7 Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week · August 13–16, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival has been extended through August 30, illuminating Franklin Square with hundreds of handcrafted lantern displays.

Friday, August 14, 2026 · Franklin Square, Philadelphia

Philadelphia Folk Festival

One of America's longest-running folk music festivals returns this week, featuring multiple stages of live folk, roots, and Americana music.

Friday, August 14, 2026 · Philadelphia area

Date Night

Twilight in the Gardens at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Make art and enjoy live music after hours inside Isaiah Zagar's iconic mosaic wonderland on South Street.

Friday, August 14, 2026 · Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, South Street

Arts & Culture

Kaidan: Japanese Ghost Stories at Shofuso

Hear ghost stories and witness close-up illusions inside Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center after dark in a unique and atmospheric evening performance.

Friday, August 14, 2026 · Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Fairmount Park

Outdoors & Active

Delaware River Heritage Trail Loop Walk

A community group walk along the Delaware River Heritage Trail, a scenic 20-person outing organized by FreeWalkers.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 8:00 AM · Delaware River Heritage Trail, Philadelphia

Sports

Round Robin Double Tournament (Grass Court) Tennis

A competitive grass court round robin doubles tennis tournament hosted by the Philly Tennis Swat group with 52 attendees.

Saturday, August 15, 2026 5:00 PM · Philadelphia area grass court

Family-Friendly

Plumes: French Musician Serenades the Philadelphia Zoo's Animals

Viral French musician Plumes, known for serenading animals around the world, kicks off the Philadelphia Zoo's end-of-summer live music lineup.

Friday, August 14, 2026 · Philadelphia Zoo