Outdoor Festivals, Summer Pop-Up Bars, and More Action Plans for August Weekends in Philadelphia
Fun things to do in Philly this weekend (and every weekend throughout the month).
Summer’s heating up, Philly—and while the air is heavy with humidity, the goings-on are cooler than ever.
Along with rooftop bars and activities on how to stay cool when it’s hot AF outside, these dog days of the season hold plenty of promise. From the lively sports culture and vibrant neighborhoods to iconic foods and hot new restaurants, there’s a reason why millions of visitors pass through here annually. In August, especially, there’s lots to explore on the weekends. From sports events and where to go drink or enjoy the outdoors, we’ve got the scoop on it all—and be sure to check back regularly to discover the best monthly goings-ons in Philadelphia.
Here’s everything fun to do on the weekends in Philly this August.
Sports Events in Philly
Phillies Games
August 4–6, 11–13, and 25–27
Stadium Complex, $25-214
The Phils are at home at Citizens Bank Park most weekends this month with multiple three-game series against the Kansas City Royals (August 4–6), the Minnesota Twins (August 11–13), and St. Louis Cardinals (August 25–27). There are plenty of promotions to get you excited, too, like the Phillies Wall of Fame Night honoring Ruly Carpenter and John Quinn on August 12 and t-shirt giveaways for kids.
Philadelphia Union vs. FC Dallas
August 20, 7:30 pm
Chester, $35-102
The Philadelphia Union continue the MLS Regular season with only one home match at Subaru Park this month—against FC Dallas. Also fun: it’s Retro Night, so expect plenty of nostalgic music.
Red Bull BC One Cypher USA
August 25–26
Fishtown, $5
Regional breakdancing champions from around the country will come to Philly for the Red Bull BC One National Final at the Fillmore. Sixteen of the country’s top b-boys and b-girls will face off in a bracket-style competition at the Fillmore on Saturday, August 26. A panel of judges will decide who goes onto the World Final in Paris. Throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, a number of dance workshops and battles are scheduled for the public.
FanDuel FanFest
August 26, 11 am
Stadium Complex, $25
Combining sports and music, FanDuel’s FanFest at Xfinity Live! promises appearances from Philly sports legends like former Eagles Brian Dawkins, Darren Sproles, and former Flyer Scott Hartnell (they may or may not compete in live feats of strength and athleticism). As for the music, Rae Sremmurd and a surprise guest headline. Plus, games, sports betting, and food.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party
August 26–27
Stadium Complex, $16-75
Hot Wheels kids, this one’s for you. Ooh and ahh as life-sized Hot Wheels monster truck toys demolish everything in their wake—in the dark. Think: popular trucks, like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Boneshaker, Bigfoot, and Gunkster, but with lasers. There are three showtimes over the course of two days—Saturday at 12:30 pm and 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm—all taking place at the Wells Fargo Center.
Outdoor Events in Philly
The Oval
August 4–6, 11–13, 18–20
Art Museum Area, Cost varies
The eight acres of space immediately across from the art museum is repurposed as an urban park for three more weekends this month. The space boasts a beer garden hosted by MilkBoy, live performances from the likes of West Philadelphia Orchestra and DJ Skipmode, shopping, movie nights, quizzo, and themed dance parties. (Don’t miss Bad Bunny and J Balvin night on August 12.) Plus, a celebration of hip-hop for its 50th anniversary, community yoga, and contemporary circus theatrics.
2nd Street Festival
August 6,12 pm
Northern Liberties, Cost varies
NoLibs’ biggest bash shuts down North 2nd Street from Girard Avenue to Spring Garden Street for tons of live music, food vendors, and drinking from pineapples (and other vessels). Dozens of vendors, from vintage clothing purveyors to ceramicists, line the corridor for your shopping pleasure. Two stages—at Fairmount Avenue and Germantown Avenue—host the local talent. The fest always draws thousands annually and is held rain or shine.
ACANA Festival
August 6, 2 pm
Delaware River Waterfront, Cost varies
Part of the PECO Multicultural Series, ACANA Festival celebrates African culture at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing with a day of food, African music and dance, cultural performances, family activities, and shopping from merchants representing the African diaspora.
Festival of India
August 19, 12 pm
Delaware River Waterfront, Cost varies
Marking India’s 76th Independence Day is the Festival of India at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. On the docket? Bollywood performances, music, shopping, and Northern and Southern-style Indian cuisine. It’s all going down as a part of the PECO Multicultural Series.
Philadelphia Caribbean Festival
August 20, 12 pm
Delaware River Waterfront, Cost varies
The sounds, flavors, and fashions of the Caribbean come to the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. The PECO Multicultural Series event features musical performances ranging from reggae and roots international beat to soca and cool jazz. Don’t miss the marketplace of Caribbean fashions and cuisine including jerk chicken, rice and peas, curried goat and chicken, codfish cakes, Caribbean slaw, and more.
Dog Day of Summer
August 19, 11 am
Manayunk, Cost varies
Bring Fido to Main Street for a little pampering. This day-long affair spotlights pet-friendly vendors, like pet bakery Amelie's Bark Shop and accessories shop Ultimate Doggy Destination. Let your pup test their skills on an agility course and cool off in a pool party. Round out the day with some bevs (for both you and your four-legged friend): Manayunk bars and restaurants will offer specials for Yappy Hour.
The Big Bounce
August 18–20, 25–27
The Navy Yard, $22-42
You're never too old to hop around in the world's biggest bounce house. The Big Bounce is a traveling inflatable experience, coming to Philly for three weeks. Ticket gets you access to four attractions—the World's Biggest Bounce House, The Giant, Air Space, and Sport Slam. Jump and bound your way through obstacles, up walls, down slides, through ball pits, and more. Admission sessions are broken down by age, meaning toddlers and teens won't be bouncing together.
Drinking Events in Philly
Kedera Tiki Bar
Every weekend
Center City, Cost varies
Embrace the tropical temperatures with a tropical pop-up bar. Located within Uptown Beer Garden, just a stone’s throw away from City Hall, is Kedera Tiki Bar, a 3,000-square-foot space complete with a hand-built cedar bar with a thatched roof, plants, colorful blooms, and palm trees, and drinks and food ideal during hot temps. Sip on frozen Strawberry Daiquiris or Mai Tais and nosh on mac and cheese bites, nachos, and tacos.
Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Party Drag Brunch
August 6, 11 am
Fishtown, $25-47
The summer of Barbie continues with a pink and glittery drag brunch at Evil Genius. Drag performers will bring you to Barbie Land with their performances (don’t forget your ones for tipping) and the brunch menu is fire: cinnamon buns, veggie quiche, s’mores overnight oats, and bacon, egg, and cheese sammy. You’ll surely be drinking the pink raspberry glitter beer Her Dream House, will you not?
Vinyl
Every weekend
Rittenhouse Square, Cost varies
The city’s newest live music and nightlife venue is now open for all of your entertainment pleasure. Weekends boast an eclectic lineup of artists—everything from house DJs to singer-songwriters. The cocktail menu gets creative with bevs like Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now (white wine, lavender, bubbles) and Disco Inferno (bourbon, strawberry, Aleppo cinnamon, pineapple, fever-tree club soda). Plus, plenty of wine and craft beer.
Philly Margarita March
August 19, 12 pm
Rittenhouse Square, $39-65
Give us one margarita and we’ll… I guess you’ll just have to see it on our TikTok. The Philly Margarita March brings loyal devotees of the sour drink to eight bars, starting at Ladder 15, for some sips. Your ticket gets you eight margaritas from spots like Misconduct Tavern and Raven Lounge. Check-in starts at noon at Ladder 15, then choose-your-own adventure, making your way from each participating bar. Just remember to tip your bartenders.
Upper Bucks Brewfest
August 19, 1 pm
Quakertown, $10-65
Drink out of a cute little tasting glass at the Upper Bucks Brewfest. Representatives from local breweries like Dogfish Head and Free Will Brewing Co. will be doling out samples all afternoon. Plus, food trucks, live music, and raffles.
The Cauldron
Every weekend
Midtown Village, $39-43
Lean into your witchy side and brew up some potions at The Cauldron, a magic-themed pub in Midtown Village. At the start of each potion-making class, you’ll get a magical wand that interacts with the space around you (wave it and get a drink). Then, at your workstation, you’ll brew two different kinds of cocktails, all in a bewitching environment.