Spring is in full swing and Philly is coming alive once again! From action-packed shows to candlelight concerts and everything in between, here are the top events, activities, and things to do in Philadelphia this May.
1-4. Enjoy a Candlelight Concert featuring iconic musical scores
Calm your mind and experience music from your favorite artists in a whole new light. These sensational concerts are located in gorgeous locations such as the BOK Building, One North Broad Masonic Temple, the City Winery, and more! Each space will be illuminated with flameless candles, creating an unforgettable ambiance. Highlights of the concert series this month include:
- Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Whitney Houston
- Candlelight: A Tribute To Adele
- Candlelight: The Best of Hip Hop on Strings
- Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Coldplay
Where: various locations
5. Enjoy the smooth sounds of Frank Sinatra under the stars
Concert Under The Stars is lighting up Philly’s premier rooftop venue with the magic of live music. The magic unfolds at Liberty Point where guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening celebrating the timeless hits of Frank Sinatra, all set against breathtaking skyline views. Tickets are selling-fast. Get yours here.
⭐Where: 211 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard
6. Take a cruise down the charming Delaware River as you marvel at the scenic views of Philadelphia
The Spirit of Philadelphia is celebrating is 40th year anniversary with speciality brunch and dinner cruises brought to you by City Cruises. Enjoy a signature brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and a delicious brunch buffet. Or, book an enchanting sunset cruise featuring a live DJ, a delicious brunch, and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. To find out more and more your next charming night out as you cruise the Delaware River, visit here.
Where: 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
7. This May 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 this theory? Then grab your tickets fast for the ultimate tasting experience in Philadelphia this spring: 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 May – get yours here.
Where: The Twisted Tail, 509 S 2nd St.
8. Skating At The Rothman Orthopedics Roller Rink
Now in its third year, a roller rink is returning to Dilworth Plaza in downtown Philly.The Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink is open! The roller rink is open weekly from Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. This is a family-friendly venue open to all ages. The cost for children 10 and younger is $8, and $10 for adults; the roller skate rental is $6. Beginning April 24, Matinee skaters can get $5 off admission Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
There’s plenty of themed events, live DJs, and loads of fun during the outdoor skating season so add this to the top of your bucket list and skate away!
Where: 1 S. 15th St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
9. Have A Sensory Adventure By Visiting A New Exhibit
Art, culture, and history are essential components of the human narrative. Exhibits take those components and propel them to forefront for visitors to soak in. From art exhibits, to social ones, and even a Disney exhibit, there are many interestingly amazing and thought-provoking exhibits you should check out right now in Philly before it’s too late! Read our list of exhibits here!
Where: various locations
10. Treat Yourself To A Self-Care Spa Day
You work too hard and you know it! Something inside of you is yearning for a day without any annoying emails, pesky phone calls or mountain of responsibility. If relaxation is calling you, then why not treat yourself to a self-care spa day. We’ve rounded up 5 of the best spas in Philly from unique experiences, to luxury ones, and affordable ones. Thank us later!
Where: various locations
11. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
The summer fun kicks off May until September. Admission to Summerfest is free and everything else is pay-as-you-go. Indeed, there are activities for the entire family including boardwalk games, carnival rides, an arcade, mini golf and so much more! Who can forget Penn Landing is also home to the the city’s largest outdoor roller skating rink!
Get your nom nom on with the plentiful food and drink options including faves like the funnel cake at Skelly’s, the creative cocktails at The Lodge Bar or the Crabfries at Chickie’s & Pete’s.
You can learn more about Summerfest by visiting their website.
Where: 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
12. This May visit Spruce Street Harbor Park
Reopening for the season May 12 -September 24, 2023, Spruce Street Harbor Park is a much anticipating summer staple. Relax in a hammock, enjoy the river breeze, play games, eat delicious food, sip some spirits, make memories with your family. It doesn’t get any better than this! You can learn more about hammock rentals an ore by visiting their website. We will meet your there!
Where: 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd
13. Take an R-rated ghost tour of Downtown Philly
This adult-only night tour covers all the raunchy topics that your normal walking tour of Philadelphia wouldn’t dare to mention. Developed by a local university professor well-versed in the dark side of Philadelphia, this tour covers vampires, sex, ghosts, and more, all while sightseeing the classic Philly historical spots like Alexander Hamilton’s home, The Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and more.
where: various locations
14. Catch a new movie on the big screen
We can’t wait to see the newest movie releases on a screen larger than our laptops! This spring, there are plenty of anticipated films, like The Super Mario Bros. and The Little Mermaid. Get your tickets to the hottest films in Philly here with an exclusive discount.
15. Night Tours: Summer Twilight at Eastern State Penitentiary
Sunsets in the city have never been so creepily exciting! Beginning May until September, visitors can bravely explore the historic halls of the famous Eastern State Penitentiary. With monthly themes and hands-on activites, Summer Twilight is an engaging and informative experience.
After touring the cellblocks or participating in trivia or a poetry workshop, relax in the Fair Chance Beer Garden and grab a cold brew. You can learn more about this event and how to get tickets by visiting their website. And who knows, maybe you’ll get a feel for why Eastern State Penitentiary is known to be one of the most haunted abandoned prisons in the country.
Where: 2027 Fairmount Avenue