May 19, 2026
Content sponsored by
J. Fusco/Visit Philadelphia
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
In Philly, Memorial Day weekend tends to double as the unofficial start of summer and a citywide competition to see who can pack the most into three days. This week’s calendar is stacked with waterfront reopenings, festivals, museum events and long-weekend traditions that stretch across the region.
Some of Philly’s biggest warm-weather attractions return this week, including the reopening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest on Friday. The Delaware River waterfront staples are back with hammocks, drinks, games and food along the riverfront.
The weekend also brings a mix of festivals, free museum events and Memorial Day observances across the region. Museums around the city are joining the celebration for International Museum Day and MuseumFest with free admission and special programming at spots including Philadelphia Museum of Art on Monday, Betsy Ross House on Saturday and African American Museum in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Here's more of the best things to do in Philadelphia this week, courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.
When: May 23-24, 2026
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
When: May 23-25, 2026
Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road, Philadelphia, PA
When: Sunday, May 24, 2026 | 2-8 p.m.
Where: One Art Community Center, 1431-39 N. 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
When: Sunday, May 24, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
When: Through Saturday, May 31, 2026 (dates vary by event)
Where: Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Horticultural Drive, Philadelphia, PA (and other locations)
