Summer is a magical time in Philadelphia full of adventure and excitement. From multi-sensory concerts, to can’t-miss festivals, we’ve got you covered on the most exciting events happening in Philadelphia during the month of July.
1. Enjoy a live theatre courtroom drama where you decide the final verdict
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be apart of real-life jury, now you can. The Jury Experience: Sacrificing a Life for Likes is a live theatre show where the audience decides the verdict. Presented by Fever, this unique immersive experience is as exciting as it is mysterious. Dissect witness testimonies, unpack evidence, and weigh every argument. For tickets, visit here.
👩🏽‍⚖️ Where: a secret location in the heart of the city
2. Wawa Welcome America July 4 concert and fireworks show
Wawa Welcome America July 4th Concert & Fireworks features LL COOL J, Philly’s own, Jazmine Sullivan, and DJ Z-Trip on the Parkway at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30. Enjoy food, music, wellness activities, and a 21+ Beer Garden before the show. Entry is free; front-section tickets can be won online or at select events.
Where: Benjamin Franklin Parkway
3-6. This July Experience A Magical Night Of Breathtaking Music Lit By Candlelight
Calm your mind and experience classical music in a whole new light with these sensational concerts located in gorgeous locations. Hosted at stunning venues such as the BOK Building, One North Broad Masonic Temple, and the City Winery, each space will be illuminated with flameless candles, creating an unforgettable ambiance. Tickets are selling fast! Click the link below to purchase tickets to the concert you’d like to see.
Highlights of the concert series this month include:
- Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
- Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
- Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks
- Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles
Not sure which concert to choose, purchase a gift card.
Where: various locationsÂ
7. Experience Food In A Whole New (Lack Of) Light At Dining In The Dark
Studies show that 80 percent of people eat with their eyes. But when you take the sense of sight away, the theory goes that your other senses are even stronger. Interested in testing it? Then grab your tickets fast for the ultimate tasting experience in Philadelphia this summer: Dining in The Dark, a blindfolded dinner experience unlike anything you (haven’t) seen before. With dietary options including vegan, seafood, or meat, this mysterious dining experience is sure to surprise you and your taste buds! Tickets are going quickly for July – get yours here.
Where: The Twisted Tail, 509 S 2nd St
8. Celebrate community and kinfolk at this year’s CultureFest
Presented by Kabila Events, July 13 from 3-8 p.m. at Liberty Point, Culture Fest is again with another high-energy celebration. Celebrate Black creativity, style. and culture influence. This vibrant event brings together trendsetters, professionals, and change-makers to honor Black impact on music, art, and fashion -past and present.
Expect curated cocktails, a Black-owned vendor marketplace, live entertainment, and an award ceremony spotlighting Philly’s culture influencers. This year’s theme is elevated streetwear style with a western twist. For tickets, visit here.
Where: 211 S. Columbus Blvd.
9. Socialize Midweek At Center City District SIPS
The middle of the week could’t be more buzz-worthy! Now until August 27, 2025, every Wednesday enjoy the hottest happy hour in Center City. More than 60 bars, restaurants, and beer gardens throughout the downtown area have come together to offer offering $5 beer, $6 wine, $7 cocktails and half-priced appetizers.
Center City District’s SIPS happens every Wednesday from 5-7pm at select locations. This free, pay-as-you-go happy hour is a perfect way to enjoy the summer outdoors with friends. You can find out more by visiting their website.
Where: various locations
10. This July Admire Chinese Art At The Chinese Lantern Festival
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square from June 20 to August 31 (closed July 4). Visitors can enjoy a glowing immersive experience with over 1,100 handcrafted lanterns including a show stopping 200-foot dragon. Additionally, enjoy mini-golf, a beer garden, and a fountain light show. Tickets start around $27, with weekend timed entries and a new unlimited-entry pass for this who want to come back again and again. For more information, visit here.
Where: 200 N. 6th Street.
11. Discover The Many Botanical Gardens And Arboretums Around The City
In a big city like Philly, it may be surprising that there are so many beautiful lush gardens nearby. If you are feeling in need of a refreshing outdoor adventure, visiting one of these botanical gardens or arboretums is the perfect thing to do. With some gardens that are outside of Philly and some that are in the city, there will always be a green patch to visit.
Where: various locationsÂ
12. Enjoy Ice Cream From A Local Philly Shop
As summer is in full swing, what better dessert is there than cold tasty ice cream? We’ve created a list of local ice cream shops that serve some of the most delicious ice creams in the city for you to try out. With this heat, it is a must to have an ice cream cone in your hand at all times!
Where: various locations
13. Visit the Adventure Aquarium’s new exhibit
Located just a hop and skip over the bridge, Camden’s Adventure Aquarium is the perfect place to visit with the kids this July. For the first time in over 10 years, the Aquarium has debuted a new, colorful exhibit that is sure to amaze and wonder. Kaleidoscope Cove is now open. This 2,000-square-foot wonderland is the aquarium’s biggest renovation in over ten years and trust us, the entire family will absolutely love it! For more information, visit here.
Where: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ
14. Experience A Haunted Adult Only Walking Tour
It’s all in good fun, of course, but if you love a good scare, consider going to The Dark Philly Adult Night Tour. The “frightening walking nightmare in Philly” was created by a university professor. It covers compelling stories about vampires, sex, ghosts, and more where you and your friends can sightsee important Philadelphia spots made famous during the Revolutionary War Period in Philadelphia, including Alexander Hamilton’s home, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and more. Sign up here!
Where: guided tour
15. Head To The Movies To Watch The Latest Summer Blockbuster
Fever has partnered with AMC Theatres®, so the best movies are at your fingertips, whether you love comedies, action flicks, and everything in between, with just a click of a button. Get your ticket for one AMC black ticket so you can see any 2D movie on any day of your choosing! Secure your discount tickets here!
Where: AMC Theaters
16. This July Take A Dip In Nature’s Swimming Pools
Escape the city to enjoy these refreshing bodies of water outside of Philly. Take the family on a day trip to swim in cool natural waters in beautiful national parks. When the summer heat gets too unendurable, hop in the car and explore these natural places to swim and relax!
Where: various locationsÂ
17. This July Don’t Miss The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walking Tour
If you’ve always been fascinated by magic and are a huge comedy fan, then this next walking tour is for you! Join a fun walking tour led by award-winning magician Robert Malissa, as you explore the most historic places in Old City. It doesn’t end here though. This one-of-a-kind tour also allows you to enjoy a few magic tricks along the way and you might even win a special prize if you become the magician’s assistant. Get your tickets here before they disappear!
Where: guided tour
18. This July Enjoy A Majestic Dinner Upon A Philly Rooftop
This July, admire the beautiful skyline of Philadelphia while indulging in delicious fresh food and sipping on cold cocktails. After a busy day, it’s always so nice to go out with friends or a significant other and relish in each other’s company while enjoying a meal with a lovely city view. What is there not no love about rooftops?
Where: various locations