24 experiences in Philadelphia for 2024:
- The Franklin Institute opened the “Wondrous Space” exhibit, a two-story gallery dedicated to space exploration, thanks to a $3m gift from Boeing. The exhibit is part of the museum’s preparations for its 200th anniversary.
- The Philadelphia Auto Show, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will showcase hundreds of vehicles ranging from pre-production models to classics. It is one of the largest auto shows in the US and attracts over 250,000 guests.
- The PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, the largest horticultural event in the country, will take place from March 2-10, 2024. With the theme “United by Flowers,” it will feature dazzling floral displays and the world’s largest houseplant and indoor plant competition.
- WrestleMania 40, a week-long celebration of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), will be held in Philadelphia. The main event will take place at Lincoln Financial Field, with multiple events happening throughout the city.
- Longwood Gardens, located in the countryside of Philadelphia, offers year-round beauty with seasonal exhibits like Winter Wonder, Spring Blooms, and Festival of Fountains. The gardens are a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
- The Philadelphia region is known as America’s Garden Capital, boasting 37 public gardens, arboreta, and historic landscapes within 30 miles of the city. Andalusia Historic House, Chanticleer, and Morris Arboretum are among the highlights.
- Philadelphia hosts a variety of annual sporting events, including the Penn Relays, a prestigious track and field competition, and rowing events on the Schuylkill River. These events attract athletes from high school level to Olympic athletes.
- Philadelphia offers a vibrant dining scene with award-winning restaurants. For example, Friday Saturday Sunday and Kalaya have received James Beard Awards. Visitors can also enjoy Restaurant Week, where numerous eateries offer prix fixe lunches and dinners throughout the city.
- Celebrate Pride in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection: Philadelphia hosts various LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including the Philadelphia Pride March and Festival during International Gay Pride Month in June. There are also events like the Equality Forum, Philly Pride 365, and the OURfest National Coming Out Parade in October.
- Wander America’s “Most Historic Square Mile” Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia is known as America’s “most historic square mile” and features significant sites like Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated, and the Liberty Bell. Other notable spots include the National Constitution Centre, Carpenters’ Hall, and the Second National Bank of the United States.
- Visit iconic Philadelphia landmarks: Pose for a selfie in front of the LOVE Statue in LOVE Park and indulge in Philadelphia’s culinary scene at Reading Terminal Market, one of the largest and oldest public markets in the U.S.
- Channel your inner Rocky: Conquer the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, made famous by the movie Rocky, and take a picture with the Rocky Statue. You can also visit The Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation’s Parkway Outpost’s Rocky Shop for exclusive Rocky gear and souvenirs.
- Visit museums and other attractions, including a brand new art museum: Philadelphia boasts world-renowned art museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, the Rodin Museum, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Other attractions include the Fabric Workshop and Museum, the Please Touch Museum, the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Adventure Aquarium.
- Cheers to Philly Beer Week: Philly Beer Week is a 10-day festival celebrating beer in the City of Brotherly Love. The event includes beer tastings, pairings, competitions, and happy hours at various bars and restaurants. The festival kicks off with the Opening Tap event featuring brewers from the Philadelphia region.
- Marvel at massive light and lantern displays during the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival: The annual Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival takes place in Franklin Square and showcases handmade lantern displays that illuminate the night. Visitors can admire thousands of individual lanterns, enjoy cultural performances, and view artwork created by Chinese folk artists.
- Explore the Delaware River Waterfront: The Delaware River Waterfront offers a range of outdoor activities and attractions. You can go on boat rides with SeaPhilly, visit Spruce Street Harbour Park with its beer gardens and food trucks, and take a Ferry Tour to see Philadelphia from a different perspective.
- Wawa Welcome America: An annual festival in Philadelphia that celebrates Juneteenth and the 4th of July with events, free museum days, and a massive concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
- Made in America: A Labour Day tradition on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway featuring top artists and a lively summer party.
- Fall in love with Philadelphia in the fall: Philadelphia offers a variety of festive fall events, including Halloween activities, ghost tours, and opportunities to admire the beautiful fall foliage in places like Fairmount Park and the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.
- Immerse yourself in Philadelphia’s famed sports culture: Experience the passionate sports fandom of Philadelphia by catching games of popular teams like the Phillies (MLB), Eagles (NFL), 76ers (NBA), Flyers (NHL), and Union (MLS).
- Explore the “Mural Capital of the World”: Take a Mural Arts Philadelphia tour to see the city’s impressive collection of murals, which are community-based public art projects that tell stories of Philadelphia’s neighbourhoods.
- See a live show and support the city’s performing arts organizations: Philadelphia boasts renowned performing arts venues like the Walnut Street Theatre and Kimmel Cultural Campus, where you can enjoy Broadway shows, operas, orchestral performances, and ballets.
- Embrace the winter season in Philadelphia: Enjoy winter attractions such as the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink, The Cabin, and Wintergarden at Dilworth Park, as well as festive events at Franklin Square and the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest.
- Celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia: Experience the longest-running Thanksgiving Day Parade in the nation, explore the Christmas Village, holiday markets, light shows, and festive events like LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo. Also, celebrate Hanukkah at the Betsy Ross House and Kwanzaa at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Lastly, welcome the new year with fireworks and the colourful Mummers Parade.
