Philadelphia Annual Events
The following is a list of annual events happening in Philadelphia, PA. Some of these are cultural events that are replicated in other cities, others are locally-based events that you can only see if you are visiting our city. The annual events are listed by month and dates (if available).*
January
The Mummer’s Parade (New Years Day) in Philadelphia
The Mummers parade is an annual celebration coinciding with New Years that comes alive in Philadelphia. Participants practice and create costumes year round, in preparation for this January social event of which marchers and bands are judged. The “Mummers” are scored on presentation, costume, and musical performances. Part of the wow-factor in the Mummers’s Parade is watching the bands perform on the streets in front of the large crowds.
Many of the Mummers are known to use the event as social commentary on a variety of topics, even controversial ones, which make the event anticipated by many. If you are close to Philadelphia on New Years Day and you have a pulse, come and check out the Mummer’s Parade! The Mummer’s Parade is held near Market Street, where the Philadelphia Convention Center meets 2nd Street.
Visit http://phillymummers.com/ for more information.
Chinese New Years in Philadelphia
Come and celebrate the Chinese New Years and Chinese heritage in Philadelphia’s Chinatown metro area. There are many tours and scheduled events that are a part of the greater celebration, everything from Chinese cuisine to poetry, art, and more.
Visit http://www.phillychinatown.com/newyear.htm for more information.
February
Philadelphia International Auto Show
If you like cars, then you’ll love The Philadelphia International Auto Show! Each year this event revs up at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This annual show is put on by the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia and features new car models yet to be massed produced, along with the latest in automobile luxury trends. The show has a soft spot for the older generation, so there are classic cars on display next to the latest production cars and exotic vehicles too.
There is a tie-in to charity here, the event also has a formal event that benefits the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The charitable aspect of the event is done through the CARing For Kids Foundation. Call 610-279-5229 or Click Here for more information.
Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras on South Street
Every year South Street in Philadelphia becomes ground central for a big Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday (The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday) in one of the cooler corners of Philly. South Street is the place, bring your cultural hat and experience a Fat Tuesday in Philly. You can call 215- 965-7676 or visit The Official Fat Tuesday Blog by Clicking Here.
Read the Wiki on this here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Street_(Philadelphia)
Annual Tattoo Artists Convention in Philadelphia
Every year a collection of the best tattoo artists comes to Philadelphia and celebrates the art of ink, and beauty of skin-art. Seminars are given by some of the hottest and well-known artists, and live music too! Good food and drink, even better people!
The Tattoo Artist Convention is being held at the Philadelphia Convention Center [1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107]. Event tickets are typically $20 per day, and packages are available for the whole weekend.
For More Information About This Annual Event, Call 1-800-541-8239, email tattooedkingpin@yahoo.com, or visit http://www.villainarts.com
Also visit this roving tattoo conventioneer on Facebook,
http://www.facebook.com/philadelphiatattooartsconvention
Latino Cultural Event – The Arturo Schomburg Symposium
Towards the end of every February, there is an infusion of Latino culture and a celebration of heritage in Philadelphia. There is an arts workshop on 5th street, and experts speaking about social and cultural issues that impact the Latino community at large.
Hosted and Presented by Dean Warren Schomburg, grandson of Arturo Schomburg. Dean is a now-retired radio/ TV broadcaster who studied at Fordham University in New York City, plays host to the annual event (the Symposium) by giving a historical review of some of the events and important times in his grandfather’s life.
Call 215-426-3311 or Click Here for more information.
March
The Philadelphia Flower Show
North America’s largest collection of flowers go in full bloom at the Philadelphia Flower Show, which has been an annual event for as long as we can remember! Events involving the flower show begin in January. Call 215-988-8899 for more info.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Philadelphia’s Irish community goes green with more than 100 floats and 10,000 marchers, ranking as the third largest in the nation! Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
Victorian Boutique Craft & Home Decor Show
This annual show highlights the 13 magnificently decorated rooms of a traditional circa 1893 Victorian-style home. The show features stained glass, kitchen and bath accessories, and other gourmet items. A one dollar ($1) admission charge is designed and intended to support local Philadelphia area charities. Call 215-723-5061 for more info.
The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Every year in March, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center hosts hundreds of artisans who put their works on display and sell related arts and crafts. Visitors are treated to gourmet food, live entertainment and artistic presentations will be announced daily. Call 800-210-9900 for more info.
The Red Ball
The Red Ball in March is a fun annual event in Philly! This is a charity event to benefit the Red Cross and is held annually at The National Constitution Center. The Red Ball is an evening of gourmet dining and dancing, supporting operations of the Red Cross House in Philadelphia. This organization provides shelter for families and individuals needing assistance. Call 215- 299-5491 for more info.
April
The Spring Splash on South Street
Celebrants parade down South Street in Easter bonnets. Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
The Philadelphia Furniture Show
Showcased are furniture and accessories by more than 250 juried artisans, a Design Smart Seminar Series, Art of the Home devoted to residential architecture, artisan building services and green smart products, plus hands-on craft demonstrations. Call 215-832-0060 for more info.
Champions on Ice Philly
During the first week in April, check out the First Union Center in Philadelphia which hosts the annual exhibition of the U.S. Figure Skating Association and the International Skating Union. Call 215-336-3600 for more info.
May
Philadelphia’s Broad Street Run
The venerable Broad Street Run’s 10-mile course starts at Broad Street and Somerville Ave, ending at the Philadelphia Naval Business Center. Call 215-235-7481 for more info.
Mother’s Day Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
On Mothers Day weekend, help put an end to generations of fighting, and start living in a world without breast cancer. Register, team up, and fundraise. Call 215-238-8900 for more info.
Annual Canal Day in Philadelphia
Attracting crowds along Main Street, this long-standing neighborhood event celebrates the 1823 opening of the Schuylkill Navigation System, part of the Manayunk Canal. Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
Dad Vail Regatta Philly
The second week of May brings crew teams from schools across the U.S. to compete on the Schuylkill River in the nation’s largest collegiate boating regatta. Call 215-886-1123 for more info.
Jam on the River
Enjoy music on the Delaware River on Memorial Day weekend holiday. Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
Trenton Avenue Arts Festival
In mid to late May, volunteers of the East Kensington Neighbors Association host an arts festival for thousands of visitors and hundreds of local artists displaying and selling handmade creations, local food vendors, and live entertainers, in the 2000 block of Trenton Avenue, between Dauphin and East Norris Street. Call 215-621-9927 for more info.
Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
The chic Rittenhouse area celebrates spring with music, dance, outdoor and indoor sales and displays by area retailers, gallery exhibits, and more on Walnut Street from Broad to 19th, and within Rittenhouse Square. Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
June
Philly International Great Beer Expo
During the first week in June, Philadelphia Navy Yards hosts over 50 domestic and international breweries presenting hundreds of beers! Call 631-940-7290 for more info.
State Street Blues Stroll
Towards the middle of June, many restaurants along State and Plum Streets in downtown and other local venues host the best blues talent in the region, sponsored by local radio and media. Call 610-566-5039 for more info.
Manayunk Arts Festival
This is one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts show in the Delaware Valley area, This local Philadelphia arts festival has more than 200 artists from across the country, attracting over 200,000 visitors from all over the region. Call 215-482-9565 for more info and also visit http://www.facebook.com/Manayunk
July
Fourth of July
A true dedication to historical importance of Philadelphia (The birthplace of the nation) comes alive with fireworks and so much more. Our city hosts free events open to the public celebrating the 4th of July, ending with a daylong party! Call 215-636-3300 for more info.
August
Laughtastic Sketch-o Palooza
Every year, towards the end of August, the World Cafe on Walnut Street hosts a night of improvisational comedy acts to benefit the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience. Call 215-222-1400 for more info.
September
Greenfest Philly
In early to mid September, the Headhouse Square hosts some activities, food, and live music that features family fun and free prizes! This eco-friendly “green event” showcases local businesses, regional green companies, green innovations. This also is a benefit-fundraiser for nonprofits that have strong strong commitments to sustainability efforts. Call 215-567-4004 for more info.
Puerto Rican Week Festival Parade
Viva Puerto Rico! This event has been in production since 1964! This event is Philadelphia’s annual Puerto Rican Week Festival and coincides with Puerto Rican Day (the last Sunday of September), includes a big parade and beauty pageants like Ms Puerto Rico and others. Call 215-965-7676 for more info. Learn more about this event by Clicking Here.
The Philadelphia Fringe Festival
In September, Philadelphia plays host to the “Fringe” element of society with a festival of art, food, music, and dance. This annual event brings people from all over the country to Philadelphia, with artists and their works being featured on display. Over 100 artists with works related to dance, art, music, poetry, and more. Call 215-413-9006 for more info.
The Popnoise Festival
The University of Pennsylvania presents the “Popnoise Festival” which is a show dedicated to the promotions of diversity in art and comedy. Various expressionist and abstract art and sculpture, poetry, are on display and for sale. Call 610-517-4645 for more info.
Annual German-American Steuben Parade
This annual event is many things: A parade, banquet, and gathering of beer drinkers! Octoberfest events are part of the festivities along with this event. Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
October
The Annual Columbus Day Parade
Philadelphia, PA celebrates Columbus Day in a BIG way! We celebrate with a parade that comes alive on the second Sunday in October every year. The parade route goes by Broad Street for onlookers and visitors to see bands and floats. Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
Fishtown River City Festival
This annual event is a 5 Mile run along the river city, followed by live music, cuisine and sample treats by local Fishtown cafes and restaurants. There are family fun activities and also historical presentations.
Philly Neighborhood Food Week
This is an event that pays homage to food! Every year in the middle of October, a collection of local restaurants in Manayunk, Northern Liberties, East Passyunk, Penn’s Landing and Chestnut Hill, are proud to present culinary and comfort food creations with specials on 3 and 4 course meals offered at special prices; usually prix-fixed. Call 610-624-4596 or visit http://www.facebook.com/PhillyFoodWeek for more info.
Scotch Whisky Extravaganza
October brings a taste of whisky to Philadelphia, when the Union League Club of Philadelphia hosts their annual dinner and tastings event. Presented by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America, this tasting and food event features rare single malt whiskies, a dinner buffet, fine cigars, and presentations by representatives from many of the distilleries. Call 800-990-1991 or visit http://www.singlemaltextravaganza.com/society.html for more information.
November
Philadelphia Marathon
The annual Philadelphia event is a Marathon that starts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Come our and support these every athletes and have a great time. Local food vendors and businesses are featured along the roadway. Call 215- 685-0054 for more information.
Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade
This event is not only popular, but it’s a part of Philadelphia history! Going all the way back to the year 1920, this is actually on the country’s 1st Thanksgiving Day parades! This parade goes on for hours, and features large floats, marching bands, and more. Santa shows up at the end, launching the Philadelphia Holiday Festival. Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
December
Holiday Show of Lights Philadelphia
Going back to the year 1956, this annual event is a light show that has grown from a small event to a well-attended city event! The show has water fountains, music and more. The event takes place in the Grand Court at Center City. Call 215-965-7676 or Click Here for more info.
The Philadelphia Matzo Ball
This annual social event is a big night for singles in other major cities, and big for Philly too. Everyone comes together for “the Matzo Ball” bash in more than a dozen cities nationwide! This is one of the biggest holiday parties for singles (mostly Jewish) the night before Christmas. You can call 267- 671-0840 for more info on tickets and the location. Also visit http://www.matzoball.org/
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show
Fireworks on the Delaware are a focal point of festivities. Call 215-965-7676 for more info.
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*GoPhillyTours makes the effort to update this page on a regular basis to attempt to publish accurate information to our readers. We also endeavor to list contact information and links to the organization(s) that are involved, so that more information can be found. Because these are individual groups and organizations outside of our control, we recognize that the events and details will change often throughout the year; therefore GoPhillyTours cannot guarantee the content is 100% accurate. Please contact us with any changes or corrections – We appreciate your support and understanding.
