12 Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week · April 30–May 3, 2026

Arts & Culture

Old City First Friday – May

Old City's galleries, design showrooms, and businesses stay open late with new exhibitions and special programs on the first Friday of every month.

Friday, May 1, 2026 5:00 PM · Old City, Philadelphia

In Her View: Highlights from the Keith and Jim Straw Collection

This closing-soon exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art celebrates remarkable paintings, drawings, and prints by women artists — on view through May 18.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM · Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

Festivals & Special Events

Maifest on South Street

An annual German spring celebration on South Street featuring beer, live music, food, and a giant maypole.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 · South Street, Philadelphia

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival

Philadelphia's most upscale street festival returns with street cafes, live music, a local artist showcase, a fashion show, and family fun on Walnut Street and around Rittenhouse Square.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM · 18th Street and Walnut Street, Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

South 9th Street Italian Market Festival

An annual tradition along South 9th Street featuring Italian food, sweet and savory specialties, live music, and shopping.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · South 9th Street Italian Market, Philadelphia

Free Events

Creative Technology Day: Open Builder Coworking

During Philly Tech Week, CultureWorks opens its doors for a free coworking day bringing together founders, developers, and creatives building at the intersection of technology and culture.

Thursday, May 7, 2026 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM · CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Philadelphia

Family-Friendly

Mothers Day Pop-Up Shop Experience

A Mother's Day pop-up shop experience featuring vendors and activities at a North Philadelphia location.

Saturday, May 9, 2026 1:00 PM · 5425 N 5th St, Philadelphia

Food & Drink

Philly Wine Fest – Spring Edition

A spring wine festival at the Philadelphia Zoo featuring tastings from numerous wineries.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 12:00 PM · Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia

Sports

IBX Broad Street Run

The Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run is a 10-mile race along historic Broad Street, attracting local and international athletes.

Sunday, May 3, 2026 · Broad Street, Philadelphia

Dad Vail Regatta

The annual Dad Vail Regatta draws participants from more than 100 North American colleges and universities to compete on the Schuylkill River.

Saturday, May 9, 2026 · Schuylkill River, Philadelphia

Music & Nightlife

Bachata Thursdays at Lucha Cartel

Every Thursday, Lucha Cartel's dining room transforms into a dance floor for Bachata Thursdays hosted by Dance Republic Philly, featuring rotating partners and step-by-step instruction.

Thursday, May 7, 2026 10:00 PM · Lucha Cartel, Old City, Philadelphia

Outdoors & Active

Longwood Gardens Festival of Fountains

Longwood Gardens launches its summer Festival of Fountains with daily performances at the Main Fountain Garden featuring water jets shooting 175 feet into the air, set to music.

Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA