks, avant-garde performance meets street theater throughout the city during Philly’s take on Edinburgh, Scotland’s live arts festival. September 10–October 4, 2020. (215) 413-1318, fringearts.com
  • Philadelphia Honey Festival – The Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild puts on three days of beekeeping and cooking demonstrations, speakers, brewing sessions, children’s activities and vending at Bartram’s Garden, Wyck Historic House and Glen Foerd on the Delaware. September 11–13, 2020. phillyhoneyfest.com
  • Mushroom Festival – Chester County’s Kennett Square, known as “Mushroom Capital of the World,” puts the fun in fungi during the town’s 35th annual weekend of music, food, contests, exhibits and activities in September 12–13, 2020. (610) 925-3373, mushroomfestival.org
  • Scarecrow Festival – Part of Peddler’s Village six-week scarecrow competition and display, this weekend consists of scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live entertainment, pumpkin pie-eating contests and more kid-friendly activities. September 12–13, 2020. (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.com
  • Hispanic Heritage Month – Kicking off each year with the Feria Del Barrio, this monthlong celebration of the Latino community continues with the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Mexican Restaurant Week and festivals throughout the region. September 15–October 15, 2020. phila.gov
  • Terror Behind the Walls – Thrill-seekers celebrate the Halloween season by testing their nerves at Eastern State Penitentiary’s haunted house — one of the country’s most popular — inside an abandoned prison. Select dates, September 18–November 7, 2020. (215) 236-3300, easternstate.org
  • Downingtown Fall Fest – Neighbors and visitors enjoy live music, a variety of food and craft vendors and the Victory Beer Garden, all along blocked-off Green Street and Pennsylvania Avenue and all courtesy of the Chester County Victory Brewing Company. September 27, 2020. (610) 269-1523, downingtownfallfest.com
  • Bloktoberfest – Several neighborhood organizations partner with local businesses to produce an all-ages celebration of beer, food and music that stretches across the afternoon and along four blocks of South Street. September 2020 (TBA). bloktoberfestphilly.com
  • Center City Restaurant Week – Select restaurants in the Center City District offer signature three-course dinners for $35 per person and three-course lunches for $20 per guest. September 2020 (TBA). ccdrestaurantweek.com

October:

Mural Arts Month, October 1-31 2020   — Photo by S. Weinik for Mural Arts Philadelphia

  • Autumn’s Colors – Thousands of chrysanthemums—shaped into clouds, balls, spirals, columns, pagodas, a fountain and the astounding Thousand Bloom Mum—along with beautiful harvest-time plantings and colors are in Longwood Gardens’ annual celebration of fall. October 1–November 15, 2020. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
  • Mural Arts Month – All month long, Mural Arts Philadelphia honors their approximately 4,000 works of public art with trolley tours of neighborhood gardens, mosaics and a lineup of free and pay-what-you-wish events. October 1–31, 2020. muralarts.org
  • Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival – More than 160 teams race fiberglass dragon boats, complete with heads and tails, on a 500-meter course on the Schuylkill River during a fall sporting tradition that draws thousands of participants and spectators. October 3, 2020. (610) 642-2333, philadragonboatfestival.com
  • Broad Street Run – The famed 40,000-runner, 10-mile run spans the Logan neighborhood to South Philly — a raucous yet serious 40-year-old tradition. October 4, 2020. (215) 683-3594, broadstreetrun.com
  • DesignPhiladelphia – The nation’s oldest festival of its kind features more than 85 events that highlight local to global designers. The Center for Architecture and Design and—new this year—Cherry Street Pier host exhibits, lectures, workshops and demonstrations focused on architecture, interior design, industrial design, multimedia and urban design at venues all around town. October 7–18, 2020. (215) 569-3186, designphiladelphia.org
  • Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST) – For the 21st year, art connoisseurs and neophytes visit local artists of all mediums in their studios in neighborhoods throughout the city. October 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 2020. (215) 546-7775, philaopenstudios.org
  • Old City Fest – Artists, makers, designers, entertainers, restaurateurs and historians all come out to celebrate the neighborhood’s creative spirit throughout several blocks along North 3rd Street and Arch Street, where activities, exhibits and programs appeal to both families and the over-21 crowd. October 11, 2020. (215) 592-7929, oldcitydistrict.org
  • OutFest – Philly’s festival, part National Coming Out Day, is the largest event of its kind in the world. The 10-block Gayborhood party packs in the fun with drag shows, games, bar crawls, music, shopping and a main stage featuring live entertainment — including a high-heeled race.October 11, 2020. (215) 875-9288, phillygaypride.org
  • Rittenhouse Row Festival – A come-one, come-all street fest transforms the Rittenhouse neighborhood with live music, outdoor shopping, fashion events, international entertainment and food from some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. October 17, 2020. (215) 972-0101, rittenhouserow.org
  • HarvestFest – The annual Southwest Philadelphia community event at Bartram’s Garden features hayrides, cider press, face painting, cooking and canning workshops and more fun fall-related activities. October 18, 2020. (215) 729-5281, bartramsgarden.org
  • Great Pumpkin Carve – The Chadds Ford Historical Society offers hayrides, live music, a kid-friendly haunted trail, more than 70 carved pumpkins and a great little beer and wine garden over a long weekend in October. October 22–24, 2020. chaddsfordhistory.org
  • Philadelphia Film Festival – For the 29th year, this 10-day festival shows the best in independent and foreign cinema in theaters and venues around Philadelphia. Attendees take in short films, feature-length films, animated movies and special guest appearances. October 22–November 1, 2020. (267) 239-2941, filmadelphia.org
  • Head of the Schuylkill Regatta – Rowers and spectators look forward to the one of the nation’s largest and most festive rowing events featuring athletes of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to Olympic-level racers. October 24 & 25 2020. (215) 280-0483, hosr.org
  • Henri David Presents: Halloween the Ball – Antiques Row jeweler Henri David has presided over the year’s most colorful and photographed Halloween bash since 1968, a staple of LGBTQ life in Philly. October 31, 2020. (215) 732-7711
  • Liberty Medal Award – The National Constitution Center awards its highest honor to individuals who strive to secure liberty for people all over the world. Past recipients include John Lewis, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, President George W. Bush and former first lady Mrs. Laura Bush, and, in 2019, former Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. October 2020 (TBA). (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org
  • Midtown Village Fall Festival – Music, food, sidewalk sales and other festivities take Washington Square West’s neighborhood block party to an ultra-fun level. October 2020 (TBA). (215) 670-4323, midtownvillagephilly.org
  • Philadelphia Furniture Show – The nationally acclaimed exhibition of home furnishings, ranges from innovative contemporary designs to adaptations of classical styles, at the 23rd Street Armory. October 2020 (TBA). (215) 387-8590, philadelphiafurnitureshow.com
  • Philly Vegan Restaurant Week – Vegan dining gets its due at vegan, vegetarian and omnivore restaurants during the third annual plant-based restaurant week, organized by the Facebook group Philly Vegan Lady Gang. October 2020 (TBA). phillyvrw.com

November:

A Longwood Christmas fountains and trees at Longwood Gardens A Longwood Christmas fountains and trees at Longwood Gardens

A Longwood Gardens Christmas, November 20, 2020-January 3, 2021   — Photo courtesy Longwood Gardens

  • Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival – The largest East Coast film festival to celebrate and elevate the experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders includes theatrical and musical performances throughout the city. November 5–15, phillyasianfilmfest.org
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show Museum-quality handmade jewelry, textiles and mixed media are on display and for sale during a juried show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. November 6–8, 2020.(215) 684-7930, pmacraftshow.org
  • Apple Festival – Peddler’s Village’s annual fall festival honors the classic fruit with old-fashioned country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters, caramel-dipped apples and pie-eating contests. November 7 & 8, 2020. (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.com
  • Philadelphia Marathon – Philly’s fast course winds through the city’s historic downtown, past the stunning Philadelphia Museum of Art and along scenic Boathouse Row and is one of the country’s premier — and most scenic — running events. The weekend includes the Rothman Institute 8K race, a half-marathon, a Kids Fun Run and two-day Health & Fitness Expo leading up to Sunday’s big run. November 20–22, 2020. (215) 683-2122, philadelphiamarathon.com
  • A Longwood Gardens Christmas – Thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees and fragrant flowers transform Longwood Gardens’ indoor gardens, where concerts take place daily. Outside, 500,000 lights glitter in the trees, and fountains dance to seasonal music. November 20, 2020–January 3, 2021. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.org
  • 6abc Dunkin’ Thanksgiving Day Parade – Now in its 101st year, the country’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parade, produced by 6ABC and sponsored by Dunkin’, wows the crowds with fancy floats, giant balloons, talented marching bands and other festive entertainment along the John F. Kennedy Boulevard and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. November 26, 2020. 6abc.com
  • Christmas Village in Philadelphia – The German-style market returns to JFK Plaza, also known as LOVE Park. For the 13th year, more than 80 wooden booths of local and international merchants sell Käthe Wohlfahrt ornaments, Hernhut Stars, wintry apparel and all manner of edible and drinkable treats, while entertainment keeps things festive. November 26–December 24, 2020. (215) 268-7606, philachristmas.com
  • First Person Arts Festival – The only event in the world dedicated exclusively to art based on personal experiences takes place at venues throughout the city. The multidisciplinary festival features storytelling shows, memoir readings, film screenings, performances, experiential tours and workshops. November 2020 (TBA). (267) 402-2055, firstpersonarts.org
  • Franklin Square Holiday Festival – Everything is merry and bright with a nightly show of 75,000 lights choreographed to holiday music, carousel, winter beer garden, fire pits and Philly-themed mini golf, the park transforms into a magical wonderland. November (TBA)–December 31, 2020. 6th & Race streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.org
  • Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival – The festival presents film and film-related programs that appeal to diverse communities and encourage understanding across racial, economic and religious divides. November 2020 (TBA). (215) 545-4400, pjff.org

December:

Washington Crossing the Delaware Washington Crossing the Delaware

Washington Crossing the Delaware River, rehearsal date TBA and December 25, 2020   — Photo courtesy Washington Crossing Historic Park

  • George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker® Pennsylvania Ballet presents its annual production of the classic at the Academy of Music. For more than 50 years, the Tchaikovsky-scored show has been a holiday favorite for locals and visitors; December 30 performance of the ballet is sensory-friendly. December 11–31, 2020 (select dates). (215) 893-1999, paballet.org
  • Army-Navy Game The Army Black Knights face the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field in the 121st occurrence of this classic football rivalry. December 12, 2020. armynavygame.com
  • Washington Crossing the Delaware River – General George Washington leads a surprise attack on the British during the 69th annual reenactment of the daring trek at Washington Crossing Historic Park. More than 200 re-enactors don Colonial army uniforms for the event, while history buffs of all ages join in Colonial-era games, demonstrations and activities in two reenactments. Rehearsal date to be announced and December 25, 2020. (215) 493-4076, washingtoncrossingpark.org
  • New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Waterfront – Two pyrotechnic extravaganzas over the Delaware River – one at 6 p.m. and a second at midnight — say farewell to the old year and ring in the new. December 31, 2020. (215) 922-2FUN, delawareriverwaterfront.com
  • Deck the Alley – Residents of historic Elfreth’s Alley open their private homes to reveal festive decorations that reflect the 18th-century structures historic roots or their inhabitants’ artistic leanings. On the brick-and-cobblestone street: Santa Claus, colonial carolers and old-fashioned crafters. December 2020 (TBA). 124-126 Elfreth’s Alley, elfrethsalley.org

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