Summer is soon coming to an end. Luckily, there are plenty of cool things to squeeze into your August agenda before summer is gone for good.
Sip four themed cocktails aboard a haunted historic ship this August. For a one-night-only twist on Penns Landing, the Pirates and Rum Experience transforms the historic Gazela tall ship into a haunted cocktail event on August 27, 2026. Tickets are $55 per person (21+), include four themed cocktails, and the 90-minute experience runs aboard the Gazela at 301 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA.
Enjoy live music this summer in a new light with these sensational concerts at some of the most sensational venues across Philly in the likes of Adventure Aquarium, BOK Auditorium and World Cafe Live. Throughout August, the Candlelight Concert series will feature a wide variety of tribute concerts to timeless composers, iconic film scores and some of the most influential contemporary artists in pop and rock history.
This August immerse yourself in a truly stimulating music experience celebrating Elton John and Billy Joel. Concerts Under The Stars is taking over Liberty Point. Located along the beautiful Penn’s Landing waterfront at Liberty Point, marvel at the stunning views of the Delaware River and the sparkling lights of the Ben Franklin Bridge. Indeed, this tribute concert will transport you to a time when your favorite artists ruled the airwaves. Enjoy delicious bites and refreshing cocktails during the concert.
Tickets are required for the immersive summertime experience and can be purchased here. Perfect for date night!
Philadelphia’s sweetest summer tradition returns to Reading Terminal Market on Aug. 15 — admission is free! If you’re looking for a refreshing way to beat the August heat, Reading Terminal Market hosts its annual Ice Cream Festival on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 12:00 to 16:00 at 12th & Filbert Streets. The free, outdoor event features local creameries, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and pay-as-you-go treats.
Sip complimentary Peroni at Philly’s Portals pop-up — free and no passport required. If you’re looking for a quick August stop with major aperitivo vibes, Peroni brings its Peroni Portals pop-up to three Philadelphia locations Aug. 13–15, offering complimentary Peroni Nastro Azzurro and an Italian aperitivo-style experience. The pop-ups are free to attend, with samples available to guests 21+ while supplies last.
One day only — explore Burpee’s historic Fordhook Farm for free on August 15, 2026. If you’re up for an easy August day trip from Philly, the Burpee Summer Open invites the public to Fordhook Farm in Doylestown for one day only on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free and visitors can tour Burpee’s 61-acre trial gardens, visit the restored Seed House, attend talks by George Ball, enjoy kids’ activities, food trucks, and shopping.
Step inside a restaurant cloaked in mystery and unlock the full potential of your senses with the Dining in the Dark experience in Philadelphia. Taking place at a lively spot in Philly, this one-of-a-kind event includes far more than questionable eyewear.
At The Pyramid Club you will spend the evening distinguishing between flavors, focusing on sounds and smells, and debunking the age-old adage of “we eat with our eyes”. Dining in the Dark is an exclusive, 90-minute culinary experience and places are limited. Don’t miss out on the chance to taste the eclectic gastronomic offerings at The Pyramid Club in an entirely new way!
Spend the day supporting indie bookstores across the Philadelphia region. Looking for a laid-back way to beat the heat? The Philly Bookstore Crawl returns for its fourth year on Saturday, August 22, inviting readers to spend the day exploring independent bookstores across Philadelphia and the surrounding region with author signings, giveaways, discounts, and special programming.
A unique interactive art exhibit, Otherworld brings to life surreal worlds of science fiction and fantasy. This is family-friendly exhibtion will transport you to an ethereal world of wonder and mystique. Upon entry, guests are thrusted into a cinematic experience. The exhibit features over 55 unique rooms and installations each with depth and a captivating narrative. Each room is completely different from one another and features iridescent creatures and primordial monsters.
Next, hypnotize your mind some more with crawlable tubes, infinite expanses of light and alluring art. The exhibit will encourage guests to roam and interact all at their own pace. For tickets, visit here.
Located in Franklin Square, the festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over the city and beyond. The streets are decorated with giant, colorful lanterns and banners constructed by talented lantern artists from China. For tickets and more information, visit here.
🏮 Where: 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
It’s all in good fun, of course, but if you love a good scare, consider going to the Founding Phantom’s Adult Only Ghost Tour. This frightening walking tour 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.
Get your tickets if you dare, here.
Seize the day at The Independence Blue Cross River Rink
Now until September 1, 2026, you can seize the day and enjoy an array of family-fun. Not only is The Independence Blue Cross RiverRink have the city’s largest-outdoor skating rink, but there’s also an arcade, boardwalk games, rides and more. Take a break from fun and refuel with funnel cake from Skelly’s or crab fries from Chickie & Pete’s. There’s also a bar for you to boost your spirits. Admission to the park is free, everything as is pay-as-you-go.
If you’re looking for Summer fun that combines the best of what Philly has to offer, then look no further! Spruce Street Harbor offers a beach atmosphere equipped with a boardwalk, food, and a great time! This awesome seasonal park is located on the waterfront of the Delaware River . It offers a free relaxing spot to enjoy the summer weather! With fun light installations, local delicious food and drinks, cool places to enjoy the beautiful weather, this urban park has it all!
Same-day tickets are released at 10 a.m. on the morning of the lecture — check early for returns and limited releases. If you’re looking to add something smart (and spooky) to your August lineup, Lectures on Tap brings ‘Understanding Horror: Why We Crave Terror & the Monstrous’ to Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. in Fishtown; the event is sold out but organizers release a small batch of same-day tickets each lecture morning at 10 a.m.
Browse taxidermy, curiosities and hands-on workshops at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo. If you’re looking to add something delightfully strange to your August plans, check out this traveling marketplace of taxidermy, preserved specimens, handcrafted oddities, metaphysical items and sideshow entertainment at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center on Aug. 15, 2026.
Sip botanical cocktails and share seasonal plates with panoramic rooftop views when Pomelo opens Aug. 8. For a fresh addition to your August lineup, Pomelo Rooftop Terrace—a new rooftop bar and restaurant atop The Brandywine (a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel) in Radnor—opens Saturday, August 8, 2026, with botanical cocktails, seasonal shareable plates, indoor/outdoor seating, fire pits, and seating for 136 guests.
One-night-only nine-course pickle tasting at Uchi — pickles take center stage. If your perfect August night out involves bold flavors and something a little unexpected, Fishtown Pickle Project is teaming up with Uchi in Rittenhouse for a one-night-only, nine-course pickle-inspired tasting dinner on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. Tickets are $125 per person with seatings at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM; reservations required.
Celebrate peak tomato season with a seven-course, tomato-only tasting at River Twice. If you’re looking for a delicious way to lean into August’s produce, River Twice in South Philadelphia is bringing back its annual Tomato Hullabaloo on Thursday, August 27 — a one-night-only seven-course tasting dedicated entirely to tomatoes. The dinner begins at 5:00 p.m., features heirloom and locally sourced tomatoes, and reservations are $125 per person with staggered seatings through 9:30 p.m.
Paddle from Glen Foerd across the Delaware River to one of South Jersey’s best-kept natural escapes. For an outdoorsy August outing, Glen Foerd is hosting a guided four-and-a-half-hour kayak excursion to Amico Island State Park on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, with tandem kayaks, a picnic lunch, and guided exploration of the island’s trails and shoreline.
Students skate free every Sunday in August at RiverRink Summerfest — starting Aug 2! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to cool off this August, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is offering free roller skating to Philadelphia students (K–college) every Sunday in August, beginning Sunday, August 2. The festival also launches Pay Your Shoe Size Thursdays starting August 6, where skate admission and rental equals your skate size (for example, $7 for size 7).
Enjoy complimentary affogatos, Sunday yoga, and a $100 credit this August at Hotel Anna & Bel. If you’re looking to beat the heat without leaving the city, book an August staycation at Hotel Anna & Bel in Fishtown, which is offering August-only seasonal experiences — complimentary Nespresso affogatos on select weekends, Sunday outdoor yoga, and a $100 hotel credit for guests named Anna/Bel/Annabelle — alongside amenities like a heated pool, wellness terrace, infrared sauna, and the Anna Suite by Anthropologie Home.
