Things To Do

Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

Labor Day weekend brings the last few days of the season for the fun-filled Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Head to the Delaware River waterfront destination by Sunday — its last day open of the season — for boardwalk eats, craft beer and cocktails, roller skating, mini-golf, arcade games and the 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel.

Labor Day Weekend at the Independence Seaport Museum

The Independence Seaport Museum gets in on the Labor Day weekend fun by continuing its special extended hours for tours of its ships, Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna, through Monday, September 2. Visitors on Friday and Saturday evenings can head over to Admiral’s Tavern, the museum’s beer garden held on the deck of the Cruiser Olympia.

The Franklin Institute Summer Exhibitions

Labor Day weekend is the final chance to check out several blockbuster summer exhibitions at museums and institutions across the region. Among the highlights: The Franklin Institute wraps up its epic summer of featuring Marvel’s iconic comics, costumes, props and immersive exhibits, while the Please Touch Museum concludes its exploration of diversity in modern and historic Muslim communities around the region and the world. And the National Museum of American Jewish History finishes its presentation of the all-white wardrobe belonging to Sara Berman, an immigrant grandmother who moved from Belarus and eventually to New York in the late 20th century.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art kicks off the holiday weekend with its Final Fridays series featuring performances by the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, tapas-style bites, cocktails and after-hours gallery access. Then, on Sunday, the museum hosts a pay-what-you-wish family event with performances and other surprises. Labor Day weekend also marks the final chance to see the Souls Grown Deep: Artists of the African American South exhibition at the museum’s Perelman building. Bonus: The museum — which is usually closed on Mondays — is open on Labor Day, Monday, September 2.

Made in America music festival

Jay-Z’s giant Made in America music festival hits the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for a seventh-straight year of live music performed by some of the industry’s best. Superstars Cardi B and Travis Scott headline this year, as do Lizzo, Lil Uzi Vert, James Blake and more. Beyond music, tasty food, cold drinks and shopping opportunities abound.

Longwood Gardens

See summer’s every hue as fountains dance, gardens shine, and spirits soar during our vibrant Festival of Fountains. From our colorful Illuminated Fountain Performances (including some nights when you pick the performance!) ... to lively family programming ... to good-as-gold horticultural displays, a splashy summer awaits you ... day and night.

Spruce Street Harbor Park

No long weekend is complete without a visit to Spruce Street Harbor Park! Enthusiasts of riverside chilling enjoy the hammocks, patio games, boardwalk foods, floating gardens, draft beer, cocktails and cool breezes at this wildly popular spring-into-fall destination that welcomes hundreds of thousands of people each year. Also, Art Star curates a pop-up market every weekend — including the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend — through September 22.

Waterfront Day on the Delaware River Waterfront

The Spirit of Philadelphia and other attractions along the Delaware River waterfront partner for the third annual Waterfront Day, a day-long event featuring a pop-up rooftop beer garden and stunning views on the Spirit of Philadelphia cruise ship, live entertainment and deals from several waterfront attractions. Fireworks light up the sky after the day full of festivities. Stay tuned for more information on participating attractions.

I Love R&B Saturdays - Chicken & Waffles Day Party at Golf & Social

Come hungry to the Chicken & Waffles Day Party at Golf & Social in Fishtown. While the DJ spins R&B hits, guests can order margaritas and quirky versions of the classic dish, including cookies & cream (waffles cooked with Oreos and topped with vanilla ice cream), or even a waffle sandwich complete with bacon, eggs and sausage.

PECO First Sunday Family Day at the Barnes Foundation: Afro-Caribbean Roots

The first Sunday of the month always means free admission at the Barnes Foundation. This installment over Labor Day weekend focuses on Philadelphia’s African Caribbean culture via traditional doll making, storytelling, performances by Modupúe | Ibaye: The Philadelphia Yoruba Performance Project and more.

Majah Hype's Annual Labor Day Comedy Show

Smooth Jazz Summer Nights: Damien Escobar

Prepare for a musical experience unlike any other as the Smooth Jazz Summer Nights concert series culminates on Friday, August 30, with an electrifying performance by renowned violinist Damien Escobar and his eclectic mix of jazz, hip hop, classical, pop and R&B stylings. This free, outdoor concert series highlights renowned jazz and blues musicians from across the globe, creating performances for those of all ages each Friday night in August.

Tierra Colombiana Restaurant

One of our favorite places to eat. If you want some delicious food (try their chicken empanadas) and strong margaritas and mojitos, it is definitely worth a visit. The neighborhood is a bit rough but no one bothers you.

Gloucester Premium Outlets

Adventure Aquarium

Mixto Restaurante

One Liberty Observation Deck

One Liberty Observation Deck, which opened in November 2015, provides Philadelphia with panoramic bird’s-eye views of the city from the 57th floor of One Liberty Place in downtown Philadelphia. Operated by Montparnasse 56 (or M56) — a Paris-based company that manages observation decks in the John Hancock Tower in Chicago and the Montparnasse 56 Tower in Paris — the observatory on the 57th floor of One Liberty Place in downtown Philadelphia supplies the chance to score 360-degree views of the cityscape, interact with innovative technology and check out Philly-centric art installations.