March 16, 2026
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Provided Courtesy/Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
PHS Pop Up Gardens are back for the season in Manayunk and on South Street (Pictured above: South Street location).
Spring officially arrives this week, bringing a fresh round of events across Philadelphia — from performing arts premieres and garden reopenings to major sports and food experiences.
One of the week’s first highlights arrives Wednesday when the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center reopens for the season in Fairmount Park, welcoming visitors back to its gardens and historic house. That same day also brings the start of two returning performing arts programs: Theatre Exile launches a new run of its Philly GRIT series, while BalletX begins its Spring Series at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, which runs through Sunday.
Foodies can also head to Center City on Wednesday for the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America event at The Bellevue Hotel, where chefs from some of the region’s top restaurants will gather for a tasting.
Later in the week, March Madness arrives in South Philadelphia when the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament takes over Xfinity Mobile Arena with games scheduled for Friday and Sunday.
The warmer weather is also bringing back some of Philly’s favorite seasonal hangouts. The PHS Pop Up Gardens in Manayunk and on South Street are now open for the season, offering outdoor drinks, plants and community events.
Here's more of the best things to do in Philadelphia this week, courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.
When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Magic Gardens Museum, 1020 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
When: March 21-22, 2026
Where: Sesame Place Philadelphia, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, PA
When: March 21 - April 4, 2026
Where: Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA
